Writer, Filmmaker, Mother, Grandmother
The day of the viva finally came and I am delighted to say that on Wednesday the 12th of November I passed! The viva, held by the examination committee at the University of Stirling, was robust and intense. I have some amendments to make, but to say I'm pleased to have passed is an understatement.… Continue reading Viva voce!
I guess it seems quiet on the PhD thesis front, but it isn't. As you'll know from my last update, I have submitted my thesis, and this is where another chapter begins (if that makes sense!). Given my Viva Voce is really close now, presumably my examination committee are reading, or have read my thesis,… Continue reading It’s all been leading to this…
This beautiful book, edited by Fiona Skillen, Helena Byrne and Gary James, was published by Peter Lang and launched at the Irish Embassy in London this month (September 2025). I'm thrilled to have written a chapter in the collection, writing about documentary films I have made with my company purpleTV, which feature women in football.… Continue reading Histories of Women’s Football in Britain and Ireland
I'm really excited to be featuring on a panel at the Aye Write Book festival, following the publication of Women Who Dared, From the Famous to the Forgotten, published by Edinburgh University Press. 'This is a vibrant, defiant and deeply human collection of stories about women who have made history - even if history hasn't… Continue reading Aye Write book festival
And that's it! After two crazy years, which were marred by horrendous grief and major surgery, I've managed to stick to my self imposed deadline and submit my thesis. I feel flat, rather than ecstatic, but only because I can't shake off the feeling that my commitment to my work, and its ability to demand… Continue reading PhD thesis submitted.
It's lovely to be included in this important new book from Edinburgh University Press. It's called Women Who Dared and is 'stories of resistance, power and defiance from the women who dared to make history'. It's edited by Ben Fletcher-Watson and Jo Shaw and the forward is by the amazing Sara Sheridan. My essay is on… Continue reading Women Who Dared
It's been a while since I've posted a wee update on my thesis progress, but I have a very good reason. I've been busy, writing, and as of yesterday (20th March) I completed a full draft of my thesis. I'm going to pause and take a wee moment to appreciate this. The last 18 months… Continue reading On the road
It's been a while since I updated on my PhD journey. I may have mentioned that my ambition (intention...) is to complete the four year degree in two years. In theory, this means working full time - times two - every week, but this rigorous schedule is necessary if I am to submit at the… Continue reading 4 out of 5 aint bad
Summer has fallen and a ghostly swirl of orange, red and yellow leaves serve as a reminder that we are on the crest of another changing season. Winter will come, but there are still things to look forward to in autumn. October, as well as being the month my two beautiful children celebrate their birthday,… Continue reading October book launches
At the University of Stirling, the first year of a PhD is a kind of probationary period. This is in the sense that even though you are enrolled as a PhD student on a PhD programme, your status is not 'confirmed' and formalised until you have passed your first year. Passing involves submitting a 10000… Continue reading Another wee milestone in the PhD journey
Margot McCuaig 