The past two decades have seen a huge growth in interest in doctoral studies, not only in South Africa but elsewhere as well. Changes in the funding framework for universities in South Africa, in particular, has meant that from 2005 onwards, more funding has been available. However, postgraduate studies are challenging. The "digital revolution", as one example, has had a radical impact on the way research is done in the 21st century. Because of the more widespread availability of information (including personal information), students have had to become more accountable when they conduct research. How to succeed in your master's and doctoral studies is organised around eight steps that should be followed for the successful and ethical completion of postgraduate studies, whether they be traditional master's theses, mini-theses or doctoral dissertations.