Supervision of researchers

1 Supervision skills for new supervisors

This is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of academic supervision with a focus on supporting doctoral research students. Following the time-line of a typical degree programme we will cover topics such as selection and interview, project design and approval, induction, meeting expectations, getting started, running formal supervision sessions, appraisal and giving constructive criticism, designing and producing the thesis and the examination process. We will consider the role of the supervisor in supporting the professional and personal development of the student and through discussion and use of case histories will identify nationally recognised principles of good practice. We will look at the interpersonal skills that supervisors can employ in working with their students.

We offer this as a one day workshop for academic staff new to supervising doctoral research students. If required, we will structure the workshop to include specific consideration of local practice and rules in the host institution.

2 Supervision master-classes

Master-classes for more experienced supervisors who wish to sharpen their skills or gain a better understanding of current best practice in supervision. This will also be valuable to senior tutors and graduate deans who are responsible for the oversight of programmes and supervisory teams and who may be responsible for training supervisors themselves. The topics offered will be selected from those identified in the general, more introductory, workshop. We will include discussion of issues brought by participants to encourage the exchange of good practice.

Presented usually as a one-day session, we can adapt to different formats such as a half-day on a restricted range of issues or as a linked set of relatively short sessions covering a bigger range.

3 Supervision skills for researchers

Many research staff and research students take on the responsibility for supervising postgraduate and undergraduate students, sometimes without the full authority of official supervisors. In the workshop, we cover the essential skills involved in supervision and in the facilitation of others in activities such as writing and research. Topics include essential interpersonal skills, giving constructive criticism, techniques of listening and questioning, project design and management, research strategies, time management, supporting the writing of others, getting the right balance between control and advice.

Offered as a workshop running over one day, we are happy to meet local needs through different formats.