Responsibilities of the supervisor
An outline of supervisors’ responsibilities towards postgraduate students and the University.
Introduction
- At the outset of the research, the supervisor should explore in detail the student’s academic background to identify any areas in which further training (including English language training) is required. In particular, the supervisor should advise the student in the choice of subject-specific knowledge and skills training required. Supervisors should be aware of the difficulties which may face international students who may, in the early stages, require more frequent contact and advice.
- The supervisor will give guidance on the nature of the research and the standard expected; the selection of a research programme and the topic to be covered; the planning and timing of the successive stages of the research programme; literature and sources; research methods and instrumental techniques; attendance at appropriate courses; data management, avoidance of unfair means and respect for copyright.
- The supervisor should ensure that the student has a clear understanding in general terms of the main aspects of graduate research: the concept of originality; the different kinds of research; the form and structure of the thesis (including the appropriate forms of referencing); the necessary standards to be achieved; the importance of planning and time management; the procedures for monitoring and reporting progress.
- The supervisor should ensure that the student is aware of the University’s research Policy. In addition, the supervisor should ensure that the student has a clear understanding in general terms of ‘research ethics’, where this is relevant (i.e. if they are undertaking research that involves contact with human participants and/or with human data and/or human tissue) and a clear understanding of research governance, where this is relevant.
- The supervisor should work with the student to establish an effective supervisory relationship, thereby supporting the student. This should include an agreement on the frequency of progress meetings and the arrangements for keeping records.
- The supervisor should set a target date for regular progress milestones at induction, to ensure that all parties acknowledge the length of time available for each stage of the project.
Supervision
It will be the duty of the supervisor to direct and supervise the work of the student, and in particular the supervisor will:-
- Maintain regular and effective contact with the student; at least once a week;
- Respond to any written materials from their students within the shortest time possible;
- Guide students to relevant literature and other sources of information for their research work;
- Link students to researchers working in related fields;
- Discuss and critically evaluate the candidate’s findings and ideas;
- Advise candidates on the adequacy of form and content of their thesis;
- Train candidates on the conventions of scholarly presentations;
- Enhance the quality of a student’s work;
- Guide the student in presenting the research findings at scheduled colloquia and seminars;
- Guide the student in publishing peer reviewed journal papers from their research work;
- Submit individually or jointly academic progress reports on the student using the University prescribed form (DEKUT/SGSR/F6 – Progress report form).
- Certify at the end of each semester that the candidate has received adequate supervision.
- Inform the School of Graduate Studies & Research through the relevant SPSC if the candidate is not likely to reach the standard required for the award of a postgraduate degree.
- Guide the students in meeting the research activity schedule timelines.
Academic progress
- The supervisor should ensure that the student is informed of any inadequacy of standards of work below that generally expected from research students and should suggest remedial action, or training, as appropriate.
- The supervisor should comply with all departmental, faculty and/or sponsor requirements concerning the monitoring of progress and submission of progress reports.
Final stages
- The supervisor should nominate appropriate examiners well in advance of the thesis being submitted, bearing in mind that all nominations require faculty approval before they can be appointed. Failure to do so will lead to delays in dispatching the student’s thesis and arranging the viva examination.
- The supervisor should read and comment on drafts of the thesis before submission.
- The supervisor should ensure that the student understands the procedures for the submission and examination of the thesis and should assist the student in preparing for the oral examination, including offering a mock viva voce in consultation with the departmental coordinator.
- Should the student be asked to resubmit their thesis, the supervisor will be responsible for continuing to provide support and supervision throughout the resubmission period.
- The supervisor should discuss and agree with the student if there is a need to embargo the thesis and should sign off on the Access to Thesis form which specifies any embargo requirements.
