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Research Degree Supervisors

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Research Degree Supervision

Supervision is undertaken within the context of changes in the framework, monitoring and number of research degree students as well as drivers from QAA and HEFCE and expectations of the Research Councils. The Supervisory model has shifted from individual to team approach sometimes multi-disciplinary.

Programmes offered by the Graduate School anticipate the needs of the Schools in response to the increased level of research through new staff and the investment in PhD Studentships whilst providing delivery in a format that meets the varied student, supervisor and staff population.

The support provided for research degree programmes is vital to ensure that the investment in PhD studentships achieves the most effective return possible for the University.  Externally, the intense interest from HEFCE and QAA into the performance of RDPs and the quality of support is underscored by similar developments across Europe with agencies such as EUA and strategies such as those underscored in the Bologna process that make it even more important for BU to ensure the quality of its Research Degrees.

The main responsibilities of the Supervisors are set out in the Code of Practice, and are summarised below:

  • To understand BUs research degree regulations, policies and procedures in order to provide appropriate support and guidance for the PGR
  • To support the PGR in planning a research project, progressing through key milestones and successfully completing in the expected timeframe
  • To report on the progress of the PGR as appropriate
  • To maintain regular contact with the PGR and provide constructive feedback on written work and during meetings to support their progress
  • To advise the PGR on professional and personal skill development and encouraging them to attend available training opportunities and to present and publish their work at internal and external seminars, conferences, journals and other appropriate media

Working closely with the Academic Schools, The Graduate School provides devlopment opportunities for those involved or soon to be involved in the supervision of PGR’s.

This development is offered through occaisional seminar sessions which seek to encompass the main elements of quality supervision including the key milestones in the PhD process, best practice in overall student support and guidance, understanding of research ethics and governance and knowledge of administrative requirements. Recent sessions have focussed on the Role of the chair and external examiner and Supervising International Students and

PGCert Research Degree Supervision
All new supervisors must attend the supervisory training programme prior to embarking on supervision, which is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to practice effectively in line with the QAA and University CoP.

For further information, please pick a topic:

Recent External Documentation

The need for training programmes and support for supervisors of Postgraduate Researchers has been underlined by a series of recent documents related to Research Degree Programmes issued by bodies such as:

Each of these highlight the requirement of a provision of professional development opportunities for supervisors, and formal systems for monitoring the performance of supervisors, for identifying the training and development needs of supervisors and for ensuring that these are met.

 

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