A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Enhancing academic and Practice

Supervising research students
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place at institutional or graduate school level, at departmental and/or team level, and
each has its different role to play. It is essential that supervisors take a supportive attitude
to institutional induction and make clear its value. In many institutions this part is often
followed by a social event and so begins the social cohesion and integration of the student.
Supervisors will need to be sure that the induction needs of any international student who
arrives late can be met if they miss scheduled induction activities. Institutional induction
events vary greatly. In its Code of Practice, Aberystwyth University (2007) sets out
information (in English or Welsh) about the registration and induction for research
postgraduates which provides comprehensive information about the organisation and
facilities of the university.
Supervision
Interrogating practice
Reflect on your own experience of being supervised for a research degree.
How would you rate the experience? What aspects of that supervision
would you wish to import into you own practice and what aspects would
you reject?
Arrangements for supervision vary somewhat between institutions and details of
supervisory arrangement are clearly set out in Codes of Practice. In the majority of cases,
two designated supervisors are appointed, or a ‘supervisory team’ of two or more.
Whatever the arrangements, there must be one designated supervisor who is clearly
the first point of contact for the student. This principal, main or primary supervisor
will normally be an experienced supervisor who has seen at least one student through
to completion, has overall responsibility for the student and will be the line of communication
with the university. The secondary supervisor or other main member of the
supervisory team may not necessarily be fully experienced in supervision, will have a
supporting role, may be required to stand in for the primary supervisor in his or her
absence and/or provide support to the student in specific aspects of the research degree.
In all Codes there is a statement of responsibilities for the principal supervisor. This
formally sets out the full range of responsibilities, such as:
• providing satisfactory advice and guidance on the conduct of the research and
preparation of the thesis;
• being accountable to the relevant department, faculty or graduate school for
monitoring the progress of the research;
• establishing and maintaining regular contact with the student and being accessible
at appropriate times for consultation;