Institute for Academic Development
Institute for Academic Development
Institute for Academic Development
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Fundamentals of PhD Supervision

Fundamentals of PhD Supervision is an online course that has been developed by the Institute for Academic Development in consultation with the Doctoral College and relevant staff in Colleges and Support Services.

This course aims to help new supervisors develop their understanding of the role and responsibilities of PhD supervisors at the University of Edinburgh, and to encourage experienced supervisors to reflect on and develop their practice with an increasingly diverse PhD student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for? 

This course is for anyone who is currently supervising PhD students, or who will be supervising PhD students in the near future.  This applies whether you are a Principal, Co- or Assistant Supervisor.  It is suitable both for University of Edinburgh staff and supervisors who are external to the University. 

When should I do this course? 

If you are new to PhD supervision, or new to PhD supervision at the University of Edinburgh, you will ideally complete this course before you begin supervising a PhD student. 

If you are an experienced supervisor you are required to complete the training every 5 years.  The course is always available so you can dip back into it at any time to refresh your knowledge of specific areas. 

How do I access the course? 

Please complete this registration form to request access to the course.  You will receive access to this course within 48 hours of completing this form and will receive an email to confirm your enrolment.

How long will it take to complete?  

It will take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours to work through the materials and complete the required tasks.  This can be done in more than one sitting and you can return to the course at any time.  The video content is additional to this time and can be watched during or after completion of the core course content.  To complete the course successfully, and in order for your completion to be recorded, you must work through all sections and complete the required activities. All required activities are highlighted with ACTION at the start of the title.

Does this course fulfil the compulsory training requirements for PhD Supervisors? 

The Senate Education committee has agreed that completion of this online course fulfils the training obligation PhD supervisors. Your College or School may also run a supervisor briefing to complement this course. 

What does the course cover? 

The course covers material which will help supervisors to support students during the whole PhD lifecycle from recruitment to completion.  These include:  

  • Recruitment and induction of PhD students 

  • Supervisor responsibilities and building effective relationships 

  • Managing progress 

  • Supporting students through completion and final examination 

  • Supporting wellbeing, and professional and career development

Does doing this course cover compulsory training requirements set by other research student funders (e.g. Research Councils)?   

This course may help supervisors to meet funder requirements as there is usually an expectation that you will meet your institutional training requirements for PhD supervisors. 

However, your student's funder may require additional training beyond what is expected by the University of Edinburgh. You should check with the funder directly to ensure you are complying with any specific requirements for supervisors.  

Will my attendance be recorded? 

To complete the course successfully, and in order for your completion to be recorded, you must work through all sections and complete the required activities. All required activities are highlighted with ACTION at the start of the title. IAD will keep a record of attendance and completion of this course. Attendance updates will be provided to your school/deanery. The course will also issue a certificate of attendance.

Who do I contact if I have comments or problems accessing the course? 

If you have problems accessing the course please email iad.phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk  

We welcome comments on the course so please contact us if you have any feedback.  

Who do I contact if I have other questions about my role as a PhD supervisor? 

Your first point of contact should be the relevant postgraduate staff in your School or Centre.  This may be the PG administrative staff or the PG(R) Director or Head of the Graduate School. You can find contacts on the relevant School website:   

https://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/colleges-schools 

If you have problems identifying the relevant contact please email us, letting us know which School or Centre your PhD student is part of, and we will put you in touch with the relevant staff. Please email iad.phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk 

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