Successful PhD Supervision: A Shared Journey (FutureLearn)

The outcome of a PhD is not only a thesis defence, but the formation of a researcher, scientist, and leader. PhD supervisors play a crucial role in the academic and professional development of their candidates.

Take a person-centred approach to PhD supervision

Honing a candidate’s research skills is only one aspect of PhD supervision. Supervisors also need to help their students set goals, communicate their ideas, and grow as a researcher and professional.

You’ll explore what it means to take a person-centred approach to PhD supervision. You’ll learn how to establish a good working relationship with your candidate and make their academic and professional growth a focus of your supervision.

Understand how you can be a role model for your PhD candidate

With years of study and research behind them, PhD supervisors are ideal role models for their candidates.

In the final week of the course, you’ll reflect on your own personal and professional identity, and learn how you can harness it to become a role model for your candidate.

You’ll finish the course with a clearer sense of your supervisory style, and an understanding of how to use that for the benefit of your PhD candidates.

Syllabus

Week 1: The PhD journey

Week 2: A person-centered and growth-oriented approach

Week 3: Supervision in context: developing a reflective attitude

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Identify the most important moments and phases in the PhD trajectory

- Assess your own role and shared responsibility as a supervisor

- Experiment with tools and methods to improve the effectiveness of PhD supervision

- Apply effective interaction techniques in conversations with the PhD student

- Improve the process of dealing with expectations and formulating goals

- Reflect on their professional development as PhD supervisor in the academic context

- Demonstrate awareness of your own values, qualities and pitfalls; as well as awareness about being a role model to your PhD students

Who is the course for?

This course aims primarily at supporting both aspiring and more experienced PhD supervisors in their important and challenging role. The course may also be relevant for policy makers and trainers within scientific institutions.