Your supervisory team
Your supervisor(s), advisor and PGR division tutor comprise the supervisory team.
This group has collective responsibility for your academic and personal development. For PGRs on programmes with a significant taught or training element in Year 1, your Programme Director or Cohort Lead will act as a supervisor during this period, until you have a defined project.
Supervisor(s)
The responsibilities of the supervisor include giving guidance on:
- the nature and direction of the research
- the standard of work expected
- the frequency and nature of progression meetings
- planning the research programme
- relevant sources of literature and reference materials.
All PGRs will have more than one supervisor, and this may include a supervisor based at an external company (CASE) or institution (split-site).
It is important that you are aware of their respective roles and responsibilities from the outset. An early meeting with your supervisors to discuss expectations is a formal part of your progression.
Supervision of research PGRs is governed by the University Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees, which details the responsibilities of the supervisor and the PGR. PGRs and supervisors must read this document before their first meeting together.
Advisor
The advisor is a pastoral role which supports the wellbeing of postgraduate researchers (PGR) and contributes to a healthy research culture across the Faculty. Your advisor will be a key contact for any personal problems that you may encounter.
Advisors take responsibility for a cohort of PGRs (based on year of intake) and continue to support these PGRs throughout their programme. Advisors provide support and advice, signposting you to the wider Faculty and University support services, networks and structures.
You can discuss issues relating to changes in circumstances that might require formal approval by the Doctoral Academy with your advisor, and they can also be your point of contact should you take a period of interruption.
Learn more about advisors on the Doctoral Academy website.
Division PGR tutors
Division PGR tutors will be assigned to a group of PGRs in each Division.
They will monitor progression and ensure that PGRs remain on track to submit on time. They have a responsibility for dealing with any practical issues relating to academic progress that may require formal action or follow-up.
If at any time you feel unhappy with your progress, or if any problems arise that you cannot resolve by contacting your supervisor or advisor, you may also seek advice from your Division PGR tutor as soon as possible.
Learn more about Division PGR tutors on the Doctoral Academy website.