A Handbook For Doctoral Supervisors

Historically, it has been presumed that being an experienced researcher was enough in itself to guarantee effective supervision. This has always been a dubious presumption and it has become an untenable one in the light of global developments in the doctorate itself and in the candidate population which have transformed demands upon expectations of supervisors. This handbook will assist new and experienced supervisors to respond to these changes. Divided into six parts the book looks at the following issues: changing contexts of doctoral supervision recruiting, selecting and working with doctoral candidates supporting the research project supporting candidates of all nationalities and academic backgrounds supporting completion of projects and examination evaluation and dissemination of practice. A Handbook for Doctoral Supervisors focuses on the practical needs of supervisors, draws examples from a wide range of countries and uses self-interrogation as a means of encouraging readers to reflect upon their practice, making it an essential read for anyone involved in doctoral supervision.

Across the globe, doctoral education is in the throes of change. Diversification, regulation and proliferation are just a few of the developments that pose major challenges for those supervising doctoral candidates. The second edition of A Handbook for Doctoral Supervisors has been fully updated to assist doctoral supervi

Based on the latest research and covering key recent developments in supervisory practice, the third edition of A Handbook for Doctoral Supervisors is designed to support new and established supervisors in reviewing how they may make their supervision practice more effective day to day. This new edition is fully updated and extended to provide guidance on all aspects of the supervisory role, including: Recruitment and selection, including placing greater emphasis on candidate diversity; Establishing and managing research projects, from initial conception through to completion and examination; Relationships with candidates and co-supervisors, and the implementation of an explicit respect agenda in relationships with candidates; Providing personal, professional, and career advice, including monitoring the wellbeing and mental health of doctoral candidates; The implications for supervisors of the rapid adoption of online supervision and examination. With a self-interrogatory style which enables supervisors to reflect upon and, where appropriate, consider how to enhance their practice, this key handbook is a crucial read for those directly involved in doctoral supervision, those who manage supervisors, as well as policy-makers, administrators, and scholars within the field of doctoral education.

“A fresh update to a true classic. This is one of the most reassuring and useful books you will ever read about doing your PhD, no matter your topic - or where you are enrolled.” Professor Inger Mewburn, Director of Researcher Development, Office of the Dean of Higher Degree by Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia “How to get a PhD is both honest and thorough and thus immensely helpful, for supervisors as much as for students.” Professor Paul Allain, Dean of the Graduate and Researcher College, University of Kent, UK “The 7th edition! ‘How to get a PhD’ is proving its status as a must read for PhDs and supervisors.” Dr Hans Sonneveld, Founder and Board member, Netherlands Centre of Expertise for Doctoral Education How to Get a PhD 7e provides a practical and realistic approach for all students who are embarking on a PhD. In addition, supervisors will find invaluable tips on their role in the process, good supervisory practices and how to support students to work effectively. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, the seventh edition provides an overview of what it means to undertake a PhD within a modern university, exploring both the challenges and rewards of a doctoral degree, including: • Contemporary challenges for students including transgender issues, sexual harassment, and exploitation within the academic environment • Time demands, the balance of academia and paid work, and the uncertainty of academic careers and how this can impact students’ mental health • Academic debates surrounding the increased importance of technology and open access • Emphasising diversity with an increased focus on how students, supervisors and universities can work together to make a more effective and welcoming academic environment The new edition is structured so that users can find the section that will help the specific stage of their work. With practical guidance through the application process, research, viva and post-viva, this book supports PhD students of all disciplines across their journey and beyond, including part-time, those returning to study and those who are practice-based. Estelle M. Phillips has enjoyed a long career as an academic and independent educational consultant. She has published widely on various aspects of the PhD and has spoken at universities on four continents about the skills required to complete and supervise a PhD. Colin G. Johnson is an associate professor at the University of Nottingham, and was formerly Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the sciences at the University of Kent. He is an experienced PhD supervisor and examiner, and has led training courses for new PhD students and advised on postgraduate strategy for a number of universities. Professor Derek S Pugh (1930-2015) was Emeritus Professor of International Management of the Open University Business School, UK. He published 17 books and over 100 papers in his field and had considerable experience in the design of doctoral programmes and the successful supervision and examination of PhD students.

How to get a PhD is THE classic book on studying for a PhD. It provides a practical, down to earth and realistic approach to studying for a PhD and offers support and reassurance for both students and supervisors.

With a wide range of international contributors, this book surveys how the main doctoral awarding countries across the globe define criteria for the eligibility of supervisors. It compares and contrasts their approaches, comments upon their robustness, and identifies examples of good practice. The quality of supervision has been shown to be a major factor in determining the learning experiences of doctoral scholars and their chances of success. However, relatively little is known about the ways in which doctoral supervisors are selected for their roles, supported to perform them, and recognised for their efforts. This book looks at these matters in 21 major doctoral awarding countries, collectively responsible for over 90% of global doctoral awards. Each case study constitutes a stand-alone contribution to the literature on doctoral supervision in that country and: provides a brief introduction to the national context of doctoral education; outlines policies and procedures for the selection of supervisors; discusses the support and development available to supervisors and gives examples of good practice; comments on if and how supervision is recognised and rewarded. Written by a distinguished international team of authors, The Making of Doctoral Supervisors will be of interest to all those engaged in doctoral education including policy makers, program leaders, supervisors, administrators, and scholars in the field.

'It also incorporates a wealth of information that most supervisors and examiners only acquire through years of experience... this book deserves to be widely read and, if it is, it should contribute to an improvement in the quality of both research degree examining and the student's performance at the viva.' Professor Diana Woodward, University Director of Research, Napier University, Edinburgh and retiring UKCGE Executive Committee Member 'importantly the book deals with perspectives of all three concerned parties, i.e., the candidate, examiner and supervisor. It is . . . a very useful guide to appreciate and prepare for the different stages of the doctoral examination process.' Higher Education Quarterly What is the viva and how can students prepare for it? What should supervisors consider when selecting PhD examiners? How should examiners assess a doctoral thesis and conduct the viva? The doctoral examination process has been shrouded in mystery and has been a source of anxiety and concern for students, supervisors and examiners alike. But now help is at hand. This book sheds new light on the process, providing constructive ways of understanding the doctoral examination, preparing for it and undertaking it. This book stands alone in the field due to the extensive research undertaken by the authors. Over a four year period, surveys and interviews were undertaken with candidates and academics from a wide range of disciplines throughout Britain. Outcomes and ideas from the research have been united to provide the most comprehensive information available. Real life accounts and case studies are combined with useful advice, tasks and checklists to create an illuminating handbook. This user-friendly book is a vital resource for anyone involved in the doctoral process. No doctoral candidate, examiner or supervisor should be without it.