A common query for students at the Wellbeing and Accessible Learning Drop-in is what should be expected from their Supervisor. This relates particularly to PGR students, although there have been occasions when a Dissertation Supervisor is the subject of discussion. For a PGR student, the Primary Supervisor is the main connection with the university. Any breakdown in communication can have a big impact, both practically and emotionally.
Students speak to us when they feel overwhelmed, isolated or unsure what the next steps are in their research. There can be academic disagreements, concerns about feedback, personality clashes or life events that can influence the relationship.
Students often tell us that they don’t like making a fuss, or they are worried about asserting themselves with a figure of authority who can influence their academic success. Some are just unsure what is within their rights to ask for with regards to support. Others believe it will reflect badly on them if they express difficulties or inform Supervisors that they have a condition or life event that is impacting their progress.
Things to consider:
- Being a PhD student is one role out of many that could be placed upon you. As a human being, there may be other roles such as ‘carer’, ‘parent’, etc, that will also require time and energy. It is unrealistic to expect that completing a PhD will protect you from life events or illnesses. In a work situation, this would likely lead to requesting time off. Why would study be different?
- It is important to start off on the right foot. This means being involved in selecting and meeting your second Supervisor. It also means making the most of the opportunity to create a dynamic where both you and your supervisor know the boundaries and responsibilities of the other. This includes when to expect a response (for example, only during working hours) and the fact that there will be no recriminations if you have not completed a task due to needing an answer out of hours.
- It is ok to ask for a deadline. If you are requesting feedback, you can ask when you can expect to receive it. Your Supervisor’s response may open up a negotiation on timelines, but knowing how long it will take will ease uncertainty and empower you to get in touch if the deadline has passed. It is ok to send more than one email if you have not heard back from them.
- Be direct in asking for what you need. If you phrase your needs as a question, be prepared that you are extending an invitation to say no. If you need time off, say you do. You do not have to justify why by providing a list of personal information. This is your project.
- Supervisors are not in charge of whether you pass or fail. They do not control the rest of your life. They are there to provide feedback to increase the opportunity for success.
- Critical feedback is an opportunity to learn. This is not personal. It is necessary for continuous improvement if you understand what needs to change. It is ok to be upset about receiving critical feedback. It may make you feel better to assume that your Supervisor has the best intention in providing it. If they didn’t believe you have the skill to improve, they wouldn’t continue to give up their time.
- It is helpful to be involved in a community of other PhD students. Everyone needs the opportunity to vent about difficulties and find humour in situations.
- Keep communication open. There is no harm in letting your Supervisor know what works best for you. You can expect your Supervisor to adapt where it’s reasonable. For example, if more regular, shorter meetings suit better than one longer one per month, this is at no additional time cost to your Supervisor.
- Your Supervisor is human too! They will make mistakes and may have situations they struggle with. Their expertise is in academic research. If you are contacting them for support, you need to say explicitly what you want them to fix.
It is natural that something you spend such time and energy on such as a PhD will be tied to your self-worth. It is common for students to talk to us about ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and how they worry about what their Supervisors and other staff think of them. It is important to remember that your worth as a human being is not defined by your research progress. You will make mistakes, and that is ok. Your role is to learn and improve. You earned your place and were selected for a reason. Your supervisor wants to see you succeed.
There are cases where the relationship between student and Supervisor becomes difficult, or the student doesn’t feel they can address concerns with their supervisor. In these cases, students can:
- Speak to the Second Supervisor in the first instance or request that they attend meetings. Second Supervisors should be attending 6 of the 12 meetings.
- Talk to friends about your experience to get perspective and help to process the situation.
- If the situation does not resolve, you can speak to the PGR Director. You can request to change your supervisor if necessary.
- Read the Student Union Toolkit or request guidance from Advice SU.
Resources
The Student-Supervisor Relationship Toolkit | QSU (qubsu.org)
Thank you to Tim Fosker of the School of Psychology for providing information and guidance on this topic. : https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/tim-fosker