1. Research Student Supervision – Update 2012 Dr Ann Hartley

2. Documents to note General Regulations for Degrees by Research and Thesis General Regulations for Presentation of Theses Code of Practice for Research Degrees Research Code of Conduct Code of Practice on Research Misconduct

3. Admission of students May only be offered a place if at least two members of University staff, one of which must be the relevant School’s Associate Dean Research, approve all of the following: the student’s entry qualifications the research start date and mode of attendance the proposed research topic the location of the research work the supervisory arrangements Confirmation of these is made using the Application Decision Form. Prior to enrolment the student is required to accept the conditions of the offer in writing.

4. Other issues to consider prior to admission Interviewing of candidate Competence in English References Necessary resources available Academic decision versus other factors Potential student aware of what is involved

5. Responsibilities of the supervisor Giving guidance & advice Monitoring the progress of the student Maintain regular contact and ensuring accessibility Having input in the assessment of development needs of the student Providing timely, constructive and effective feedback Ensuring student is aware of ethical issues Providing effective pastoral support Helping the student to interact with others working in the field of research

6. Responsibilities of the student Taking responsibility for their own personal and professional development Familiarity and compliance with University regulations Setting and keeping to timetables and deadlines, including planning and submitting work Meet, annually, requirements regarding administrative arrangements Discuss type of guidance and feedback they find most helpful Initiating meetings with supervisor Attending research training identified with their supervisor Deciding when to submit their thesis taking account of the supervisor’s opinion Ensuring they understand the Supervisor’s responsibilities Advising the supervisor of any illness or other absence from study

7. MILESTONES Thesis planning & writing Selection of external/internal examiners Mock Viva Continuation of practice from year two; perhaps with different emphasis Continuation of practice from year one; perhaps with different emphasis Learning Agreement Setting objectives and targets Three monthly formal review Informal progress meetings Presentation of research Writing Training Intellectual development, conferences etc Submission of PhD Thesis (Year 3) Year 2 –student progress activity/ Annual report Qualifying Report (Year 1) & Viva / Annual Report Induction

8. Supporting factors likely to lead to improved outcomes for PhD students Access to funding Availability of infrastructure items for the research Availability of support facilities Awareness of opportunities

9. Generic skills training for PhD students Required by the Research Councils Researcher Development Framework covers: Knowledge & intellectual abilities Personal effectiveness Research governance and organisation Engagement, influence and impact Research Training offered through Staff & Graduate Development www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/academic- support/researcherpluswww.aston.ac.uk/current-students/academic- support/researcherplus Graduate Development Team Research Skills module (10 credit, level 7) Development for teaching – Aston Certificate

10. Other resources- Vitae Vitae – realising the potential of researchers A national organisation championing the personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff in higher education institutions and research institutes. Funded by Research Councils UK Resources for supervisors - www.vitae.ac.uk/1389/Supervisors-managers.html Resources for students – www.vitae.ac.uk/1218/Postgraduate-researchers.html

11. Further Reading Rugg, G & Petre, M. (2010) The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research. 2 nd ed. OU Press Phillips E. (2010) How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors. 4 th ed. OU Press Eley, A & Murray, R. (2009) How to be an Effective Supervisor: Best Practice in Research Student Supervision. OU Press