Successful PhD Supervision: A Shared Journey

Understand your role in the shared journey of PhD supervision

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.

During this three-week course from the University of Groningen, you will reflect on your role and responsibilities in the shared journey of PhD supervision. With the mentoring skills and strategies you develop over the course, you’ll be equipped to support, inspire, and guide your candidate towards success.

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.

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.

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.

• 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 your 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