How to find a supervisor

When starting a research programme, one of the most important tasks you’ll need to undertake is selecting an academic supervisor.

What is the role of a supervisor?

Put simply, a supervisor’s role is to assist and support you throughout your research. Your supervisor will:

  • Help you develop your research plan in the early stages of your PhD
  • Advise on research aims and objectives and suggest relevant training or skills courses
  • Provide direction in terms of relevant literature and sources
  • Give guidance on gathering, recording and analysing data
  • Supervise your written work, providing constructive criticism and ensuring you keep to deadlines
  • Support and advise you when it comes to presenting papers at conferences, publishing your work and attending your viva (the final oral examination of your thesis)