Handbook for Supervisors of Research Postgraduates

Supervising research students can be among the most rewarding of tasks for any scholar. Training the next generation of academics is among the most important of responsibilities. The supervisor should be the student's guru: their friend, philosopher and guide. Supervising research students also brings challenges. And this handbook aims to equip academic staff with the means to navigate administrative procedures, engage with requirements for Quality Assurance and facilitate the promotion of best practice.

1. Introduction
   1. Useful Contacts
   2. Dates
2. Registration and Induction
   1. Registration
   2. Introduction and Induction
3. Research Environment and Facilities
   1. Departmental Handbooks
   2. Enhancing the Research Environment
   3. Research Ethics and Good Practice
   4. Health and Safety Environment
   5. Disabilities
4. Ensuring an appropriate Research Environment
   1. Research Culture
   2. Facilities
   3. Facilities
   4. Part-time Research Students
   5. Support in the Writing-up Period
5. Supervision
   1. Responsibilities of the Main Supervisor
   2. Responsibilities of the Second Supervisor
   3. Supervisor Absence
   4. Changing Supervisor
   5. External Supervisors
   6. Supervisory Load
   7. Supervisory Team
6. Supervisor Qualifications
7. Supervisor Training and Guidance for Examiners
   1. Supervisor Training
   2. Guidance for Examiners
8. Monitoring Progress and Formal Assessment
   1. Changes in Candidature
   2. Submission of the Thesis
   3. Examination of the Thesis
   4. General Requirements in Monitoring Progress
9. Appeals, Complaints and Unfair Practice
   1. Appeals
   2. Complaints
   3. Unfair Practice
10. Monitoring Quality and Standards
    1. Quality Assurance Structures
    2. Specific Quality Assurance Activities Undertaken by the Research Degrees Board

Appendix A: Research Council's Joint Skills Statement and Skills Training Requirements

Appendix B: Research Training Compact