An overview of the professional development courses and workshops available for staff responsible for research supervision.
ÂÒÂ×Ðã aims to provide research supervision of very high quality. To enable this,Ìýthe ÂÒÂ×ÐãÌýArenaÌýCentreÌýprovidesÌýa programme of support forÌýallÌýstaffÌýwho are responsible for research supervision.
The core programme is divided into three stages.
- An introduction to research supervision at ÂÒÂ×ÐãÌý(mandatoryÌýforÌýallÌýstaffÌýwishing to be newly appointedÌýas aÌýÂÒÂ×ÐãÌýresearch supervisor)Ìý
- Developing as a doctoralÌýsupervisorÌý(mandatoryÌýforÌýstaff wishing to be newly appointed as a ÂÒÂ×Ðã research supervisorÌýwithoutÌýpriorÌýdoctoralÌýsupervisory experience)
- Ongoing professional development forÌýresearchÌýsupervisorsÌý(not mandatory)
Are you eligible to supervise?
Information about eligibility to supervise is available in theÌýÂÒÂ×Ðã Academic ManualÌýChapter FiveÌý(scroll down to Supervisor Guidance). Please contact yourÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌýÌýfor furtherÌýsupport.Ìý
1. An introduction to research supervision at ÂÒÂ×Ðã (mandatory for all)
Format: Self-led online course
Aimed at: This course isÌýmandatory for all members of ÂÒÂ×Ðã staff wishing to be appointed as research supervisors at ÂÒÂ×Ðã, including new members of staff with experience of research supervision at other institutions.
Experienced ÂÒÂ×Ðã supervisors are also encouraged to work through the courseÌýas a refresher. The course hosts a central resource containing information, guidance and links to relevant policies and materials.
Prerequisites: None
Learning outcomes:ÌýThe courseÌýprovides information and guidance on:Ìý
- ÂÒÂ×Ðã’s regulations and frameworks for researchÌýsupervision;Ìý
- establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with yourÌýsupervisees;Ìý
- ÂÒÂ×Ðã’s doctoral skills development requirements and the Research Student LogÌý
- signposting to further support provided centrally by ÂÒÂ×Ðã and locally in faculties and departments. Ìý
Duration: Approximately two hours
How to join:Ìý
- Go toÌýÌý- do not enter your email and password on this page - instead ensure you select the option 'ÂÒÂ×Ðã log in'. Then log in using your ÂÒÂ×Ðã single-sign on (userID@ucl.ac.uk and password).
- Once logged into ÂÒÂ×Ðã Extend,Ìý. Click on the "Select (Free)" button and then follow the prompts.
- If you have any trouble accessing the course, emailÌýr.haughton@ucl.ac.uk
2. Developing as a doctoral supervisorÌý(mandatory for some)
Format: Workshop (online or in person)
Aimed at: Staff with no priorÌýdoctoralÌýsupervisory experienceÌýwhoÌýwishÌýto be appointed as research supervisors at ÂÒÂ×ÐãÌýmust attend this workshopÌýafter they haveÌýcompleted the 'An introduction to research supervision at ÂÒÂ×Ðã' online course. Ìý
Prerequisites: To sign-up to and attend this workshop ÂÒÂ×Ðã staff must have first completed theÌý'An introduction to research supervision at ÂÒÂ×Ðã' online course (hosted on the Extend platform).
Learning outcomes:ÌýAfter attending thisÌýsession you will:Ìý
- understand ÂÒÂ×Ðã policy and procedure for effective supervisionÌý
- haveÌýsharedÌýexperiencesÌýand challengesÌýwith peers Ìý
- know where to find further support and guidanceÌý
Duration: 2 hours
How to sign-up:Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session. To access LearnUpon you must be signed into Office365 with your ÂÒÂ×ÐãÌýcredentials. If you are having trouble using Learn Upon please emailÌýr.haughton@ucl.ac.uk
Join the to receive notifications about Arena news and events and also bookmark our events pages on the ÂÒÂ×Ðã website here.
3. Ongoing professional development for supervisors (not mandatory)Ìý
The Arena Centre offers a range of options forÌýstaff who wish to continue their development as research supervisors once they have completed any relevant mandatory training mentioned above.Ìý
- Events and workshops
We hostÌýregular workshops and sessionsÌýaimed at more experiencedÌýsupervisors, covering topics such as:Ìý
- An Introduction to Examining the Doctorate
This session reviews all the stages of examining a doctorate, and focuses on good practice and potentially tricky situations. It's designed for anyone assessing any kind of doctoral award, whether as an internal or an external examiner, or in-person, hybrid or online.
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
Ìý - Supervising Masters Projects and Dissertations
This session will introduce staff who supervise masters projects and dissertations to tools for setting expectations and defining boundaries. It will also explore when you should seek support or guidance.
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
Ìý - Effective Co- and team supervision
Join us at this workshop where we will explore good practice in team and co-supervision, considering different examples of how supervision works across ÂÒÂ×Ðã.
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
Ìý - Inclusive Supervision
Recent research by Wellcome (2020) explored what researchers think about the cultures they work in and recommended cultures and environments that promote creativity, inclusion and integrity. This session explores inclusive approaches to supervisory practice, focusing on communication, trust, belonging and advocacy. We will explore case studies and discuss our own areas of best practice, as well as reflecting on strategies for supporting our own wellbeing and healthy working practices.
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
Ìý - Supporting PGR Mental Health and Wellbeing
This session is designed to help supervisors recognise indicators of mental health problems and potential triggers, understand the boundaries of their responsibilities and capabilities, confidently signpost PGR students to appropriate support, and be mindful of their own wellbeing and healthy working practices.
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
Ìý - Supporting PGR Writing and Giving Effective Feedback
Successful doctoral students must write well. Academic disciplines exist in their texts and practices, and a student’s success in their discipline will depend mainly on how proficiently and purposefully they can write. Supervisors play a key role in supporting the development of their students’ research writing and its dissemination, by encouraging regular writing and enabling progress by providing good feedback.Ìý
How to sign-up:ÌýÌý(specific to this workshop only)Ìýand click "Start" to enrol, then "Register" toÌýview available dates, then proceed to sign-upÌýfor a session.
To access LearnUpon you must be signed into Office365 with your ÂÒÂ×ÐãÌýcredentials. If you are having trouble using LearnUpon please emailÌýr.haughton@ucl.ac.uk
- An Introduction to Examining the Doctorate
- Professional recognition for research supervisorsÌý
Dedicated supportÌýisÌýavailableÌýannually through the Arena CentreÌýforÌýÂÒÂ×Ðã supervisorsÌýto apply forÌýprofessionalÌýrecognition of their supervisory practice through the UK Council for Graduate Education.
The application for recognition is an evidence-based reflective account of supervisory practice aligned to the criteria of theÌýÌý
For further information contact Dr Nick Grindle (Arena Centre)Ìý