To give guidance about the nature of the research process, the expected standards of
scholarship, the planning of the research programme, appropriate literature and sources, the
attendance at taught courses or specialist training, and the use of research methodologies and
techniques. They should also encourage students to keep aware of relevant developments within
their field.
To provide advice on writing up research, to request written work as appropriate and to
return such work, with constructive criticism, within reasonable time. They are also expected to
read through a complete draft of the thesis and to provide detailed comments. Supervisors are not
expected to provide detailed advice about grammar, punctuation, etc. If your student requires
extensive advice in matters of basic grammar, you may refer them to the Learning and
Development Centre, which runs various training courses on writing.
To maintain contact with students through regular supervisory meetings and other types of
structured communication, and to ensure that meetings are largely uninterrupted and of adequate
length. The frequency of such contact should be agreed between the student and supervisor at the
start of the project and should be reviewed and adjusted as needed throughout the period of study.
It is expected that these arrangements will vary depending on the stage which the student has
reached in their project and on the nature of the research project undertaken. One such contact
per month throughout the academic year is a generally acceptable minimum for full-time
students. Contact with part-time students will typically be less frequent than with full-time
students. Supervisors are expected to ensure that part-time students are aware of the frequency with
which they can expect supervisory contact and feedback.
To be accessible to students at other times by arrangement, should advice on academic or
personal problems be required. Supervisors may also wish to refer students to the Counselling
Service, the Advice and Welfare Services or other university support services.