Kingston University London

Research supervision

Doctoral education globally is undoubtedly experiencing a period of transition (Usher 2002: 143)*

The nature of the relationship between supervisor and research student is crucial in the success of the student. There is currently much debate within the higher education sector around the nature of doctoral-level education, and this will inevitably impact on supervision. The resources offered here are to help you in your development and reflections on this important aspect of student support.

*Usher, R. (2002), A Diversity of Doctorates: Fitness for the Knowledge Economy? Higher Education Research and Development, 21(2): 144-153

Resources

• Kingston University's graduate research school – online documents to guide and support you in working with research students at Kingston. Please note that this link is to StaffSpace, our staff intranet, so is only accessible to current staff and research students.
• VITAE – a national organisation for researchers and research staff. Of particular interest may be:
  • Resource for supervisors
  • Researcher Development Framework
• Higher Education Academy – in the section on supporting research there are a range of resources which include a section on postgraduate work. You may also find the HE Academy subject centres of interest regarding specific disciplinary issues in postgraduate work.
• Oxford University (PDF) offer a useful page with resource for experienced supervisors. It offers opportunities for reflection through activities within the ideas and tools section.
• Dilemmas in Postgraduate research supervision – Pat Cryer offers some useful ideas and approaches for common areas of concern.
• Research Supervision – this is a peer-reviewed, online journal which focuses on the practice of supervising research students and research projects in higher education.
• Postgraduate supervision resources – Flinders University
  

Procedures, policies and publications

• CHIE (2010), Talent Fishing: What Businesses Want From Postgraduates. A CIHE report for the Department of Innovation, Business and Skills, London: CIHE
• Costley, C. and Lester, S. (2010), Work-based Doctorates: Professional Extension at the Highest Level (PDF)
• Emery, F. and Metcalfe, J. (2009), Promoting the UK Doctorate: Opportunities and Challenges (PDF), London: Universities UK
• Park, C. (2009), The Research Student Experience: Lessons From PRES, York: HEA
• Smith, A. et al (2010), One Step Beyond: Making the Most of Postgraduate Education