Supervisors
'Working closely with a research student as they grow and develop new skills and finally achieve the successful completion of their higher degree is one of the most exciting and rewarding opportunities available to university academic staff.
Richard James and Gabrielle Baldwin, Eleven Practices of Effective Postgraduate Research Supervisors
Graduate supervision is doubtless one of the most intensive forms of teaching in higher education. Although the sustained complexity of supervision involves much time and energy, it is also one of the cornerstones of an academic career. Successful supervision of candidates provides essential linkages between staff research programs and their coursework teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Key responsibilities of academic supervisors at the University of Melbourne include:
- Facilitating the timely completion of graduate research
- Monitoring the quality of research in progress
- Knowing the relevant policy frameworks and requirements for graduate researchers
- Assisting graduates to develop transferable skills and prepare for their careers
The University expects all supervisors to be professional, compassionate and caring mentors/teachers and to encourage candidates to engage with the broader research community. Appendix A of The PhD Handbook contains more information about your rights and responsibilities as a co- and prinicipal supervisor.
MSGR supports supervisors of graduate research students through a range of programs, events and publications.
- Professional Development Workshops
- Advice on Effective Candidature Management
- Publications and Resources
- fIRST - for improving research supervision and training
If you are new to the University or would like more information about supervision at the University of Melbourne, please contact Dr Jeanette Fyffe, MSGR's Academic Programs and Project Coordinator.