Observations on quality in the PhD supervision experience

Abstract

The PhD is a key step in academic development and the training of the next generation of researchers. However, in this age of control and regulation, it remains an outpost of individualism and variation. This paper sets out to explore the issues that surround the supervisory activity and attempts to draw some tentative conclusions about points that may enhance the likelihood of a good outcome for both student and supervisor. It also considers the identification of indicators that may provide early warning of problems. This paper is based on the personal experiences of the author with over 19 years of PhD supervision, supplemented by her observations of the experiences of colleagues and their students. These observations will be contrasted with the findings of other researchers. As such, the paper is presented as a starting point for discussion and future research.