This document has been adapted from the booklet of the same name (produced by UNSW in July 2000). The aim of this document is to present the roles of the supervisor, co-supervisor, candidate and the School Postgraduate Studies Research Co-ordinator.
Supervisor
- If possible prior to enrolment, negotiate an agreed research topic with the candidate.
- Advise the candidate on the preparation of a viable research proposal.
- Advise the candidate on appropriate time management of the research.
- Facilitate training in research methods specific to the topic that augment the methods covered in the induction program.
- Prescribe any additional study to compensate for any deficiencies in the candidateÕs background.
- Maintain regular contact with the candidate.
- Require written work from the candidate and provide constructive feedback.
- Ensure progress is maintained that allows completion of the degree within the time limits set by the University.
- Advise the candidate of unsatisfactory progress and assist the candidate to undertake remedial actions.
- Appraise frankly the progress of the candidate in the annual progress review.
- Draw the attention of the candidate to the requirement of the UniversityÕs examination procedures.
- Provide guidance in thesis writing; comment promptly on drafts of the thesis.
- Certify whether or not the thesis is worthy of submission.
- Participate in programs that will lead to improvement of supervisory skills.
Co-Supervisor
- Provide a specific expertise that relates to the research topic.
- The co-supervisor should act as the supervisor whenever the supervisor is unable to do so for any reason eg. if he/she is away for a significant period.
- The co-supervisor should be involved in all stages of the planning of the candidateÕs research plan.
- The co-supervisor should maintain a level of communication with the supervisor and the candidate during the period of candidature so as to allow him or her to participate in the supervision or act as a substitute for the supervisor whenever this is necessary.
The Candidate
- Become familiar with the university's regulations governing the degree.
- Become familiar with, and observe the university's policy on intellectual property.
- Take the initiative in devising, implementing and completing the research.
- Take the initiative in raising problems with the supervisor and sharing responsibility for finding solutions.
- Develop the ability to independently analyse/evaluate the results of the research and the research of others.
- Gain skills in oral/written communication.
- Engage promptly with the school's procedures for annual progress reviews.
- Carry out the research as agreed with the supervisor and determined at progress reviews.
- If necessary undertake additional study (as prescribed by the supervisor).
- Maintain regular contact with the supervisor.
- Present written material as required by the supervisor.
- Accept responsibility for the intellectual content of the thesis and its preparation.
- Ensure the thesis meets the standards of presentation required by the university.
Role of the School Postgraduate Studies Research Co-ordinator (SPSC)
- Ensuring that the School:
- has clearly stated policy and procedures for postgraduate studies and that these are accessible to candidates at the beginning of the candidature
- allows potential supervisors adequate time to supervise (there should be a supervision allowance in the formal workload)
- assists the candidate through induction, training and access to information sources to carry out research
- provides uninterrupted supervision to a candidate
- has procedures for problem solving and grievance resolution
- has procedures relating to intellectual property, safety and ethics issues
- can provide adequate access to research infrastructure and supervision by part-time or external candidates
- Co-ordinating the procedure for selecting and admitting candidates
- Establishing and maintaining equitable procedures for selecting appropriately skilled supervisors and co-supervisors
- Approving a topic that is appropriate for the degree
- Confirm a topic is feasible with respect to the supervisor and given resources and infrastructure
- Defining the duties of participants in candidates progress reviews
- Assisting the Office of Postgraduate Studies (OPGS) in the procedures with respect to the selection of thesis examiners and processing examinersÕ recommendations.
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