The increasingly diverse backgrounds, trajectories, and needs of PhD candidates call for supervision approaches that are both structured and responsive. Through a didactical lens, this training stimulates supervisors to develop reflective and adaptive supervision styles that acknowledge the complexity of PhD supervision including, navigating different stages of the PhD trajectory, fostering supportive relationships and addressing common supervisory challenges. 

Participants will explore how to:

• Reflect on and improve their own supervision practices;
• Adapt to the varied learning paths and needs of PhD candidates;
• Engage with the pedagogical dimensions of supervision;
• Learn from peers in a safe and collegial environment.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Critically reflect on their role as supervisors and the reciprocal nature of supervision as professional growth experience

1. Establish and maintain mutual expectations with PhD candidates and co-supervisors

2. Build supportive relationships with PhD candidates and co-supervisors

3. Adopt inclusive practices to support the academic and professional development of diverse PhD candidates

4. Identify early warning signals and address common challenges in research progress and supervisory relationships

5. Employ different approaches to motivate PhD candidates at different stages of the PhD trajectory

6. Utilise effective communication and feedback techniques to support the development of PhD candidates

Format

The start date of the Next Level course is 18 May 2026.