Ph.D. students enter into their research degree courses with the expectation that they will receive:
- full access to all of the required materials
- a fair, impartial oral examination when they submit their thesis
- adequate, reliable and fair supervision
The relationship between a Ph.D. student and his or her supervisor plays a hugely significant part in the life of every Ph.D. student. It's essential that the relationship is a good and mutually respectful one and that the student is able to rely on the supervisor for reliable, appropriate guidance at all times. However, sadly, it doesn't always work out that way.
What is considered unacceptable supervision?
It's not uncommon for Ph.D. students and their supervisors to disagree and for difficulties to arise within their relationship. Neither is it uncommon for disputes to arise over what is and what is not considered sound supervision. Most problems arise when students feel that their supervisors are not adequately engaged. Some of the most common problems reported by students are that supervisors:
- are not present enough and are often away on sabbatical or otherwise unavailable for response or advice
- do not provide enough feedback for the student to be able to continue with their research
- do not adequately represent their student's research at Review Panels
- do not provide access to extra materials on which the student is relying
- offer suggestions outside the scope of the thesis
In any of these cases, the student would have the right to better supervision.
How to deal with problems if and when they arise...
If you feel that your relationship with your supervisor may be having a detrimental effect on your Ph.D., your first course of action should be to write to your supervisor, raising these concerns directly. You should also identify any additional support and guidance you need, being open and straightforward about your situation. In many cases, supervisors are unaware students are struggling and all that is required is for them to be made aware and the problem is quickly resolved.
If this is not the case, however, and your written approach yields no results, you must then attempt to set up a meeting with your supervisor. You need to establish a dialogue in order to discuss your concerns. If your supervisor is proving particularly elusive, you may wish to refer him or her to your university's Postgraduate handbook, which will specify the number of meetings they are officially required to have with you.
If your supervisor is refusing to communicate with you, however, you should take your concerns to your second supervisor. If you are still not receiving the support you need, you may wish to make a formal complaint through the university's official complaints procedure. If the university is consistently failing to provide you with the level of support you need to successfully complete your Ph.D., it may be in breach of contract and you would be wise to seek legal counsel before taking matters any further.
At Match Solicitors, we specialise in helping students who are having difficulties with Ph.D. supervision. If you're experiencing problems, contact us today to discuss your case in complete confidence.
