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How to resolve problems or get advice


This How-to is intended for: Any audience.

A brief guide for anyone requiring further advice and guidance.

Supervisors

The supervisor(s) should be the primary source of advice for PhD students. Most supervisors are very experienced and can advise on strategies for dealing with the kinds of problems that arise in the course of research. With the general lack of structure of PhD studies, lack of discipline can be a problem, and sometimes a bit of pressure is helpful.

The student-supervisor relationship requires a degree of patience on both sides. Sometimes the relationship begins to break down, and in such cases it can be helpful to seek outside advice or support. Sometimes students seek a change of supervisor, but there are situations in which no improvement is feasible, for instance due to lack of local specialist expertise.

Resolving problems

There are sources of help in case of difficulties with supervision or any other aspect of your studies. Start near the beginning of the following sequence and work your way down if required.

  1. Your principal supervisor
  2. Your assistant supervisor(s)
  3. Your institute director
  4. Personal Tutor for Research Students (Nigel Topham)
  5. Head of Graduate School
  6. Head of School
  7. Dean of Research

There can be special difficulties when, for instance, your supervisor is the same as your institute director. In case of such difficulties, jump to the next level in the sequence.

Female students who particularly prefer to talk to a female member of staff for advice or support should approach Alex Lascarides at point 4.

Complaints

The University has a formal complaints procedure but it is anticipated that most problems can be resolved through informal discussion. When this is unsuccessful, a formal complaint may be appropriate. Complaints should be submitted in the prescribed form to the Head of School who will generally ask the Head of Graduate School to investigate.

Student complaint procedure

Other sources of advice or guidance

There are also various sources of help that are outside the usual academic "chain of command". These include:

Student Counselling Service

International Office

Advice Place (EUSA)

Disability Office

University Health Centre or your GP

Chaplaincy