Starting positively

One of the most difficult things for research students is how to get started on their project. They are likely to need more support and guidance from you at this stage.

Introductions and presentations

Encourage your doctoral researchers to become part of the departments academic culture. Introduce doctoral candidates to relevant people, groups and seminars. Encourage them to present their work in progress to fellow researchers.

Set objectives for the researcher

During the early stages of the doctorate it is important to work with the researcher to help them set appropriate objectives. Make sure the researcher has:

• defined their area of research
• done a comprehensive literature survey
• submitted some written work to you, even in draft format
• worked with you to develop an outline plan for the PhD with defined goals and intermediate milestones
• understood the requirements that they need to meet for any transfer or upgrade process required by your institution

Encourage Personal Development

Encourage the researcher to develop relevant professional skills and to undertake appropriate development activity. You may find the Researcher Development Framework a useful framework to help structure their development activity. Researchers' development might include skills courses, academic seminars, work experience or other forms of personal, professional and career development.

Have a look at the QAA Code of Practice precepts 18 - 20 on training needs analysis (TNA), PDP and development opportunities. Not everyone finds it easy to reflect on their personal and professional development and you may need to encourage your researcher to do this: you may find it useful to look at  Using PDP in Research Degrees to help think about how to make it a positive experience for you and your researchers.

Help your researcher to assess their own progress

Your institution will have requirements for reporting on progress. Ensure that you and your researcher understand these requirements and include them in the research plan. Give feedback to your researcher on their progress.

• Giving feedback to researchers