The researcher’s role

While your supervisory team is a key resource in the conduct of a doctorate, ultimately the responsibility for the project rests with you. As with the rest of your supervisory team your exact role is likely to be detailed in your university's regulations. You should investigate these regulations as some aspects may surprise you.

Typically the researcher is expected to:

• take responsibility for finding out what is expected
• take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties
• help the supervisory team to ensure consistency
• discuss with the supervisory team how to make guidance more effective, including disability related concerns
• agree, organise and attend mutually convenient meetings, contribute to their agenda and circulate work in advance
• undertake research training as agreed and where need is identified
• undertake recommended reading
• produce written work as agreed
• comply with reporting procedures and inform supervisors of the progress of your research
• tell supervisors about difficulties you encounter in your work
• arrange for informal sharing of information and practice
• generate your own ideas
• set realistic deadlines
• ask when you don't understand
• decide when to submit the thesis and ensure that it is submitted on time
• ensure that the thesis complies with regulations.

While regulations will differ from university to university all doctoral researchers are expected to be proactive, independent and assertive. So if you need help you will usually have to ask for it.