Research supervision training and development

Format: Online course

Aimed at: This course is mandatory for all members of staff wishing to be appointed as research supervisors at UCL, including new members of staff with experience of research supervision at other institutions.

Experienced UCL supervisors are also encouraged to work through the course as a refresher and central resource containing information, guidance and links to relevant policies and materials.

Prerequisites: None

Learning outcomes: The course provides information and guidance on: 

• UCL’s regulations and frameworks for research supervision; 
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with your supervisees; 
• UCL’s doctoral skills development requirements and the Research Student Log 
• signposting to further support provided centrally by UCL and locally in faculties and departments.  

Duration: Approximately two hours

How to join: 

• Go to UCL eXtend - do not enter your email and password on this page - ensure you select the option 'UCL log in'. Then log in using your UCL single-sign on.
• Once logged into UCL eXtend, click on (or copy and paste into your browser) the link to the course.
• If you have any trouble accessing the course, email r.haughton@ucl.ac.uk

Format: Workshop (online or in person)

Aimed at: Staff with no prior doctoral supervisory experience who wish to be appointed as research supervisors at UCL must attend this workshop after they have completed the 'Introduction to research supervision' online course.  

Prerequisites: The 'Introduction to research supervision' online course.

Learning outcomes: After attending this session you will: 

• understand UCL policy and procedure for effective supervision 
• have shared experiences and challenges with peers  
• know where to find further support and guidance 

Duration: 2 hours

How to join: Open this Microsoft Forms link to access our registration form and select "Developing as a Doctoral Supervisor" in section 2, then select one date you wish to sign up to.  
To access the registration form you must be signed into Office365 with your UCL credentials. If you are having trouble using the form please email r.haughton@ucl.ac.uk

The Arena Centre offers a range of options for staff who wish to continue their development as research supervisors. 

Events and workshops

We host regular workshops and sessions aimed at more experienced supervisors, covering topics such as: 

• An Introduction to Examining the Doctorate

  Date	Time	Delivery
  19 Oct 2022	10am-12pm	online
  30 Jan 2023	2-4pm	in-person
  3 May 2023	2-4pm	online

• Coaching Approaches for Supporting Students

  Date	Time	Delivery
  8 Dec 2022	2-4pm	online
  13 Mar 2023	2-4pm	in-person

• Effective Co- and team supervision

  Date	Time	Delivery
  1 Dec 2022	2-4pm	online

• Inclusive Supervision

  Date	Time	Delivery
  20 Feb 2023	2-4pm	in-person
  17 May 2023	2-4pm	online

• Supervising UG and PGT Projects

  Date	Time	Delivery
  17 Nov 2022	10-11:30am	online
  24 Feb 2023	11am-12:30pm	online
  28 Apr 2023	11am-12:30pm	online

• Supporting PGR Mental Health and Wellbeing

  Date	Time	Delivery
  7 Dec 2022	2-3:30pm	online
  17 Apr 2023	2-3:30pm	in-person

• Supporting PGR Writing and Giving Effective Feedback

  Date	Time	Delivery
  7 Mar 2023	2-4pm	in-person
  31 May 2023	10am-12pm	online

How to join: Open this Microsoft Forms link to access our registration form and select the name of the workshop/session in section 2, then select the date you wish to sign up to.  
To access the registration form you must be signed into Office365 with your UCL credentials. If you are having trouble using the form please email r.haughton@ucl.ac.uk. 

Online Epigeum course

UCL staff can access an online course hosted by Epigeum (a branch of Oxford University Press), which includes modules on all aspects of doctoral supervision and begins with a diagnostic tool to allow participants to target their training and development. 

To access the course please follow these instructions: 

1.  Visit the following link: https://courses.epigeum.com/register 
2. Complete the registration form – IMPORTANT – you must use the following email domain: @ucl.ac.uk  
3. Please enter the following token in the relevant field of the registration form: cb16a8ba             
4. You will be sent an account activation email to the email address you entered during registration. Please click on the link in the activation email to complete registration and activate your account. NOTE: If you do not receive the email in your inbox, please check your SPAM/junk mail. You can also resend the activation email. 
5. Once you have activated your account, you can then log in using your chosen username and password combination. You will be shown the Epigeum Supervising Doctoral Studies (Second Edition) programme in the My Courses screen (if you did not enter the token during registration, or wish to enter a second token, please use the Enter Token button in the user menu). 
6. Click on the programme title to see the content, which consists of a diagnostic tool (Your experience and priorities for development) and ten modules. Click on the tool or on a module to launch. Once a module has been successfully completed you will be able to download your unique certificate of completion for that module. Completing all ten modules will generate a programme level certificate. 

If you require further assistance, please see the help page or contact the Epigeum customer support team via this webform. 

Professional recognition for research supervisors 

Dedicated support is available annually through the Arena Centre for UCL supervisors to apply for professional recognition of their supervisory practice through the UK Council for Graduate Education.

The application for recognition is an evidence-based reflective account of supervisory practice aligned to the criteria of the UKCGE Good Supervisory Practice framework. 

For further information contact Dr Alex Standen (Arena Centre)