Obligations

Undertaking research is very different to taking a regular course at the university, as it is largely up to you and your supervisors what you do and how you progress. This implies some responsibilities on both sides, and as a general rule, these are detailed below.

Your responsibilities

• To accept that the principal responsibility for the research and its progress lies with you
• To discuss with your supervisor the type of guidance and comment that can be expected and to assist with clarification of responsibilities
• To maintain regular contact through tutorial and supervision meetings as agreed to with your supervisor
• To take the initiative in raising problems and difficulties
• To maintain progress of the work in accordance with the stages agreed to with your supervisor, including in particular the presentation of written material in sufficient time to allow for comments and discussion before proceeding to the next stage
• To notify your supervisor if you are unable to meet your study commitments and maintain contact
• To discuss publication of the research and to come to some agreement about the timing and the authorship of the publication
• To complete progress reports as requested

Your supervisor's responsibilities

• To give guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected, about the planning of the research programme, about literature and sources and about requisite skills and techniques
• To allow adequate time for supervision and remain fully conversant with the project
• To maintain regular contact through tutorial and supervision meetings as agreed to with the student, and to provide in these meetings quality, focused and uninterrupted attention to the student and the research
• To advise the student in applying for funding through the university and outside sources where appropriate
• To advise the student in the development of a proposal for the Ethics Committee(s) where appropriate
• To give advice on necessary completion dates of successive stages of the research to ensure that the project is submitted within the scheduled time
• To request written work as appropriate and to return work with constructive criticism within a reasonable time
• To ensure that the student is made aware of any inadequacy of progress or  standard of work
• To provide a collaborative research environment and encourage open communication
• To ensure that if they are to be absent from the university for an extended time, suitable arrangements are made for appointment of a new supervisor, or for interim supervision of the student
• To discuss publication of the research and to come to some agreement about the timing and the authorship of the publication
• To provide progress reports as requested
• To be sensitive to cultural, political or gender issues relating to the student or the research and to act in a professional manner at all times

Page authorised by Director, Student Administration
Last updated on Monday 14 May 2018