How to choose a supervisor for your dissertation

Choosing a supervisor for your dissertation is one of the most important decisions you will make during your postgraduate studies. Your supervisor will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting you through the research process, providing feedback, and helping you to develop your ideas and writing skills. In this handout, we will explore the key factors you should consider when choosing a dissertation supervisor, including their area of expertise, availability, communication style, and personal compatibility.

1. Consider Their Area of Expertise

The first and most obvious factor to consider when choosing a dissertation supervisor is their area of expertise. You will want to find a supervisor who has experience in the field or subject area you are studying and who has a good understanding of the research methods and theoretical frameworks you will be using.

To identify potential supervisors in your field, you can start by looking at the faculty pages of your university’s website, attending departmental events and seminars, or talking to other students and faculty members. It’s also a good idea to read some of the recent publications by potential supervisors to get a sense of their research interests and areas of expertise.

2. Check Their Availability

Another important factor to consider is the availability of your potential supervisor. You will want to find someone who has the time and resources to support you throughout the research process, including providing regular feedback on your work and answering your questions and concerns.

Before approaching a potential supervisor, it’s a good idea to check their workload and availability. You can do this by looking at their teaching and research commitments, talking to other students they have supervised, or emailing them to set up an initial meeting.

3. Evaluate Their Communication Style

Effective communication is key to a successful supervisory relationship. You will want to find a supervisor who is responsive, supportive, and willing to provide constructive feedback on your work.

To evaluate a potential supervisor’s communication style, you can ask to meet with them in person or schedule a video call. During the meeting, you can discuss your research ideas and goals and ask them about their expectations for the supervisory relationship. You can also ask about their preferred mode of communication (e.g. email, phone, in-person meetings) and their availability for meetings and feedback.

4. Consider Personal Compatibility

Finally, it’s important to consider your personal compatibility with a potential supervisor. While it’s not necessary to be best friends with your supervisor, you will want to find someone who you feel comfortable working with and who shares your values and goals.

To assess personal compatibility, you can ask potential supervisors about their mentoring philosophy and approach to supervising students. You can also ask to speak with other students they have supervised to get a sense of their working relationship and the supervisor’s communication style and feedback.

Conclusion

Choosing a dissertation supervisor is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By evaluating potential supervisors based on their area of expertise, availability, communication style, and personal compatibility, you can find the right person to guide and support you through the research process. Remember to be proactive in your search and to seek out multiple potential supervisors to find the best fit for your needs and goals.