Postgraduate Research Supervisors

The research supervisory relationship is complex, not least because supervisors wear many ‘hats’ - that of subject expert; mentor; patron; wellbeing and pastoral care supporter; co-author; careers and skills adviser and all round go-to expert.

The York PGR Supervisor Programme

This year's programme is based on feedback from the 2023/24 programme and data from the supervisor focus groups as part of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP). It consists of several strands of activity:

Being an Effective Research Supervisor Tutorial (BERST)

Online mandatory training for all supervisors. BERST serves as a source of information and is a formative assessment of knowledge of York’s Policy on Research Degrees and understanding of the PhD process.

PGR supervisor workshops

Workshops for new and experienced supervisors covering topics under three key themes are available to book via the Learning Management System (LMS). Explore this year's workshop series and book your place.

PGR supervisor web resources

Information and useable resources on the PhD process and research supervision role.

Communities of Practice Meetings

Open to all those involved in supervision and supporting the supervisory process, these events enable sharing of ideas across disciplines and are conducted according to Chatham House conventions.

Supervisor mentoring circles

In 2025, as part of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP), we are piloting supervisor mentoring circles which are open to all PGR supervisors at York.

Continuing professional development (CPD) requirements

Read the FAQs for PGR Supervisors and Graduate Chairs for further information about the CPD requirements for new and experienced PGR supervisors at York.

FAQs for PGR Supervisors and Graduate Chairs

Expectations in Research Supervision Questionnaire

Designed to facilitate a discussion of expectations held by PGRs and supervisors. It is recommended that the form be completed independently by the supervisor(s) and the PGR and that the responses be the topic of discussion at a supervision meeting.

Access the Expectations in Research Supervision questionnaire

Principles of supervision

A student meets with their supervisor at a table

Within three months of the start of a PGRs registration, their supervisor(s) are expected to sign in Skillsforge that they have read 'Principles of supervision', summarising what is most essential to a successful supervisory relationship.

Principles of supervision

Quick start guides

Key links for SkillsForge Guidance Notes, TAP Guidance and Progression Forms can be found on the PGR supervisor web resources under the section PGR Supervision at the University of York (towards the bottom of the page).

View guides and forms

Additional Resources

The Researchers14 group has curated a variety of resources for Principle Investigator (PI) development, including a section on PGR Supervision, which can be accessed on the Researchers14 webpages.