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Research Supervision

In this module, we focus on supervision of PhD candidates in terms of feedback strategies, different cultures of supervision, and the supervisor-supervisee relationship. The content will also partly relate to supervision of master students.

feedback exchange between phd students in a meeting room
Photo: Shane Colvin

Why choose this module?

Supervising students in their research work is an essential task for academic teachers. Nevertheless, no formal training is required. There are a few areas where supervisors may share their experiences.

The module aims to provide you with insight into varied cultures of research supervision that exist at the University of Oslo, and inspire you to develop your supervision skills further. The module deals with the supervising of PhD students. 

In this module, you learn about

  • The relationship between supervisor and student
  • Emotional aspects in research supervision
  • Supervision and ambitions
  • Challenges for students and supervisors in different phases of the supervisory process
  • Tools for feedback on written work
  • Quality assurance of research supervision
  • Internationalization and supervision
  • Ethical guidelines for supervision

 

Organisation

The module comprises three face-to-face sessions with individual in-between work on behalf of the participants.  

The first day starts with discussions of discipline-specific cultures of supervision. We then focus on theme-specific discussions of different aspects of research supervision followed by summaries/ comments by the module leader. 

During the second day, participants explore topics they would like to look in-depth into to expand their repertoire of supervisory competencies. We will supplement group work, exchange experiences and opinions with research findings, relevant regulations and practical advice. Participants are informed about guidelines for their development work and formulate issues they want to explore further. 

In the period up to the next module meeting, participants will try out ‘new’ strategies in their supervision and reflect systematically on their experiences. They will present their work and open for discussion on it in a brief report on the final half-day. 

Practical Information

  • The spoken language is English. You can write your assignments in a Scandinavian language.
  • Participants: Academic staff at the University of Oslo

  • Module scope: 30 hours

  • Admission requirement: At the moment of application, you must have started or completed the 'Foundation module' in English or Norwegian
  • The application period for the spring semester of 2025 will open on October 7th, 2024, and close on November 15th, 2024.

Module dates spring 2025

Mandatory sessions