Working with a Research Supervisor is a central part of completing a research degree.

Your supervisor will help you develop practical research skills and research networks to support your progress. They will guide and mentor you from commencement through to final submission of your thesis. 

Finding a supervisor

The Coordinators in each of our areas of research strength or the Postgraduate Research Coordinator in your school or Faculty will help you find a supervisor.

Supervisors are academics with research strengths and interests similar to yours. They have extensive knowledge and experience in their field and a qualification at least equal to the degree you are undertaking. 

All research students are jointly supervised by a Principal and Associate Supervisor - Joint Supervision of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy.  

Make sure you contact your potential supervisor and discuss your research proposal before submitting your application. A potential supervisor may also be able to assist you by suggesting a project for your research.

Principal and Associate Supervisors

All Principal and Associate supervisors must undertake ongoing professional development and fulfil the procedural requirements in the Registration of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervisors policy to become a registered research supervisor. Registered supervisors will receive a reference list of useful resources to assist them in their role as a registered supervisor at VU. Registered supervisors, who attend a program external to VU, are requested to complete the Attendance of External Training for Research Supervisors Form and submit the form to the Faculty Advice Officer in your Faculty.

The VU policy on External Supervision of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy also permits the appointment of an external Associate Supervisor from industry or another university where this:

• enhances the quality and outcome of your project, and
• such expertise is not available at VU, or
• you have relocated outside Melbourne

All Principal and Associate Supervisors must submit an Application for Admission to the Register of Higher Degree Research Supervisors to become a registered supervisor. 

Student/supervisor relationship

Supervisor's role

Whilst approaches to supervision, work styles and interactions with students may vary, our supervisors will provide:

• academic support to help you develop the knowledge and skills to achieve the highest standard of research
• regular feedback on the design, management and analysis of data and information, presentation of results, thesis content and drafts
• advice on the standard of your performance and progress to ensure timely completion
• the names and credentials of suitable thesis examiners
• close and regular contact to support you from commencement to the award of your degree
• career advice and assistance

Student's role

It is important for you to establish a mutually agreeable working relationship with your supervisors early in your degree. Use the information below to help clarify roles and expectations and establish a productive working relationship with your supervisors.

• Issues for Consideration by the Supervisor
• Initial areas for discussion between the supervisor and student
• Responsibilities of the supervisor in the supervisory arrangement
• Interaction and establishing boundaries
• Issues for consideration by the student
• Problems with the supervisory relationship

Change of supervisor

You must obtain approval from your Head of School before completing an Application for Change in Supervision.

Contact us

To find a potential supervisor, please telephone or email the contact person in your area of research strength or the Postgraduate Research Coordinator in your school or Faculty.