PhD Supervisor Training

Certified PhD Supervisor Programme

Prepare. Supervise. Publish. Lead.

At Doctoral College UK, we ensure our PhD supervisors are research-active, pedagogically skilled, and fully prepared to guide candidates to successful completion. This structured certification programme supports both new and experienced supervisors across two tailored pathways.

Two Certification Pathways

Pathway A: New / Early-Career Supervisors

Duration: 1 Year (alongside first PhD supervision)
Designed for: Academic staff with no prior PhD supervision experience

Pathway B: Experienced Supervisors

Duration: 8 Weeks (CPD Format)
Designed for: Academics who have already supervised PhD students to completion

Pathway A: New / Early-Career Supervisors

Duration: 1 Year (alongside first PhD supervision).

Designed for: Academic staff with no prior PhD supervision experience.

Programme Structure:

Trimester 1: Foundations of PhD Supervision

Understanding UK doctoral frameworks
Research ethics and academic integrity
Student support and milestone planning

Trimester 2: Applied Supervision Practice

Feedback strategies and co-supervision
Research timelines and intellectual property
Preparing students for conferences and publications

Trimester 3: Supervising to Completion

Viva preparation and submission readiness
Conflict resolution and supervision review
Reflective practice and supervisory development

Certification Requirements:

Successful supervision of one PhD student through to submission
At least one 2-star (REF-standard) research publication by the end of first supervision

Pathway B: Experienced Supervisors

Duration: 8 Weeks (CPD Format)
Designed for: Academics who have already supervised PhD students to completion

Course Highlights:

UK doctoral supervision refresh
Enhancing supervision impact and research culture
Supporting publication, ethics, and student progression
Reflective teaching portfolio and peer mentorin
Certification Requirements:
Peer review participation or co-mentoring
Submission of a 2-star publication or co-authored output with a supervisee

Key Benefits

Certified to act as a Lead Supervisor (Director of Studies) at Doctoral College UK
Join the Doctoral College UK Supervisor Registry
Enhance your supervisory, mentoring, and research profile
Help shape future research leaders

Award: Certified PhD Supervisor (Doctoral College UK)

Recognised by our partner institutions and aligned with national doctoral supervision standards.

Get Certified Today

Whether you're a first-time supervisor or an experienced academic leader, our certification ensures
you meet the highest standards in doctoral supervision.