A supervisory team supports each graduate student. This team includes the supervisors, the departmental Director of Graduate Studies and, sometimes, an Advisor. In some departments, e.g. the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, the Advisor is known as a ‘Senior Doctoral Training Advisor’.

The Policy on Research Degrees sets out the responsibilities of the supervisor and also of the student

The Code of Practice for Supervisors in the Medical Sciences Division incorporates the requirements of all supervisors as set out in the Policy on Research Degrees. Any supervisor accepting a student is thereby accepting the obligations set out in the Policy on Research Degrees and by the Medical Sciences Board.

The role of the supervisor

To meet with the student regularly in accordance with divisional and departmental guidelines and as agreed with the student
To avoid unnecessary delays in the progress of the research
To assist the student to work within a planned framework and timetable, (in particular by conducting regular reviews of the student’s progress); and request written work as
appropriate and in accordance with the plan and milestones discussed with the student and return submitted work with constructive criticism within a reasonable time
To consider any requests for part-time or flexible working and do their best to accommodate such requests, including supporting formal application for part-time registration.
To assist the student with the preparation, timetable and submission of material relating to applications for transfer of status, for re-admission after completion of preliminary research training or other course, and for confirmation of status, and to provide appropriate feedback, especially where the student has failed to meet the required standards.
To advise the student on the composition of their thesis and on the timing for thesis submission, and read and comment on the thesis text itself
To consult with the student in order to make recommendations for the appointment of examiners
To be accessible to the student at appropriate times when advice is needed and respond to requests for advice within a reasonable timescale
To discuss the student’s training needs with them and monitor their ability to write a coherent account of their work in good English; advise them where they might find training provision
To pursue opportunities for the student to discuss his or her work with others in the wider academic community (including the presentation of research outcomes where relevant) at University, national and international level.

Submission of theses - the role of the supervisor

In Oxford the responsibility for deciding when to submit a thesis for the MSc or DPhil rests with the student. The supervisor’s opinion is only advisory. Nevertheless the Medical Sciences Board wishes to emphasise that it is important that students should avail themselves of this advice; that the supervisor should advise the student by criticising early drafts of chapters, if asked to do so and that the supervisor should read a near final draft of the thesis, if asked to do so. The Medical Sciences Board also wishes to emphasise that the student should take due account of the supervisor’s opinion when it has been sought and that it is in the student’s interests to ensure that the final version of the thesis has been made available to the supervisor.

The Medical Sciences Board is particularly concerned that examiners should not be required to undertake work that might reasonably have been avoided through the proper interaction between student and supervisor during the preparation of theses as set out in the Policy on Research Degrees. The Medical Sciences Board is concerned at the possible negative effect that inadequately prepared theses may have upon the willingness of examiners to act.

The problem is infrequent but when it occurs it can involve examiners in substantial effort because of the need to document in detail the manner in which presentation is inadequate. It can also involve the student in additional expense and work. The Medical Sciences Board has considered the possibility of requiring supervisors to confirm that they have read the thesis but believes that it may be best to underline the importance of this problem in the first instance.

The role of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)

To act as the first point of contact where differences of opinion arise between supervisor and student
To ensure that students are aware of all University requirements and that relevant administrative matters (transfer & confirmation of status, appointment of examiners etc) are completed in good time

The role of the Advisor / Senior Doctoral Training Advisor / Departmental Graduate Committee (Not relevant to all departments)

To act in addition to the supervisor

Can be consulted by Director of Graduate Studies regarding matters relating to the student

The role of the College Advisor

To provide pastoral support, for example on health, personal or coping issues, and/or direct you to appropriate persons for assistance
To monitor your progress, by discussing your University supervision reports and by being available for consultation, either in person or by email
To discuss with you any problems or difficulties you may be experiencing in your Department or Faculty, and/or with your supervisor
To consult the Tutor for Graduates/Senior Tutor if there are concerns about your academic progress and if you appear to be experiencing difficulties with your academic work
To offer guidance on sources of support available within the College and University. This is additional and complementary to that provided in the student’s department or faculty.