In addition to supporting research projects, supervisors are also well-placed to offer guidance to help supervisees develop knowledge, skills and experiences that benefit them in and beyond academia. This includes helping them navigate the many opportunities available throughout their studies, determine which opportunities are most beneficial to their individual goals and aspirations, and reflect on achievements and development plans.
The SWDTP understands that institutions offer or require supervisory training locally. As such, we try to offer training in areas where we have identified gaps, such as strengthening the capacity to support the development of transferrable skills and ability to monitor wellbeing and signpost to appropriate support.
Getting to know the SWDTP
Our ‘Getting to know the SWDTP’ series of webpages explains our key processes, studentship requirements, and funding opportunities available to you.
Compulsory training for new supervisors
If you are supervising an SWDTP-funded student for the first time since the 2024/25 academic year, you must read this series and complete an accompanying short quiz before your supervisee commences study.
Supporting an SWDTP supervisee’s researcher development
Some SWDTP-funded students, depending on when their studies commenced, must engage with Development Needs Analysis (DNA) and complete a placement as part of their studentships. Read our best practice guidelines on what you can do to support your supervisee in taking full advantage of these opportunities to meet their development objectives.
Past events
Interdisciplinary Research Supervisor Training Workshop, 20 Jan 2025
This workshop aims to guide and support research supervisors in negotiating the complexity of interdisciplinary research supervision with tips and tools for best practice. This workshop will be useful for new and experienced research supervisors who are interested in learning more about how we can support students undertaking interdisciplinary research. The workshop is relevant for all disciplines.
The workshop was developed and led by Helen Thomas-Hughes (Associate Professor in Community-Engaged Research and Pedagogy, Cabot Education Director, University of Bristol), and Jo Rose (Associate Professor in Social Psychology of Education, University of Bristol).