UCD RSSDP Testimonials

 “The course... gave me invaluable tools to structure future supervisions. The presentations and discussions enabled me to think of the PhD holistically. The course made visible elements to PhD supervision which are often undervalued or overlooked- such as interpersonal skills, managing expectations and preparing the researcher for their future career. Prior to this course, PhD supervision often seemed a mystical process. This course allowed me to value and understand decisions I had been performing intuitively. The RSSDP gave me confidence in my ability to engage and resolve problems and to think creatively around supporting researchers in a humanities PhD.”

School of English, Drama and Film

“The programme taught me experience through listening to the insights of others.”

School of Agriculture & Food Science

“I feel much better prepared to supervise a PhD student as a result of completing the course.”

School of UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems

“I found the RSSDP tremendously useful. As a new supervisor, in my third year at UCD, information about how to recruit and set expectations and schedules was very helpful.”

School of English, Drama and Film

“As an early career researcher and academic, I found the RSSDP very helpful and useful. The programme provided great insight into best practice as a PhD supervisor and it was tremendously helpful to hear from experienced and successful supervisors from UCD and Trinity College Dublin.”

School of Mathematics and Statistics

 “As a result of completing the programme, I have a more constructive attitude towards the input of RSP and TAP in the Student’s learning process: not just checks on the way and boxes to tick, there is a greater emphasis on collegiality. I have a greater overall confidence caused by the awareness the structures are in place to defuse conflicts and handle them in a non-personalized way. I have a greater awareness of the resources and regulations surrounding supervision and the rationale for them.”

School of Languages, Culture and Linguistics

“Reduced anxiety because I found the challenges, I was experiencing were not unique (behavior and approach to supervision).”

School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy

“Sociable aspect was important – I really enjoyed meeting up with the same group and a lot of experience was shared over coffee. Even though the group was mixed disciplinary, I learned a lot from other areas.”

School of Languages, Culture & Linguistics

“Many elements of the program were useful for considerations when guiding or ‘navigating’ excellent students. The time gap between each workshop was valuable as ‘I was thinking about what was being said in the workshops all along’. Having a ‘training’ programme like this is crucial to academic life on campus and all new academics should receive some form of induction/ orientation into the research supervision role.”

School of Computer Science

“The mixed group was  a good idea as was having the more senior academics as you could take on board the relevant parts of lots of different scenarios and adapt them to your own situation. Being part of a mixed disciplinary group enables participants to ‘think outside the box’.”

School of Veterinary Medicine