How to manage your PhD or MRes supervisor relationship effectively

Practical steps:n

• Schedule regular meetings in advance — do not wait to be contacted
• Send a brief agenda 48 hours before each meeting so your supervisor can prepare
• Follow up with written notes of what was discussed and agreed — this protects you both
• Keep a supervision log — many UK universities require this formally for progression

nnIf you disagree with feedback:n

• It is completely acceptable to push back respectfully with reasoned arguments
• Frame it as “I had a different interpretation of X because Y — can we discuss?” not a direct challenge

nnUKBuddy Research Student Resources