Program Overview
Program Overview
The UPED694B Ph.D. supervision course is a 30-hour program that combines theoretical and practical knowledge to support PhD students' academic and professional learning. The course is offered in English and Norwegian.
Course Goals and Content
This course offers a modular approach to doctoral supervision, exploring core supervision-related pedagogical concepts and institutional policies. Participants will learn to manage challenges specific to interdisciplinary and diverse supervision, emphasizing key skills such as:
- Establishing trusting supervisor-supervisee relationships
- Analyzing and reporting student progress
- Providing constructive feedback
- Fostering critical thinking and encouraging independence
- Creating an inclusive, motivating, and engaging learning space
- Adapting supervision practices to accommodate students' needs and expectations
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand key concepts of doctoral supervision and pedagogical theories relevant to supervising PhD students
- Identify the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary supervision in higher education
- Describe institutional policies and ethical considerations regarding doctoral supervision
- Analyze PhD students' progress and challenges, applying appropriate supervisory strategies to meet individual needs
- Apply evidence-based supervision techniques that foster critical thinking, independence, and relevant communication with PhD students
- Evaluate and provide constructive feedback on doctoral research work, proposals, and academic writing
- Create an inclusive and motivating supervision environment that supports doctoral students' academic and emotional well-being
General Competencies
Participants will develop competencies to:
- Lead productive supervisor-supervisee relationships, demonstrating awareness of personal biases and intercultural diversity
- Collaborate with co-supervisors or other stakeholders, facilitating multidisciplinary projects
- Adapt supervision practices to align with academic standards, technological advancements, and students' professional development in their career
- Design supervision plans that consider student diversity, mental health, and research progression, incorporating flexible and inclusive approaches
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course includes:
- Two on-site days, totaling 15 hours of attendance
- An additional 15 hours designated for independent work, including asynchronous discussions, group collaboration, final assignment preparation, and pre-class tasks
- Brief input sessions, followed by discussions and small task completions during on-site sessions
- Asynchronous discussions based on videos from expert supervisor trainers, supervisors from the field, and supervisees
Forms of Assessment
The assessment includes both formative and summative elements, with participants receiving feedback from course tutors and peers on their completed assignments and reflective posts. Active participation in synchronous and asynchronous tasks, as well as the submission of a main assignment, is expected of all participants.