Choosing your PhD supervisor

After deciding on a topic for your Doctoral research project, it's now time to find a PhD supervisor - take the time to make the right choice, as they'll become crucial to your academic future

Most PhD students' choice of university is heavily influenced by the opportunity to work alongside a particular academic, as they're the person who'll have the biggest impact on your studies.

While it's possible to apply to an institution without contacting a potential supervisor beforehand, this approach can greatly diminish your chances of Doctoral success.

PhD candidates in many social sciences and arts and humanities subjects are encouraged to actively seek expert academics in their field prior to applying. However, some research projects - particularly those in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects tied to a PhD studentship - already have a supervisor allocated.

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

You should identify academics actively researching in your field by:

• approaching lecturers working within your current or potential department, as these individuals may be able to recommend supervisors
• browsing articles, publications and blogs relevant to your project, identifying the most commonly cited researchers
• reading recently submitted PhD dissertations within your research area, noting the supervisor used.

Once you've compiled a shortlist of individuals, visit their online academic profiles - for example, their page on the university website or their own website/blog. You can also follow their social media activity on Twitter (X), Facebook and LinkedIn.

This will signpost you to the articles, blogs, books and reports they've contributed to, plus any exhibitions, public engagement work or PhD research they've participated in - allowing you to decide whether they're a suitable fit, academically speaking.

How do I approach a potential supervisor?

You can then approach your selected potential supervisor (or several, if you're still deciding) with a tailored, well-written and passionate email. Make a positive first impression by:

• attaching your academic CV
• avoiding overstatements or vague generalisations, while keeping your message clear and concise
• conveying your skills and knowledge by introducing your academic background and the field you intend to research
• referring to the academic by their correct title
• showing your familiarity with and interest in the academic's work
• letting them know about any funding you're applying for.

Conclude your message by asking whether you could visit them in person, or at the very least speak over the phone or via Skype/Zoom/Teams. If you receive no response within two weeks, send a follow-up email.

Don't take any rejection personally. The academic may simply be too busy, already supervising several PhD students, or unsure whether your project is suitable.

How do I make a good impression?

If an academic agrees to meet you, they'll want to know whether you have the passion, tenacity and academic potential to complete a PhD.

You can also display your enthusiasm by asking your supervisor relevant questions, such as:

• How far do you see your responsibilities towards me extending?
• How much time would you have for me, and how often would we meet?
• What arrangements, if any, would be in place for a second supervisor?
• What characteristics do you feel successful PhD students have?
• What do you expect from the students you supervise?
• What funding and additional support is available at this institution?
• What is your opinion of my research topic and proposed methodology?
• What things should I do to supplement my PhD?

What qualities does a good supervisor possess?

Before deciding whether a PhD supervisor is right for you and applying to your chosen institution, you should be certain that the individual is:

• not intending to leave the institution permanently or go on sabbatical during your PhD
• of a similar personality and working style to you
• reliable and approachable, with a strong track record of supervising PhD students
• someone you're inspired by and proud to associate with
• sufficiently interested in and enthusiastic about your project to commit three to four years of their guidance, support and encouragement
• up to date in their knowledge of the latest findings and publications within your field and has strong connections within the world of academia.

How do I develop a positive relationship with my supervisor?

Your PhD supervisor will become your primary referee once you've graduated. Forging a strong relationship with them can greatly improve your chances of securing a postdoctoral job.

You can make a positive impression by performing many of the extra tasks expected of you - for example, teaching undergraduates, mentoring other postgraduates and representing the university at research conferences.

The University of Leicester recommends that you should also:

• be open and honest
• display independence and an ability to manage problems
• maintain regular contact
• meet agreed deadlines
• show a positive and professional attitude
• understand your mutual responsibilities and expectations
• use your supervisor's advice and feedback.

What can my supervisor help me with?

Unlike at Bachelors and Masters degree level, your supervisor isn't necessarily an expert in your specific field of study. You'll quickly know more about your research topic than they do - so you must appreciate that they may not have the answer to all your problems.

Indeed, your relationship with your supervisor will evolve as you become less dependent on their support. They will initially focus on helping you to produce quality research, but quickly shift their attention to reviewing your findings and assisting your professional development.

Can I change my PhD supervisor?

Some supervisors dedicate far more time to students than they're required to, while some prefer not to become too involved in their students' research. However, you shouldn't stay silent if you feel like things aren't working out - especially if you're studying a STEM subject, where your supervisor is often effectively your research collaborator.

It's for this reason you should spend plenty of time finding the right academic before enrolling, as changing your supervisor should be the last resort, unless your topic has significantly shifted in the initial months of study.

Before taking any action, assess the situation and go through the reasons why you're contemplating this change once you've already started working on your thesis. Is this down to compatibility or communication issues? Do you have opposing research interests?

If you do wish to pursue this course of action, bear in mind that the process can be complex and needs to be handled in the right way - with care and consideration. Also, the following process may not be the same at all universities.

How do I change my PhD supervisor?

In the first instance, you should speak with your lead supervisor. Explain to them about your concerns and what you feel are the most important factors for this request. Try to see if there's a way to overcome these issues and redefine your working relationship. Is any additional support available?

If things have reached a point where you're not comfortable approaching members of your supervisory team, another option would be to contact your mentor. If you're unsure who this would be, your school's postgraduate research administrator should be able to point you in the right direction.

After discussing this with a member of staff, you'll typically need to request a change of supervisor through your department's postgraduate research lead - the academic lead responsible for these matters. They should be able to authorise a supervisor change and propose suitable alternatives, if you don't already have one in mind. You'll then be guided through the formal process of changing your supervisor.

Find out more

• Explore funding postgraduate study.
• Discover 5 challenges faced by PhD students.
• Consider getting an academic job.