(Super)^2Vision

(Super)^2vision

Disengagement from PhD studies (including extended leave, suspension of study or dropping out) can be as high as 60% of all those who enrol.  Given this, there has been much speculation and research into the factors that affect PhD student experience and completion of academic studies: academic ability, financial support and mental health are all commonly cited.  PhD programmes are also frequently considered to be lonely and the support available can vary both between and within institutions in terms of intellectual and pastoral care, as well as peer support in the form of informal networks, peer interaction and social and discussion groups. This has arguably been compounded with the covid-19 pandemic and the frequent lockdowns meaning that libraries, offices and communal workspaces have either been closed or had severely limited access.

This project aims to explore PhD students’ experience of supervision and support during their studies and how it contributes to wellbeing and self-confidence. We will also examine what aspects of supervision and support are important to students in order to generate recommendations for how students can be supported during their doctoral studies in the future.