Supervising higher degree research students: an investigation of practices across a range of academic departments

Abstract

This report the investigates ways in which higher degree supervision takes place across a range of academic departments. The significance of the disciplinary setting to the processes of higher degree supervision and the induction of higher degree students to specialised academic communities is examined. Patterns of supervisory practice in each of four broad groups of disciplinary areas are identified. These disciplinary areas are: the humanities, the sciences, the social sciences and the applied professions. Exemplary supervisory practices appropriate to each of these groups of disciplinary areas are explained in the context of the research cultures in which they occur. Finally, several general issues related to aspects of higher degree supervision in Australian universities are discussed and recommendations for further research are made.