Problems in PhD supervision

Every supervision relationship has larger or smaller issues. In the first instance, the parties should make sure that there has not been a misunderstanding. Many problems arising from conflicting expectations can be solved through discussions between the supervisor and the doctoral student. It is important that you discuss your wishes and goals related to supervision clearly with your supervisor, and agree on practical means to achieve them. It is also good to recognise that you and your supervisor may disagree on the goals and practical matters related to supervision.

Sometimes it may happen that there are issues in your supervision relationship which may not be possible to solve merely by talking with the supervisor. In these cases, it is recommended that outside help is sought to solve the issue. In these kinds of situations, you can contact your possible monitoring group and/or the doctoral programme officer. We recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the process description for solving problems in supervision and the rights and responsibilities of each party. Your responsible teacher and the steering committee of your doctoral programme are also partly responsible for supervision arrangements so, if you wish, you may also contact them directly. University employees may also contact their own superiors.

Most importantly – don't be left alone. Even if you are unsure of whether you need help to solve the issue that has arisen, you can always contact the doctoral programme officer to talk about it confidentially. All problematic situations in supervision are taken seriously and every effort is made to find a solution for them that is satisfactory to both parties in order to ensure that they do not cause a delay to the completion of the doctoral dissertation. The steering committee of your doctoral programme will monitor the situation and ensure that the required measures are taken to defuse the problem and that they are effective.

Supervisors may also turn to the doctoral programme officer or the steering committee in problematic situations. University employees may also contact their own superiors. We recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the process description for solving problems in supervision and the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Supervision is a hierarchical, professional relationship in which each party respects the privacy of the other. The relationship entails mutual professional conduct and activity. The supervisor is not responsible for the life of the doctoral researcher outside the University.

All doctoral candidates must be treated equally. Particular attention is paid to the fact that no students are discriminated against based, for example, on their gender, ethnicity or age. The studies are to be arranged in such a way that different backgrounds do not hamper the completion of the degree. The University does not condone any type of inappropriate behaviour, bullying or harassment. The University has published its policies for the prevention of inappropriate behaviour and harassment. You can read more of the University policies in the instructions related inequality and discrimination at the university.