Research postgraduate issues
Frequently asked questions:
- I am a postgraduate student, can I visit Student Services?
- My postgraduate experience isn't what I expected, is this normal?
- I feel that I am not getting proper supervision/feedback, is there anything I can do?
- I am worried about raising a problem in case it causes more problems. Surely all students have some problems and I should just get on with it as best as I can?
- Is it really worth raising my problems in the Annual Report for Postgraduate Research Students? Who sees these?
- I want to change my research focus.
- My supervisor wants to change my research focus.
- I'd like to go to a conference, but my supervisor says there is no funding for me.
- Another student in my group gets all the attention/conference money. What can I do?
- I'd like to gain some teaching experience or participate in career development, but my supervisor wants me to put 100% focus into my project.
- My supervisor expects me to work long hours and doesn't seem to like me taking any time off - including weekends!
- I need to take a break from my studies. What are my options?
- I'm a postgraduate research student and feel pretty isolated.
Q: I am a postgraduate student, can I visit Student Services?
A: Of course! Student Services are available to all postgraduate students. Many postgraduate students can feel a little lost when they start at St Andrews, so popping in for a chat can often help. Also, the Money Adviser can help with information on budgeting, and sources of funding.
Q: My postgraduate experience isn't what I expected, is this normal?
A: All postgraduate experiences are different, mainly because the dynamic between each student and their supervisor will not be the same. Many students take a little time to adjust to the independent learning required for postgraduate study. Postgraduate students also tend to be unsure of their role, and that of their supervisor. For more information, see Research postgraduate programmes
Q: I feel that I am not getting proper supervision/feedback, is there anything I can do?
A: Yes. If you feel you can, discuss this directly with your supervisor. If you cannot do this, you should attempt to consult one of the following people, as you feel appropriate:
- your second supervisor
- your tutor
- your internal examiner
- the School's director of postgraduate studies, or programme organiser
- the Head of School
- the Postgraduate Pro Dean
- Student Services
Make sure you have read the relevant sections of the policy for supervisors and students in research postgraduate programmes, detailing the responsibilities of the supervisor and the student. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it is your postgraduate study, but your supervisor is there to guide you through it.
Q: I am worried about raising a problem in case it causes more problems. Surely all students have some problems and I should just get on with it as best as I can?
A: Many students do not feel that they can raise issues either because they are under the impression that all students have problems, and / or they don't want to damage their relationship with their supervisor / internal examiner / other staff in the School, or have raised problems in the past without resolution.
If you are deciding whether to raise the issue, or would like advice on how to raise it, contact the Academic Adviser at Student Services. Speaking to your supervisor about any problems you are having as soon as possible is the best way to resolve most problems.
Q: Is it really worth raising my problems in the Annual Report for Postgraduate Research Students? Who sees these?
A: If you are having issues, it is always best to raise them directly with your supervisor. However, you can raise issues on the Annual Report form, which are monitored by the Postgraduate Pro-Dean of the relevant Faculty. You can indicate on the form whether you would like the Pro-Dean to investigate the matter further, by contacting you, or the School. Any pattern of issues or general comments may be passed onto the School's director of postgraduate studies.
Q: I want to change my research focus.
A: This isn't always possible. It is dependent on the staff available and you would need to discuss any changes with your supervisor/School.
Q: My supervisor wants to change my research focus.
A: Although sometimes a little unnerving, changing research focus isn't always a bad thing. If you have been asked to do some work on another project for a short while it should expand your field and may lead to additional publications. If you are being asked to change your focus entirely, you may want to discuss this with other staff within the School, your secondary supervisor and the School's director of postgraduate studies. You may be given extra time to complete the work, and it may lead to better results than the original project.
Q: I'd like to go to a conference, but my supervisor says there is no funding for me.
A: Your supervisor is likely to be right! Although attending and presenting at conferences is a necessary part of your development, funding isn't always available. Discuss the options with your supervisor. They might be saving the money for you to participate in a more relevant conference, or they may know of external sources of funding.
Q: Another student in my group gets all the attention/conference money. What can I do?
A: Different students need different levels of guidance throughout their study, just as there are conferences and other opportunities that are better suited to particular students or projects. Speak to your supervisor about how you feel, or your second supervisor if more appropriate.
Q: I'd like to gain some teaching experience or participate in career development, but my supervisor wants me to put 100% focus into my project.
A: Your primary focus should be to complete your project within the necessary completion date. However, it is important that you take the opportunities to expand your skills and experience. You and your supervisor can discuss how best to incorporate career development into your work schedule.
Q: My supervisor expects me to work long hours and doesn't seem to like me taking any time off - including weekends!
A: Breaks for study are very important. They allow you to take time away from your work to refresh, so that you can return ready to meet the next goal. The holiday entitlement and expected working hours for postgraduate research students is usually stipulated by the funding body (if applicable). With a little forward planning, you may be able to identify periods of intense workload, allowing you to allocate appropriate time for analysis, writing, conferences, career development and breaks. If you discuss your plan with your supervisor and meet your targets then you should be able to take a little time out to recharge!
Q: I need to take a break from my studies. What are my options?
A: Have a look at the guidance on Taking Time Out. Postgraduate research students can apply to take a leave of absence at any time. To discuss this further, contact the Postgraduate Pro-Dean of the relevant Faculty.
Q: I'm a postgraduate research student and feel pretty isolated.
A: Often research students can become very focused on work, and may find making friends outside of their research group/School difficult. Come and speak to someone at Student Services, or get in touch with the Postgraduate Society.