Finding a research supervisor

If you are proposing your own research idea, you will need to find a research supervisor. How to find a supervisor depends on the degree programme you are applying to.

The role of a supervisor

A supervisor is your main point of contact during your degree. They will: 

  • be an expert in your field, but not the precise topic you are researching
  • provide you with support, guidance and feedback during your research
  • regularly meet with you 

Research supervisors are either staff members of the University or based in one of the research units or institutions associated with the University.  

When applying for a research degree, potential supervisors can help you with: 

  • reviewing your proposed research
  • refining and improving your research proposal
  • locating funding and applying for funding 

How to find a potential supervisor

  1. Find the degree programme or research institute that is most relevant to your area of interest. If your proposed research is interdisciplinary, you may need to look at more than one programme.
  2. Check the availability of facilities and resources necessary for your research.
  3. Check details on the degree finder for how to find a supervisor for the programme you are interested in. You will either need to search staff profiles and contact someone directly, or you will need to contact a school’s postgraduate admin office. You may also need to have a proposal ready when contacting potential supervisors.
  4. If contacting an academic directly, first make sure they are open to enquiries about supervision. You can find this information on staff profiles. 

Staff profiles 

If you cannot find information on who to contact, or if you have further questions, you should contact our enquiry team. 

Contact us if you cannot find out how to get a research supervisor 

Hearing back from supervisors

Supervisors are in high demand and may not be able to respond to your enquiry immediately. 

Some may already be supervising the maximum number of PhD students they can and will not be able to take on any new students. 

At the same time as you look for a supervisor, you should also be: 

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