Early Career Researcher Noticeboard

Studies have consistently shown that the very high PhD student attrition rate of 40–50% across all disciplines is due directly or indirectly to the level and quality of support that PhD students receive from their School/​Department/​University and their supervisory team. This may be unsurprising, as the bespoke, individualised nature of PhD study renders the kinds of common teaching and learning approaches and strategies developed for UG or PGT programmes largely ineffective.

There is now an impetus for supervisors to look at how PhD students can be supported at an individual-level, and what Schools/​Universities can strategically do to improve the overall experience of PhD students. Based on Dr Phua’s research into the importance of the overall departmental environment in PhD student satisfaction, this event will explore the role of supervisors’ supportiveness, rather than their academic ability, as a key driver of PhD student satisfaction.

The event will involve a presentation by Dr Phua, followed by an ​‘Action Learning Set’ structure to discuss key challenges related to PhD student satisfaction.