Your supervisor is the member of staff who guides your dissertation. As well as advising you, your supervisor will also mark your dissertation.

This guidance explains what to expect from them and how to use their expertise effectively.

 

Be proactive

You're assigned a supervisor based on your research proposal. Once your supervisor has been confirmed, arrange your first meeting promptly. This is your project, so they’ll expect you to contact them. Don't wait for your supervisor to contact you.

In an early meeting, discuss with your supervisor:

  • how often you'll stay in contact by email
  • when they're available and when they're not, up to your final submission deadline
  • the date after which they can't give further feedback

 

 

Come prepared

Since you're the one arranging meetings, you'll know what each one is for. Use that to prepare. Bring something to show them for that specific purpose, even if it's just a rough brainstorm or a list of questions.

Sending your questions ahead of the meeting gives your supervisor time to think them through, and they'll appreciate it.

 

 

Planning and managing your deadlines

Plan your monthly workload and deadlines with your supervisor. This includes when to finish chapters or sections, when you'll send those drafts, and when to expect feedback. These personal deadlines can be adjusted later if needed.

When contacting your supervisor, give them two working days to reply before sending any follow-up emails. They're often balancing other commitments too (other students, teaching, marking, research, and periods of leave).

Your course also has formal submission dates. Your supervisor may not be able to give feedback after certain dates, or once they've looked at particular sections. If you're struggling to meet a deadline, tell your supervisor early to discuss whether an extension is possible.

 

 

Their advice, your decision

Use your supervisor's subject expertise. They're usually best placed to help with your specific topic.

Your supervisor will likely suggest a variety of approaches for you to consider. This doesn't mean you need to follow every suggestion, or try to combine them all. Discuss with your supervisor which option fits your project best, but decisions about your dissertation are ultimately yours to make.

 

 

Page last edited: 19 August 2026
Next review due: 19 August 2029