What is the Independent Study Program (ISP) & how do I complete it?  
       

The resources on this site include a program of independent study about research higher degree supervision. It is a flexible program designed for you to make some choices about how and what you want to learn about supervision. The ISP provides you with an opportunity to critically reflect on two questions: ‘why do I supervise the way I do?’ or if you have not yet supervised: ‘how will I go about supervising my first student?’

The ISP is structured around 7 web-based modules in which the first 6 correspond to the stages of a student's candidature. The final module - the Recognition Module invites you to write a case study of an aspect of your supervision practice. Your case study will be assessed against the university's criteria for good supervision, which underpin the philosophy of the program. Along the way, you can attend any of the workshops on offer throughout the year. Attendance at the workshops is optional. You can attend none, one or all of the workshops and still complete the ISP.

The flexible nature of the ISP means that you choose how the workshops and sessions can best support your learning about research supervision. Once you have completed all 7 modules, you will receive a Completion Certificate.

The Recognition Module asks you to bring together your learning about supervision through the preparation of a case study. The case study is intended to be a scholarly exploration of an aspect of your supervision practice You complete the Program once you have completed the Recognition Module. You receive a Certificate of Completion which is part of the accreditation process for the registration of supervisors. Three different workshops support your progress through the Independent Study Program. None of the workshops or sessions are compulsory for completion. It is up to individual supervisors to choose how participation in these can best support completion. Preparing for supervision Meeting the student Managing the process End of year review Helping your student write Completing the thesis Understanding Research Higher Degree Supervision Supervision Development Online Sessions Gaining Recognition for your Supervision Development


If you are new to supervision at the University, read the University Policy on Supervision Training (pdf) to determine your eligibility to supervise. This will help you decide whether you are required to complete the ISP. If you are still unsure, talk with your Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator or your Faculty Associate Dean (Research).

If you are an experienced supervisor, you may wish to use this website to access documents and references on research higher degree supervision or to find out more about supervision in the university context. It is worth noting that many experienced supervisors have found it useful to study the modules in the ISP in order to refresh their practice.

If you are a Faculty postgraduate coordinator or Associate Dean (Research), you can access resources from this site to enhance your faculty supervision development programs.

  
       
Read more about the Independent Study Program  
       
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