COMPLEXITIES OF A HYPOTHETICAL CO-SUPERVISION CASE

Abstract

This essay reflects on possible complexities that embarking on co-supervising a doctoral candidate might entail. The hypothetical co-supervision case under consideration is one between different disciplines, organisations and countries, and it focuses on how differences in understanding the role of a PhD candidate might surface. Furthermore, the importance of reflecting on the nature of the project, whether it is an open brief or a specified project, is highlighted. This also necessitates consideration of the extent to which the supervisors connect ownership to the project idea, outcome, and process. Lastly, the importance of the role of the supervisor in supporting the PhD candidate towards becoming an independent researcher is raised. As a conclusion, attention is drawn to the need for potential co-supervisors to articulate and discuss their stances and expectations on the above questions prior to embarking on co-supervision; this is in order to prevent or lessen possible tensions at a later stage.