Exploring the relationship between PhD students, main and, co-supervisors

Abstract

The relationship between PhD students, main and co-supervisors is of great importance for students’ development including enculturation, critical thinking, emancipation, and relationship development. This study explores the relationship between PhD students and their supervisors through two webbased surveys (one for PhDs and one for supervisors) and three interview studies. From the survey results, we find that the PhD students mainly interact with their main supervisors. Overall, the survey and interview results indicate that having more than one supervisor could be empowering for the PhD students if the supervisors have clear and complementary roles.