Introduction to research supervision

The course is designed for employees at Stockholm university who lack prior experiences of doctoral-level supervision and will take on a supervisory role within one year of attending the course. This is a preparatory course and does not substitute, either in whole or in part, the course Research Supervision- theory and practice, equivalent to 3 credits.

Course content and structure

Through discussions with colleagues from various academic subjects and disciplines, course participants will develop insights into disciplinary and local traditions of doctoral supervision. 

The course includes the following topics:

• local rules and regulations, particularly the individual study plan (ISP) and the subject study plan (ASP) and how these govern doctoral education
• the professional role of the doctoral supervisor, including responsibilities
• strategies on how to build and maintain a professional doctoral student-supervisor relationship

The course includes two half-day meetings, readings, and one written assignment. Attendance at the course meetings is mandatory.

Admisson

The course targets employees at Stockholm university who lacks previous experiences of doctoral-level supervision and plan to take on a supervisory role within one year of attending the course. Participants are required to have a doctoral degree (or equivalent). After being accepted to the course, your application is binding. In case of cancellation less than four weeks before the course starts, your department will be charged a cancellation fee of 2 000 SEK. By signing up, you confirm that your registration is approved by the Head of your Department or equivalent.

Selection process

If there are more applicants than available places in the course, we will prioritise the applications. It is therefore of the utmost importance that you complete your application form as thoroughly as possible.

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• first, priority is given to applicants employed at Stockholm University who will soon be supervising a doctoral student
• second, applicants who previously applied for this course but were not accepted will be prioritised
• third, selection is based on the date of application

We strive for an even distribution of participants across faculties and gender.

Application 

Applications for enrolment for the spring 2026 course open on 15 October and close when the course is full or, at the latest, two weeks before the course starts.

This course is intended for, and offered free of charge to, employees or affiliates of Stockholm University. Please note that your registration is binding. If you withdraw less than four weeks before the course start date, your department will be debited a cancellation fee of 2 000 SEK. By registering, you confirm that your participation has been approved by your Head of Department or equivalent.

Register for the course via our course portal