Choosing your PhD supervisor

Most PhD students' choice of university is heavily influenced by the opportunity to work alongside a particular academic, as that person will have the biggest impact on their studies.

For many applicants, choosing the right supervisor is just as important as choosing the right course or institution.

While it's possible to apply to an institution without contacting a potential supervisor beforehand, this approach can greatly diminish your chances of Doctoral success.

PhD candidates in many social science and arts and humanities subjects are encouraged to actively seek out expert academics in their field before applying. However, some research projects - particularly those in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects tied to a PhD studentship - already have a supervisor allocated.

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

You should identify academics actively researching in your field by:

• approaching lecturers working within your current or potential department, as these individuals may be able to recommend supervisors
• browsing articles, publications and blogs relevant to your project, identifying commonly cited researchers
• reading recently submitted PhD dissertations within your research area and noting the supervisor.

Once you've compiled a shortlist, visit their academic profiles on university staff pages, personal sites or social media. For example, many UK universities, such as the University of Leeds and The University of Edinburgh, publish detailed staff profiles outlining research interests and supervision areas.

You can also follow their work through publications, research projects or public engagement activities.

This will give you a clearer sense of whether their research interests and approach align with your own.

At this stage, it's worth keeping more than one option open. Looking at several researchers makes it easier to compare things like:

• areas of expertise
• availability and current commitments
• supervision styles.

Choosing a supervisor is as much about a good working relationship as it is about academic fit.

How do I approach a potential supervisor?

You should approach your selected supervisor (or several, if you're still deciding) with a tailored, well-written email.

Your message should:

• introduce your academic background
• outline your research interests or proposal
• show you've engaged with their work.

Attach your academic CV and mention any funding applications where relevant.

Keep your email concise and avoid overstatements - a clear, focused message is more effective than trying to cover too much.

If you don't receive a reply within a couple of weeks, it's acceptable to send a polite follow-up. A lack of response is often down to time pressures rather than a lack of interest.

How do I make a good impression?

If an academic agrees to meet you, they'll want to assess whether you have the motivation and potential to complete a PhD - but this is also your chance to decide whether they're the right supervisor for you.

One of the best ways to show your interest is by asking thoughtful questions related to:

• how often you would meet and what level of support to expect
• whether a second supervisor is involved
• what they expect from their PhD students
• the funding and additional support available.

Rather than trying to impress, focus on having a genuine conversation about how you would work together.

What qualities does a good supervisor possess?

Before applying, make sure you're confident that the supervisor:

• is actively engaged in research in your field
• has a strong track record of supervising PhD students
• is reliable, approachable and able to provide regular feedback
• shows genuine interest in your project
• maintains links within the wider academic community.

Equally important is whether their working style suits you. Some supervisors are highly involved, while others expect more independence - neither is inherently better, but one may suit you more than the other.

A good fit might be someone with:

• clear and timely communication
• realistic expectations
• students who have completed their PhD successfully.

On the other hand, possible warning signs include:

• consistently slow responses
• limited recent research activity
• unclear expectations around supervision.

These won't always be deal-breakers, but they're worth considering before committing.

The following issues can also become more significant once your PhD is underway:

• conflicting feedback from multiple supervisors
• limited availability of the supervisor
• unclear boundaries.

How do I develop a positive relationship with my supervisor?

Your PhD supervisor will become your primary referee once you've graduated, so building a strong working relationship is important.

The University of Leicester recommends that you should:

• act on feedback
• be open and honest
• maintain regular contact
• meet agreed deadlines
• take responsibility for your work.

Over time, your relationship will naturally shift. Early on, your supervisor will provide more direction, but as your research develops, you'll be expected to work more independently.

What can my supervisor help me with?

Your supervisor's role will evolve throughout your PhD.

At the beginning, they'll help you:

• choose suitable methods
• plan your project
• refine your research topic.

However, as your work progresses, their focus will move towards:

• offering feedback and challenge
• reviewing your findings
• supporting your professional development.

While they guide you, you'll gradually become the expert in your specific area - so it's important to take ownership of your research.

Can I change my PhD supervisor?

Some supervisors dedicate more time to their students than others, and working styles can vary. However, you shouldn't ignore concerns if you feel the relationship isn't working - particularly in subjects where your supervisor plays a more active role in your research.

It's for this reason that choosing the right supervisor at the outset is so important. Changing supervisors is usually a last resort, unless your research direction shifts significantly in the early stages.

Ask yourself:

• Are the issues related to communication or expectations?
• Or do they stem from differences in research interests?

Remember that problems can arise for a variety of reasons - from limited availability to differences in working style - so it's worth identifying any concerns early.

How do I change my PhD supervisor?

If you're considering a change, the first step is usually to speak with your lead supervisor. Outline your concerns and see whether adjustments to your working relationship might help - for example, setting clearer expectations or arranging additional support.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this, you could instead speak to a mentor or another member of staff. Your postgraduate research administrator should be able to advise on whom to contact.

If a change is still needed, you'll typically need to make a formal request through your department's postgraduate research lead. They can help approve the change, suggest alternative supervisors, and guide you through the process.

Keep in mind that procedures vary between universities, so it's important to follow your institution's guidance.

Find out more

• Read about funding postgraduate study.
• Consider getting an academic job.
• Discover what else you can do after completing a PhD.