RSSDp – Research Supervisor Support and Development programme| UCD Graduate Studies

This hybrid programme of workshops is targeted at new, inexperienced research supervisors and more experienced faculty who would like to refresh their knowledge on aspects of research supervisory practice. In 2025, the successful collaboration between UCD, TCD and RCSI continues, with each university offering specific workshops that are open to partner institutions. These collaborative workshops address key research supervisor challenges and contemporary practices and are not institute specific.

Please find the programme details on the brochure below:

Booking Information

Participants can book via the UCD Booking Centre below. For TCD workshop, booking will become available once details are confirmed.
For online workshops, the dial-in details will be confirmed to participants in advance of each workshop.

Note: UCD staff can view full details & materials from the workshops via the Staff Intranet

Read testimonials about the programme from previous participants

Key Learning Aims* of the RSSD Programme

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

Approach student recruitment in a manner which maximizes the likelihood of best candidate selection
Navigate institutional policies and procedures
Identify their own role as supervisor and frame the doctoral supervision process
Advise and assist students on structuring and managing their work
Be capable of carrying out a training needs analysis
Appreciate the challenges, problems and pitfalls of supervision and identify approaches to overcome these
Provide guidance to students on thesis and viva preparation
Handle conflict and understand mechanisms through which to seek resolution
Gain an understanding of the international norms associated with being an external examiner of research theses
Approach research supervision from a pedagogical perspective and examine reflective practice as a tool for practice development

*It is recommended that UCD participants attend all workshops to meet these learning aims. For certification, participants must attend 6 core workshops.