Training for supervisors

Supervisor training from January 2027

Supervisor training is being restructured and reorganised to make it easier for you to find opportunities, record your training and ensure you stay up to date with latest developments.

From January 2027, supervisor training will be structured into three Tiers

Tier 1: A module introducing research degrees supervision, expected supervisory practices and basic regulatory requirements at the OU (asynchronous; online)

• Internal, external and Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) supervisors and supervisory teams will not be approved to undertake supervision without this basic requirement having been completed by all supervisors.
• This module must be re-taken every four years.
• As required, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) training (to be repeated every two years or as required by current PGR circumstances) will also form part of Tier 1. Due to rapidly changing requirements, these will be synchronous sessions.

Tier 2: A three-hour workshop offered 2-3 times per year (synchronous; in person and online)

• This workshop will need to be taken by all new-to-supervision internal supervisors, with a modified ARC-specific version offered to ARCs.
• It will consist of discussions/case studies around different topics.
• Tier 2 will only need to be completed once, and within a year of the new supervisor taking on PGR supervision for the first time.
• Together, Tiers 1 and 2 provide OU supervisor certification and will replace the current ‘Introduction to Research Degrees Supervision (IRDS)’ training.
• All supervisors who have taken IRDS will need to take Tier 1 every 4 years but will not need to repeat Tier 2..

Tier 3: A series of workshops designed to be accessed at the point of need (synchronous; in person and online)

• Example topics include supervision through upgrade, writing up, preparing for viva, working with students with mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties or neurodivergent conditions.
• Sessions will be offered at least yearly and will be synchronous.
• This will also include sessions that are not specifically designed for supervisors but may be relevant, such as dealing with complaints/appeals, and ethics training.

A revised version of Appendix 2 of the Research Degree Regulations, reflecting these changes, will go into effect 1 August 2026.

Introduction to Research Degree Supervision (IRDS) at the OU

Important note: The last Introduction to Research Degrees Supervision (IRDS) will be held on 16 and 17 September 2026. This mandatory session is compulsory for new supervisors at the OU and attendance at both days in person is compulsory to complete this training. Experienced supervisors will be offered a refresher session reviewing changes to compulsory guidance and regulations.

Please book for the session through My Learning Centre (Course: September 2026 - Introduction to Research Degrees Supervision (IRDS) at the Open University).

Who should attend?

Open University policy requires any supervisor who is new to research degree supervision, or who has not yet supervised a research student to completion, to undertake initial supervisor training within 6 to 12 months of beginning the role at the University or an Affiliated Research Centre. This includes both newly qualified supervisors and experienced supervisors who are new to the Open University.

Furthermore, those who would like a refresher in supervisory training and our ever-changing regulations and practices are also welcome to attend. This interactive training is offered twice a year and is highly rated by both new and experienced supervisors.

These workshops will not only explain how to support students in research degrees journey but also how the university supports the supervisors. There will be interactive sessions to discuss supervisory best practice, managing obstacles and how the University supports you to achieve this.

Other resources for supervisors

You will need an OU log-in and password to access the resources below - please email [email protected] if you require help accessing them.

Angel Productions' 'The Outstanding Supervisor' video

Supervising doctoral studies (Epigeum Ltd):

• Introduction: The doctoral context
• Attracting and selecting doctoral applicants
• Approaching supervision
• Setting your candidate on the right course
• Managing progress
• Expectations and preparing for examination
• Issues in supervision
• Continuing your supervisory development
• Conclusion: Practice scenarios and full programme resources