Topic outline

  • General

    The overall aim of the course is to improve ones abilities to reflect on and develop in ones role as doctoral supervisor or advisor.

    The main topics in the course are:

    • the supervising professor's and thesis advisor's role
    • framework, regulations, and ethical aspects of doctoral education at Aalto
    • quality in doctoral education
    • doctoral student - supervisor/advisor relationship
    • communication and intercultural competence
    • equality, diversity and inclusion in supervision/advising

    After completing the course, you will be able to:

    • Identify theoretical supervising frameworks and diverse supervision solutions in the context of doctoral student supervision/advising
    • Recognise and develop your own doctoral supervision/advising style, strategies, methods, and practices further 
    • Justify the importance of supportive communication, feedback, and interaction in supervision/advising as well as the role and importance of wellbeing and (peer) support in the doctoral journey 
    • Understand the dynamics of demanding supervising/advising situations, why they occur and what tools help to solve them 
    • Understand the importance of equality (equity), diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the context of doctoral student supervision  

    In addition, you have familiarized yourself with different PhD career paths and support possibilities from the perspective of the doctoral student.  

    Course structure:

    The course consists of six contact sessions, individual assignments, group work and discussions.

    Contact sessions:

    1.session on Thursday 14 September 2023 at 13.00-16.00, in U411 (Otakaari 1/Bachelor centre)
    2.session on Thursday 28 September 2023 at 13.00-16.00, in AS6 (Maarintie 8 building)
    3.session on Thursday 12 October 2023 at 13.00-16.00, in AS6 (Maarintie 8 building)
    4.session on Thursday 26 October 2023 at 13.00-16.00, in U119/Deloitte (Otakaari 1)
    5.session on Thursday 09 November 2023 at 13.00-16.00, in AS6 (Maarintie 8 building)
    6.session on Friday 24 November 2023 at 9.00-12.00, TU7 (Maarintie 8 building)


    All the sessions will be organised at Otaniemi campus. Independent work between the sessions is also required for the successful completion of the course.

    Course team:

    Kirsti Keltikangas (teacher in charge, pedagogical specialist, ELEC)
    Maija Taka (co-teacher, academic coordinator, ENG)

    Maura Ratia (co-teacher, pedagogical specialist, BIZ)