Topic outline

  • General

    The aim of this course is to improve your abilities to reflect on and develop your role as doctoral advisor or supervisor. 

    The main topics of the course: 

    • supervision models and frameworks 
    • framework and regulations of doctoral education at Aalto, career paths of doctoral researchers
    • quality in doctoral education 
    • relationship and dynamics between doctoral researcher and supervisor
    • communication and intercultural competences 
    • equality, diversity and inclusion in supervision
    • ethics in doctoral supervision.

    After completing the course, you will be able to:

    • identify theoretical supervision frameworks in the context of doctoral supervision 
    • recognise and develop your own doctoral supervision style, strategies, methods and practices
    • justify the importance of supportive communication, feedback and interaction in supervision as well as the importance of wellbeing and peer support 
    • recognise the dynamics of demanding situations in supervision and apply tools to help solve them 
    • evaluate the importance of equality (equity), diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the context of doctoral supervision.


    In addition, you will be able to recognise different PhD career paths and possibilities for support from the perspective of the doctoral researcher.  

    Course structure:

    The course consists of six contact sessions, individual assignments and group work. Independent work between the sessions is required for the successful completion of the course.

    1. Tuesday 12 March, 13.00–16.00, Meitner (Kide building)
    2. Tuesday  2 April, 13.00–16.00, Meitner (Kide building)
    3. Tuesday 16 April, 13.00–16.00, Meitner (Kide building)
    4. Thursday 2 May, 13.00–16.00, Deloitte (Otakaari 1)
    5. Wednesday 15 May, 13.00–16.00, Meitner (Kide building)
    6. Wednesday 29 May, 13.00–16.00, Meitner (Kide building)


    Course facilitators:

    Maura Ratia, PhD (responsible teacher, pedagogical specialist, BIZ)
    Maija Taka, PhD (co-teacher, academic coordinator, ENG)