Presented by Dr. Ghayoor Abbas

This lesson introduces the seven core roles every PhD supervisor plays — and the distinct skills each one requires. From academic guide to critic, participants explore what each role looks like in practice and how to balance them effectively.

• Academic Guide — directing research and building strategic thinking
• Supporter — wellbeing, confidentiality, and knowing when to refer
• Professional Guide — networks, opportunities, and career development
• Teacher — building knowledge and assessing understanding
• Facilitator — resources, workspace, and conflict mediation
• Manager — progress tracking, deadlines, and work-life balance
• Critic — constructive feedback that motivates rather than disheartens

Presented by Dr. Ghayoor Abbas & Sabahat Asif

Drawing on both supervisor and student perspectives, this lesson offers practical strategies for the key stages of a PhD — from the first meeting to thesis submission. Sabahat Asif shares firsthand insights into what these strategies look like from a student’s point of view.

• Setting context and clarifying expectations from the start
• Maintaining clear communication and giving honest feedback
• Upholding and modelling academic integrity
• Supporting student mental health and general wellbeing

Dr. Walther Schwarzacher brings the course together — reflecting on the seven roles, the importance of how a PhD begins, and what it means to be a supervisor who makes a lasting difference.

• Recap of the seven roles framework
• Key takeaways on communication, integrity, and wellbeing
• Closing reflection: what it means to be a good supervisor