If you want to develop skills as a researcher, have credibility in the workforce as a researcher, and contribute to the knowledge base in your area of interest then doing a thesis with academic supervision and support is the way to go.

Choosing a Supervisor(s)

When undertaking a thesis for a Doctorate or a Master's degree choosing the right supervisor(s) can make the difference between success and disappointment and between career advancement and career stagnation.

The reputation, location, and fees of an institution will of course feature in your decision-making as to where to enrol. As much, if not more, thought should go into picking your supervisor. It is perfectly reasonable to approach a potential supervisor before enrolling and check out the supervisor’s availability and interest in supervising you. 

Students tend to undertake undergraduate studies and proceed to a Master’s degree through the same institution. It is possible to have a supervisor for a Master’s level thesis who is not a recognised expert in the same area of interest as the student, because a Master’s thesis is about learning to do research; as long as the supervisor has an interest in the topic and strong research skills. 

At Doctoral level finding a supervisor who is a specialist in the same area of interest to the student becomes essential. And this is why students often change to a different institution for their Doctorate because they realize that to get ahead working with an expert(s) in their area is vital. They also know that changing supervisor and institution helps to broaden thinking, is important for making new contacts, and opens up new experiences and activities.  

It is usual to have a first and second supervisor for thesis supervision. At Master’s level sometimes a co-supervision is possible if that is how your supervisors elect to work. Your two supervisors should be able to work well together and bring different skills (e.g. qualitative and statistical skills) and backgrounds (e.g. health or economics and education). Focus on picking your first supervisor and leave it to this person to suggest a potential second or co- supervisor.

To assist you in your decision-making below is:

1. A list of questions to ask when considering a potential supervisor, and  
2. A directory – listing the names, contact details and areas of interest of academics available to supervise students undertaking thesis work to Doctoral level in the early years (0 – 8 years).

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