CPD type
Peer discussion
Supervisor experience
All supervisor levels
Intervention lead author
Dr Nicola Palmer, Sheffield Hallam University
1
Released as part of
Phase 1
Piloting feedback deadline
31 March 2026
Page last updated
23 September 2025
This session offers supervisors a space to share experiences, practice and ideas on preparing doctoral candidates for examination. It is intended to be a practice-sharing event based on discussions around a set of prompts that will enable supervisors to share common experiences, tools, and techniques, facilitating peer learning and reflection.
Learning objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
identify key roles, responsibilities and expectations of the supervisor in supporting candidates for doctoral examination
develop strategies for supporting candidates effectively for doctoral examination, considering diverse candidate needs, university support services and resources to support preparing candidates for the doctoral examination
recognise and address common challenges in supporting candidates for doctoral examination.
Delivery format & timings
60-minute session delivered either in person or online
Theme(s)
Working with candidates
What is included in this resource pack?
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Facilitator Manual [.PDF]: This manual outlines how to deliver and adapt the workshop.
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Discussion Question Cards [.DOCX]: This can be printed out for those in the in-person session.
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Prompt Question Cards [.DOCX]: This can be printed out for those in the in-person session.
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Reflection Template [.DOCX]: This can be printed out for those in the in-person session and shared afterwards with all attendees.
Optional:
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Facilitator Slides [.PPTX]: These PowerPoint slides can be used for both in-person and online sessions.
Preparing candidates for doctoral examination_Questions and Prompts List [.DOCX]: This can be printed out for the facilitator’s reference in the session.
Resource pack format
All resource packs are in the form of a compressed zip folder. To unzip and access all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select "Extract All" and then follow the on-screen instructions.