One of the strategic aims set out in the College’s Education and Student Strategy document, published in autumn 2013 and now incorporated within the Strategy 2015-20, is for the College to achieve international recognition for a distinctive education.  This led to the Doctoral Proposition, a document developed and refined through extensive consultation, which outlines what postgraduate research students can expect of their education and wider student experience at Imperial College London.

 The Doctoral Proposition vows amongst other things that Imperial will provide a world-class research programme throughout which internationally-acclaimed academics support, inspire and challenge students as they develop into independent researchers.  The Working Party for World-Class Research Supervision was established by the Graduate School to develop this part of the proposition. 

During 2014-15, the Graduate School carried out a number of activities as part of this project.  There was wide consultation with staff and students about what constitutes world-class research supervision.   The Working Party developed its recommendations to ensure there is appropriate support for those students who are finding the PhD more challenging and that students who are excelling are truely inspired and appropriately challenged.  

The report and recommendations have now been agreed by the College's Committees.  The Graduate School has now established six task and finish groups to take forward the recommendations.  

Final report of the Working Party for World Class Research Supervision

Summary of recommendations and actions taken