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How to choose a supervisor

Identifying the right supervisor

Choosing the right supervisor (or 'advisor') is essential. You're going to be working with them very closely for the next 1.5 to 3.5 years, so you're going to need to work well together.

While there may be many potential supervisors in your field, you need to find the right one for you.

Searching for a supervisor at UQ

Start by visiting UQ Experts. You can search or browse by fields of research, and view profiles to start making a short list of potential supervisors.

Search UQ Experts

When exploring and comparing profiles, make sure you:

  • check their availability – every profile will say whether the researcher is available for supervision
  • spend some time familiarising yourself with the researcher's published works
  • take notes about their research interests and experience, and why they would be a good match for your project. 

When you've narrowed it down, choose who you want to nominate as your preferred supervisor on your expression of interest (EOI). You don’t need to contact the supervisor.

Alternatively, you can browse for an existing project where supervisors are actively seeking a candidate. These projects are linked to existing research and come with living stipend scholarships.

Nominating a supervisor on your expression of interest

When you submit your expression of interest (EOI), you will need to provide the name of your preferred supervisor.

This will be your first contact with the supervisor. Make sure you provide all the information requested, including an up-to-date academic CV that highlights your research experience.

The supervisor will then review your EOI. If they’re interested in working with you, they will contact you to organise an informal interview. This is to help you both decide if you're compatible and set some expectations from the start. You should ask questions about the way they work, and what they expect of their research students. Make sure to consider what you're looking for in a supervisor and that you're on the same page before committing to 1.5 to 3.5 years together.

Alternatively, the supervisor may decline your EOI if they do not feel you are a good match or are not able to supervise you for any reason. If this happens, you are welcome to submit a new EOI with the next potential supervisor on your short list. Do not be disheartened if it takes a few attempts to find someone. There could be several reasons why they could not accept at this time.

Write a research proposal

You may be required to develop a research proposal to submit with your final application.

If you have already prepared a research proposal, you can provide it when you submit your EOI. If your nominated supervisor supports your EOI, they can then advise you on how to refine your proposal if needed.

Some schools or institutes have specific requirements, but – generally – your proposal should:

  • outline the research questions you're trying to answer
  • discuss the impact your research could have on your field
  • include a preliminary analysis of existing research on your topic
  • document the methods and data sources you'll use
  • introduce your supervisor and how their experience relates to your topic
  • meet the expected word count
  • include a detailed bibliography.

There may be other requirements, and some of the above may not apply, depending on your supervisor, school or institute, or research area.