It important that you identify the best possible supervisor for your needs, as advice from a leading academic in your field will not only be invaluable but also play a major role in how you develop as a researcher. You will meet with your supervisor regularly, with them offering you high-quality support and guidance on the following areas:

• defining your study area and refining your topic
• finding relevant literature
• answering ethical questions
• completing the research process
• identifying goals
• meeting your milestones
• writing your thesis

Choosing a supervisor

You will need to find a supervisor who works in your area of interest and who will fit your personal research and communication styles.

Each Faculty will have detailed knowledge of research staff and which areas they are interested in supervising. After you have written your research proposal your application should reveal your qualifications, experience and research area; giving the Faculty a good indication of who might be suitable as your supervisor. Usually, we try to match up applicants and supervisors after receiving this information, but you can ask for specific supervisors if you wish, although this will need to be agreed by the Director of Research of your chosen Faculty.

You are welcome to contact your prospective Faculty directly to discuss which area you may be interested in and they can then steer you in the right direction and make introductions where appropriate. There are also profiles of research staff available on the Faculty pages of our website. Once a supervisor has been chosen you may be asked to attend an interview with the Director of Research, the potential supervisor and yourself before making a decision to offer you a place. You will be given specific details from the individual Faculty and their process after applying.

Questions to ask a potential supervisor

• What their specialised teaching and research areas are and how they got to where they are.
• What their most recent publications are.
• Who they're interested in supervising.
• How many students they're currently supervising and how many students they've successfully supervised in the past.
• What their current schedule is - how much time they can dedicate to you and when they are available.
• How they prefer to work with their students and what their working style and standards involve.
• What level of independence they expect in you and what they expect of your background knowledge and skills. Is there any specific knowledge you need?

Ongoing support

As a researcher at Anglia Ruskin you will receive support from our highly qualified staff. Our fantastic facilities and supportive environment will help you to develop your research area. Your supervisor, along with other staff and your Faculty, will be available to help you and support you through your project.

Don't be afraid to tell your supervisor if you are struggling - if you're feeling overwhelmed, you should:

• Seek support from others: friends, family, other research students , your supervisor or Student Services.
• Ensure you understand the research process and what is expected of you at each stage, so there are no nasty surprises. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ensure you understand the answers.
• Not let it take over your entire life - make time for yourself, your friends and family and the activities that you enjoy.

Research Development and Commercial Services (RDCS)

The RDCS Team is located on both Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses and exist to encourage, support and enable academic staff to increase research and third stream income levels. They also support and underpin Anglia Ruskin's research and third stream activity, training, infrastructure and culture.