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Changing PhD supervisor

3 replies

bathsh3ba · 15/08/2020 13:44

I'm about to go into my third year of my (social sciences) PhD but am expecting a 6 month funding extension so probably have 18 months to go. I just passed confirmation/transfer at the second attempt. I've been slowed down by a perfect storm of supervisor problems, mental health problems and then COVID-related childcare issues.

I want to change main supervisor because our communication styles clash (we just rub each other up the wrong way), because my thesis has evolved to be something that I feel she doesn't 'get' and because I just don't think she has faith in me. I never chose her originally, she was selected by my previous supervisor who left and is now my external. My external is a brilliant scholar but so busy I only get flashes of her brilliance from time to time...

I've found someone willing to take on my supervision who I 'gel' much better with and my Director of Studies is supportive. But I don't know how to raise it sensitively with my supervisor - or my external who chose her. Guidance and tips very welcome please - I don't want to offend or alienate anyone but I really think I need to make the change.

OP posts:
CityDweller · 16/08/2020 10:16

Ask to get this moved to the Academics section - you’ll get more responses there!

GCAcademic · 16/08/2020 10:38

Yes, agreed. Academic Common Room should get you more answers.

bathsh3ba · 16/08/2020 10:48

Sorry, I wasn't aware of that forum!

OP posts:
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