BU Research Blog

Whether you’re just starting out in supervision or already experienced, you can apply for national recognition of your doctoral supervision through the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE).

There are two levels of recognition, based on your experience:

Recognised Supervisor (Full Award) – for those who have supported doctoral candidates through to final examination and completion.

Recognised Associate Supervisor – for those who have not yet supervised candidates to completion and/or who contribute to supervision in an informal capacity.

Why apply?

UK universities are increasingly prioritising supervisor development to enhance research culture and doctoral support. The Research Supervisor Recognition Programme (RSRP) encourages supervisors at all levels to engage in structured self-reflection, using the Good Supervisory Practice Framework to identify strengths and target areas for growth.

Key Benefits of RSRP Awards:

Structured Self-Reflection: Evaluate your methods and decision-making.

Benchmarked Excellence: Map your practice against national standards.

Professional Growth: Identify clear pathways for improvement, whether applying for Full or Associate awards.

BU already has over 30 recognised research supervisors, and you could be next.

How to apply

Write a reflective account of your supervisory practice aligned with the Good Supervisory Practice Framework.

Submit your application using the relevant form:

Recognised Supervisor Reflective Account Form  Word 56.37KB

Recognised Associate Supervisor Reflective Account Form Word 55.72KB

Your application will be peer-reviewed by a two-person panel. Whatever the outcome, you will receive detailed feedback.

UKCGE | Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, to register your interest, or to discuss your application, please email Julia Taylor (Doctoral College) at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Please note: The Doctoral College will cover the cost of applications submitted by BU supervisors.

Application Deadlines

BU Window Closes – 9am, Monday 16 March 2026

UKCGE Window Closes – Friday 20 March 2026

Expected Outcome – June 2026

Complete applications should be submitted to Julia Taylor (Doctoral College) at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk by the above deadlines.

Supervisory Lunchbite | UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor Scheme

This session provides an introduction to the UKCGE Good Supervisory Practice Framework and the two levels of recognition:

Recognised Supervisor (Full Award)

Recognised Associate Supervisor

Staff attending this session will be able to:

Understand the application process for UKCGE recognition (including deadlines and timescales)

Apply the UKCGE Best Practice Framework to their own supervisory experience

Appreciate the wide-ranging, highly complex and demanding set of roles that modern research supervisors undertake to perform the role effectively

Register here