BU Research Blog

The current submission window open for academic staff to seek national recognition for their doctoral supervision closes at 9am on Monday 15 June

Whether you are 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).

Levels of Recognition

• 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

• 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

Recognised Associate Supervisor Reflective Account Form

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

UKCGE | Frequently Asked Questions

o complete your application, please ensure we receive a formal approval email sent directly from your Associate Dean Research, Innovation and Enterprise to researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk. This confirmation is required before the application can move to the final review stage.

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: Monday 15 June, 9am

UKCGE Window Closes: Friday 19 June

Expected Outcome: September 2026

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

Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Dr Elvira Bolat

We are delighted to celebrate Dr Elvira Bolat, whose application for the Full Award in the March UKCGE window was successful. Elvira joins over 30 recognised research supervisors here at BU.

Reflecting on the achievement on LinkedIn, Elvira shared:

“This recognition belongs as much to the many students, doctoral researchers, colleagues and supervisory teams I have had the pleasure of working alongside as it does to me. Every supervision journey teaches me something new.”