Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between postgraduate student and supervisor
The intention behind the MOU is to clarify "up-front" the agreed roles and responsibilities of both candidate and supervisor, to ensure that the supervision experience is as mutually productive as possible.
The MOU must be completed by masters and doctoral candidates within six months of initial registration, or at the start of the dissertation/project in course-work masters degrees.
The Annual Progress Review, where relevant, must be completed each subsequent year, to be submitted not later than 15 October.
Final sign-off for masters candidates is the HoD, and for PhD candidates, the Dean/Dean's nominee.
Three copies of the MOU should be signed: one for the candidate, one for the supervisor; one for the HOD / the Faculty Office.
The relationship between supervisor and postgraduate student is an important one: if it is unsatisfactory it can significantly and negatively impact on the educational experience. If serious problems develop in this relationship, the student should normally:
Raise the matter with the supervisor and seek to resolve the matter personally.
If this does not resolve the matter, the problem should be referred to the Head of Department. If the supervisor is the Head, it should be referred directly to the Deputy-Dean charged with Postgraduate Affairs.
If the supervisor is the Dean or a Deputy Dean, the matter should be referred to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor with the research portfolio.
