Where to turn for help
Whether it is misunderstandings in thesis supervision, communication issues, feelings of isolation, burnout or uncertainty about rules and responsibilities, even the most motivated students can face problems. Where can you turn as a PhD candidate?
PhD candidate
Study affairs
During your studies, your closest point of contact will be your faculty department responsible for doctoral studies. You can also turn to your supervisor and fellow PhD candidates.
- Supervisor – often the first point of contact in professional and organizational matters.
- Other PhD candidates – experience sharing, peer support, clarifying the rules.
- Faculty office – administrative issues.
Conflict and problematic situations
Remember that you have the right to a decent and supportive academic environment. Conflict is not a failure but an opportunity for personal and systemic growth. If you feel that something is not right, it’s not a weakness to speak up and address the problem.
Areas where complications are most likely to occur
- Cooperation with your supervisor – conflicting expectations, frequency of consultations, feedback quality.
- Workplace relationships – tense team relationships, communication barriers, feeling of rejection.
- Study and work are demanding – stress, time pressure, lack of encouragement.
- Administrative and organizational matters – uncertainty about the Individual Study Plan and ensuing responsibilities, internships, publications or funding.
- Ethical dilemma or unethical behaviour – coercion, plagiarism, involuntary authorship, discrimination, harassment.
How to proceed
If a problem occurs:
- Map the situation – try to clarify what exactly is bothering you, what you have already tried, and what you would like to change.
- Seek support – you can discuss the situation in confidence with someone you trust.
- Stay calm and respectful – even though it may be difficult, a constructive approach helps.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up – resolving conflicts is a normal part of professional life.
- Take care of yourself – your mental health is just as important as your academic performance.
Who to contact:
- Supervisor – often the first point of contact in professional and organizational matters. The consultant, mentor or Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) member may be helpful too.
- Head of the department or programme guarantor (i.e. the chair of the Doctoral Board) can help with relationships as well as study issues.
- Other PhD candidates – experience sharing, peer support, clarifying the rules.
- University/ faculty ombudsperson – an independent person who can give advice or mediate a solution.
- MU Student Advisory Centre – free psychological and academic counselling.
- Office of the Rector’s Inspectorate or MU Ethics Board– more serious situations or breach of rules.
Wellbeing and mental health
If you are not feeling well and want to work on your mental health, try, for example: If you are not feeling well and want to work on your mental health, try, for example:
- guides and manuals
- signposts (HELP ME!)
- e-health applications and websites (Oxford Mindfulness)
- remote therapy (BetterHelp)
- psychological counselling (MU Student Advisory Centre)
What to do in an acute crisis
It is good to know in advance where to turn for help. MU Student Advisory Centre prepared a manual on how to behave when:
- you feel acutely low, you are unable to function normally, and the situation seems really unbearable
- situations where we witness another person’s crisis
Other options
If the above-mentioned people or links fail to help, try to search here:
- Useful links for PhD studies – the list of MU units concerned with doctoral studies
- About us – contacts to PhD Centre’s team