Common problems: Graduate FAQs

This section provides suggestions about how to deal with a few common problems graduates face.  If you would like to speak to someone about difficulties you’re having in these or other areas, you can contact the Vice-President for Graduates on graduates@ousu.org. The Oxford Learning Institute's Research Supervision Website www.learning.ox.ac.uk/supervision is also a useful source of information about every aspect of doing a DPhil. Written as a guide for supervisors as well as students, it provides information about different supervisory styles and how to approach supervisions, on the different stages of a DPhil, and on how to deal with and avoid common problems that occur during a doctorate.

Problems with your supervisor

Problems with your supervisor can be complex to deal with, and a lot of students worry that by raising concerns they may make the problems worse.  However, it is best to start by speaking to your supervisor about your worries.  If you are nervous you can write down your concerns to take to the meeting so you have an agenda to work from. 

It is also worthwhile making notes of your meetings with your supervisor, including dates, in case you need to clarify timelines at a later date.  It is also worthwhile getting into the habit of following any meeting with your supervisor with an email setting out your views of what was discussed and decided.  That way your supervisor can correct any misunderstandings immediately and you have a record of your discussions.

You can also ask for a second or different supervisor if you believe this would help alleviate the problem.  However, this will depend on whether there is someone else with knowledge of your field who has the capacity to take on an additional student. 

You can also discuss any concerns you have with someone at your college, such as your college advisor or your Senior Tutor/Tutor for Graduates.  They will be able to given you advice and support independent of your department. 

If these informal approaches are not successful, you can make a formal complaint tot he Proctors.  Information about how to do this is on both the OUSU website and the Proctors’ website.

Struggling with your workload

The most important thing to do is talk to someone about it.  You should make your supervisor aware that you are finding things difficult: they will either be able to set your mind at ease, or work with you to improve.  You can ask they to point you in the direction of online courses, library or IT courses or books that you may find helpful.  If you are struggling because of language difficulties you can contact Language Centre to find out if they have any spaces on their English classes such as English for Academic Studies.  Be warned, they are often oversubscribed.  However they may be able to suggest alternative sources of help.

Each term graduate students are given the opportunity to complete an online report setting out their progress, what they feel they have achieved, and noting any concerns or developmental needs they may have.  Your supervisor and your college will then be able to view this and note any problems you have outlined. 

Language difficulties

A fairly common problem amongst graduates is a difficulty to manage the workload if their first language is not English.  If you feel you need some support to improve your English language skills, it is important to raise you concerns with your supervisor or college advisor.  They may be able to suggest support services or study tips that will help.

The University’s Language Centre offers a number of English Language courses, including English for Academic Studies.  However, they are often oversubscribed, and it can be difficult to combine studying this and your subject at the same time.  If possible, take a course in English before you arrive, although once you’re here it’s best to ask for help.

There are also options to get informal practice in English language, for example a language exchange run through the Language Centre, or it may be possible to set up Language lunches within your college, whereby someone who wants to practice your first language will help you practice English in return for you helping them practice your language.  Talk to you common room President about organising something like this if there’s nothing in place at present.

Resources available:

Oxford University Language Centre
Research Toolkit
Library courses
Oxford University Counselling Service
Springboard/Navigator

You can also speak to someone at your college if you are struggling.  You should have a college advisor assigned when you start at Oxford.  They are there to provide support outside of your department.  You can also speak to welfare officers, welfare tutors or the senior tutor/tutor for graduates.  You can also contact the Vice-President (Graduates) if you want to discuss your options.

Adjustments for disability, illness or other special circumstances

If you have a disability or medical condition that will affect your ability to work sit an exam in the traditional way, you can apply for special study or examination arrangements.  To do this you will need to provide independent special evidence to support your request.  Detailed information about this is available on the University website. 

If you wish to seek adjustments, you should make a request as soon as possible, as it can take time to finalise the arrangements.  If you have a pre-existing condition when you arrive, you should contact your college - your Senior Tutor or Tutor for Graduates before you arrive or as soon as possible once you are in Oxford. 

Your college will then draft an application on your behalf to the Proctors, which must include evidence from a specialist regarding your condition and the potential impact it may have on your work.  The evidence provided must be relevant to the arrangements you are requesting.  You may include study needs assessments that are provided for the Disabled Students Allowance but these will not be sufficient evidence in themselves.

The University’s Disability Advisory Service ad the Faculty Disability Officers may also be able to provide advice and support in your application and you or your college can consult with them.

The adjustments allowed will depend on the individual students’ needs.  Adjustments may include provision of food or drink in examinations, special desks or chairs, rest breaks, extra time and rest periods, timing and spacing of exams, use of word processors.  Once the Proctors’ have approved a request it can only be changed by Order of the Proctors.  if you are unhappy with the Proctors’ decision you can make an appeal to the University’s Education Committee - the Disability Advisory Service and the OUSU Student Advice Service will be able to assist with this alongside your college.