PhD Supervisors
PhD supervision is one of the most complex and rewarding roles of an academic. As a supervisor, you are at once a content expert, co-researcher, coach, and assessor. The quality of your supervision is a key factor in the success and well-being of your PhD candidates.
To support you in this important role, we have created a comprehensive and flexible training programme. This course will help strengthen your knowledge, skills, and confidence, so that you can grow as a more effective and inspiring supervisor.
Completion of all the requirements for the qualification will enable you to obtain a digital credential from the Edubadges platform, which will allow you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have acquired in a 'portable' and digital format.
The Qualification: Supervision Excellence at the University of Groningen
Earning the qualification and obtaining the Edubadge certificate is simple and structured in four steps:
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Register by completing the intake form
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Complete the online course “Successful PhD Supervision: A Shared Journey” . You can register with your @rug.nl email and follow this independently, at your own pace.
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Attend at least three workshops of your choice. Please, choose one from each of the three thematic blocks (see below).
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Pass a final assessment in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire. Once you complete this step you will be able to retrieve your official Edubadge certificate.
Workshops
Each workshop is offered multiple times a year and takes place in or near the Academy Building in Groningen. In these sessions, you will:
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Explore topics from the online course in greater depth
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Apply insights directly to your own supervision practice
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Exchange experiences with colleagues from across all UG faculties
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Learn with the guidance of an experienced trainer
You may register for workshops at any time—even if you are not pursuing the qualification. In fact, we encourage supervisors to keep joining workshops regularly, as ongoing professional development strengthens both your practice and the PhD community.
How to Get Started
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Complete the intake form
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Sign up for the online course
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Register for at least three workshops below (ideally one from each block)
Questions?
If you have any questions about the programme or experience issues with registration, please contact Anna Salzano (a.salzano rug.nl) or HR-Experts rug.nl.
Block 1: “The PhD journey”
Workshops related to the first part of the online course
Select at least one workshop from the options below to complement the first part of the online course and qualify for "Supervision excellence":
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Dates: |
More information and register: |
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1.1. PhD selection and interviewing techniques |
January 28, 2026 | |
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1.2. Key aspects of supervisory success throughout the PhD trajectory |
February 10, 2026 | |
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1.3. Aligning Supervision of Interfaculty PhD projects |
April 23, 2026 | |
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1.4. Supervising the PhD Thesis Writing Process
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March 10, 2026
September 24, 2026 |
Block 2. “A person-centred and growth-oriented approach”
Workshops related to the second part of the online course
Select at least one workshop from the options below to complement the second part of the online course and qualify for "Supervision excellence":
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Dates: |
More information and register: |
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2.1. Effective feedback techniques for PhD supervision |
February 3, 2026 | |
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2.2. Coaching techniques for development |
February 5, 2026 | |
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2.3. What to do with a Stressed PhD |
March 5, 2026 | |
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2.4. Supervision across the neurodiverse spectrum |
January 27, 2026 |
Block 3. “Supervision in context: developing a reflective attitude”
Workshops related to the third part of the online course
Select at least one workshop from the options below to complement the third part of the online course and qualify for "Supervision excellence":
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Dates: |
More information and register: |
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3.1. Supervision across cultures (workshop series) |
Workshop 1:
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3.2. Social Safety in PhD supervision |
March 12, 2026 | |
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3.3. Supervising from the Inside Out |
March 30, June 10, November 30 |
