Supervisions are the defining experience of collegiate learning.

Supervisions

Supervisions are small-group sessions, led by a supervisor, in which students have the opportunity to explore and discuss aspects of their course material in greater depth. Supervisions also present an opportunity to work through points of confusion. Usually lasting about an hour, supervisions are generally organised around a piece of work which the students have submitted in advance of the session.

Through supervisions, undergraduates learn how to:

  • Work independently
  • Meet deadlines
  • Learn with and from others
  • Argue and present arguments
  • Handle problems
  • Question their assumptions.

Supervisors

Directors of Studies monitor the standard of both College- and Faculty-organised supervisions by:

  • Appointing supervisors and specifying hours of teaching
  • Instructing new supervisors in what is required of them including teaching courses
  • Ensuring that supervisors discuss a student's problems with the Director of Studies as soon as they arise
  • Monitoring spending on supervisions.

The University website provides further information about supervisions and other modes of assessment.