HOW TO FIND A PhD SUPERVISOR AT KOÇ UNIVERSITY
The supervision of your research will be conducted by a designated main supervisor,
who will be an experienced member of Koç University’s academic staff.
Please note the following guidance applies only for candidates interested in PhD
programs in the following graduate schools:
- Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering
- Graduate School of Health Sciences
Why should I identify a supervisor?
One of the main reasons that potential research students are rejected from Koç University is
that most times the focus of the proposed research does not fit with the University's
supervisory competences.
To avoid this, it is strongly recommended that you make contact with a potential supervisor to
discuss with them how your research interests may be compatible with their interests and
experience.
You also need to feel comfortable with the supervisor; after all they will be your mentor for at
least 4 years. Supervisors are there to help you ensure that you write your best possible
thesis.
In return, they will expect hard work and a great deal of enthusiasm and committment. This is
why you should consider whether any of the following are important to you:
Compatible working styles and personality
Support/mentoring needed
Guidance on skills development
How do I begin?
Before beginning your research for a potential supervisor, it is recommended that you read
more about the research expertise of Koç University on our website
This will give you an overview of the areas in which it is possible for you to undertake a PhD.
When you feel confident that you can contribute to the research carried out at Koç University,
you can then begin your search for a supervisor. You can do this in a number of ways:
All the Graduate Schools at the University have their own websites which feature
details for each PhD program of the staff interests and publications. The academic
staff at the University welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates, so you are
welcome to contact them, by email directly (except for the Graduate School of
Social Sciences and Humanities and the Graduate School of Business)
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If you cannot find a suitable potential supervisor after trying the above, we would
recommend that you send a short summary of your interest to the relevant Graduate
School administrators and they will help in identifying the most appropriate faculty
member within the PhD program. Details are below:
Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering [email protected]
Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities
[email protected] Graduate School of Health Sciences
[email protected] Graduate School of Business
[email protected]Tips for finding potential supervisors
Do internet searches of Koç University researchers who are working in your area.
Conduct a literature search in your area of interest
Start by using broad search terms and then refine them as you go.
Don’t cc’ in your emails all the professors in a department or program. That is a
sure way to make nobody reply!
I have a potential supervisor in mind, what should I do next?
Once you have identified a faculty member, you need to contact them and persuade them
that you are a suitable candidate.
When you contact potential supervisors be sure to include your full contact details, research
interests, qualifications and research experience in your email.
You can offer to arrange a meeting with them in person or on the phone or Skype where you
can discuss your proposed PhD and their research interest.
These are some of the things that they will be looking for:
That they have the necessary expertise, knowledge and experience to supervise your
chosen project or topic
That your proposed project or topic has sufficient depth to be appropriate for a PhD
project
That the project can reasonably be undertaken with the resources available
That the project can be completed within the required timescale
That you have the capacity to undertake the project to its conclusion.
During discussions they will be able to help you focus on your topic offering advice on how to
structure your research proposal.
Do I pick a research project or does the supervisor?
You should make direct contact with any potential supervisor you want to study with and let
them know what you are interested in.
Some supervisors may be able to integrate your area of interest with a project or research
area they currently have.
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What happens after I have identified a supervisor and been admitted to the PhD
program?
Your supervisor will help you organise your initial objectives once you have registered at the
university and offer guidance on structuring your research and developing your transferable
skills.
You will have regular contact with your supervisor. During these meetings, they will also offer
advice on reading materials and any taught courses, research seminars and workshops they
think relevant.
