Training Supervisors of Work‐based Master’s Level Research Projects

The increase in work‐based Master′s level research projects has led to a demand for the training and support of research supervisors. At Manchester Polytechnic (now the Manchester Metropolitan University) a training initiative was developed by the authors. A self‐managed independent learning package and a structured weekend course were used to develop and enhance the knowledge of research methods and supervisory skills in the lecturing staff of the Department of Library and Information Studies. Describes the way the initiative was set up, the variety of teaching and learning methods used and the outcomes from the away‐weekend. A mentoring system for research supervisors was developed and the role of higher level research in the department was enhanced. This training initiative should now be used to support research project supervisors outside academic institutions as well as within the UK′s universities.