PGR students and their supervisors have to work together to maintain a successful working relationship, and either party can be responsible for a breakdown in relations – ultimately, it is the supervisor who is offering guidance and who is in a position of power.
Look at the ways in which you can manage the relationship between yourself and your supervisor. Your supervisor is one of the most important resources provided to you by your university – to support you in completing your research successfully. Academics with stellar reputations and a long publishing track record can appear intimidating (even if they don’t mean to) – this can lead to you adopting a very passive role in the relationship. PGR students can assume that their supervisors must know better than you, will know more than you about your research; and it is for you to wait for them to tell you what to do.
Communicate regularly with your supervisor and help them to better understand what you need from them – be prepared to have this conversation, and to take on board your supervisor’s views. Most supervisors want to help you and your supervisor will want you to be successful – however, sometimes there can be a mismatch between supervisor and student. This isn’t necessarily anyone’s fault; it is just in the nature of us being human.
In these circumstances, it is OK to ask for a change of supervisor. When you do so, be clear about your reasons and try not to use judgemental language – your request is more likely to be taken seriously if you can clearly detail why the relationship does not and cannot work, rather than simply blaming your supervisor (or yourself) for things going wrong.
As time goes on, the supervisor relationship will also alter. Over time, you will probably know more about your chosen subject than your supervisor – you will have an expertise that few people in the world will have. Regularly reviewing your relationship between yourself and supervisor – clearing the air will result in a more productive, successful and satisfying relationship for you both.
Source
Summarised from 'The Wellbeing Thesis' - An online resource for postgraduate research students to support your wellbeing, learning and research - https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/
How to Request a Supervisor Change?
A change of supervisor is not to be taken lightly and it is always best for you to talk with your supervisor, and try and resolve any issues before requesting a change. We recommend that you first contact your 2nd supervisor and speak to them regarding any issues that have arisen between yourself and the main supervisor. If problems remain within the supervisory relationship, we recommend that you speak to the Head of Department/Institute or PG Research Directors, and ask for assistance - usually, with mediation, any issues between the supervisor and yourself can be resolved. If this doesn't resolve issues, please discuss changing supervisors with your Head of Department/Institute or PG Research Director - who may be able to allocate a new supervisor based on research interests, specialities, and workloads.
Note: PGR students - who are funded by research grants held by the main supervisor - may be unable to change supervisors.
A change of supervisor is not to be taken lightly and it is always best for you to talk with your supervisor, and try and resolve any issues before requesting a change. We recommend that you first contact your 2nd supervisor and speak to them regarding any issues that have arisen between yourself and the main supervisor. If problems remain within the supervisory relationship, we recommend that you speak to the Head of Department/Institute or PG Research Directors, and ask for assistance - usually, with mediation, any issues between the supervisor and yourself can be resolved. If this doesn't resolve issues, please discuss changing supervisors with your Head of Department/Institute or PG Research Director - who may be able to allocate a new supervisor based on research interests, specialities, and workloads.
Note: PGR students - who are funded by research grants held by the main supervisor - may be unable to change supervisors.