CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Edition 11 September 2010
REVISED RESEARCH DEGREES STRUCTURE
Effective Date 1 September 2007
Teesside University’s Mission:
“Providing Opportunities, Promoting Enterprise, Delivering Excellence”
(Working in partnership to enable individuals and organizations to achieve their potential through high quality learning, research and knowledge transfer)
Teesside University’s Vision:
To achieve wide recognition regionally, nationally and internationally as being among the top UK institutions for higher education for:
· a real and ongoing commitment to social inclusion and widening access to higher education;
· pursuing excellence and seeking to enhance academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience;
· contributing to the economic, social and cultural success of the Tees Valley and to the wider regional, national and international communities we serve.
The University’s Research Strategy seeks to shift Teesside University to a position where it would, in the future, be regarded as research active modern University whilst maintaining its excellence in teaching.
The “Code of Practice” is dedicated to the memory of Dr Dick Richardson, Reader in Politics (School of Social Sciences), Chair of the Joint Research Degrees Committee of the Schools of Health, Social Sciences, and Law, Humanities & International Studies, member of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee, who died tragically on 14 September 1997.A much valued colleague and friend.
He was co-editor with Emeritus Professor Bill Hall (School of Computing & Mathematics) of the first edition of the Code’s predecessor, “Notes for Guidance for Postgraduate Research” (1996),
Changes to Editions are summarized below
Changes to Edition 9 September 2007
Page Para
04 3.3 Modifications to Admissions process
04 3.4 New para on Research Effort and Workloads, and re-numbering.
08 3.8 Modifications to Enrolment and Start Dates
09 4.1 Modifications to Registration procedures for students Enrolled 1 September 2007 onwards
14 4.9 Amendments to Ethical Clearance for students enrolling after 1 September 2007
14 4.10 Reference to Transfer process for students Enrolled prior to 1 September 2007
15 5.1 Amendments to Directors of Study and min/max Supervisory Team.
18 5.2 Modification to clarify duties of Supervisors following examination of theses.
18 5.3 Modification to clarify Students’ responsibilities to engage with Research and Skills Training
39 Appendix 3 amended acceptable English Language qualifications
47 Appendix 6 amended to include Model Timetable of Events for Revised Structure 2007-8.
69 Appendix 14 Modified Student Protocol
Changes to Edition 10 September 2009
New Logo and Title
3.3.3 Modifications to include information on Training Needs Analysis at application and at Offer
3.3.5 Modifications to clarify when Visa Letters or CAS will be issued
4.4 Modifications to Extensions of Registration – funding implications
4.5 Modifications to Withdrawal – funding implications
5.2 Modifications to Supervisors’ responsibilities – re dyslexia
5.3 Modifications to Students’ Responsibilities – re dyslexia and GP Certification of Sickness absence after 14 days.
5.4 Log Books: Clarification on wording re applicability
8.1 Modifications on monitoring student attendance for scholarship payments
8.4 Modifications to advise new academic staff to defer research degrees if taking PgCTLHE
9 New section on Use of Student Logos for Research
Appendix 6 (new) – Research Training Schedule 2009-10 (renumber remaining appendices)
Appendix 12 – Revised URDSC Terms of Reference 2009-10
Changes to Edition 1 September 2010
Page Para
08 3.8 Inclusion of cohort entry dates and associated implications
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Code V11 Sept 2010
CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Purpose of Code of Practice 1
1.2 Data Protection Act, Confidentiality & Publicity 1
2 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESEARCH DEGREES 2
2.1 Master of Philosophy and Master in Professional Studies 2
2.2 Doctor of Philosophy 2
2.3 Doctor in Professional Studies 3
2.4 MPhil and PhD by Completed Work 3
2.5 “M” and “D” Level Descriptors 4
3 ADMISSIONS, OFFERS AND ENROLMENT 4
3.1 Admissions Policy 4
3.2 Entry Requirements 4
3.3 Enquiry, Admission and Offers 5
3.4 Research Effort and Workload 7
3.5 Students Working Overseas 7
3.6 Admissions Appeals Procedure 8
3.7 Response Times 8
3.8 Cohort Entry Start Dates, Enrolment & Re-enrolment 8
3.9 Change of School 9
3.10 Student Protocol 10
4 REGISTRATION 10
4.1 Initial Registration 10
4.2 Confirmation of level of degree at Progression Board 11
4.3 Suspension of Registration or Study 12
4.4 Extension of Registration 12
4.5 Withdrawal from Study or Registration 13
4.6 Change of Mode of Study 13
4.7 Inward transfer of Registration (Advanced Standing) 14
4.8 Lapse of Registration 14
4.9 Research Ethics 15
4.10 Transfer from Masters to Doctorate 15
5 THE FRAMEWORK FOR SUPERVISION, INDUCTION AND TRAINING 15
5.1 The Structure 15
5.2 Responsibilities of the Supervisory Team 17
5.3 Responsibilities of the Student 18
5.4 Log Books 19
5.5 Misconduct 20
5.6 Cheating & Plagiarism 20
5.7 Induction, Research Skills and other Training 20
6 PROGRESS AND COMPLETION 22
6.1 Academic Progression 22
6.2 Special Review Meetings 23
6.3 Completion 24
6.4 Assessment Review 25
7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 25
7.1 Student Record 25
7.2 Monitoring Role of Director of Studies 26
7.3 School Research Degrees Committee 26
7.4 Postgraduate Tutor 26
8 FINANCE 27
8.1 Research Assistantships and Research Studentships 27
8.2 Other Awards 27
8.3 Fees 28
8.4 University Staff undertaking research degrees 28
8.5 Part-time Teaching 28
9 GOVERNANCE – Use of University Logo 29
10 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 29
11 RESEARCH SUPPORT 30
12 UNIVERSITY LOUNGE 31
13 STUDENT REPRESENTATION 31
14 STUDENT SUPPORT 31
15 PGR NETWORK 32
16 BLACKBOARDTM 32
17 LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES 32
18 UNIVERSITY ICT ACCOUNT AND E-MAIL ADDRESS 33
19 ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT and DROP- IN STUDENT SKILLS CENTRE (DISSC) 34
20 LANGUAGES FOR ALL 34
21 RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS 34
22 FURTHER INFORMATION 35
23 TERM DATES AND UNIVERSITY CLOSURE 35
APPENDICES
1 ADMISSIONS POLICY 37
(To be reviewed)
2 “M” and “D” Level Descriptors 39
3 MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS 41
4 ADMISSIONS APPEALS PROCEDURE OF PANEL –
Research Degrees Admissions 42
5 SUMMARY OF FRAMEWORKS FOR SCHOOLS’ INDUCTION AND RESEARCH TRAINING AND OTHER TRAINING 44
(To be reviewed)
6 RESEARCH TRAINING SCHEDULE ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-10 49
7 MODEL TIMETABLE OF EVENTS 52
New Structure Students from 1 September 2007 52
Old Structure Students – before 1 September 2007 54
8 SUGGESTED INTRODUCTORY READING 57
9 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS LIST 61
10 RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES – OFFICERS 2007/2008 63
11 SCHOOL RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES CONSTITUTION
AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 64
12 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES SUB-COMMITTEE
CONSTITUTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 66
13 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES BOARD CONSTITUTION 70
14 RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 72
15 RESEARCH STUDENT PROTOCOL 74
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Code V11 Sept 2010
TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of Code of Practice
The purpose of this Code of Practice is to provide information for postgraduate research students and supervisors of Teesside University in the following areas:
· the nature and scope of research degrees
· admission, enrolment and registration procedures, transfer and progression
· the framework for supervision
· progress and completion
· monitoring and evaluation
· complaints and appeals
· student support
· finance
All research, and particularly research aimed at producing an original contribution to knowledge, is an exciting, creative and rewarding activity, requiring hard work, dedication and consummate interpersonal skills. It is also likely to involve frustration, self-doubt and disappointment, though usually only of a temporary nature. A number of aspects of research may fall outside a student’s previous experience, such as the extent of individual study required, the close and extensive working relationship with a small Supervisory Team[1], and the extent of self-management required. But in most cases these new experiences merely add to the challenge of research and, on obtaining a higher degree, an extra sense of fulfillment. Named Professional Doctorates, D.Clin.Psy, D.Coun.Psy, DBA, D.Health.Psy, D.Prof Advancing Practice are not covered by this Code.
This “Code of Practice” has been reviewed to ensure (in conjunction with the University’s “Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”) compatibility with the “QAA Code of Practice for Quality Assurance of Research Degree Programmes” (Jan 1999, updated Sept 2000), and reviews are undertaken bi-annually of the “Code” and the “Framework and Regulations”, to which, wherever possible, cross reference has been made to the appropriate Regulation.
1.2 Data Protection, Confidentiality & Publicity
It should be noted that all personal information is provided in the strictest confidence and for authorized purposes only, in accordance with the terms of the University’s registration under the Data Protection Act. Internally, information will be known only to those members of Academic Staff, Committee Members or Officers, Advisors, Examiners or Referees, who need to know at each particular stage. Externally, this will include the Higher Education Statistics Agency, and any Research Council/Funding Body to which an enrolled Research student is connected. Additionally, at Enrolment, Students will be asked to indicate if they wish their name to be excluded from the Awards Ceremony Brochure or other publicity that the University may seek to generate in relation to its awards and research.
2 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESEARCH DEGREES
Five research degrees are awarded by the University: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master in Professional Studies (M.Prof) and Doctor in Professional Studies (D.Prof). Named Professional Doctorates, D.Clin.Psy, D.Coun.Psy, DBA, D.Prof Advancing Practice are not covered by this Code.
Some projects will evolve from prospective students, who are looking for potential supervisors – this will be particularly so in the Professional Masters and Doctorate programmes; other projects will already have been formulated by prospective supervisory staff, who are looking for potential students.
The award of MPhil or PhD by Completed Work is for research work already undertaken prior to registration with the University, but not submitted for examination previously.
The requirements for the five research degrees are given below, although their interpretation may differ from discipline to discipline and should be discussed with the candidate’s Supervisory Team.
2.1 Master of Philosophy (MPhil); Master in Professional Studies (M.Prof)
The degree of MPhil is awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis in oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners. In the case of M.Prof, the work is based upon professional practice and investigative or creative work.
2.2 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The degree of PhD is awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic, resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, and having demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis in oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners.
2.3 Doctor in Professional Studies (D.Prof)
The degree of D.Prof is awarded to candidates who have successfully completed an approved programme of study, which is based upon professional practice and investigative and creative work, culminating in the submission of an individual thesis, and if appropriate, other media formats. The outcome of the programme must represent an original contribution to knowledge in the area of professional practice in question and must be of an equivalent standard to that required of a candidate for the award of PhD. The work must be communicable, and the method open to rigorous critique.
2.4 MPhil (MPhilCW) and PhD by Completed Work (PhDCW)
a) MPhil by Completed Work
The degree of MPhil by Completed Work is awarded to a candidate whose previously completed submitted work has demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the overall theme, to the satisfaction of the examiners, and an assessment of its context in relation to the developing state of the art in the subject concerned.
The candidate must present and defend the thesis in oral examination to the satisfaction of examiners, the conduct of which will be in accordance with the regulations for the award of MPhil and the academic standard associated with the degree will be the same as a conventional MPhil.
b) PhD by Completed Work
The degree of PhD by Completed Work is awarded to a candidate whose submitted work has demonstrated an independent and original contribution to knowledge, to the satisfaction of the examiners. This specialized route to a PhD is a retrospective assessment of the work submitted, of the research methodology employed in its creation, and assessment of its context in relation to the developing state of the art in the subject concerned. Candidates wishing to follow this route should apply to the University’s Graduate Research School for a copy of the relevant regulations.
The candidate must present and defend the thesis in oral examination to the satisfaction of examiners, the conduct of which will be in accordance with the regulations for the award of PhD. The academic standard will be the same as for a conventional PhD.
2.5 “M” and “D” Level Descriptors
In addition to the above, in framing their programmes of work, candidates registering with effect from 1 September 2003 onwards, and their Supervisory Teams will give consideration to “M” and “D” level descriptors of the outcomes of study as set out in Appendix 2 and developed from the QAA Framework of Qualifications for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2001.[2] (See also Regulations A.1 B). Candidates registered before 1 September 2003 and their Supervisory Teams may wish to give consideration to the descriptors.
3 ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENT
What qualifications are required? How does one become a research student? There are a number of academic requirements for admission to postgraduate research, together with standard procedures for enrolling with the University.
3.1 Admissions Policy
Applicants will be admitted onto programmes of study on the basis of academic merit and the ability to benefit from such study, and the availability of the appropriate research supervisory expertise. Admissions decisions will be taken in light of University policies on access, equal opportunities and at the discretion of Schools Admissions staff in accordance with the policy in Appendix 1 which should be read in conjunction with paragraphs 3.1 – 3.8.