The Research Masters (NFQ level 9) is a coherent programme of supervised Masters-level research normally resulting in the submission of a thesis. It may also include additional personal and professional development elements that may be provided via specific modules from the advanced educational programme of the University.

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Programme Development, Approval & Review Framework (PDARF)

I want to develop a new Research Degree programme...| Research Masters | MD | Structured PhD | Thematic Doctoral Programmes | Professional Doctorate |

The MD (NFQ level 10) is a doctoral award offered by the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science. In accordance with national and international norms, the MD encourages the development of advanced research skills in medical graduates and the medical profession, and is adapted to the particular circumstances of advanced professional training in that profession. The nature of the preparation for the degree is similar to other doctoral research degrees, but the programme is normally completed within a shorter period of time, typically two years of full-time research and study.

The Structured PhD (NFQ level 10) is a programme of supervised research and advanced education and training in a University approved subject area normally resulting in the submission of a major thesis. It offers PhD students a structured curriculum which enables them to earn credits for taught modules across a range of areas. If you wish to admit students to a new Structured PhD degree, you do not need to seek formal University Board approval; you need to consult with your Head of School and Graduate School Board and then talk to your School Office and Graduate School Office to get the programme set up. Schools, Principal Supervisors and Doctoral Studies Panels can devise suites of modules that they can make available to students to help structure their programme and narrow its focus to a sub-area of the approved UCD subject.

Thematic Doctoral Programmes (NFQ level 10) bring together PhD supervisors from different disciplines to establish a programme of advanced education and research focused on an identified theme. This type of collaboration provides PhD students with an enhanced sense of community and strengthens their individual research through sharing of seminar series and other modules. These programmes are especially useful as a vehicle to build a cohort of experts in new and emerging fields of research. Thematic Doctoral Programmes may be shared between colleges and schools within UCD or may be inter-institutional collaborative programmes.

The Professional Doctorate (NFQ level 10) is a doctoral award that places an emphasis on professional or experience-based knowledge. The specific aim of the professional doctorate is to link academic taught and research activity with professional practice. Professional practice (either clinical practice or work experience) is normally integrated into either the taught activity or the research activity of the programme. Professional accrediting bodies play a critical role in shaping the structure, content and duration of professional doctorates. Professional accreditation requirements must be taken into account in the course of developing such programmes. Each professional doctorate programme must have its own Academic Regulations which clearly address the specific professional requirements that define each professional doctorate award.

Need help? programmes@ucd.ie

FORMS: NEW PROGRAMME PROPOSAL

• In order to develop a new Research Masters Degree, MD, Thematic Doctoral Programme or Professional Doctorate programme, you will need to complete Forms PDARF2: New Programme Proposal and PDARF3: New Programme Academic Structure Proposal. The new programme proposal (PDARF2) must be approved by the College Executive and the University Management Team (UMT) in the first instance. Following that, PDARF3 must be completed and submitted to the relevant Graduate School Board for review and recommendation, and then to the University Programme Boards (UUPB/UGPB) for final approval. You may contact programmes@ucd.ie at any point for clarification and advice, and all submissions for the UMT and/or the UPB must be sent to programmes@ucd.ie.

• Form PDARF5: Thematic Doctoral Programme Supplement must also be completed for a new thematic doctoral programme and attached to PDARF3.

• Where your new programme is a collaborative programme, information on developing a collaborative programme, including information on additional forms for completion can be found on the Academic Secretariat new programmes web page.

Academic SecretariatUCD Registry

Programme Development, Approval & Review Framework (PDARF)

I want to develop a new Research Degree programme...

If you would like to develop a new Research Degree Programme, information and support is available from your Graduate School Director, the UCD Graduate Studies Office and programmes@ucd.ie.

REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

• Academic Regulations • UCD Awards and the National Framework of Qualifications• UCD Level Descriptors• Policy on Theses in Graduate Research Programmes• Code of Practice for Conflict Resolution for Supervisors and Graduate Rese

arch Students• Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Degree Students• Policy on Progression in Doctoral Programmes • UCD Register of Subjects and School Sections• UCD Guidelines on the Development of Thematic Doctoral Programmes • Guidelines on Professional Doctorates

POINTS OF CONTACT

• Specific information about the MD Degree can be obtained from the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science.

• UCD Teaching and Learning: Programme Design and Development

• UCD Graduate Studies Office• College Liaison

Need help? Contact programmes@ucd.ie