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CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Edition 10 September 2009

REVISED RESEARCH DEGREES STRUCTUREEffective 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 2007Page Para04 3.3 Modifications to Admissions process04 3.4 New para on Research Effort and Workloads, and re-numbering.08 3.8 Modifications to Enrolment and Start Dates09 4.1 Modifications to Registration procedures for students Enrolled 1 September

2007 onwards14 4.9 Amendments to Ethical Clearance for students enrolling after 1 September 200714 4.10 Reference to Transfer process for students Enrolled prior to 1 September

200715 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 Training39 Appendix 3 amended acceptable English Language qualifications47 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 2009New Logo and Title3.3.3 Modifications to include information on Training Needs Analysis at application

and at Offer3.3.5 Modifications to clarify when Visa Letters or CAS will be issued4.4 Modifications to Extensions of Registration – funding implications4.5 Modifications to Withdrawal – funding implications5.2 Modifications to Supervisors’ responsibilities – re dyslexia5.3 Modifications to Students’ Responsibilities – re dyslexia and GP Certification of

Sickness absence after 14 days.5.4 Log Books: Clarification on wording re applicability8.1 Modifications on monitoring student attendance for scholarship payments8.4 Modifications to advise new academic staff to defer research degrees if taking

PgCTLHE 9 New section on Use of Student Logos for ResearchAppendix 6 (new) – Research Training Schedule 2009-10 (renumber remaining

appendices)Appendix 12 – Revised URDSC Terms of Reference 2009-10

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Code V10 Sept 2009

CONTENTS Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Purpose of Code of Practice 11.2 Data Protection Act, Confidentiality & Publicity 1

2 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF RESEARCH DEGREES 22.1 Master of Philosophy and Master in Professional Studies 22.2 Doctor of Philosophy 22.3 Doctor in Professional Studies 32.4 MPhil and PhD by Completed Work 32.5 “M” and “D” Level Descriptors 4

3 ADMISSIONS, OFFERS AND ENROLMENT 43.1 Admissions Policy 43.2 Entry Requirements 43.3 Enquiry, Admission and Offers 53.4 Research Effort and Workload 73.5 Students Working Overseas 73.6 Admissions Appeals Procedure 83.7 Response Times 83.8 Start Dates, Enrolment & Re-enrolment 83.9 Change of School 93.10 Student Protocol 10

4 REGISTRATION 104.1 Initial Registration 104.2 Confirmation of level of degree at Progression Board 114.3 Suspension of Registration or Study 124.4 Extension of Registration 124.5 Withdrawal from Study or Registration 134.6 Change of Mode of Study 134.7 Inward transfer of Registration (Advanced Standing) 144.8 Lapse of Registration 144.9 Research Ethics 154.10 Transfer from Masters to Doctorate 15

5 THE FRAMEWORK FOR SUPERVISION, INDUCTION AND TRAINING 155.1 The Structure 155.2 Responsibilities of the Supervisory Team 175.3 Responsibilities of the Student 185.4 Log Books 195.5 Misconduct 205.6 Cheating & Plagiarism 205.7 Induction, Research Skills and other Training 20

Code V 10 Sept 2009i

6 PROGRESS AND COMPLETION 226.1 Academic Progression 226.2 Special Review Meetings 236.3 Completion 246.4 Assessment Review 25

7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 257.1 Student Record 257.2 Monitoring Role of Director of Studies 267.3 School Research Degrees Committee 267.4 Postgraduate Tutor 26

8 FINANCE 278.1 Research Assistantships and Research Studentships 278.2 Other Awards 278.3 Fees 288.4 University Staff undertaking research degrees 288.5 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 3421 RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS 34

Code V 10 Sept 2009ii

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 52New Structure Students from 1 September 2007 52Old Structure Students – before 1 September 2007 54

8 SUGGESTED INTRODUCTORY READING 579 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS LIST 6110 RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES – OFFICERS 2007/2008 6311 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 V 10 Sept 2009iv

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 Team1, 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, 1 For responsibilities of Supervisory Team see section 7.2

Code V 10 Sept 20091

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.

3.2 Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirement for enrolment on a postgraduate research degree at Teesside University is an undergraduate degree in a cognate field of study with at least an upper second class honours from a British university, Institute of Higher Education, CNAA, or recognized overseas equivalent. Exceptionally, consideration will be given to candidates with an alternative academic profile, for example if they have obtained appropriate professional qualifications, or obtained a Master’s degree, in a cognate field.

Except with specific permission, candidates will be required to write and defend their thesis in the English Language [Regs B.1.2 viii); B.4.1 iv); B.5.1 i)], and for admission, candidates will be expected to have achieved an acceptable level of proficiency in the English Language which may be evidenced by a specific grade in one of a number of approved English Language Tests and Examinations, or by having undertaken a degree programme in which the medium of teaching had been the English Language. The list of acceptable English Language Tests and Examinations is shown in 2 http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/EWNI/default.asp


Appendix 3 . Exceptions may be considered, and where necessary, facilities for English Language tuition identified for all identified as being in need of additional training.

3.3 Enquiry, Admission and Offers

3.3.1 Enquiry

Prospective students, including Staff, should address their initial enquiries to the University’s Graduate Research School (GRS), using the Research Enquiry form UTRD ENQ available from the Internet at http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/pg_researchopp.cfm . The GRS will then forward the enquiry to the Research Secretary of the appropriate academic School in which the research is likely to be supervised, or provide general information and seek further information, particularly if the enquirer is undecided on a topic at that stage. The GRS may reject enquiries for subjects for which the University does not have the appropriate expertise to supervise a research degree, or for which enquirers are unqualified for entry.

It will be the responsibility of the office acting directly upon the enquiry to

acknowledge the enquiry send the enquirer a copy of the University’s “Code of Practice for Postgraduate

Research” and if not already submitted, an Enquiry for Admission to Research Degrees UTRD ENQ form

inform the Post Graduate Tutor of the School of the enquiry send the enquirer any further information considered necessary by the Post

Graduate Tutor. (For the role of the Post Graduate Tutor, see section 7.4)

If the Postgraduate Tutor is satisfied that an enquiry may proceed to the next stage, an Application form (UTRD APP) will be issued.

3.3.2 Admission

It will be the responsibility of the Post Graduate Tutor of the academic School to ensure that all formal applications for admission, on the designated form, will be treated on their merits, through submission to the approved procedures for the School. Before any formal offer of admission can be made, it will be necessary for prospective students to have provided a project outline and for a Supervisory Team 3 designate to have been agreed. Schools may request to see a more detailed outline of a research proposal before making an admissions decision.

The School will also need to undertake a Training Needs Analysis with any student to whom they wish to make an offer and agreed initial Training Needs must be included 3 For responsibilities of Director of Studies and remaining members of the Supervisory Team, see sections 5.2 and 7.2


http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/pg_researchopp.cfm

on the UTRD APP. This will then form part of the offer letter information and agreed Training Needs must be included on the subsequent Application for Registration – UTRD REG.

3.3.3 Offer

Applicants or Enquirers should not accept verbal offers of admission. However, a formal written offer of admission to enrol on a postgraduate research degree at Teesside University may only be made by the School in which the student wishes to enrol, in accordance with the procedures for admission approved by the University, acting on the advice of the Post Graduate Tutor. Where the Student is to receive a University Research Doctoral Scholarship, the offer letter will be issued by the Dean of the Graduate Research School, on behalf of the academic School with which the student will be registered.

The written offer must include conditions of acceptance, mode of study, fees, funding if relevant including the annual amount of studentship and method of payment, the names of all members of the Supervisory Team, indication of start date [see Para 3.7 ] target Registration Date, Induction Date, Training Needs, target Progression Date, Student Regulations, Student Protocol, and other matters relevant to the individual case (e.g. Studentship Regulations), as amended from the standard offer letter approved by the URDSC (revised May 2007 and annually). A further Training Needs Analysis form (UTRDTNA) will be issued with the offer and students will be advised to contact the Research Governance & Training Manager to discuss this on arrival. [See also Para 5.7a)]. Schools must be sure that adequate resources exist for the entire period of a student’s programme, before making a formal offer.

3.3.4 Inward Transfers of existing Research Students to the University

Applicants wishing to transfer their existing research study from another university to Teesside University must be aware that Teesside University will need to take action in accordance with section 4.7 Inward Transfer . However, such applicants who are doing so on the basis that their current registration has expired will not be considered.

3.3.5 Offers and Visa requirements (Points Based Immigration)

Letters for the purpose of visa applications (up to January 2010) and Certificates of Acceptance for Studies (CAS – February 2010) can only be issued to International Students once an Unconditional or Final offer has been accepted.

3.4 Research effort and Workloads

Before embarking on a research degree, applicants should consider their current and potential commitments at home and work, and whether or not they can commit the time required to study for a research degree over a continuous and prolonged period, taking into account the minimum and maximum registration periods. Full-time students should


devote on average 35 hours per week to their research. Part-time students should devote on average 12 hours per week to their research. This will include requirements to attend Induction, Research Skills Training, and Seminars, as well as the Research and Supervisory Sessions. These amounts will vary from time-to-time according to the stage of the research. However, changes in family circumstances or employment may impinge upon study time and applicants need to discuss these issues with their families and employers where relevant, (whether they are employed outside or within the University) before committing to a research degree.

Within the University, Deans and line managers must ensure that once given permission to study a research degree, this commitment is taken into account within the employee’s workload. Consideration should be given by Deans to requesting a year’s deferral of taking the PgCTLHE for those staff new to teaching, but still in the process of undertaking a research degree, to facilitate completion of this first.

Similarly, students entering full-time employment or changing employment before they have completed their degree should ensure that their employers are made aware of the fact that they have still to complete their degree, that the employers understand the demands of undertaking a part-time research degree and that they have their support to continue the thesis to completion.

Students should also be aware that because of workloads, and with the exception of taking modules to underpin the research programme, the University may not approve simultaneous enrolment on more than one degree or postgraduate level programme.

Students should also not register with another university for a degree or postgraduate level programme simultaneously with their research degree.

3.5 Students Working Overseas

Research study on a distance learning basis is possible only in a few cases – each application being judged on individual conditions, access to adequate facilities in the home country including journals, laboratories etc, mechanisms for frequency of contact with supervisory team etc and local support where deemed necessary. In addition to tuition fees students will be responsible for paying traveling expenses if it is necessary for their supervisor to visit them in their own country. Additionally, students are expected to attend the University normally for 6 weeks per year. This should coincide with Induction, Registration and Progression Board periods. [Regs B.1.1 vi)]

3.6 Admissions Appeals Procedure

An applicant may appeal a decision not to offer admission to a research degree, via the Admissions Appeals Procedure. (See Appendix 4)

3.7 Response Times


The University will seek to issue prospectus and other promotional material, when published, within 5 working days of the request being received, and to acknowledge receipt of a Research Enquiry form (UTRD ENQ) or subsequent Research Application form (UTRD APP) within 5 working days of receipt. Furthermore, it undertakes to give your application full and fair consideration and to provide you with a speedy response. We will normally notify you of our admission decision within 5 working days of it being made. The University’s target for that process for applications for research degrees is that a decision or request for further information will be taken within 28 working days (during term time) of your Enquiry form or Application form being received. This 28 days will include (where possible), the opportunity to visit the University. During Vacations this response will take longer.

3.8 Start Dates, Enrolment and Re-enrolment

a) Start Dates

The Start Date of a Student’s study should also be the Enrolment date and fees will be charged from the Start Date. The Start date should be agreed with the Postgraduate Tutor4 and Director of Studies for official Confirmation in the Offer letter. Enrolment forms will be made available for signing on the Start Date, and will be mailed to Distance Learning Students for completion.

b) Enrolment / Re-Enrolment

All students are required to enrol, or be re-enrolled on an annual basis until completion of their studies. Fees are paid up to the date of submission of the thesis, but computer records must be kept ‘live’ until awards have been conferred. This gives access to the full range of university facilities available to research students, for example the use of computers (including allocation of student e-mail accounts) and the Learning Resources Centre. However, access to facilities will cease upon expiry of the maximum registration period for the degree stage and mode of study for which they are registered unless, in the case of students Registered for Masters level programmes, they transfer to the higher level of study prior to expiry of the original registration, or an application for extension of registration is effected. Students may enrol on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Normally students will commence study (Start date) at the beginning of the first term of the academic year. Exceptionally, however, students may start at any time of the year as agreed by the Post Graduate Tutor and Director of Studies.

Thereafter, the process itself is simple. Students sign the appropriate enrolment form. They then pay the appropriate enrolment fee through the Finance Office, or give confirmation that any sponsor or awarding-giving body (for example, a Research Council) has paid or will pay the fee on their behalf, or, in the case of part-time 4 For responsibilities of Postgraduate Tutor, see section 7.4


students, provide evidence of eligibility for receipt of one of the approved list of means-tested benefits.

However, the following should be noted:

i) Subject to satisfactory completion of the Annual Monitoring process or Progression [see Sections 6.1b)] continuing Research students will be required to re-enrol electronically using E-Vision (i.e. they will not be required to attend an Enrolment event) and invoices will be issued. They will be informed by Registry of the mechanisms for re-enrolling via E-Vision and will need to use their University STUDENT E-Mail accounts to do so [See 17 ]. The Learning Resources Centre will terminate continuing Research Students’ borrowing rights and close down e-mail accounts by 31 October annually if the Monitoring process has not been completed or officially waived through other processes having been completed (e.g. starts within two months of Monitoring period).

ii) New students cannot be enrolled until they have been through the formal application and offer process, data has been entered on the University’s Student Computer System, and their record has been processed in order to produce an enrolment form.

It should be noted that, although enrolment admits students to university facilities and confers acceptance of the general appropriateness of their designated field of study for postgraduate research within the School making the formal written offer, it does not confer acceptance of a specific programme of work for a specific degree. This is the next stage – the Registration stage (see Section 4 Registration ).

3.9 Change of School

It should be noted also that if a student, accepted for study or already enrolled in one school, wishes to transfer to another school after acceptance or enrolment and prior to Registration in the original School, they may be required to re-apply for entry, and any subsequent offer must be formalized in writing by the accepting school. Post-registration there are procedures for change of Supervisory Team [see 5.1 e)].


3.10 Student ProtocolThe Student Protocol for Research Students sets out the relationship between you and Teesside University. It is intended to record the basic understanding between you and the University, and to provide a framework through which the University can work together to enhance a student’s time at the University, and should be read in accordance with the Regulations and Code of Practice. See Appendix 15

4 REGISTRATION

To register a specific project for a specific degree, students must refine and develop their initial research proposal in consultation with their Director of Studies and Supervisory Team (see Section 5). The outcome will be a specific programme of work agreed with the University. Again, there are standard procedures.

4.1 Initial Registration

Students admitted to enrol from 1 September 2007 onwards should apply for formal registration of their degree proposal, whether for MPhil, M.Prof, PhD or D.Prof, on form UTRD REG.

The UTRD REG form should be completed in consultation with, and with the agreement of a student’s Director of Studies and Supervisory Team, who will give advice on academic matters, including methodology, also the Post Graduate Tutor of the School, who will give advice on procedural concerns, notably the role of the School and University Research Degrees Committees. Students should adhere to the normal limit of a maximum of 1000 words in Section 3.3 the “Proposed Plan of Work”. This is the first occasion on which Research Students can practice the discipline of concise writing for research that will become invaluable when writing research bids and papers.

The completed form is initially submitted to the appropriate School Research Degrees Committee (SRDC), which considers the viability of all applications on their merits. This takes into account such matters as the resourcing of the project and the appropriateness of the supervisory team, also the relationship of the project to existing knowledge in the field.

Students (accompanied by their Director of Studies) will be invited to present the proposal to the relevant SRDC meeting, so that the Committee can undertake an informed appraisal. This, it should be stressed is a facilitative exercise, aimed at improving the programme of work and (often) reducing a student’s potential workload. It should not be seen as an obstacle to student progression, rather a measure of quality control and monitoring which protects the interests of the University, Supervisory Team and, above all, students. In some Schools, presentation of the proposal is made to a small sub-set of the Committee, which then reports to the full Committee.

After considering an application for registration, the SRDC will recommend either:


unconditional acceptance of the application to the University Research Degrees Committee (URDSC), which is the final approving authority,

conditional acceptance – minor modifications which can be approved personally by the Chair of the SRDC and then submitted directly to the URDSC for acceptance – or

reference back to the student and Supervisory Team for more major modifications and re-submission to the SRDC.

Ultimately, if a reference back to the student and Supervisory Team produces a further unsatisfactory submission, the SRDC and the URDSC are empowered to reject an application to Register, but a student may apply for Assessment Review.

The SRDC and URDSC meet about once a month. Registration must be submitted at School level within 6 weeks of commencement of Full-time study, and 9 weeks of commencement of Part-time study. The URDSC is empowered to backdate the starting date of registrations normally to the date of commencement of study.

4.2 Confirmation of level of degree at Progression Board

For students commencing study after 1 September 2007, where a student has registered for the degree of MPhil, PhD or M.Prof, D.Prof, he/she must submit a Progression Report at the end of the first year of full-time study, or second year of part-time study to the SRDC using form UTRD PROG, in order that the progression to the next year of the degree for which the student wishes to continue can be assessed and confirmed. In addition to form UTRD PROG, students will be required to submit a written Progression document appropriate to the project. The required format of Progression reports is outlined in Section B.3 of the Regulations, and differs according to subject area.

It is the responsibility of the SRDC to consider all Progression cases on their merits in accordance with approved procedures. This will take the form of a review of the project at an appropriate meeting. The Panel should consist of the Postgraduate Tutor, the Supervisory Team with input from two independent ‘expert’ advisers from outside the Supervisory Team, including one external to the University. These experts will be chosen in consultation between the Chair of the School RDC, Tutor for Postgraduate Students and the Supervisory Team. Neither should be connected with the student’s work.

The student and Supervisory Team are expected to attend the Progression Board. The student and Supervisory Team will be given the opportunity to respond in writing to the assessors’ reports and the reports and responses shall be taken into consideration by the SRDC in making its recommendation to URDSC.

The outcome of the Progression Board should be reported to the SRDC and will be forwarded to the URDSC for ratification. In the event of the Progression application


being unsuccessful either at SRDC or URDSC, the student may request a review of the decision not to permit progress, in accordance with the Assessment Review Procedures [See Section 6.4 and Regs B.7].

Students enrolled for MPhil/PhD or M.Prof/D.Prof prior to 1 September 2007 will still be required to undertake the Transfer process within 9-12 months of commencement of full-time study, or 18-24 months of commencement of part-time study.

4.3 Suspension of Registration

A student may request the suspension of his/her registration, using form UTRD SUSP. Normally, periods of suspension may be granted for no longer than one year at a time and except in exceptional circumstances only one application for Suspension may be granted. Applications for Suspension should be made as soon as possible after a student identifies a need to suspend study. They should be made in consultation with the Supervisory Team. Furthermore, students in receipt of external funding, e.g. Research Councils/Boards or other funded Studentships should ensure that they consult the appropriate funding body and Student Services Financial Advisors or the Students’ Union before applying for suspension. In general, external funding bodies grant suspensions only in exceptional circumstances and never in retrospect. The University may refuse to grant an application for Suspension in retrospect and the student may be liable for continued payment of tuition fees. [See also Section 6.1 ]

Furthermore, the University and the Research Councils subscribe to the view that taking up full-time employment is considered a normal outcome from postgraduate training and is not considered a relevant reason for granting Suspension of Study as a student may continue to study on a part-time basis.

4.4 Extension of Registration

A student who is unlikely to complete his/her work towards the submission of a thesis within the maximum time permitted for the degree for which he/she is registered [see Section 6], may apply for an extension of registration on form UTRD EXTN. Such an application should be made not less than two months before the expiry date of registration in consultation with the Supervisory Team, and, if granted, the student must ensure that he/she undertakes the processes to ensure that he/she is re-enrolled for the period covered.

Retrospective applications for Extension of Registration may be refused.

However students in receipt of funding, e.g. University or Research Councils/Board or other funded Studentships should ensure that they consult the appropriate funding body before applying for an extension. They should be aware that in applying for an extension, they may be jeopardizing the University’s completion rates and the possibility of the future award of Studentships to the University’s students. In particular, Research Councils usually consider extensions to submission only in exceptional or


unanticipated circumstances related to illness/accident, exceptional personal circumstances, maternity leave, paternity leave, or where a difficult language (not English) has had to be learnt. They will not normally agree to any retrospective extension to a submission deadline. It is therefore important that the funding body is informed at the time of any circumstance which is, or might in the future, have a bearing on the planned timetable for the completion of a student’s research and consequently their ability to meet the submission deadline. Such consultation should be reported to the SRDC and URDSC in applications for Extension of Registration.Furthermore, the University and the Research Councils subscribe to the view that taking up employment after the end of a studentship or full-time study is considered a normal outcome from postgraduate training and is not considered a relevant reason for extending the maximum Registration (Submission) date. [See also Section 6.1 ]A student may request the review of the University’s decision not to grant an Extension of Registration, under the Assessment Review Procedures [See Section 6.4 and Regs B.7].

4.5Withdrawal from study or Registration

If a student wishes to withdraw from study before or after his/her registration, notification must be made to the School Research Secretary on form UTRD WITHD for onward transmission to the SRDC and URDSC and notification to other University Authorities. The date of effective withdrawal will be indicated on the form (and may differ from the date of signing of the withdrawal form). In cases of withdrawal, students holding scholarships or studentships may be held responsible for refunding any overpaid awards and should check the relevant funding regulations. At the same time, self-financing students and student sponsors may be eligible for full or partial refund of tuition fees, depending on the time of withdrawal. Students are advised to consult their supervisors or the relevant Postgraduate Tutor and Student Services Financial Advisors or Students’ Union before making a final decision to withdraw. Changes to the Student Records System and fee payments will not be authorized without submission of the withdrawal form.

Unless the Fees and Charges Panel of the University agrees otherwise, a student who fails to pay any fees, charges or other debt to the University by the requisite date becomes automatically excluded from the University as prescribed in the University’s Fees and Charges Regulations for the time being in force.

4.6 Change of Mode of Study

Students may change their mode of study from part-time to full-time (or vice versa) in accordance with university regulations and on payment of any appropriate fee. Application or notification of such a change should be made by submission of form UTRD CHMS. However, Students should be aware that except in exceptional circumstances changes of mode of study will not make a difference to the maximum registration period for the mode of study for which they were originally registered, and


those in receipt of University or external funding must make themselves aware of any requirements of the sponsors. [Regulations B.1.4 iv)]

Frequent changes of Mode of study are also not advisable. Changes of mode of study to part-time will lead to reduced access to facilities.

4.7 Inward Transfer of Registration (Advanced Standing)

Should an applicant seek to transfer their registration from another University to Teesside University (advanced standing), the relevant School must:

a) ensure that an appropriate supervisory team is available,b) obtain assurance that the existing supervisory team and the previous

university are content for a transfer to be made,c) ensure that appropriate funding and other resources are available –

including, if appropriate, approval of external sponsors for a transfer to be made,

d) obtain confirmation of the official date of registration at the previous university and of the progress of the applicant made to date,

e) consider whether the applicant may be permitted to transfer to the same year of study applicable had they not transferred institutions, and if accepting the applicant, provide a formal written offer as for any applicant, with any conditions concerning advanced standing.

However, students who are seeking an inward transfer on the basis that their current registration has expired, will not be considered.

4.8 Lapse of Registration

Registration will lapse at the expiry of the maximum Registration period for the level of research (either Masters or Doctorate) at which student is studying, or when a student fails to re-enroll and pay the appropriate fee (whichever is the sooner), or when the University deems the student to have been withdrawn.


4.9 Research Ethics

The University subscribes to an ethic of personal responsibility by which individual researchers, and, in the case or students, their supervisors should have some degree of autonomy and take personal responsibility for their research.

Directors of Study/Supervisors will bring to the attention of their students the Ethical Guidelines of relevant professional associations and the University’s procedures for Ethical Release or Approval. In the case of research which involves human subjects either in experimentation or the collection of data or information, or human tissue, or where the researchers themselves may be at risk in aspects of the research programme, Directors of Studies must indicate on the Registration form, UTRD REG, that Ethical clearance is in the process of being sought or that Approval has been granted as appropriate via the relevant Schools Research Ethics Committee.

If not approved by Registration, at the Progression Board, Directors of Study must confirm that Ethical clearance has been approved [See Section 4.2] and a copy of the appropriate Research Ethical clearance form must be attached (see “Policy, Procedures & Guidance Notes for Research Ethics”). Changes to research projects which may result in the need to reapply for Ethical Release or Approval will be monitored through the annual Monitoring process [see para 6.1 b) ] .

4.10 Transfer from Masters to Doctorate

Students who were registered for MPhil/PhD or M.Prof/D.Prof prior to 1 September 2007, will undertake the former Transfer process within 9-12 months of registration for Full-time study and 18-24 months of registration for Part-time study, and should refer to the pre 2007 “Framework & Regulations” and “Code of Practice”.

5 THE FRAMEWORK FOR SUPERVISION, INDUCTION AND TRAINING

From the beginning of their studies, research students will have a Supervisory Team consisting of a Director of Studies, Second Supervisor(s) and, possibly, additional advisors (always at least one in the case of M.Prof and D.Prof). The successful completion of the research is critically dependent on the skill of this team, its relationship with the student, and their expectations of each other, and also upon appropriate Induction, Research Skills Training, other relevant training, and Monitoring.

5.1 The Structure

It is the responsibility of the Dean of School, acting through the Post Graduate Tutor, to ensure that, before formal enrolment, each student has a Director of Studies designate. Similarly, after enrolment, it is the responsibility of the Dean of School, acting through approved School procedures, to ensure that a Supervisory Team is appointed, and that adequate continuous supervision is provided until completion of study.


a) The Supervisory Team

The Supervisory Team will consist of a Director of Studies, Second Supervisor(s), and any appropriate advisors. The Director of Studies will come from within the University and usually from within the School in which the student is enrolled. The Director of Studies must be suitably qualified for the proposed research and have personal expertise in the student’s field of study and/or theoretical approaches to be applied. The Second Supervisor(s) may be from within the University or outside, depending on the expertise available. In the temporary absence of a Director of Studies (for example illness or sabbatical leave), an Acting Director of Studies will be appointed, normally from within the existing Supervisory Team. Students will have a minimum of two and normally a maximum of three Supervisors.

Academic Staff registered for a research degree at this or any other institution may not be a member of a Research Degrees Committee, nor be a Director of Studies of any research student here. Exceptionally, they may be a second or third supervisor.

In the case of the M.Prof or D.Prof, an additional advisor must be appointed to contribute professional practice in the chosen field. This advisor may be from the candidate’s employing company.

At least one member of the Supervisory Team will have had at least two successful research degree (MPhil or PhD) supervisions to their credit at a British university, Institute of Higher Education, CNAA or overseas equivalent, or will have had one successful completion and will have completed and passed the Research Supervisor Training Module. In the case of PhD or D.Prof registrations, the successful supervisory experience must be at PhD level.

All staff who are new to research supervision must complete (through assessment) the CLQE Research Supervisor Training Module (or approved equivalent) either before undertaking supervision, or within the first year of taking up such duties.

b) Workload of Director of Studies

From academic year 2004-2005 Schools will monitor individual Supervisor workloads so that normally a Director of Studies is not responsible for supervising more than six students as Director of Studies at any time.

c) Registration Packs and proformas. On enrolment, students will be given a Registration Pack containing a copy of the Handbook of “Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”, application to register form [UTRD REG], notes for guidance as to how to complete the form, and any additional information appropriate to the School in which the student is enrolling. Additionally, documentation will be downloadable from the


University’s Blackboard site for Postgraduate Research Students, or available electronically from the Secretaries of the School and University Research Degrees Committees.

d) Change of Supervisor

Normally, students will have the same Supervisory Team throughout their period of study, but for a variety of reasons a supervisor or student may wish to change the approved arrangements. In such cases, either the supervisor or student should discuss this with the Post Graduate Tutor. In cases where the Post Graduate Tutor is the student’s supervisor, discussion should take place with the Chair of the SRDC. If a change is agreed to be necessary, the appropriate application form [UTRD CHSUP] should be endorsed by members of the previous and prospective Supervisory Team, and by the student, and should be submitted to the SRDC for approval.

If a Director of Studies or other Supervisor leaves the university, for example through retirement or taking up another appointment, the supervisory arrangements will be reviewed according to School procedures and having regard to 5.1b), in consultation with the student, and a new Director of Studies or other Supervisor appointed.

5.2 Responsibilities of the Supervisory Team

The responsibilities of the Director of Studies, acting on behalf of the Dean of School include:

establishing a clear understanding of the mutual expectations between himself/herself and the student, including frequency of contact,

giving general guidance to the student about the nature of research and the standard expected,

familiarizing him/herself with the regulations for enrolment and registration, and giving specific guidance to the student regarding School and University procedures,

ensuring that applications for initial registration, for transfer from MPhil to PhD, or M.Prof to D.Prof (old structure, if appropriate), and Progression (revised structure)

nominating the Examination Team for approval within the appropriate timescale, but taking no part in the organization of the viva or exchange of Examiners’ Reports,

liaising with the School’s Post Graduate Tutor, giving specific guidance to the student about the planning of the research

programme, literature and sources, attendance at taught classes (which are normally covered by the student’s enrolment fee), about requisite techniques (including arranging for instruction where necessary), about ethical issues, appropriate referencing, and about academic misconduct and the problems of cheating and plagiarism,

making known to Researchers any concerns that a Researcher may be dyslexic, so that the Researcher may obtain official assessment of the suspected condition and obtain appropriate assistance,


maintaining regular contact with the student through tutorial and seminar meetings, as appropriate,

countersigning the Log Book and ensuring the copies are lodged with the Postgraduate Tutor and Supervisors not present,

being accessible to the student at other appropriate times when he/she may reasonably need advice,

giving detailed advice to the student on the necessary completion dates of successive stages of the work,

requesting written work, as appropriate, and returning such work to the student with constructive criticism and within a reasonable period,

arranging, as appropriate, for the student to talk about his/her work to staff or graduate seminars, and to have practice in oral examinations,

ensuring that the student is fully aware of regulations which affect his/her conduct and/or work,

ensuring that the Supervisory Team as a whole is working together and that each member is aware of his/her responsibilities,

ensuring that the Guidelines for Personal Safety in Fieldwork are made available to all students about to engage in fieldwork, and

agreeing holiday absences for full-time students, providing guidance to students required to make amendments or revisions to their

submitted and examined theses.

The responsibilities of the Second Supervisor(s) and any advisers are to be worked out in consultation with the Director of Studies and the student. The detailed arrangements of supervision will differ from discipline to discipline, and even within disciplines, but in general it is considered good practice to keep a written record of expectations and of supervisory session outcomes (See Section 5.4).

5.3 Responsibilities of the Student

The responsibilities of the student include:

establishing a clear understanding of the mutual expectations between himself/herself and the Supervisory Team, in particular the Director of Studies,

discussing with the Supervisory Team the type of guidance which is found most helpful, and to agree a schedule of meetings,

taking the initiative in raising problems and difficulties, however elementary they may seem,

attending such Research and Skills Training workshops and seminars as are identified as beneficial and making presentations,

completing the Log Book (See Section 5.4), ensuring that submissions of initial application to register, for transfer of registration

from MPhil to PhD (old structure, if appropriate), or Progression (revised structure) and for approval of examination arrangements, are made within the appropriate timescale,


preparing topics for discussion with the Director of Studies or members of the Supervisory Team,

submitting written work, as appropriate, within an agreed timescale, to members of the Supervisory Team,

consulting Student Services Disability Coordinator about obtaining official assessment of suspected Dyslexia so that appropriate facilities may be sought for proof-reading the thesis, and/or reasonable adjustments may be made for the conduct of the viva voce examination,

informing the Director of Studies, or other supervisor if not available, of any period of sickness as soon as is practicable, and obtaining medical certification for periods of sickness of 14 days or more.

taking note of the guidance and feedback from the Supervisory Team, participating in an Annual Review Meeting of his/her work, according to procedures

approved by the School in which he/she is enrolled, informing the Supervisory Team of any other people with whom his/her work is

being discussed, and of any intention to make a presentation or publication arising from the research programme,

ensuring that the thesis content is properly referenced, and not plagiarized, ensuring that the thesis is submitted to the Secretary of the URDSC before the

expiry date of the registration period, ensuring that the final copy of the thesis is bound in accordance with the

regulations, and informing the School Research Secretary, of any change of address or telephone

number, to ensure that contact is maintained with the Director of Studies and Supervisory Team.

If changes occur in a student’s circumstances after enrolment, he/she must inform the School Research Secretary in writing, so that School and University records can be updated.

5.4 Log Books

a) Framework

The University Research Degrees Sub-Committee agreed that Log Books will be implemented with effect from the start of academic year 2004/5 to formally record structured interactions between Students and Supervisors (Supervisory meetings).

A minimum of three structured interactions must be recorded annually. This is in addition to completion of the Annual Monitoring process. The mechanisms for implementing these are either electronic or paper format in accordance with agreements with the relevant School’s Postgraduate Tutor.

Supervisors must determine with each student which of the supervisory meetings will be designated as formal interaction for recording purposes, and this decision must be


reported by the Supervisors to the Postgraduate Tutor. For the purposes of distance learning, formal interaction may include e-mail contact.

The system will be implemented for all students. For all new research students the Registration form has been amended to take into account the agreement on how many meetings will be formally recorded.

For students enrolled prior to 2004/5 where a pattern of more frequent supervisory sessions probably exists, it is anticipated that it will require the identification of which meetings should be recorded. However, if any of these existing students do not wish to come under the new practice, they have the right to opt-out.

b) Completion

The record should be completed by the student and countersigned by the Director of Studies and any other supervisor/advisor present. The record should be easy to use, but contain sufficient detail to provide a useful record of the topics discussed and actions agreed.

The record should not act as a constraint to academic discussions and should not attempt to be a verbatim record.

After each meeting, a copy of the page should be retained by the student, one copy by the Director of Studies and a third be lodged with the School Postgraduate Tutor. A copy should also be forwarded to members of the Supervisory Team who have been unable to attend a meeting.

5.5 Misconduct

In cases where a student may have committed serious misconduct, his/her registration may be terminated in accordance with the University’s Student Disciplinary regulations.

5.6 Cheating & Plagiarism

The University regards the concepts of Cheating and Plagiarism in Research Degrees as serious offences. Alleged occurrences of Cheating and Plagiarism in the course of research leading to or published in the research thesis will be dealt with under the University’s Regulations for Cheating and Plagiarism in Research Degrees (enclosed within the “Framework and Handbook of Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research” Section D) and if proven, may result in failure.

Allegations of Cheating and Plagiarism in non-research course-work elements of taught course components which form part of Research Methods Training, or a Professional Masters/Doctorate programme will be dealt with under the University’s Regulations relating to “Cheating and Plagiarism in Coursework”, and the outcome notified to the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee. Allegations of infraction of examination


regulations involving cheating/plagiarism in an examination in a taught course which forms part of a Research Student’s programme of related studies will be referred to the Examination Disciplinary Committee and the outcome notified to the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee. Alleged occurrences of Cheating and Plagiarism in Published Papers or Conference Papers will be dealt with under Student Disciplinary Regulations.

5.7 Induction, Research Skills and other Training

a) Induction and Research Skills Training

A generic programme of Induction will be provided for all newly-enrolled research students in the first term of the academic year. Students enrolling later in the academic year will be invited to the next induction course, either during the second or third terms, or the first term of the next academic year. Schools will also provide specific induction programmes.

Since September 2004, most students have been required to undertake a programme of Research Methods Training specific to their subject of study, or other supportive training. Only those students who have approved prior Research Training may be considered for exemption from Research Methods Training requirement but may be required to attend additional training. A summary of the Framework for each School’s Induction and Research Training is attached at Appendix 5 . (To be reviewed)

Since 2008 a programme of generic Research Training has been provided by the Graduate Research School. Students attending from September 2009 are required to attend those Research Training modules identified in their offer letters. Attendance will be monitored and is pre-requisite for Progression. The Programme for 2009-10 is attached at APPENDIX 6 Further research training will be identified at the Offer stage [See also Para 3.3.3]

b) Additional modules and short courses

Additionally, through the Staff Development Budget, Research Students are permitted to apply for central funding to undertake academic modules/short courses at Teesside University which are directly relevant to their area of study, and in accordance with criteria outlined in Appendix 5, Section 7 Access to Staff Development Funding . 6 PROGRESS AND COMPLETION

Any research programme must be completed and examined within a reasonable timescale, and progression towards this must be planned.

6.1 Academic Progression


a) Timescales

The “Regulations” specify the minimum registration periods [Regs B.1.4 i)]. However the University considers that students should be able to undertake a full research programme and complete a satisfactory thesis within the following timescales:

Full-time Part-time

Masters level 24 months 36 monthsDoctoral level 36 months 48 months

Students should plan their research, including writing up, within the above timescale.The maximum time allowed for submission of a thesis is as follows:

Full-time Part-time

Masters level 36 months 48 monthsDoctoral level 60 months 72 months

It should be noted that the above timescales do not include periods where suspension of registration has been approved by URDSC.

Students in receipt of external funding, e.g. Research Councils, should also pay attention to the target submission/completion rates of their funding bodies. [See Para 6. 1 b) ].

It is the day to-day responsibility of the Director of Studies to make students aware of their progress – or lack of progress – and to set appropriate targets for the various stages of research. Students should refer to the University’s “Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research” for an indication of the minimum timescales for the submission of theses. Up-to-date copies of the Regulations can be obtained from the Secretary of the URDSC and will be downloadable from the Graduate Research School web site http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research .

b) Research Councils’ Funding and Target Submissions / Completions

Research Councils/Boards have target times within which they expect the students they have funded to have submitted and completed their degrees. For full-time students this is normally 4 years and part-time students 7 years. Students should refer to their particular funding body’s targets (usually on websites). They will be expected to submit annual monitoring reports to their funding body to secure continued funding, and final reports within the target times.

Completion rates for Students transferring to PT study after 3 years FT study are included in calculations for FT study. Suspensions are discounted.


http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research

c) Annual Monitoring Review

With the exception of students undergoing a Progression Board (at end year 1 full-time, or year 2 part-time study) all students must submit an on-line Annual Report (UTRD AMON) and undertake an Annual Review, in accordance with the procedures of the School in which he/she is enrolled.

The preferred method for this is via the On-Line Annual Monitoring form, which facilitates automated transfer of the form to the Supervisory Team and monitoring by the Postgraduate Tutor (PGT) before a decision is made on whether a student may proceed to the next year of study. The Student is also able to see the comments of the Supervisory Team and receive final feedback from the PGT. Students will be informed via their University STUDENT e-mail address when the On-Line form becomes available for completion.

Schools are at liberty to request commencement of proceedings earlier and require earlier completion, but must inform the Graduate Research School of their intentions so that the On-line system can be activated, and the deadline must be not later than 31 July. Students will not be allowed to be re-enrolled for progression to the next year of study until completion and satisfactory review of their Annual Report or Progression Board. Learning Resource Centre borrowing facilities and Student e-mail accounts will be withdrawn by 31 October annually for students who have failed to complete the Annual Monitoring process. Students who have not been progressed by 31 October A student may request the review of a decision not to permit progression to the next year of study, under the Assessment Review procedures [Regs B.7].

6.2 Special Review Meetings

In cases where progress is deemed to be unsatisfactory, students may be required, in addition to the Annual Review, to attend a Special Review Meeting. Such Special Review Meetings will comprise the student, the Director of Studies, other members of the Supervisory Team as appropriate, and Post Graduate Tutor. The Chair will be an independent member of the SRDC.

The objective of Special Review Meetings is to agree specific instructions and objectives for students which will enable them to pursue their research satisfactorily. These will be recorded formally and placed on the student record lodged with the School Research Secretary (see section 7.1). Students should be advised that failure to meet the requirements of a Special Review Meeting will normally lead to a recommendation to the URDSC (via the SRDC) for termination of registration. A student may request the review of a decision not to permit progression to the next year of study, under the Assessment Review procedures [Section B.4 and Regs B.7].

6.3 Completion


a) Approval of Examination Team

The Supervisory Team and student should agree a timetable for completion which should include approval of the thesis title, nomination of examiners, entry for examination and compliance with other regulations of the university, as appropriate. The Examiners and student must declare any prior connections including personal friendships/relationships and previous joint academic work. Applications for examination should be submitted to the Secretary of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee, six months before the thesis is finally submitted to the University for examination. This will allow the URDSC to approve the necessary arrangements in good time. Students must take no part in the arrangement of the Examination.

b) Thesis Submission and Examination timescale

The required number of copies of the thesis should be handed in to the Secretary of the URDSC within the appropriate timescale, before expiry of the Registration period, and in accordance with the University’s regulations. Students should not submit their theses before they have been notified that their Examination Team has been approved. Once submitted, there should be no unreasonable delay in examining a thesis, and examiners are requested to offer the earliest possible dates. In most cases, examinations are held within three months of submission of the thesis. However, this cannot be guaranteed, especially during summer and Christmas vacations. Candidates should also be aware that theses submitted just before the Christmas vacation are likely to be held up in the Christmas postal rush and not reach the Examiners until the start of the new term which differs in different institutions. The University’s Awards Ceremonies are held annually in mid-late November and students are advised that because of the commitment of Examiners to their institutions’ examination boards, their own summer vacations and autumn conferences, it is unlikely that a thesis submitted for examination later than June can be examined and the award ratified by the URDSC in time for successful candidates to be listed in the November Awards Ceremony brochure. However, every effort will be made to try to expedite matters.

Students should also be aware that arranging vivas for submissions delayed longer than three months after an Examination Team has been approved can sometimes be affected by Examiners taking Sabbatical Leave, or other theses to which Examiners have committed themselves being submitted and taking precedence.

c) Reasonable Adjustments for Dyslexia

Researchers who have been officially diagnosed as Dyslexic should consult the Student Services Disability Advisor so that appropriate facilities may be sought for proof-reading the thesis, and should consult the Graduate Research School’s Research Quality & Policy Manager (RQPM) so that reasonable adjustments may be made for the conduct of the viva voce examination. A copy of the Researcher’s Dyslexia assessment may need to be seen by the RQPM and, with the candidate’s approval,


selected information shared with the Examiners to facilitate reasonable adjustments during the viva. [See also Section 13 Student Support]

6.4 Assessment Review

A Research Student may request a review of an Assessment decision not to permit progression, or the final award at the following stages:

Registration Annual Monitoring Transfer from Masters to Doctorate level (old structure) Progression (revised structure) Extension to Registration Final Examination Re-Examination

subject to certain circumstances outlined in Regulation B.7 of the “Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”.

7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

A research degree programme must be monitored and evaluated to ensure that progress is satisfactory and that students, supervisors and the University are carrying out their responsibilities properly.

7.1 Student Record

The School Research Secretary will keep a portfolio containing a comprehensive record of each student’s progress, from initial enrolment to completion.

When registration is approved by the URDSC, the final version of the application to register form [UTRD REG] will be signed by the Chair or Secretary of the URDSC and held by the University Graduate Research School. Copies will be returned to the Candidate, Director of Studies and the School Research Secretary. Similarly, copies of other approved changes to Registrations will be returned.

7.2 Director of Studies

Day-to-day responsibility for monitoring student progression lies with the Director of Studies.

7.3 School Research Degrees Committee


Responsibility for the admission and progression of research degree students lies with the SRDC, which considers all applications for registration, including applications for transfer, suspension and extension of registration. It is the responsibility of the URDSC to ensure that the procedures of the SRDC are adequate.

It is the responsibility of the SRDC to ensure that Annual Reviews, in agreed form, take place for all enrolled students. The SRDC will report annually to the URDSC on the operation of its quality control system and on the progress of all enrolled research students. The Constitution and Terms of Reference of the School RDC can be found in Appendix 10 .

7.4 Post Graduate Tutor5

Within each School, there is a Post Graduate Tutor (or equivalent), who undertakes the day-to-day administration of the procedures agreed by the SRDC.The Post Graduate Tutor’s responsibilities include:

ensuring that the admission, enrolment and annual re-enrolment of research degree students conforms to university regulations and procedures; that only students who are qualified to do so are admitted; that before enrolment all new students have agreed a project topic with a full-time permanent member of the academic staff qualified to undertake the role of Director of Studies and who is willing to take on that role; and that, in the event of a member of the Supervisory Team leaving the university, a replacement is promptly found,

ensuring that there are sufficient resources for the research degree project and that the project is viable,

ensuring that application of the admissions criteria is closely scrutinized in the case of the appointment of staff likely to be required to undertake a research degree,

informing students and supervisors of the roles and duties of supervisors and encouraging good supervisory practice,

providing advice and assistance on registration procedures and related matters to students and supervisors,

ensuring that applications for registration, transfer, progression, change of supervisory arrangements and examination arrangements are all made promptly as and when required,

chairing Progression Boards organizing the Annual Monitoring procedure under the auspices of the SRDC, retaining a central copy of completed Log Book pages for each student6, and preparing an annual report on the progress of all enrolled students for the SRDC.

Schools may add to the above core responsibilities. Furthermore, in a large School, with a large number of research students, there may be more than one Post Graduate Tutor. However, the roles of Postgraduate Tutor and Chair of School Research

5 Role established 19966 See 5.4


Degrees Committee should be kept separate, in case of the need for adjudication in student cases involving the PGT.

The Constitution of a Research Admissions Appeals Panel also includes an Independent Postgraduate Tutor (See Appendix 4 )

8 FINANCE

The financing of research degrees is rather different from that of undergraduate degrees. There is no statutory provision for student grants or payment of fees by local authorities, and the student loan scheme does not apply to research degrees. Unless covered by specific awards or sponsors, students must make their own provision both for payment of fees and financing their degrees and ensure that they have sufficient funds to support their entire period study.

8.1 Research Assistantships and Research Studentships/Scholarships

From time to time, the University offers research assistantships and research studentships for full-time postgraduate research. Students holding such positions are not required to pay their own fees, but are subject to the University regulations and conditions of service which apply to assistantships and studentships at any given time and are required to go through the standard application, enrolment and registration procedures in the normal way. Student attendance will be monitored and studentship/ scholarship payments may be withheld if, on investigation, it is proven that the student is not engaging with their research project and keeping in contact with their Supervisors.

8.2 Other Awards

Students holding awards from Research Councils and other sponsoring bodies (e.g. Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects) are required to go through the standard enrolment and registration procedures in the normal way, and are subject to the conditions which are attached to such awards in addition to standard university regulations.

8.3 Fees

Fees, where applicable, are payable at the time of enrolment or re-enrolment and up to the date of submission of the thesis. There are different rates for part-time and full-time study, which may increase annually. Currently, fees may be waived for part-time students who are in receipt of one or more benefits specified by the University (see Fees & Charges Leaflet, obtainable from Student Services or the Graduate Research School). Arrangements may be made by application to the Finance Office to pay fees by credit card, or in instalments. Normally the payment of all fees by installments must be completed by the end of April annually, but Research Students may apply to the Finance Office to spread out the payments up to the end of July.


8.4 Staff undertaking Research

University staff wishing to undertake a research degree should apply to the Staff Development Fund (administered via CLQE) for funding. Applications should be made within the normal Staff Development Fund cycle in consultation with their Line Manager following the PDR Process and having made a formal application to study for a research degree. Staff must re-apply annually to secure continued funding. For further information, staff should consult the CLQE Staff Development Team staff Intranet at: http://cwis.tees.ac.uk/sdt/default.cfm?cat_id=1465&dept_id=54

However, new academic staff should be aware that if they are being required to undertake the PgCTLHE, they should defer undertaking a research degree until having completed the PgCTLHE. The workloads for both programmes are incompatible for concurrent study. Students who are part-way through their research degrees when they become academic staff and who are required to undertake the PgCTLHE should request consultation between their Dean and CLQE about the possibility of deferring taking the latter course for a year in order to permit completion of the research degree, in accordance with advice to Deans by the Director of Human Resources. 7

Staff should also read Para 3.4 regarding Research Effort.

8.5 Part time Teaching

From time to time, subject to availability and subject expertise required, and depending upon the Regulations of the funding body (if applicable), Research Students might be offered the opportunity of undertaking paid part-time teaching or other work by the University. However, students should not rely on the possibility of obtaining part-time teaching or other work in order to supplement the funding of any part of their studies or maintenance, unless this forms part of their written agreement with the University. Students in receipt of Research Council Studentships may be permitted to undertake part-time teaching as part of their studentship, subject to the maximum permitted contact time under Research Council regulations.

9 GOVERNANCE – Use of University Logo

The use of the University’s logo is not permitted on student work, including assignments, essays, reports, posters, presentations, theses, etc, except in special circumstances.

Any student who needs to use the University Logo on Research Documents for the purposes of NHS or other External body’s research Ethics or Governance procedures must use an amended logo, and the following process must be adhered to:

the Supervisor of the Research Student must request the use of the Logo7 31 August 2007


http://cwis.tees.ac.uk/sdt/default.cfm?cat_id=1465&dept_id=54

the approved logo and monitoring of use will be done by the Graduate Research School.

To use the Logo for Research Governance purposes, please contact the Graduate Research School’s Research Governance & Training Manager, Dr Andrew Rawnsley: [email protected]

10 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Despite the University’s best efforts, students and other users of its services may, from time to time, encounter problems with the services provided.

The Complaints procedure can be used to make a complaint about:

i) standards of service provided by the University or its staff; or failure of the University or its staff to provide a service;

ii) action or lack of action by the University or its staff;iii) unfair treatment by Teesside University’s Students’ Union on any matter; or

unfair disadvantage attributable to opting out of Students’ Union membership.

Details of the University’s Complaints Procedure can be found in the University Student Handbook or at the following website: http://www.tees.ac.uk/docs/index.cfm?folder=Student%20Regulations

Advice on the Management of the Procedure is available from the Ombuds’ Office, (Legal Services), and forms can be obtained from the Ombuds’ Office. Complaints may be made on an individual basis, or by a group of students.

However, the use of the Complaints Procedure is not appropriate if there is already a set procedure available. A list of these specific procedures can be obtained from the Ombuds’ Office. For example, you should follow the Assessment Review procedure [Regs B.7] if you have a complaint about how your thesis was assessed, or about not being permitted to progress to the next year of study, or not being permitted to extend your period of Registration, or not being permitted to transfer from Masters level to Doctorate level of the degree for which you were registered. The Complaints Procedure involves four formal stages, preceded by an INFORMAL Stage. On many occasions, a problem can be solved quickly, and to everyone’s satisfaction, without having to resort to a formal process. You are advised and expected to try to resolve complaints at the Informal Stage, which comes before the more formal stages. At this Informal Stage you are encouraged to try to resolve the complaint with the person providing the service about which you are complaining. For instance, if you have a complaint about Supervision, you should first of all try to raise your concerns informally with your Supervisory Team or, if you prefer, with the Postgraduate Tutor. Where a specific procedure is relevant, this takes precedence over the Complaints Procedure.


http://www.tees.ac.uk/docs/index.cfm?folder=Student%20Regulations

mailto:[email protected]

Students should note that all information provided in the course of making a complaint will be treated confidentially. Steps will be taken to ensure that information does not pass beyond the bounds of the investigation and only relevant people will be included within the investigation.

Staff who are involved in handling the various stages of your complaint are obliged to ensure that your action does not influence the assessment of your academic work or the way in which you are treated.

11 RESEARCH SUPPORT

Research Students are expected to take personal responsibility for their research, and can enhance their research by engaging in related activities that will help to embed them in the research culture and environment.

In addition to requirements to attend Induction and Research Training sessions, Research Students should take every opportunity to attend induction sessions, plus research seminars and workshops in their own, or other cognate disciplines within their School, or more broadly within the University, including the Public Lecture Series. Research Students should discuss sources of funding for appropriate external events with their Supervisory Team. The University receives specific Research Support Training Grants for each Research Council funded students. (See also Appendix 5, Section 7)


12 UNIVERSITY LOUNGE

Research Students have access to University Lounge (second Floor, Student Centre) to meet colleagues, Supervisors, and their Visitors. The Lounge is open during building opening hours and there is a staffed Coffee Bar service from 11:00 am to 2.00 pm Monday-Friday. This is a social area and should not be used as a work base.

13 STUDENT REPRESENTATION

Research Students (one per School) are represented on the University Research Degrees Board which meets twice yearly (normally October and February) to discuss a range of matters in relation to the delivery of Research Degrees. Representatives are elected by their peers. Agenda Items may be brought forward either by the University or School Research Degrees Committees, or by the Student Representatives in consultation with their peers in their Schools.

The Constitution and Terms of Reference of the Board are available in APPENDIX 13The Responsibilities of a Research Student Representative can be found at APPENDIX 14 .

14 STUDENT SUPPORT

Support for Students is available from the following sections of the University and Research Students are encouraged to avail themselves of assistance whenever necessary:

Student Services: Accommodation, Careers, Chaplaincy (with links to all faiths), Confidential Counselling, Financial Advice, Immigration &

Visas, Welfare. Students who have a disability, specific learning difficulty or mental health difficulty should contact Services to discuss support available’. (see web site

http://www.tees.ac.uk/depts/studentservices/ Located 1st Floor Student Centre.

Students’ Union: Academic Appeals, Complaints, Financial Advice, Immigration & Visas, Welfare. (See web site http://www.utu.org.uk ). Located on Southfield Road.

See also University Student Handbook at http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/handbook/

See Also Appendix 15 – Student Protocol


http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/handbook/

http://www.utu.org.uk/

http://www.tees.ac.uk/depts/studentservices/

15 PGR NETWORK

Except during August, the Graduate Research School runs a monthly (2-hour) network meeting for research students usually at midday or early evening (with buffet). This gives an opportunity for students to hear about developments in skills training, events they can attend, and changes to policy, procedures and regulations. However, most importantly students get the opportunity to give a brief presentation on their work and engage in discussion with other research students from across the university and continue to network. The programme of events will be notified via e-mail and published on BlackboardTM.

16 BLACKBOARDTM

There is a Postgraduate Research Student area on BlackboardTM (https://eat.tees.ac.uk), from which Research Students may access proformas for various stages of their research, find up-to-date information about events, and engage in discussion groups. In order to access BlackboardTM, you must use your University STUDENT ICT account number and password. See section 17 on how to obtain your University ICT account number etc.

17 LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES

Library & Information Services (L&IS) are located in the Learning Resources Centre (LIBRARY). The Subject Information Team Leaders can advise Research Students on the availability of resources in their subject area not normally available to non-research students. This service exceeds what you might have been used to if you have already been an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student at the University, so get to know your Subject Information Team Leader - they are very knowledgeable and useful. Students may be able to book lockable carrels on a weekly basis.

The following information is extracted from the “Information for Researchers” leaflet available from L&IS at http://lis.tees.ac.uk/researchers/default.cfm which also lists the Subject Information Team Leaders.

Researchers have the same entitlements to use the LIBRARY as academic staff. You can borrow up to 20 standard loans, 6 weekly loans and 3 overnight loans. You can also collect your printing from the Enquiry Desk on the Ground Floor, with the cost being charged back to your School.

SCONUL Research Extra

The SCONUL Research Extra scheme is a national scheme allowing access to academic staff and postgraduate research students (MPhil and PhD) to borrowing at over 125 higher education institutions. For more information, see the factsheet on the scheme Factsheet 106: SCONUL RESEARCH EXTRA: Reciprocal Borrowing –


http://lis.tees.ac.uk/researchers/default.cfm

https://eat.tees.ac.uk/

Research. An application form is also available: SCONUL Research Extra: Application Form.”

Inter-Library Loans are available on the basis of 50 per research student per year. However, please don’t collect up all your requests and submit them in one go! Exceptionally, and through written recommendation of the Director of Studies to the Director of L&IS, a research student may apply for more than 50 Inter-Library Loans per year.

There are a variety of on-line resources available via the L&IS website at http://www.tees.ac.uk/lis/ . However, students are advised that a number of major resources are only available if accessed from a “tees.ac.uk” e-mail address and therefore all enrolled students should ensure that they activate their University STUDENT e-mail addresses in order to be able to access appropriate electronic resources. See section 17 on how to obtain your University e-mail address etc.

TUSC Cards – Reader Status

Finally, also from the L&IS Researchers’ leaflet, “Some Researchers may find the status on your TUSC is that of ‘Student’, as you will have been registered as a student on the SITS (Student Record information system). This will not affect your borrowing entitlements, but if for identification purposes you would prefer to have a TUSC with the description of ‘Staff’ to ensure that printing costs in L&IS can be charged back to your School (a Researcher’s entitlement), ask at the Enquiry Desk on the Ground Floor of the LIBRARY and a replacement card will be printed out for you.”

18 UNIVERSITY ICT ACCOUNT AND E-MAIL ADDRESSStudents are advised that it is University policy to communicate with them on student business via the University STUDENT e-mail account. This policy also applies to staff who are also students. Students may use a facility for having e-mail messages re-directed to staff or other e-mail addresses once their Student account is activated, but there may be certain processes which can only be completed via the Student account (e.g. PGR Blackboard, on-line Annual Monitoring see 6.1 c) and re-enrolment via E-Vision).

You can collect your ICT Account (user name & password) and your University Student e-mail address from the helpdesk in your own School or from the LIBRARY Enquiry Desk, seven days after you have enrolled at the University. If you are collecting your account from the LIBRARY we will need to see your Teesside University Smart Card (TUSC). Students from the School of Computing will receive their details from their School.

If you are studying at a distance and have not been sent your ICT Account information, please contact [email protected] .



http://www.tees.ac.uk/lis/

19 ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT and DROP- IN STUDENT SKILLS CENTRE (DISSC)

English Language support including Academic Writing for research is available for International Students. Contact the Graduate Research School’s Research Training & Governance Manager for details, Dr Andrew Rawnsley [email protected]

Additionally, the staff in DISSC located in the Learning Resources Centre, are all academic tutors who can help provide some additional writing and Study Skills support. It is a confidential service open to all undergraduate and post-graduate students.The Maths Centre is also a part of DISSC. Tutor availability is noted in the opening hours which are advertised on the DISSC notice board, the intranet and the internet. IT help is also available.

There is a Blackboard website for Study Skills available to all students. For more information, please go to the website at:

http://lis.tees.ac.uk/dissc/default.cfm

20 LANGUAGES FOR ALL

You have the opportunity to study for a University Certificate in Continuing Education (UCCE) in a Foreign Language alongside your main study programme. This is free to all full-time students of the university. At present, French and German are offered at all levels from Beginners to Advanced, and Spanish is offered at Post GCSE level. Chinese is also available. For further information and details of how to register please contact: Annie Malik [email protected] (French), Angelika Flynn: A.Flynn@tees .ac.uk (Chines, German or Spanish); or see the website at: http://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/tbs/ucpd/UCPDinfo_lang.cfm

21 RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS

A list of relevant forms is can be found in Appendix 3. The forms are available for enrolled research students to download from the University’s BlackboardTM site (see Section 16). They are available also via e-mail or on disc (Word 6) from the Secretary of the relevant School Research Degrees Committee, or from the Secretary of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee (Graduate Research School), Room 1:56 Innovation Centre). See also Appendix 9 for School Officers’ e-mail addresses. Students requesting forms to be supplied on disc should provide a virus free disc or memory stick. Research Degrees Proformas are updated every year, and students should ensure that they use the most up-to-date version of a form at the time of use. This is signified by the final two digits, e.g. 09 = Academic Year 2009/20010. Copies of forms obtained for previous years should be destroyed.

22 FURTHER INFORMATION


http://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/tbs/ucpd/UCPDinfo_lang.cfm

mailto:A.Flynn@tees


http://lis.tees.ac.uk/dissc/default.cfm


More detailed information regarding research degrees will be available from the Secretary of the URDSC (Graduate Research School) as follows:

This document. “Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research” ,

incorporating “Regulations on Cheating & Plagiarism in Research Degrees”. “Policy, Procedures & Guidelines for Research Ethics”. Research Degrees Proformas. “Frequently Asked Questions” Information on Patents, Copyright and Copying.

A number of Student Regulations and Policies are available from the STUDENT PAGES of the INTERnet at: http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/policies.cfm including (but not exclusively) the following:

“Regulations relating to Intellectual Property Rights in Students’ Course Work” (incl. Research)

“Regulations relating to Students’ use of University Computer Facilities” “Code of Practice for Students’ use of University Computer Facilities” “Regulations relating to conduct of the Fees & Charges Panel”

Individual Schools will provide more detailed information regarding Research Ethics and Guidelines for Personal Safety in Fieldwork.

23 TERM DATES AND UNIVERSITY CLOSURE

2009-2010Autumn Term: 5 October 2009 – 18 December 2009

The University buildings will be closed from 09.30 pm on Wednesday 23 December to 09.00 am on Saturday 2 January 2010.

Spring Term: 11 January 2010 – 26 March 2010Summer Term: 12 April 2010 – 21 May 2010

Outside these dates, access to catering facilities and Learning Resources Centre may be reduced.

Bank Holidays 2009-2010: 25/28* December; 1 January; 2 April; 5 April; 3 May; 31 May; 30 August.*Substitute date as Boxing Day falls on Saturday.

2010-2011


http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/stud/policies.cfm

Autumn Term: 4 October 2010 - 17 December 2010Building closure dates to be announced.

Spring Term: 4 January 2011 - 18 March 2011Summer Term: 4 April 2011 - 27 May 2011

Bank Holidays 2010-2011: 27/28 December*; 3 January**; 22 April; 25 April; 2 May; 30 May; 29 August.*Substitute dates as Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on Saturday/Sunday.**Substitute date as New Year’s Day falls on Saturday.


APPENDIX 1ADMISSIONS POLICY

Postgraduate Research ProgrammesTO BE REVIEWEDSummary [Code Section 3 refers]

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.

Policy

1. The basic principle of admission to the University is that applicants may reasonably be expected to be able to fulfill the objectives of the programme, achieve the standard required for an award within the normal registration period and benefit from the period of study.

2. In making admissions decisions, Admissions staff should seek evidence of personal, professional and educational experiences, which provide a reasonable indication of the potential for undertaking research ability to meet the demands of the programme.

3. In accordance with the University’s policy on applicants with previous criminal convictions, applicants declaring (or discovered to have) a criminal conviction which has not been spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, will be required to provide details of the nature of the offence (please see Policy & Procedures for Handling Applications from Students or Applicants with Previous Criminal Convictions). However, applicants to health and social work programmes must declare previous criminal convictions, spent or otherwise, and will be subject to police vetting checks.

4. On entry to degree programmes applicants should normally have reached the age of 18 by 31 December in the first year of study.

5. In accordance with Section 3.4 of the University “Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research” (Edn 9 2007), all applications will be dealt with in the timescales stipulated.

6. Overseas applicants disputing their fee status will be required to provide documentary evidence to the Academic Registry supporting their case. However, the fee assessment process is carried out independently of admissions decisions.

7. The University will make every effort to admit applicants to undertake their desired research project. However, constraints upon research areas and availability of appropriate research supervisory expertise in the desired area may restrict the ability to admit applicants and it may not be possible to find an appropriate alternative research topic.

8. Complaints by applicants relating to admissions decisions should be made through the University’s Complaints Procedures.


9. Appeals by applicants in relation to admissions decisions should be made through the University’s Admissions Appeals Procedures. See Appendix 4

10. Every effort will be made to ensure that applicants with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties receive support appropriate to their needs/requirements throughout the application process and for the duration of their studies.

11. Conditional offers for research degree programmes may include both academic and non-academic conditions (e.g. subject to satisfactory references, or financial provisions).

12. Subject to University policies on equal opportunities and access, the University recognizes a range of awards for admission to its research degree programmes, as outlined in the “Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”.

13. Qualifications acceptable for entry onto research degree programmes:

a) British Honours Degree

b) British taught Masters programme

c) British MPhil or M.Prof

d) Professional qualifications and/or experience deemed to be equivalent to the above.

e) International and overseas qualifications deemed to be equivalent to a-d above.

14. The normal minimum entry requirement for a research degree is an approved British upper second class honours degree or recognized overseas equivalent, a postgraduate diploma or a professional qualification recognized as being equivalent to an honours degree, or a Masters degree, in a relevant subject. Other qualifications or experiences that demonstrate that an applicant possesses appropriate knowledge and skills at honours degree standard may be acceptable.


APPENDIX 2 “M” and “D” Level Descriptors1, POSTGRADUATE LEVEL DESCRIPTORS - KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (Revised September 2003)

Level M Level D

(a) Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of techniques/ methodologies appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship

(a) Demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry

(b) Demonstrate originality in the creation and application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline

(b) Demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding and analysis of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice

(c ) Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is aimed at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline or area of professional practice

I Create and interpret new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the frontier of the discipline and merit publication

(d) Has the awareness and ability to manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and work pro-actively with others to formulate solutions

(d) Can analyse and manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and work pro-actively with others to formulate solutions

2. POSTGRADUATE LEVEL DESCRIPTORS - COGNITIVE AND INTELLECTUAL SKILLS (Revised September 2003)Level M Level D

(a) Able to integrate and synthesise diverse knowledge, evidence, concepts, theory and practice to promote understanding and/or good practice and solve foreseen and unforeseen problems

(a) Able to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems

(b) Able to make argued conclusions on the basis of incomplete and/or contested data (b) Able to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data

(c )Able to challenge orthodoxy and formulate new/alternative hypotheses or solutions (c) Continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing significantly to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches

Code V11 Sept 200939

3. POSTGRADUATE LEVEL DESCRIPTORS – PRACTICAL/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (Revised September 2003)

Practical and professional skills are subject specific and descriptors should be developed by School or Programme Teams with reference to appropriate subject benchmarks and the requirements of relevant professional bodies.

The general descriptors below reflect the increasing complexity of context within which the skills are applied and the increased level of autonomy with which the skills are used. They also highlight the importance of the ethical and legal framework of the particular discipline or profession. These factors should be clearly reflected in the subject specific Practical/Professional Skills developed by School or Programme Teams.

Level M Level D(a) Application of SkillsCan operate ethically in complex and unpredictable, possibly specialised, situations and has a critical understanding of the issues governing good practice

(b) Autonomy in Skill Use Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level

(a) Application of SkillsCan operate ethically in complex and unpredictable / specialised situations at the frontier of knowledge and professional practice and has a critical understanding of the issues governing good practice

(b) Autonomy in Skill Use Act autonomously and with initiative in complex and unpredictable situations

4. POSTGRADUATE LEVEL DESCRIPTORS – KEY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (Revised September 2003)Level M Level D

(a) Plan & Manage Own LearningDemonstrate the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

(b) Communication SkillsCommunicate complex academic or professional issues clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences

(c ) Numeracy SkillsCompetent in the numeracy skills commensurate with the demands of research and scholarship in the academic / professional context

(d) IT SkillsCompetent in the IT skills commensurate with the demands of research and scholarship in the academic / professional context

(e) Work With OthersCollaborate effectively with others in ways appropriate to the professional/academic context

(a) Plan & Manage Own LearningDemonstrate the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

(b) Communication SkillsCommunicate complex academic or professional issues and their own ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences

(c) Numeracy SkillsCompetent in the numeracy skills commensurate with the demands of research and scholarship in the academic / professional context

(d) IT SkillsCompetent in the IT skills commensurate with the demands of research and scholarship in the academic / professional context

(e) Work With OthersCollaborate effectively with others in ways appropriate to the professional/academic context


APPENDIX 3

MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

At its meeting on 19 October 2001 URDSC agreed [URDC 3374 refers], that students who had studied their first degree in the English Language (whether in the UK or overseas) might be exempt from any requirement to take an English Language proficiency test, otherwise they must have proof of, or take one of the following tests (usually IELTS or TOEFL). These requirements are currently subject to review and applicants falling below the minimum threshold may be accepted conditionally upon undertaking and passing additional approved English Language training courses prior to final confirmation of offers. However, the University reserves the right to advise students if additional English Language training should also be taken during their research study.

The following list of qualifications are considered acceptable for proof of English Language ability for entry to University Programmes of Research degrees.

Qualifications Minimum Grade/MarkGCE “O” level Old Grade 6, Later grade CCGSE Ordinary level Grade CAEB Test of English For Educational Purposes (TEEP)

Grade 3

APIEL Grade 3Hong Kong Use of English “A” level Grades A-CIELTS (British Council) taken with the last two years.

6.5 with no grade below 6

International Baccalaureate: English as a Second Language

Higher

NEAB University Entrance Test in ESOL Grades B in each component.Oxford Examination in EFL (Higher Cert) CreditPitman Examinations Institute ESOL Examinations (Higher)

Pass

RSA English as a Foreign Language Stage IIITOEFL “Old” “Old” 580 plus Test of Written English

4.0TOEFL “Computer” “New” 240 plus Essay 4.0TOEFL “Internet” “Internet” 90Trinity College, London GESE levels 10/11 with Merit or

Distinction, plus ISE III with performance descriptor bands A or B in each component of ISE

UCLES Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

C or above

UCLES Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

C or above


APPENDIX 4

ADMISSIONS APPEALS PROCEDURE OF PANEL – Research Degrees Admissions

In order to safeguard the interests of prospective students, the University has established an Admissions Appeals Procedure. It is intended that this procedure will operate as a stand-alone procedure in the first instance prior to its incorporation within the University’s Admission Policy.

An Appeal against a decision may only be submitted on the grounds of:1. a procedural irregularity;2. if there is evidence of bias or prejudice;3. new material information, which may have affected the decision. (In this instance reasons why this was not made available at the time of application MUST be given and failure to do so may impact on progression of the appeal.)

This procedure may only be initiated on the basis of one of these grounds. It may not be used when and where there are not adequate grounds for doing so and may not be used simply because a candidate has been unsuccessful with his/her application, or is unhappy with the conditions of an offer. This process is inclusive of all admissions including those decisions based on Accreditation of Prior Learning, either experiential (APEL ) or certificated ( APCL). There shall be no provision for appeal against the academic or professional judgment of those making the decision on the application.

It is essential that reasons for the appeal are clearly defined at the point of appeal by the applicant.

The majority of appeals can be resolved informally, and those who believe they have valid grounds for appeal against an admission decision should raise the matter, in writing, in the first instance, within the appropriate admissions cycle, with the appropriate School Manager citing under which ground (1 – 3 above) the appeal is made and providing evidence to support the appeal. If the appeal is not resolved to the satisfaction of the applicant through this informal means, he/she should then write formally, within 15 days, to the Dean of School, setting out the grounds for appeal. If, having received the formal response, the applicant remains dissatisfied, he/she should write, within 15 days, to the Academic Registrar. The letter should explain why the applicant remains dissatisfied and, what he/she would hope the outcome to be. The timescale for response by the School and Academic Registrar at each stage is 15 working days.

The Academic Registrar will evaluate the evidence provided and if it appears to the Academic Registrar that there are valid grounds for appeal, the Academic Registrar will convene an Admissions Appeals Panel to consider the case and make a recommendation based on the evidence presented. The recommendation of the Admissions Appeals Panel will be forwarded to the University Secretary for ratification.


Where the Academic Registrar believes the appeal to be unfounded, the Academic Registrar will forward the case papers, together with the reasons for dismissal, to the University Secretary for ratification. If the University Secretary decides that there are grounds for appeal the case papers will be referred to the Admissions Appeal Panel

The Admissions Appeal panel will comprise:Academic RegistrarLegal Services ManagerIndependent Postgraduate Tutor Independent Chair of School Research Degrees Committee (Chair)Representative of the Students’ Union

The Secretary of the Panel will be appointed by the Academic Registrar and shall convene all meetings of the Committee and attend and take minutes thereof.

Where the University Secretary accepts the recommendation of the Academic Registrar that the applicant has not established a prima face ground for appeal, and where the University Secretary accepts the recommendation of the Admissions Appeals Panel that the appeal should not be upheld, the University Secretary’s decision is not subject to further appeal.

Every effort will be made to deal with all appeals quickly and efficiently, to investigate them thoroughly and objectively, and to respond within a reasonable period. If, for good reason, the University is unable to provide a response within 15 working days, the applicant will be written to with an explanation of the difficulties and will also be informed of when to expect a decision/response.

It should be noted that this is an appeals procedure and not a complaints procedure. Applicants making a complaint should follow the formal University Complaints Procedure and write to the University Ombuds Officer, in the first instance.

Approved by Academic Board 7th July 2004


APPENDIX 5 [To be reviewed]

SUMMARY OF FRAMEWORKS FOR SCHOOLS’ INDUCTION AND RESEARCH TRAINING AND OTHER TRAINING

1 SCHOOL OF ARTS & MEDIA

All new research students will be required to attend an initial School induction programme and to follow a Research Training Programme. The Induction Programme will involve an introductory session at which new students will meet Directors of Study, the School Post-Graduate Tutor and other post-graduate students. The Research Training Programme and the Log Book system will also be explained at this first session. The second stage of the induction programme is an introduction to the resources offered by the Learning Resource Centre, and the final stage is a presentation of an overview of the forms and processes to be encountered throughout the period of study.

The Research Training Programme provides a schedule of training on a range of topics and generic skills, in the areas of Library and Information Services, Professional Development, and Health and Safety, as well as subject-specific skills. The research student and his/her Director of Study will discuss from which of these areas the student will benefit and from which the student will be exempt. A record will be kept of the student’s progress through this training schedule. The student and Director of Studies will also agree a Research Training Contract detailing the Masters level Research Skills and Methodology Modules to be followed, a programme of advanced study and specialist courses, where appropriate, plus an indication of the contact hours agreed between the student and Director of Studies.

2 SCHOOL OF COMPUTING Academic year 2004 –5

Research methods training for new Postgraduate Research Students in SCM will be provided via a series of dedicated sessions. These sessions will be run over four half-days, or as appropriate to meet the needs of full-time and part-time students and the availability of staff. The full series will be offered twice in the academic year. Existing students will also be invited to attend. The outline programme is shown in the table below.

Session 1 Introduction. What is “research?”Session 2 Design & creation as a research strategySession 3 Other research strategies and methods e.g. surveys, case

studies, action research, interviews, questionnaires, observations etc.

Session 4 Using the literature for researchSession 5 Introduction to Library resources for computing researchers

[Sue Myer, L&IS]Session 6 Philosophy of research – What is “new knowledge?”


Approaches to research in computing, information systems, digital arts

Session 7 Research ethics and plagiarismSession 8 Analysis and critical evaluation of a piece of published research

Academic years 2005 onwardsFrom 2005 onwards we will have a re-validated master’s programme which is intended to include a research methods module. All new SCM Postgraduate Research Students will be required to take and pass this module. Its content is expected to be similar to that in the table above.

Additional research methods trainingWhere appropriate, SCM research students will be encouraged to undertake further research methods training provided by other Schools and departments within the university.

As part of their research methods training, all SCM Postgraduate Research Students are expected to present their work regularly to their research group and annually to the School’s wider research community.

3 SCHOOL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Applicants to the SoH&SC research degree programme who have not studied research methods as part of a qualification already awarded are asked to undertake such study either as; 1) a prerequisite to taking their application forward; or 2) as a condition of an offer to enroll on the programme. Should a candidate be considered to have adequate training in research methods for enrolment, then the candidate is made aware that ‘top up’ modules are available in the School. The term ‘adequate training’ refers to holding a research based Masters degree or the equivalent experience in terms of research experience.

The SoH&SC does not offer a qualification in research methods per se but does hold a range of research based degrees at M level, and commencing in September 04 at D level (Subject to external validation). These programmes comprise the following modules

Title Level CreditsAdvanced research design for advancing practice D 40Advancing practice through action research M 12Application of evidence in clinical practice M 24Appraisal & utilization of evidence in health & social care M 12Designing and managing research projects M 20Economic evaluation of health care M 12Epidemiology M 12Evaluation research in Health & Social Care practice D 40


Professional Ethics M 12Qualitative Research M 24Statistics for health & medical professionals M 12Utilization of evidence M 24

4 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & LAW

In 2002-3, the School of Social Sciences and Law re-affirmed its view that normally research students enrolled on MPhil/ PhD and M.Prof./ D.Prof. programmes will be expected to undertake a programme of training equivalent to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods. If new students already possess a Masters qualification with a significant research component (as exemplified, for instance, by a research-based Masters dissertation) they may be exempted from this requirement (but may be encouraged to undertake further modules as deemed appropriate and necessary).

Many social science students (e.g. in sociology, criminology, social policy) will undertake the whole suite of modules associated with the PgD in Social Research Methods (which is described below). Students in psychology, sports and exercise science and law are likely to need research training that is geared more specifically to their subject specialisms. In these cases, subject groups have drawn up programmes of research training which are equivalent to study at PgD level (most of which draw upon some of the modules from Social Research Methods). The particular needs and backgrounds of some research students may mean that very particular, tailor-made packages of training need to be negotiated.

The PgD in Social Research Methods will contain the following modules from 2004-5 (subject to validation):

Evaluation and Analysis Surveys and Experiments* or Handling Public Data* Advanced Statistics Qualitative Research Social Theory and Interpretation** Managing and Presenting Research Preparing for the Dissertation*

[Modules marked * are 10 credits. The rest are 20 credits. Modules marked** may be replaced by Research Management 2 or Research Supervision]

5 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

All Research Students must undertake Module 1 “Introduction and Professional Studies” of the School’s validated MSc Programmes.

This Module takes place in week 0 of the Academic year, and is repeated again in February.


The content includes:Campus Tour; Introduction to PG Study; Working in Groups, BlackboardTM etcEffective Report Writing; Referencing; Introduction to Research StudyEthics/Plagiarism; Designing Questionnaires; Careers; Enterprise; Sustainability; Time Management;Statistical Techniques; Regulatory Frameworks; Effective Presentations.

6 TEESSIDE BUSINESS SCHOOL

On the basis of the information provided on the application form and at interview, and if the student is accepted by the School as a postgraduate research student by the relevant member(s) of academic staff, a programme of research training is identified based upon a) the research project to be undertaken, and b) any previous postgraduate degree research training which they have already successfully completed in areas cognate to a).

TBS does not have its own research degrees training programme, given the low number of students who have been registered to date, and therefore draws upon the School of Social Sciences and Law’s Research Training Programme, which is based upon their MSc in Social Research Methods. Specific modules from that programme are identified for a given student to take, on the basis of the process outlined above.

7 ACCESS TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

The Staff Development Strategy Group has agreed (Dec 2005) to enable Postgraduate Research Students at Teesside, through the Graduate Research School (GRS), to apply for central funding to undertake academic modules / short courses at Teesside which are directly relevant to their area of study.

The following criteria will apply:

1 The study must be directly relevant to the individual’s area of research.2 The study must be identified in the individual’s training plan and

appropriate rationale provided, including the ways in which the activity will benefit the individual and their research.

3 The application must be supported by the Research Supervisor (Director of Studies) and Dean of the GRS.

4 The study must be part-time and either a module or a short course.5 The study must be provided by Teesside University.

Staff Development Strategy Group will consider all applications and if an application is not approved, reasons for this will be provided to the individual.


These amendments will be reflected in an update to the Criteria for Application for Funding from the Central Staff Development Budget.


APPENDIX 6

RESEARCH TRAINING SCHEDULE ACADEMIC YEAR 2009-10Updated AR 04-08-09

Check http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/training.cfm for updated venues.

AUTUMN TERM

29 September Research Ethics In-Depth 10.00-16.30M3.10

07 October Completion Training: Proofing & Submission 10.00-16.00Phoenix G.13

09 October Viva Workshop 12.00-16.00CfE2

16 October Academic Writing for Research 12.00-14.00W1.02

17 October Initial Training 1 & 2 (Saturday) 11.00-16.30M6.10

23 October Academic Presentation for Research 12.00-14.00M4.02

24 October Initial Training 3 & 4 (Saturday) 11.00-16.30M6.10

28 October Initial Training 1 & 2 10.00-16.30CfE2

29 October Initial Training 3 & 4 10.00-16.30Phoenix G.13

30 October Methodology and Epistemology for Research 12.00-14.00M3.09

04 November L&IS Literature Review Training 13.00-15.00LRC3.2

11 November Initial Training 1 & 2 (PT focus/evening) 17.00-20.30M6.10


http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/training.cfm

17 November **Publication Practice: Citation and Ethics 10.00-16.00Phoenix G.13

18 November Initial Training 3 & 4 (PT focus/evening) 17.00-20.30M6.10

25 November Research Ethics In-Depth 10.00-16.30OL.2

25 November L&IS Literature Review Training (evening) 18.00-20.00LRC3.2

28 November L&IS Literature Review Training (Saturday) 11.00-13.00LRC3.2

02 December Continuing Training 10.00-16.00W1.02

Room Prefixes CfE – Centre for Enterprise (Victoria Rd)G – Phoenix LRC – Learning Resources Centre (Library) OL – Europa BuildingM – Middlesbrough TowerW – Waterhouse Building

WINTER/SPRING TERM (Venues to be confirmed)

20 February Initial Training 1 & 2 (Saturday) 11.00-16.30

27 February Initial Training 3 & 4 (Saturday) 11.00-16.30

03 March Initial Training 1 & 2 10.00-16.30

04 March Initial Training 3 & 4 10.00-16.30

05 March Academic Writing for Research 12.00-14.00

06 March L&IS Literature Review Training (Saturday) 11.00-13.00

09 March Research Integrity Workshop 12.00-14.00

10 March L&IS Literature Review Training 13.00-15.00

12 March Academic Presentation for Research 12.00-14.00

19 March Methodology and Epistemology for Research 12.00-14.00


24 March Research Ethics In-Depth 10.00-16.30

30 March Initial Training 1 & 2 (PT/evening) 17.00-20.30

31 March Initial Training 3 & 4 (PT/evening) 17.00-20.30

13 April Publication Practice: Citation and Ethics 10.00-16.00

14 April L&IS Literature Review Training (Evening) 18.00-20.00

16 April Advanced Methodology for Research I 12.00-14.00

23 April Advanced Methodology for Research II 12.00-14.00

28 April Continuing Training 10.00-16.00

12 May Completion Training 10.00-16.00

For details and booking contact:

Dr Andrew Rawnsley

[email protected]

01642 73 8046



APPENDIX 7

MODEL TIMETABLE OF EVENTS

NEW STRUCTURE ENTRANTS FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2007

Event When Actions RegulationEnquiry for study:

Any time, but early enquiry advised to maximise chances of applying for funding, e.g. by 23 February annually.

Enquirer submits UTRD ENQ form – giving details of desired project. If School agrees there is a potential project and supervisory team, Enquirer is asked to proceed to next stage.If School cannot take forward, Enquirer must be given feedback as to why.

“Code of Practice”

Application for Admission to research degree programme

After Enquiry form accepted.

Applicant is asked to submit UTRD APP form to Graduate Research School. GRS enters data on SITS and sends to School.

"Code of Practice".

Selection As soon as possible after receipt of App Form.

Within 28 Days term-time School should have made some response to applicant, e.g. request for further information, invitation to interview, etc

Academic School interviews candidates – either face-to-face (preferable) or via telecom/phone-conferencing. School identifies Training Needs of candidates, identifies FULL Supervisory Team, Resources available.

If rejected, the School must give the applicant feedback as to why rejected.


Offer Within 5 days of decision being made.

Formal offer outlining Supervisory Team, Project, Start date, Target Registration Date, Target Progression Date, Fees or Scholarship details, Regulations. Signed by PGT, checked/issued by GRS.


Enrolment After formal acceptance. Complete Enrolment form B.1.4 (x)


Enrolment, and Re-enrolment annually.

in relevant School.

Induction Normally at beginning of academic year, and mid-year for late starters.

Graduate Research School organises generic training. Schools organise specific training.

Code of Practice.

Ethical Release/Approval

As soon as possible after enrolment, and not later than the Progression Board.

Director of Studies certifies Ethical Release (ETHRELV3) or seeks Approval for project via School Research Ethics Committee (ETHAPPV3) and confirms on UTRD REG.

B.1.3 and B.3 (iv) and Ethics Policy & Guidelines

Registration 6 weeks (full-time students) 9 weeks (part-time students)

Complete form UTRD REG and submit to relevant School Research Degrees Committee. (RDC)

B.1.1 and B.1.2

Annual Monitoring

By 31 July annually except in Progression Board years, or if started in May/June/July.

Student/Supervisory Team submit form UTRD AMON to Tutor for PG Students in School

B.1.4 (vi)

Progression Board

12 Months after commencement (full-time students)24 months after commencement (part-time students)

Submit Application for Transfer (UTRD PROG) and Progression Report to relevant School RDC. Individual Progression Boards held.

B.3.2

Transfer from full-time to part-time study.

At completion of 3 years full-time funding, if thesis not submitted.

Submit form UTRD CHMS to relevant School RDC. Next Re-enrolment as part-time student.

B.1.4 (iv)

Transfer from part-time to full-time study.

If full-time funding obtained after commencement of part-time study.

Submit form UTRD CHMS to relevant School RDC. Next Re-enrolment as full-time student.

B.1.4 (iv)

Change of Supervisory Team

Whenever situation arises through divergence from original research programme, resignation of staff, or irreconcilable differences between supervisors/student.

Student or Supervisor submits (UTRD CHSUP) to School RDC following discussions with School’s Tutor for PG Students.

B.2 (vii)

Suspension When student is unable to progress research

Submit form UTRD SUSP to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (vii)


because of illness or other valid reason. Only one Suspension, and not retrospective.

Extension At expiry of registration period if work incomplete. Only one Extension, and not retrospective.

Submit form UTRD EXTN to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (viii)

Approval of Examination Team

6 months before candidate hopes to be examined.

Director of Studies submits form UTRD EXTM to University RDC

B.4

Submission of Thesis


Student submits required number of copies of thesis together with Entry Submission form (UTRD SUBM) to Secretary of University RDSC (Graduate Research School)

B.4.3 and B.5

Viva Voce Examination

Up to 3 months after submission of thesis.

B.4.5

Withdrawal Whenever candidate feels unable to continue, or after negative monitoring process.

Submit form UTRD WITHD to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (vi) (ix)

OLD STRUCTURE (Students enrolling pre 1 September 2007)Event When Actions RegulationApplication for Admission to research degree programme

Any time, but early application advised to maximise chances of applying for funding, e.g. by 23 February annually.

Applicant submits PG Application form to Graduate Research School.

“Code of Practice”.

Enrolment After formal acceptance. Enrolment, and Re-enrolment annually.

Complete Enrolment form in relevant School.

B.1.4 (x)

Induction Normally at beginning of academic year, and mid-year for late starters.

Graduate Research School organises generic training. Schools organise specific training.

Code of Practice.

Ethical Release/Approval

Prior to Registration. Director of Studies certifies Ethical Release (ETHRELV3) or seeks Approval for project via

B.1.3 and B.3 (iv) and Ethics Policy


School Research Ethics Committee (ETHAPPV3) and confirms on UTRD REG.

& Guidelines

Registration 6-9 months (or part-time equivalent)

Complete form UTRD REG and submit to relevant School Research Degrees Committee. (RDC)

B.1.1 and B.1.2

Annual Monitoring

By 31 July annually Student/Supervisory Team submit form UTRD AMON to Tutor for PG Students in School

B.1.4 (vi)

Transfer from Masters to Doctorate level

18-24 months (or part-time equivalent) for students Registered for MPhil/PhD M.Prof/D.Prof

Submit Application for Transfer (UTRD TRAN) and Transfer Report to relevant School RDC.

B.3.1

Transfer from full-time to part-time study.

At completion of 3 years full-time funding, if thesis not submitted.

Submit form UTRD CHMS to relevant School RDC. Next Re-enrolment as part-time student.

B.1.4 (iv)

Transfer from part-time to full-time study.

If full-time funding obtained after commencement of part-time study.

Submit form UTRD CHMS to relevant School RDC. Next Re-enrolment as full-time student.

B.1.4 (iv)

Change of Supervisory Team

Whenever situation arises through divergence from original research programme, resignation of staff, or irreconcilable differences between supervisors/student.

Student or Supervisor submits (UTRD CHSUP) to School RDC following discussions with School’s Tutor for PG Students.

B.2 (vii)

Suspension Whenever student is unable to progress research because of illness or other valid reason. Normally, only one Suspension, and 1 year maximum. Not retrospective.

Submit form UTRD SUSP to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (vii)

Extension At expiry of registration period if work incomplete. Normally only 1 Extension and 1 year maximum. Not retrospective.

Submit form UTRD EXTN to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (viii)


Approval of Examination Team


Director of Studies submits form UTRD EXTM to University RDC

B.4

Submission of Thesis


Student submits required number of copies of thesis together with Entry Submission form (UTRD SUBM) to Secretary of University RDSC (Graduate Research School).

B.4.3 and B.5

Viva Voce Examination

Up to 3 months after submission of thesis.

B.4.5

Withdrawal Whenever candidate feels unable to continue, or after negative monitoring process.

Submit form UTRD WITHD to relevant School RDC.

B.1.4 (vi) (ix)


APPENDIX 8

SUGGESTED INTRODUCTORY READING

Some students may wish to purchase books, hence we’ve given an indicative price for paperbacks. However, from the following link, Enrolled students may reserve most books on this list in the Learning Resources Centre on this list below: http://redcar-bb.tees.ac.uk:8080/talislist/rl_content.jsp?listID=4332

Title Sub-Title Author(s) Date ISBN Indicative price

LIBRARY8

Shelf markHow to Get a PhD A Handbook for

Students and their Supervisors

Estelle M Phillips and Derek S Pugh

3rd Edn 2000*

0 335205518 Pbk

£16.99 001.4PHI

Getting a PhD in Health & Social Care

Immy Holloway and Jan Walker

2000^ 0632 050578 £16.99 001.4 HOL

Getting a PhD An Action Plan to help you Manage your research, Your Supervisor, Your Project

J A Finn 2005Routledge Study Guides

ISBN 0-415-34498-0 (pbk)

£15

Getting Your PhD A practical insider’s guide(Humanities & Social Sciences)

Harriet Churchill and Teela Sanders

2007 LA Calif, London SAGE

1412 919940 (pbk)

£18.99 001.4 CHU

Your PhD Companion

A handy mix of practical tips, sound advice and helpful commentary to see you through your PhD (Written by recent PhD students)

S Marshall and N Green

2004How To Books Ltd2nd Edn 2007

ISBN-10: 1845281454ISBN-13: 9871845281458

£9.99 378.24/MAR

* Buckingham Open University Press ^ Oxford Blackwell Science

8 Teesside University Learning Resources Centre Code V 11 Sept 200957

http://redcar-bb.tees.ac.uk:8080/talislist/rl_content.jsp?listID=4332


LIBRARY9

Shelf markThe Research Student’s Guide to Success

Pat Cryer 2000*2nd Edn

0 335 206867 Pbk

£16.99 378.17CRY

Managing Information for Research

Elizabeth Orna with Graham Stevens

1995* 0 335 19397 8 Pbk

£14.99 001.4ORN

A Woman’s Guide to Doctoral Studies

Diana Leonard 2001* 0 335 20252 7 Pbk

£25.00 Not in Library

How to Research Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes & Malcolm Tight

1996* 0 335 19452 4 Pbk

£14.99 301.72BLA

Doing your Research Project

A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education and Social Sciences & Law

Judith Bell 3rd Edn1999*

0 335 203872 Pbk

£13.99 370.78BEL

The Good Research Guide

For Small-Scale Social Research Projects

Martyn Denscombe

1998* 0 335 19805 8 Pbk

£15.99 300.72DEN

The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism

Open Up Study Skills Series

Colin Neville 2007**** 9780335220892Pbk0335220894 Pbk

£17.99 808.02NEV

Returning to Study A Guide for Professionals

Stuart Powell 1999* 0 335 20131 8 Pbk

£14.99 374.942/POW

How I got my postgraduate degree part time

Ed. Nicole Greenfield

2000**

1 86220-901-2 £9.99 378.17/GRE

Doing Postgraduate Research

Ed. Stephen Potter 2002***

0 761947442

£15.99 301.072/POT

* Buckingham: Open University Press

9 Learning Resources Centre Code V 11 Sept 200958

** School of Independent Studies, Lonsdale College, University of Lancaster*** Sage Publications, London


LIBRARY10

Shelf markAuthoring a PhD How to Plan, Draft,

Write and Finish a Doctoral Thesis or Dissertation (Arts/Hums/Soc Sci)

P Dunleavy 2003****

1 4039 11 916 Pbk140 3911 916 Hbk

£16.99 Pbk

001.4/DUN

Designing Qualitative Research

Catherine Marshall, Gretchen B Rossman

London; Thousand Oaks, CA: *** 1999

301.072/MAR

Image-Based Research

A Source book for Qualitative Researchers

Ed Jon Prosser London,Routledge/ Farmer 2003

301.072/PRO

Developing Effective Research Proposals

Series: Essential Resources for Social Research

Keith Punch 2000 *** 301.072/PUN

Research Ethics for Qualitative Research

Melanie Mauthner et al

2002 *** 07619 73095 Pbk

£20.99 Pbk

301.072/MAU

Research Ethics for Social Scientists

Mark Israel and Iain Hay

2006 *** ISBN 10 1 4219 0390 4 (pbk)ISBN 13 978 1 4219 0390 5 (pbk)

£20.99 Pbk

Not in Library

How to Write a thesis

R Murray 2002*****2nd Edn

0 335 02718 9 Pbk0 335 207197 Hbk

£16.99 Pbk

001.4/MUR

*** Sage Publications **** Palgrave Macmillan ***** Open University Press: McGraw-Hill Education



LIBRARY11

Shelf markHow to Survive your Viva

Defending a thesis in an oral examination

R Murray 2003*****

0 335 21284 0 Pbk0335 212859 Hbk

£16.99 Pbk

378.24/MUR

The Doctoral Examination Process

A Handbook for Students, Examiners and Supervisors

P Tinkler and C Jackson

Maidenhead, Mar 2004*****

0 335 21305 7 Pbk

£16.99 001.4

Visualizing Research

A Guide to the Research Process in Art and Design

Carole Gray and Julian Malins

2004Ashgate Publishing Ltd

0 7546 3577 5Hbk

£30.00 707.2/GRA

Researching Information Systems and Computing

Briony J Oates London, Sage 2005

004.072/OAT

Writing for Academic Journals

Rowena Murray 2005*****

0 335 21392 8 ppbk

£18.00 808.066050 MUR

JISC Higher Education Collections Catalogues

Internet Source of resources to support Research

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/collections http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=pub_fehecat

***** Open University Press: McGraw-Hill Education


http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=pub_fehecat

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/collections

APPENDIX 9

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES PROFORMAS

PROFORMA PURPOSECode of Practice Section

Framework &

Regulations Section

FILECODE

1. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS – Students enrolled prior to 1 September 2007

4.1 B.1 UTRDREG06

2. SUPERVISOR EXPERIENCE FORM (to accompany UTRDREG for students enrolled prior to 1 September 2007)

4.1 B.2 UTRDSUPEX08

3. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL – Students enrolled 1 September 2007 onwards

4.1 B.1 UTRDREG09

4. RESEARCH METHODS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (to accompany UTRDREG)

5.1 B.1.2 UTRDRMT09

5. RESEARCH STUDENT SUPERVISION LOG 5.4 UTRDLOG096. APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER from Masters to Doctorate –

Students Enrolled/Registered prior to 1 September 20074.2 B.3 UTRDTRAN06

7. APPLICATION FOR PROGRESSION – Students enrolled 1 September 2007 onwards

4.2 B.3 UTRDPROG09

8. ANNUAL MONITORING FORM – ON LINE 6.1 B.1.4 vi) UTRDAMON09

9. APPLICATION FOR SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION 4.3 B.1.4 vii) UTRDSUSP09

10.APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION 4.4 B.1.4 viii) UTRDEXTN09

11.APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF MODE OF STUDY 4.6 B.1.4 iv)/v) UTRDCHMS09

12.APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF SUPERVISORY TEAM 5.1 B.2 vii) UTRDCHSUP09

13.NOTIFICATION OF WITHDRAWAL OF REGISTRATION 4.5 B.1.4 ix) UTRDWITHD09


14.THESIS ENTRY SUBMISSION FORM 6.3 B.4.3 v) UTRDSUBM09

15.APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

5.2 B.4.2 UTRDEXTM09

16.EXAMINER EXPERIENCE FORM 5.2 B.4.4 v)/vi) UTRDEXEXP09

17.CV FORM FOR NOMINATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES

- - UTRDMEMBCV09

Forms 1,3-14 (Bold type) can be accessed from the INTRAnet (by staff), from BlackboardTM (by students) or be e-mailed as attachments, or be supplied on disc (please supply your own virus checked disc), by Secretaries of School Research Degrees Committees. Please specify format required. Several Schools, including GRS are now using Microsoft Office 2007. Forms 2, 15-17 are for STAFF USE ONLY. These and other forms for Examiners’ Recommendations are also available from the Secretary of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee, Graduate Research School.


APPENDIX 10 RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES – OFFICERS 2009/2010

Each School has a Research Degrees Committee, which reports to the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee, which is itself a sub-committee of the University Academic Standards Committee. Initial contact with Officers should be made through the Secretary to the relevant Committee.

School/Research Degrees Committee

Chair Secretary Tutor for Postgraduate Students

Contact: Location

Arts & Media Dr N Copsey Stacy Harper Dr R J Burden [email protected] Phone: 384021Fax: 384099

Middlesbrough Tower, School Office Room M5.16

Computing Dr S J Green Claire Barker Dr Phil Brooke [email protected] Phone: 342678Fax: 230527

Greig Building, ComputingRoom 1/40

Health & Social Care

Prof A Batterham

Lesley Watson&Claire Gee

Dr Sharon Hamilton

[email protected] Phone: [email protected] Phone: 384124Fax: 384105

School of Health Room P0:01

Science & Technology

Dr T Thompson Julie Wright Dr Mosharaf Sarker

[email protected]: 342480Fax: 342401

Innovation & VR Centre, School Office, Room G:01

Social Sciences & Law

Prof R F MacDonald

Barbara Cox&Mandy Spurrell

Dr P CrawshawDr D Morland

[email protected]: [email protected] Phone: 342300Fax: 342399

Clarendon BuildingRoom A1:07

Teesside Business School

Dr T Mordue Lisa Wilson Dr Yongsheng Guo


Clarendon BuildingRoom A2:67

University Research Degrees Sub-Committee

Dr C J Kitching Kathy Ludlow, University Research Quality & Policy Manager

Research Degrees Assistant Dr Martin [email protected] 588033Fax: 384411


Innovation Building, GRS, Room 1:56

Dean, Graduate Research School

Dr E J Robertson

Lorraine SmeltzerSue Hepworth (Job Share)

Lorraine.Smeltzer @[email protected] Phone: 384312Fax: 384411

Innovation & VR Centre, GRS Room 1:01













APPENDIX 11TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEES

CONSTITUTION

a) Members of the Committees shall be nominated by the School Management, following advice from the School Research Policy/ Development Committee. Proposed changes in the membership shall likewise require the approval of the School Management. All co-options, together with the period of co-option shall be notified to the School Management.

b) Normally, members shall have experience of successful research or successful research degree supervision12, normally at a British University, and of the operation of research degree registrations in the University. A minimum of 75%13 of the members shall have successful supervisory experience at either MPhil or PhD, M.Prof or D.Prof.

c) Members of the Committee, including the Chair and the ex-officio members, shall not normally exceed 10 and will include:

i) the Chair of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee,ii) the Chair of the Academic Unit Research Committee,iii) not less than 6 and not more than 8 members of the academic staff of the

Academic Unit(s) to be representative of the spectrum of the unit’s work, as to be consistent with (b),

iv) not more than 2 co-opted members from within or without the University, who shall serve for a maximum of one year, with the option of re-election for a further year.

d) Where circumstances necessitate the establishment of a joint academic units’ committee or other interim arrangement, where increased membership may be appropriate, such arrangements will require the approval of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee.

e) Members shall be elected for a period of 3 years with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms of membership.

f) No students, or other person registered as a candidate for research or other higher degree of Teesside University or of another University, may be a member of the Committee.

g) All members, other than co-opted members, shall be eligible for immediate re-nomination and re-appointment.

12 Satisfactory completion of the University’s Research Supervisory Training shall equate to ONE successful completion (RDC 3811, 15/2/02), except where there are no members of the committee with actual completions (RDC 3934.2, 17/1/03).13 Change from 50% approved Academic Standards Committee Jan 2006.


h) The quorum of the Committee shall be one third of its membership.

i) The Committee shall have the power to take advice from external advisers and to enhance its membership for the consideration of particular applications as and when it judges it necessary so to do.

j) The Chair of the Committee, who shall be a member of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee, shall be elected by the Committee.

k) The Committee shall normally meet eight times a year, prior to the scheduled meetings of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee.

l) The Secretary of the Committee shall be nominated by the Dean(s) of the Academic Unit(s) from the local administrative staff.

REPORTING: To the University’s Research Degrees Sub-Committee


APPENDIX 12 TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES SUB-COMMITTEE CONSTITUTION

1. Members of the Sub-Committee shall be elected by the Academic Board following advice from the Research Degrees Sub-Committee through the Academic Standards Committee.14 Proposed changes in membership shall likewise require the approval of the Academic Standards Committee. All co-options together with the period of the co-option shall be notified to the Academic Standards Committee.

2. Normally members shall have experience of successful research, and of successful research degree supervision.15

3. Membership of the Sub-Committee including the Chairman shall not normally exceed 21 and will include:

a) the Chair of Research Policy Committee (ex-officio);

b) the Dean of the Graduate Research School (ex-officio);

c) the Chair of each School Research Degrees Committee;

d) not less than 9 or more than 14 members to be representative of the spectrum of University work as is consistent with (2), and where appropriate, including the Tutor for Postgraduate Students from each School.

4. The Sub-Committee shall have power to co-opt not more than three additional members either from within or without the University. Such persons shall serve as full members of the Sub-Committee for a period of one year, with the option of re-election for a further year (maximum 2 years).

5. With the exception of candidates registered for the degree of PhD by Completed Work, no student or any person registered as a candidate for a research or other higher degree by research of Teesside University or of another university may be a member of the Sub-Committee.

6. All members other than co-opted members (see 4.) shall be eligible for immediate re-nomination and re-appointment.

7. The quorum of the Sub-Committee shall be one third16 of the membership.

8. The Chair of the Sub-Committee shall be elected by the Committee and notified to Academic Standards Committee.

14 Members shall be elected for a period of 3 years with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms of membership15 A minimum of 75% of the membership shall have successful supervisory experience at PhD level. (Revised URD Board Oct 2005, Approved ASC Jan 2006.)16 Revision from one half approved ASC Mar 2004


TEESSIDE UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES SUB-COMMITTEE

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. To oversee the postgraduate research student learning experience and advise UASC on its continued enhancement.

2. To consider and advise upon issues and trends emerging from the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data on key aspects of the postgraduate student learning experience (e.g. progression and completion data, PRES).

3. To ensure that Research Degree regulations of the University are complied with as well as all other decisions made by or additional instructions given by the University.

4. The Committee shall have the following powers to act:

4.1 to approve programmes of work proposed in applications to register for the University’s degree of MPhil, or MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD, or PhD direct, or of M.Prof or M.Prof with possibility of transfer to D.Prof, or D.Prof direct;

4.2 to approve the appointment of a Director of Studies for the candidate’s programme of work for the degree of MPhil or MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD, or PhD direct, or of M.Prof or M.Prof with possibility of transfer to D.Prof, or D.Prof direct, and to approve the appointment of any additional supervisor(s) and or/advisor(s);

4.3 to approve extension/suspension to the registration period of candidates;

4.4 to approve applications for transfer of registration from that for the MPhil degree to that for the degree of PhD, or for transfer of registration from that for M.Prof degree to that for the degree of D.Prof.

4.5 to change or modify the arrangements approved;

4.6 to approve the registration of a candidate for a second award concurrent with the research degree registration;

4.7 to approve the registration of a candidate involving a programme leading to the presentation of a thesis accompanied by material other than in written form; and subsequently to approve the format of the thesis accompanying the submission;

4.8 to approve the exceptional shortening of the registration period of a candidate;

4.9 to approve the registration of a candidate with credit for previous research;


4.10 to approve the appointment of a supervisor who is currently registered for a higher degree;

4.11 to grant permission for a thesis to be submitted in a foreign language;

4.12 to grant permission for a thesis to be confidential for a period following submission;

4.13 to approve examination arrangements including the appointment of an Independent (non-examining) Chair, where appropriate;

4.14 to receive and decide on examiners’ recommendations in respect of candidates for the award of MPhil, PhD, M.Prof and D.Prof;

4.15 to decide on the recommendation of the examiners to dispense with the oral examination;

4.16 to agree an examination in addition to the oral for a candidate;

4.17 to exempt a candidate from an oral examination on health grounds;

4.18 to grant permission for re-examination of a candidate within one year;

4.19 to approve the format for presentation of theses, in respect of candidates registered under the previous CNAA Regulation G3.1.3;

4.20 to agree changes in a candidate’s mode of study;

4.21 to delegate to approved committees of academic units powers, full or partial, for the recommendation of registrations, transfer, the appointment of Directors of Studies and supervisors, confidentiality of a thesis, supervision, extension or shortening of the period of registration;

4.22 to approve the membership of academic units’ research degrees committees;

4.23 to approve the constitution of academic units’ research degrees committees;

4.24 to receive annual reports from academic units’ research degrees committees;

4.25 to review on a periodic basis the work of such approved Research Degrees Committees, and to take such action from time to time as is necessary to maintain the academic standards of the University;

4.26 to established whether, or not, a candidate for an MPhil or PhD on the basis of previously completed (or published) work has a prima facie case;


4.27 to approve the format for presentation of theses in respect of such candidates;

4.28 to approve the appointment of an advisor to guide candidates for such awards;

4.29 to approve the examination arrangements for candidates for such awards, including the appointment of an Independent (non-examining) Chair where appropriate;

4.30 to receive and decide on examiners’ recommendations in respect of candidates for the award of MPhil or PhD by Completed Work;

4.31 to devise University Research Induction programmes and such generic Research and Skills Training as can be delivered centrally;

4.32 to approve the delivery of School Research Induction and Research and Skills Training programmes.

5. The Committee shall notify the Academic Standards Committee of all action taken on the University’s behalf.

6. To approve an annual report to the Academic Standards Committee with respect to Committee membership.

7. To make an annual recommendation to the Academic Standards Committee with respect to Committee membership.

8. To keep under review arrangements in respect of the research degree process across the University.

9. To keep under review national developments in respect of research degrees to inform and enhance the delivery and conduct of research degrees across the University.


APPENDIX 13TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES BOARD

CONSTITUTION

1 Normally academic members shall have experience of successful research, and of successful research degree supervision.17

3 Membership of the Board, including the Chairman shall not normally exceed 28 and will include:

a) The University’s Research Degrees Sub-Committee.

b) Six research students (one per school) elected from the enrolled research students within the relevant school, to represent the following:

i) Full-time studentsii) part-time studentsiii) international students

c) A representative of the Students’ Union.

4 The Research Degrees Board shall have the power to co-opt not more than three additional members either from within or without the University. Such persons shall serve as full members of the Board for a period of one year, with the option of re-election for a further year (maximum 2 years).

5 All members other then co-opted members (see 4) shall be eligible for immediate re-nomination and re-appointment via the appropriate mechanism.

6 The quorum of the Research Degrees Board shall be one third of the membership.

7 The Chair of the Research Degrees Board shall be Chair of the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee and be notified to Academic Standards Committee.

17 A minimum of 75% of the academic membership shall have successful supervisory experience at PhD level.


TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES BOARD

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1 The Board shall meet at least twice per year, normally in October and February.

2 The Board shall have the following powers to act:

2.1 to review delivery of University Research Induction programmes and such generic Research and Skills Training as can be delivered and make recommendations for improvement;

2.2 to review and recommend for consideration by the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee changes to Framework & Regulations;

2.3 to review and recommend for consideration by the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee changes to the Code of Practice for Research Degrees;

2.4 to receive and review feedback from Research Degrees Students, Examiners, Sponsors and Administrators.

3 The Board shall notify the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee of all action taken on the University’s behalf.

4 To approve an annual report to the University Research Degrees Sub-Committee with respect to Board membership.

5 To keep under review arrangements in respect of research degree process across the University.

6 To keep under review national developments in respect of research degrees to inform and enhance the delivery and conduct of research degrees across the University.

7 The Board may not consider matters relating to or arising form individual student cases where the students may be identified.

8 The Board may not consider matters relating to or arising from individual supervisors where the supervisors may be identified.

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APPENDIX 14 TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

RESEARCH DEGREES BOARD:RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

The first responsibility of a student representative – rather obviously – is to represent students at the bi-annual meetings of the Research Degrees Board.

You are one of the main routes by which student complaints and suggestions can reach the Board. In turn you will need to set up some kind of communication route between you and your ‘constituency’ of students, and what works best will vary from School to School. You should be mindful in particular of how you can represent the needs of part-time, distance learning, M.Prof and D.Prof students , and those with disabilities. You may wish to contact your Postgraduate Tutor about this, and a good working relationship with the Postgraduate Tutor will enable you to raise School-specific issues and have them discussed and dealt with between meetings of the Board.

We shall consult you at the Board about issues of policy or practice which are coming up for discussion, and we shall try to let you know about these in advance so that you can consult your constituency.

From time to time there may be general issues you wish to raise yourself, on behalf of your constituency. You should notify the Secretary of the Board (Kathy Ludlow, Graduate Research School) about these at least a fortnight in advance of the meeting. It would be a good idea to give her a short paper (one side may be sufficient) outlining the issue/problem/ set of suggestions, so that it can be circulated to Board members before the meeting.

Your individual views and your experience will also be valued when policy and practice are being discussed, over and above your representative role, and you should not hesitate to join in the discussion.

There are regular meetings of the Postgraduate Research Network, and you might like to attend these. Issues and forthcoming changes may be raised which you can convey proactively to your students and elicit their views, and resources about which they might like to know may be discussed.

You will not be asked to comment at the Board or elsewhere on business to do with named students, and it is not your responsibility to act as advocate for particular students with specific problems. Other channels have been established for dealing with problems, needs, wishes, complaints and grievances, and you might like to advise anyone who comes to you with this kind of issue about the appropriate person whom he or she should approach.

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The first line of approach should always be to the individual’s Director of Studies, or another member of the supervisory team.

If they cannot sort out the problem, or they are the problem, then the next line of approach is to the relevant School’s Postgraduate Tutor (who must be approached if it is a problem with supervision, unless he or she is part of the supervision team, in which case the Chair of School RDC would be appropriate) , or the School Research Administrator if the matter is administrative. The names of all these contacts can be found in an appendix of the Code of Practice for Research Degrees, or ask the Board Secretary who is also Research Quality & Policy Manager in the Graduate Research School (GRS).

Next, in order of approach, the student might consider:- the Chair of the School Research Degrees Committee,- the School Disability Officer, if the student has a disability for which

adequate provision is not being made,- the Subject Leader, or the Dean or an appropriate Assistant Dean (Research), if it is a question of resource or School procedures

and provision,

- the Research Quality & Policy Manager in the GRS (for questions of resource, procedures or the application of the Regulations – and

GRS can also often advise on training opportunities), or

- the Chair or Vice-Chair of the University Research Degrees Committee.

As a last resort, when all else fails and it is a question of grievance, unfair treatment or maladministration, students should seek out the advisers at the Student Union, who will discuss their case and help them rectify the situation, supporting them at meetings if this becomes necessary.

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Appendix 15

RESEARCH STUDENT PROTOCOL

This document sets out the provisions of the University Student Protocol for Research Students.

The University is committed to ensuring that you have a positive and enjoyable experience whilst at Teesside and it is hoped that you will find the Student Protocol a useful framework through which we can work together to achieve this.

We hope you find the Protocol a useful point of reference to help you understand what you can expect from the University, and what the University expects of you, during your time here.

Throughout the Protocol reference is made to various University Regulations and we would encourage you to familiarise yourself with them. All the University Policies, Procedures and Regulations referred to in this document can be viewed at www.tees.ac.uk or obtained from your School or the Graduate Research School, the University Secretary’s Department, Student Services Department or the Students’ Union.

If you feel the University has not met its promise you have the right to complain using the University’s Student Complaints Procedure, or dependent on the circumstances of your complaint, one of the University’s other procedures. The University Secretary’s Department will be able to advise you on the most appropriate procedure to use. Contact details are below.

Tel: 01642 342322 Email: [email protected]

Further copies of the Student Protocol can be obtained from the Graduate Research School.

All details correct at time of publication

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http://www.tees.ac.uk/


1 The Purpose and Scope of the Protocol

1.1 This Protocol, with its attachments, sets out the relationship between you and Teesside University. It is intended to record the basic understanding between you and the University, and to provide a framework through which we can work together to enhance your time at the University.

1.2 The following documents should be regarded as attachments, which form part of this Protocol between you and the University:

1.2.1 your ‘offer letter’, i.e. any document setting out the University's offer to you (whether the offer is made directly by the University or indirectly by another authorised agency);

1.2.2 the enrolment form you have to complete when you arrive at the University;

1.2.3 Teesside University Student Handbook issued to you at enrolment. (This can be viewed at www.tees.ac.uk or obtained from your School (or the Graduate Research School), the University Secretary’s Department, Student Services Department, or the Students’ Union); (Some elements relate only to Undergraduate or Taught Postgraduate programmes.)

1.2.4 the "Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research” which you receive from your School (or Graduate Research School); or can be downloaded from http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/pg_researchopp.cfm

1.2.5 the “Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes”, which you receive from your School (or Graduate Research School); or can be downloaded from http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/pg_researchopp.cfm or for

enrolled students, the PGR Blackboard site at https://blackboard.tees.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp

1.2.6 the “Policy, Procedures and Guidance Notes for Research Ethics”, which you receive from your School, or can be obtained from the Graduate Research School, or downloaded from http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/governance.cfm , or for enrolled students, the PGR Blackboard site at https://blackboard.tees.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

1.2.7 the “Guidelines for Good Conduct in Research” which can be obtained from the Graduate Research School, or downloaded from

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https://blackboard.tees.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp

http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/governance.cfm




http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/governance.cfm or for enrolled students, the PGR Blackboard site at https://blackboard.tees.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

1.3 This Protocol replaces any other undertakings or representations you have been given and sets out the obligations of you and the University. If the Protocol is inconsistent with any other document prepared by, or for, the University, this Protocol will prevail.

1.4 All University Policies, Procedures and Regulations referred to in this Protocol can be viewed at www.tees.ac.uk or obtained from your School (or Graduate Research School), the University Secretary’s Department, Student Services Department, or the Students’ Union.

1.5 This Protocol is applicable to the University’s full-time students and part-time students on research degree programmes, MPhil, M.Prof, PhD, D.Prof, MPhil by Completed Work, PhD by Completed Work.

2 Date When the Protocol Comes into Effect

2.1 This Protocol will start to apply when you enrol. This Protocol is made available prior to enrolment for your consideration and it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the terms of the Protocol.

3 The University’s Promise

3.1 To provide you with Supervision, advice and learning support, taking reasonable care and making appropriate effort to deliver your programme, as described in the University's Prospectus, the “Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees By Research”, the “Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes”, and your approved Research Degree Registration proposal.

3.2 To make available to you the learning support, advisory facilities and other general services provided by the University for all its students.

3.3 To abide by the University Policies and Procedures as set out in the sections of Teesside University Student Handbook of relevance to Research Degree Students, the “Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”, the “Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research” and the “Policy, Procedures and Guidance Notes for Research Ethics” and the “Guidelines for Good Conduct in Research”.

3.4 To make available appropriate mechanisms to obtain feedback from you about your experience of the University; and to make available to you mediation facilities for considering any complaints.

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http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/governance.cfm

3.5 To take reasonable action to ensure that you receive the information which you require to assist you during your time at the University, including information about the level of fees, and the means of payment of fees.

3.6 To give you reasonable notice of proposed changes to the delivery of your research project or other services, and to consult you on any significant changes which, in exceptional circumstances, may be necessary.

These may include alterations to your Supervisory Team, the timetable of any associated modules, location, number of classes of any associated modules and method of delivery of your programme, research seminars, workshops, research methods or other skills training, or variations in research project or associated module syllabus.

4 Your Promise

4.1 To comply with your obligations as stated in this Protocol, and to follow any reasonable instructions issued to you, from time to time, by, or on behalf of, the University.

Academic Provisions4.2 To attend induction events, supervisory sessions, research seminars, research

workshops, research methods or other skills training, lectures, tutorials, examinations and other activities which form part of your research project (subject to absence for medical or other agreed reasons); and to submit, by required deadlines, course work and other assignments, Log Books and On-line Annual Monitoring Reports, Transfer or Progression Reports, (subject to exceptional circumstances, such as illness, when special procedures must be followed to obtain allowance under the Mitigating Circumstances Procedure).

4.3 To comply with any Professional Standard or Code of Conduct applicable to your programme; and to abide by any special conditions set out in “Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research”, “Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research” , “Policy, Procedures and Guidance Notes for Research Ethics”, and the “Guidelines for Good Conduct in Research” or notified to you by the University.

4.4 To submit your thesis on or before the expiry date of your registration, having consulted your Supervisory Team about the submission.

Information Provisions4.5 To enrol in accordance with the requirements established by the Academic

Registrar.

4.6 To actively engage with the University by accessing your University student email account, on a regular basis, for updates and current information.

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4.7 To disclose any unspent criminal convictions when applying to the University, (which the University will consider under the University’s Procedure for Handling Applications from Students with Previous Criminal Convictions).

In relation to some vocational programmes, you may also be asked to complete a disclosure application to the Criminal Records Bureau, which may include disclosure of spent convictions.

4.8 To notify your School (or Graduate Research School) of any changes to your name, term-time address and/or home address, or any other change to information supplied by you when you submitted your application form or enrolment form.

In relation to some vocational research, you may be asked to inform your School or Graduate Research School of changes in your circumstances including your health status or any police investigations you become the subject of, where this has direct impact on your ability to undertake a specific research project.

4.9 To undertake the following steps in relation to withdrawal or transfer from your programme and/or from the University, or application to suspend study:

(i) to consult with your Director of Studies, or other member of your Supervisory Team or the Postgraduate Tutor or other member of staff in your School (or Graduate Research School) before making any decision to withdraw or transfer from your programme.

The Research Degrees Administrator in your School office (or Graduate Research School office) will help you identify an appropriate member of staff to provide advice and assistance about your academic options.

(ii) to talk with a member of staff from the Student Services Department or from the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

These staff will provide advice and assistance about the options available to you and the associated financial implications. For students on University, Research Council Funded or other External Studentships/Scholarships, this may mean re-payment of overpaid stipends.

(iii) to notify the University of your informed decision to withdraw or transfer by completing a Research withdrawal form, which can be obtained from your School Research Degrees Administrator (or Graduate Research School) or downloaded from the PGR Blackboard site at https://blackboard.tees.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

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Unless otherwise stated on the form, withdrawal, transfer or suspension, if approved, will be deemed to be effective from the date that this form is received.

Financial Provisions 4.10 To make arrangements to pay your tuition fees, any other expenses relating to

your programme, and charges for your use of any University services or facilities, up to the date of submission of your thesis.

Tuition fees will be as stated in the University Fees and Charges Regulations, which are revised annually.

4.11 To ensure that you understand and comply with the University Fees and Charges Regulations and the consequences of non-payment of fees and/or charges.

Regulatory Provisions 4.12 To behave with appropriate consideration for other members of the University

community, and, in particular, to comply with all relevant Regulations of the University, as amended from time to time.

Details of the Regulations are set out in the University Student Handbook the “Framework & Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research” (Regs), the “Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes” (CoP), the “Policy, Procedures & Guidance Notes for Research Ethics” (PPGN) and the “Guidelines for Good Conduct in Research”(GCCR)

Your attention is specifically, but not exclusively, drawn to the following

Policies and Procedures:• Assessment Review Regulations [Regs]• Complaints Procedure [Handbook]• ICT acceptable use Policy [Handbook]• Examination Regulations [Regs]• Fees and Charges Regulations [Handbook]• Plagiarism Regulations [Regs]• Student Disciplinary Regulations [Handbook]• Code of Conduct for Communicating Electronically [Handbook & PPGN]• Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech [Handbook]• Learning Resource Centre Regulations.

5 Date When the Protocol Ends

5.1 The Protocol will end automatically when the University publishes notification of awards relating to your research degree.

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In cases where an award is not published, the effective date of completion will be the date of issue of records of progress relating to your research degree.

5.2 You may terminate this Protocol after you enrol, but only by giving formal notice as identified in clause 4.9.

This will not necessarily end all your responsibilities under this Protocol (see clause 6.2).

5.3 The University may end this Protocol if your studies cease, subject to your right to seek a review, as a result of:

5.3.1 action taken against you leading to expulsion (in accordance with the University's Disciplinary Regulations or any associated Professional Conduct Procedures);

5.3.2 a decision of your Assessment Board (School or University Research Degrees Committee), based on your academic performance;

5.3.3 non-payment of fees (in accordance with the University's Fees and Charges Regulations);

5.3.4 the University becoming aware of information about you that it did not previously know, which, in the reasonable opinion of the University, makes it inappropriate for you to study on your programme.

For example, this may apply if you have not supplied the University with all relevant information, or have supplied false or misleading information relating to your application.

6 Other Matters Relating to this Protocol

6.1 Notices

Any ‘notice’ given under this Protocol must be in writing. Letters will be addressed to you at your term-time address during term-time or home address (if different) during vacations, as appropriate, in accordance with the addresses formally notified to us by you. Letters shall be regarded as properly ‘served’ when delivered by hand to that address, or 48 hours after being posted to that address, if sent by pre-paid first-class post.

6.2 Partial Operation of Protocol

If any provision of the terms and conditions contained in this Protocol becomes invalid, void or unenforceable, that shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the other provisions.

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Any action taken by the University to terminate the Protocol under the provisions in section 5.3 will not restrict its ability to take any other action against you to which it may be entitled. Provided any action taken to terminate the Protocol is in accordance with these conditions or the University's Procedures, the University will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result.

6.3 Third Parties

This Protocol relates solely to the relationship between you and the University and is not enforceable by any other person.

6.4 Legal Liabilities

6.4.1 Neither you, nor the University, will be required to provide financial compensation to each other for any failure or delay in performing obligations, other than the payment of debts, if the failure or delay is due to any cause beyond that party's reasonable control (for example, fire, flood or industrial dispute).

6.4.2 The University cannot accept responsibility for and expressly excludes liability for:

(i) any loss or damage to your property, including damage to any motor vehicle or cycle, while on University premises, unless caused by the negligence of the University or its employees;

(ii) death or any personal injury suffered by you, unless caused by the negligence of the University or its employees.

6.4.3 This Protocol should be interpreted in all respects in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

This publication is available in alternative formats on request. Please contact Ombuds Office on 01642 342322 or email [email protected]

MIDDLESBROUGH TEES VALLEY TS1 3BA UKTEL: +44 (0) 1642 218121 FAX: +44 (0) 1642 342067www.tees.ac.uk

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