RESEARCH STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 RESEARCH STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Bard Research Degrees Cmmittee

2 MMU Research Student Handbk CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION THE STUDENT JOURNEY: KEY STAGES OF THE RESEARCH DEGREE PROCESS ENROLMENT KEY CONTACTS/GROUPS... 9 SUPERVISORY TEAM... 9 DIRECTOR OF STUDIES (DOS)... 9 INDEPENDENT REVIEWER... 9 READER DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH DEGREES CO-ORDINATOR HEAD OF FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREES (HFRD) RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEE (RDC) FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREE ADMINISTRATORS (FRDA) HEAD OF THE graduate school GRADUATE SCHOOL MANAGER UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES ADMINISTRATOR RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUPERVISORY TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEWER AGREEMENT ON RESPONSIBILITIES APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 2

3 MMU Research Student Handbk Perids f Registratin OBTAINING THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION FORM (FORM RD1) COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION SUPPORTING PROGRAMME English Language Services fr Internatinal Students (ELSIS) APPLYING FOR TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION (RD2) WHEN TO APPLY SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER (i) The applicatin frm (ii) The transfer reprt (iii) ABSTRACT (iv) The transfer viva (iv) OUTCOME ANNUAL REVIEW THE ANNUAL REVIEW (i) PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO (ii) Appinting a Reviewer AND SETTING UP A MEETING (iii) PRIOR TO the Review (i) The Review (v) After the Review MONITORING BY KEY DATES SUBMITTING yur THESIS AND THE ORAL EXAMINATION NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF EXAMINERS REQUEST FOR EARLY SUBMISSION PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 3

4 MMU Research Student Handbk REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIALITY PREPARATION OF YOUR THESIS THESIS FORMAT FOR EXAMINATION SUBMISSION OF THE THESIS fr examinatin PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE THESIS THE ORAL EXAMINATION EXAMINERS RECOMMENDATION RESUBMISSION SUBMISSION OF YOUR FINAL THESIS CONFERMENT OF AWARD COLLECTION OF CERTIFICATES AND AWARDS CEREMONIES REVIEW OF AN EXAMINATION DECISION COMPLAINTS APPENDIX 1 THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY APPENDIX 2 Faculty Student Supprt Officers APPENDIX 3 Faculty Research Degrees Administratrs APPENDIX 4 COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IP, cpyright and the University Advice fr Research degree students and staff APPENDIX 5 SPECIMEN FRONT COVER & title page APPENDIX 6 USEFUL PUBLICATIONS APPENDIX 7 TEACHING COMMITMENTS PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 4

5 MMU Research Student Handbk PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 5

6 MMU Research Student Handbk INTRODUCTION This handbk is fr students intending t pursue, r wh are pursuing, a research degree f the University, registratin fr which requires apprval by the Research Degrees Cmmittee. The handbk cntains guidance n prcedures and regulatins with which yu will need t cmply during yur time as a research student. The current Institutinal Cde f Practice and Research Degree Regulatins are essential reading, are n the Graduate Schl website. Please nte that there have been revisins t the regulatins and the current versin is 2013 *. It incrprates recmmendatins made by the University s Academic Bard and its Research Degrees Cmmittee as well suggestins made frm faculties. In additin, it emphasises gd practice as identified thrugh a series f research supervisr and research student wrkshps and, significantly, the 18 indicatrs f sund practice identified by the Quality Assurance Agency fr Higher Educatin s Quality Cde, Chapter B11: Research Degrees. Our intentin with this Handbk is t prvide further clarificatin f the regulatins as they relate t yur wn research interests. In Appendix 6 is a list f publicatins yu may find useful n yur research jurney. This handbk tgether with the Cde f Practice and Regulatins fr Pstgraduate Research Prgrammes, Research Degree frms, Research Student Develpment Prgramme and ther useful research infrmatin is available at: Finally, n behalf f the University I wuld like t wish yu every success with yur research. Prfessr Paul Hlmes Head f the Graduate Schl * Students wh started their research degree prir t September 2013 are gverned by the 2009 regulatins. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 6

7 MMU Research Student Handbk THE STUDENT JOURNEY: KEY STAGES OF THE RESEARCH DEGREE PROCESS Research students have fund that a checklist f the key stages f the research degree prcess is very helpful tl. This is the Full-time PhD student jurney. Interactive student jurneys are available n the Graduate Schl website at: First year Secnd year Third year Furth year Enrlment and submit RD Preregistratin Enrlment Enrlment Enrlment frm Inductin with Health and Safety/Library/ICT Discuss Persnal Develpment Prtfli [PDP]/ and prgramme f supprting studies/skills develpment with DS Engage with the Researcher Develpment Framewrk. Cntact the Learner Develpment Service [where necessary] Cntact the English Language Centre [where necessary] Discuss PDP/Skills Develpment with DS Submit RD2 tgether with Transfer Reprt and undertake Transfer viva [Mnth 12-18] Attend wrkshps frm Student Develpment Prgramme Regular meetings with supervisr [RD9] Annual Review [RDAR] [Summer Term] Discuss PDP/Skills Develpment with DS Attend wrkshps frm Student Develpment Prgramme Regular meetings with supervisr [RD9] Submit cmplete draft f thesis t DS/supervisrs [Mnth 33] DS submits RD6 frm fr the apprval f examiners [Mnth 33] Mck Oral examinatin Oral examinatin and utcme [Mnth 38/39] Amendments cmpleted and submissin f final cpy f Thesis [RDEXIT] [Eths frm] Cnferment deadline [Mnth 48] University Inductin Day [Mnth 1] Submit draft prpsal t DS [Mnth 2] Cmplete Ethics Checklist Submit RD1 and Research Prpsal [Mnth 3] Regular meetings with supervisr [RD9] Attend wrkshps frm Faculty and r Graduate Schl Student Develpment Prgramme Annual Review [RDAR] [Summer Term] Oral r pster presentatin at Annual Research Cnference Submissin f research publicatin(s) Annual Review [RDAR] [Summer Term] Oral r pster presentatin at Annual Research Cnference Present at External Cnference(s) Submissin f research publicatin(s) Submissin f thesis fr examinatin with RDDEC frm [Mnth 36] DS t arrange Oral examinatin (Viva vce) [RDORAL] [Mnth 36] PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 7

8 MMU Research Student Handbk Oral r pster presentatin at Annual Research Cnference The student jurney shuld be used as a checklist f the key stages f the research degree prcess and t help yu t keep a recrd f the dates and the stages as yu prgress thrugh yur degree. A cpy is prvided within yur Persnal Develpment Prtfli (PDP), which yu will be prvided with when yu attend the mandatry University Inductin Day. We als recmmend that yur supervisry team make use f the same checklist. 3. ENROLMENT Fr research degrees, enrlment and registratin are tw distinct and different prcesses. ENROLMENT If yur applicatin t undertake a research degree at MMU has been successful and yu are ffered a place f study, there are fur enrlment perids. These are at the start f each term, ie, in September, January and April r exceptinally, students will be permitted t enrll in July. Yu must remember t re-enrl n the anniversary f yur initial enrlment each subsequent year until yu are awarded yur degree. If yu fail t re-enrl within tw weeks f the anniversary f yur initial enrlment, yu will be deemed t have withdrawn frm the prgramme and yur registratin fr the award and the University will be cancelled. Imprtant; yu are nt cvered by University insurance and shuld nt cme nt the University campus t use any f the facilities, if yu d nt enrl and then re-enrl each subsequent year. Please nte: sme faculties nly have a September start. Yu will be prvided with yur start date within yur welcme letter and yu must enrll with the University prir t yur start date. Yu will be able t cmmence yur research and use the University facilities, including the library. Yu will als be able t prepare, in cnsultatin with yur supervisry team, yur applicatin fr registratin (RD1) as a research degree candidate. Registering fr a research degree takes place nly nce and as a full-time student, shuld ccur within 3 mnths f enrlment [6 mnths fr part-time students]. If yu have a disability r a specific learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) fr which yu require additinal supprt, it is advisable that yu disclse this t the University at the earliest pprtunity; therwise it may delay the prvisin f apprpriate supprt. If yu are unsure abut the nature f the supprt available, r whether r nt yu are entitled t disability related supprt, yu shuld cntact the Learner Develpment Service fr advice ( PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 8

9 MMU Research Student Handbk If English is nt yur first language and yu wish t develp yur language skills further, The English Language Centre ( runs a variety f curses t imprve English in the fur key skills f reading, writing, listening and speaking. Faculty Student Supprt fficers can als ffer impartial advice n a range f academic and pastral issues and prvide study skills supprt ( (See Appendix 2). When yu begin t prepare yur applicatin fr registratin (RD1) yu will need t give cnsideratin t any ethical issues. The Research Degrees Cmmittee will nly permit registratin if they have assurances that any ethical issues relating t the prject are apprved by the Head f Faculty Ethics. Yu will als need t be aware that if yu are wrking with the NHS yu are cmpliant with the research gvernance framewrk: 4. KEY CONTACTS/GROUPS There are a number f individuals r grups with whm yu will cme int cntact r will find helpful t knw abut during yur time as a research student. Sme f the key cntacts/grups are listed here, with an indicatin f their rles. SUPERVISORY TEAM This team is a grup f research supervisrs, nrmally 2 r 3, including an internal member r members f staff and smetimes a member external t the University. The team is respnsible fr supervising yur research prject. One member f the team will act as yur Directr f Studies (DS). DIRECTOR OF STUDIES (DOS) The DS, wh shall be a member f academic staff f the University, plays a crucial rle as the leader f the supervisry team, with verall respnsibility fr the administratin f the prject and fr yur supervisin n a regular and frequent basis. Yur understanding f regular and frequent shuld be discussed, negtiated and agreed with yur DS and supervisry team at the start f yur research degree. The DS shall nrmally be yur main academic supervisr but this rle may be split if the main academic supervisr is external t the University. Yur DS shuld be able t ffer guidance and advice n prcedural and regulatry matters as well as academic issues. INDEPENDENT REVIEWER Yu will be required t have an annual review each year with an academic member f staff wh is independent f yur supervisry team. The rle f the independent reviewer is t cnfirm and ensure that yu are actively engaged n yur research prgramme, are making satisfactry prgress with yur PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 9

10 MMU Research Student Handbk research and are maintaining frequent cntact with yur supervisry team (see Sectin 9 n Annual Review and Mnitring). It is thrugh this prcess that yu will discuss yur persnal develpment prtfli and engagement with Vitae s Researcher Develpment Framewrk (RDF). The independent reviewer can help yu identify training needs related t yur degree, persnal develpment r future career. He/she can als make recmmendatins t bth yu and yur supervisry team n any issues that may arise during yur discussins, including thse that pertain t the team itself. READER Tw independent readers will be appinted t review yur prpsal and the RD1 frm as part f the registratin prcess. They will prvide an independent reprt n yur prpsal which is submitted t the Head f Faculty Research Degrees. Tw readers are als appinted at the transfer stage (RD2) t read the transfer reprt and undertake the transfer viva. DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH DEGREES CO-ORDINATOR Each department 1 has a Departmental Research Degrees C-rdinatr, whse respnsibilities include: Oversight f the research degrees prgramme within the department; advice and assistance generally n research degree matters and specifically n matters such as cmpleting frms; and cmmunicatin with research supervisrs, with the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr and with the Head f Faculty Research Degrees. HEAD OF FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREES (HFRD) The Head f Faculty Research Degrees (HFRD) is respnsible fr ensuring that the standard and quality f research prgrammes is maintained and the interests f registered research degree candidates are prtected. The HFRD recmmends t the Research Degrees Cmmittee the registratin f candidates fr research degrees, applicatins fr transfer f registratin and exercises all ther respnsibilities cncerning supervisin, suspensin and extensin f registratins. Anther key rle f the HFRD is t mnitr the prgress f yur research annually. The HFRD represents the Faculty n the Research Degrees Cmmittee (RDC) RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEE (RDC) 1 Sme areas f the University are rganised int Schls r Institutes, but fr the purpse f this dcument departmental is meant t cver such grupings. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 10

11 MMU Research Student Handbk The Research Degrees Cmmittee is respnsible t the University's Academic Bard fr the registratin f all research degrees within the University, the versight f examinatin arrangements and quality assurance and enhancement issues. The Cmmittee apprves Applicatins fr Registratin and Transfer (RD1s & RD2s) and Apprval f Examiners (RD6) frms fr the appintment f examiners fr all research prgrammes. After cnsidering the reprts and recmmendatins f the examiners, the RDC puts frward t the Academic Bard an apprpriate recmmendatin in respect f the award f the degree. The Cmmittee mnitrs the prgress f yur research with a view t ensuring that any prblems that might arise are satisfactrily dealt with and that, where pssible, imprvements can be made in student supprt and the general academic envirnment in which students wrk. FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREE ADMINISTRATORS (FRDA) Faculty Research Degree Administratrs have general versight f faculty research degree business and are als respnsible fr research student recrds and assciated administratin. Yu may cnsult them n any administrative matter in the absence f yur DS. A list f the Faculty Research Degree Administratrs is prvided n the Graduate Schl website at: HEAD OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL The Head f the Graduate Schl within Research and Knwledge Exchange is Prfessr Paul Hlmes. Prfessr Hlmes is the strategic lead fr research degrees within the University and is als the Research Institute Directr fr the Institute fr Perfrmance Research and divides his time between the Manchester and Crewe Campuses. Prfessr Hlmes is als the Chair f the Research Degrees Cmmittee. GRADUATE SCHOOL MANAGER The Graduate Schl Manager is Clare Hldcrft c.hldcrft@mmu.ac.uk (x1062), based in the University's Graduate Schl Office within Research and Knwledge Exchange, Ormnd Building. She is Secretary t the RDC, and has respnsibility fr managing the Graduate Schl Office, the maintenance f the Regulatins, the Research Student Develpment Prgramme and Studentships. The Graduate Schl Manager wuld be pleased t ffer yu advice and guidance n regulatry matters cncerning yur research degree. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREES ADMINISTRATOR The Research Degrees Administratr based in the Graduate Schl Office is Kellie Mrrissey kellie.mrrissey@mmu.ac.uk (x1056). Kellie supprts the studentship prcess. She is secretary t the Research Degrees Cmmittee and has respnsibility fr the administratin f the arrangements fr yur viva examinatin and upn the submissin f yur thesis, will send yu frmal written ntificatin f PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 11

12 MMU Research Student Handbk yur examinatin. Fllwing cnfirmatin f yur award, Kellie will als make the arrangements fr yur degree t be awarded. 5. RESPONSIBILITIES The Regulatins require that all research degree students are supervised by a DS and at least ne additinal supervisr. During yur frmal supervisry meetings yu must cmplete the Recrd f Supervisin (RD9) frm, which includes actin pints fr cmpletin fllwing yur meeting. Yu need t prvide at least six RD9 frms per academic year t yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr. Please ensure yu keep a recrd f yur RD9 frms in yur PDP flder as yu will be required t present these at yur annual review. Yur DS has respnsibility fr the administratin f yur research degree and is usually yur main academic supervisr. They might als be experienced in successfully supervising research degrees t cmpletin, althugh this is nt necessarily the case: the experience f the supervisry team as a whle is taken int accunt by the Head f Faculty Research Degrees in assessing supervisry prvisin at the time f registratin. There is n simple set f rules t cver the variety f relatinships that might exist between yu and yur supervisr. Hwever, it is assumed that supervisin requires active and regular cntact with the student, and that it shuld enable yu t acquire cmpetence in the methds f research, apprpriate research skills and schlarship and t display sustained independent effrt. A wrd which recurs frequently in the literature n supervisin is expectatins; usually in the cntext f the student's uncertainty f what t expect frm a supervisr, as few students have had any previus experience f the research prcess. Supervisrs can als have false expectatins f their students r f each ther, as each research prject is unique. It is desirable that everyne invlved with yur studies shuld start with a clear understanding f their wn and everyne else's respnsibilities and duties. We will nw set ut the mutual and negtiated respnsibilities f research supervisin. These will be discussed in detail at the Graduate Schl Inductin Day. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES The DS has verall respnsibility fr the supervisin f yur research prject. Specific respnsibilities include sme r all f the fllwing: Prject administratin, frm the preparatin and submissin f yur applicatin fr registratin (RD1) thrugh t the submissin f the thesis and the ral examinatin. Ensuring that yu enrl and re-enrl n an annual basis. Being the pint f cntact with the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr (FRDA), and with the Research Degrees C-rdinatr in the department r Faculty. Yur DS must be a member f the University but if they are nt attending the University (thrugh leave f absence, extended illness etc), ne f the ther supervisrs will be designated as yur pint f cntact. The DS is nrmally yur main academic supervisr but in sme cases this rle may be split if, fr example, the main academic supervisr is external t the University. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 12

13 MMU Research Student Handbk Advising n an apprpriate supervisry team, which may include tw r mre supervisrs in additin t the DS and if apprpriate, ne r tw advisers. Supervisrs and advisrs may be external t the University. Leading the supervisry team and being respnsible fr ensuring that duties are alltted and perfrmed and that all members f the supervisry team are actively invlved in the supervisin. This includes allcating hurs t the team. Ensuring yu attend the required wrkshps and engage in apprpriate persnal develpment thrugh engaging with the Researcher Develpment Framewrk and the cmpletin f yur Persnal Develpment Prtfli. Discussing yur persnal and prfessinal develpment and the maintenance f yur Persnal Develpment Prtfli (PDP) which will be used as a mechanism fr discussin at yur annual review. The cmpletin f the DS reprt within the Annual Review prcess in a timely manner t allw sufficient time fr the reviewer t cnduct the annual review meeting in advance f the September enrlment perid. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUPERVISORY TEAM The supervisry team need t: Help yu feel at hme in yur Department, Faculty, the University, and in the wider cntext f the regin and sub-regin. Give general guidance n such matters as: the nature f research; academic standards; planning; literature and ther surces; methds and techniques; ethical issues in yur research. In additin, where apprpriate, prpse the appintment f a suitable advisr. Assist yu in navigating thrugh fficial prcedures, and ensure that deadlines are met. Maintain regular and frequent frmal cntact with yu. Where yu have nt been in cntact with the supervisry team fr sme time, e.g. 6 weeks, it is the supervisry team's respnsibility t make cntact with yu. Yur understanding f regular and frequent shuld be discussed, negtiated and agreed with yur DS and supervisry team. Be accessible t give yu infrmal advice. Obtain prgress reprts and ther written wrk, and prvide cnstructive criticism prmptly within agreed timeframes. Cnsider and advise n any training r frmal instructin which yu need, including research and persnal skills. Make yu aware f inadequate prgress r ther impediments t the successful cmpletin f yur research within the required duratin. Ensure that yu re-enrl with the University n an annual basis. Ensure that yu make a psitive cntributin thrugh yur wrk within the University and thrugh the chice f area f study, research methds and analysis, t prmting diversity and equal pprtunities within the University and the cmmunity. Hw the DS distributes these respnsibilities amngst the team will depend n individual strengths and interests, and yur particular needs. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 13

14 MMU Research Student Handbk Yu are respnsible fr: Negtiating with yur supervisrs t establish what kind f help and guidance is apprpriate, what frm it shuld take and frequency f meetings Cmplying with the requirements f fficial prcedures and submitting frms and paperwrk within the agreed timeframes. Engaging with the Researcher Develpment Framewrk (RDF) and attending wrkshps as part f yur skills develpment. Maintaining regular and frequent frmal cntact with yur supervisry team. Maintaining prgress with the research, alng lines agreed with yur supervisrs. Infrming yur supervisrs f prblems r difficulties as early as pssible, seeking their help r advice and where necessary applying fr extensins, suspensins, withdrawals r changes in yur mde f study. Delivering prgress reprts and ther written material as required in sufficient time t allw adequate cmment and discussin and prviding evidence f prgressin at yur Annual Review. Maintaining yur Persnal Develpment Prtfli (PDP) and ensuring yu keep a recrd f training and develpment undertaken. Attending frmal supervisry meetings and recrding the agreed actins using the RD9 frm. Taking advantage f pprtunities fr the develpment f persnal skills, knwledge and experience and fr the disseminatin f yur research. Ensuring that yur thesis is f an adequate standard fr the award. Submitting yur thesis (at yur sle discretin) in cmpliance with the University's Regulatins. Re-enrlling with the University n an annual basis, even if yu have submitted yur thesis but have nt had yur degree cnferred. Prviding the necessary infrmatin fr annual mnitring purpses. Wrking in an ethical manner and in ways that prmte diversity and equal pprtunities within the University and utside it. Making a psitive cntributin thrugh yur wrk within the University and thrugh the chice f area f study, research methds and analysis t prmte diversity and equal pprtunities within the University and the cmmunity. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEWER At yur Annual Review the rle f the Independent Reviewer will be t: Ensure yur research wrk is prgressing satisfactrily. Ensure that adequate resurces have been made available fr yu t undertake yur research. Check that the due prcesses and administrative prcedures are all in place. Check whether there is a satisfactry relatinship with the supervisry team. Discuss yur persnal and prfessinal develpment thrugh the use f the Persnal Develpment Prtfli and engagement with the Researcher Develpment Framewrk. Examine evidence f recrd keeping and wrk undertaken ensuring yu have received adequate frmal supervisry meetings and kept an actin plan f the meetings using the RD9 frms. Check literature reviews, the transfer reprt and ther reprts are prduced as may be required. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 14

15 MMU Research Student Handbk AGREEMENT ON RESPONSIBILITIES The student/supervisr relatinship exists in many frms and it is imprtant that yu and members f yur supervisry team all agree n hw yu are ging t wrk tgether. This agreement shuld help yu in the successful cmpletin f yur research degree. 6. APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION Registratin fr a research degree takes place fllwing the submissin f an applicatin fr registratin (RD1). Submissin is t yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr and apprval f the applicatin is via the Head f Faculty Research Degrees and the Research Degree Cmmittee. It is the Cmmittee's task t ensure, by examining yur applicatin, that: The research is academically sund; it is ethical; there is a high prbability f yu successfully cmpleting the prject within the perid f yur registratin; yu are embarking n a viable research prgramme; the supervisry team is apprpriate and likely t be sustained; and apprpriate facilities are available fr yu t cnduct yur research. PERIODS OF REGISTRATION The perids frm registratin t thesis submissin and cnferment f award are given in University Regulatin 17 and are indicated belw: Submissin Cnferment Master f Research (MRes) full-time 12 mnths 24 mnths part-time 24 mnths 36 mnths Master's degree (by research) full-time 12 mnths 24 mnths part-time 24 mnths 36 mnths MPhil (via transfer frm Master's degree [by research]) r where pssibility f transfer t PhD is nt exercised) full-time 18 mnths 30 mnths part-time 36 mnths 48 mnths PhD (via transfer frm Master's degree (by research) r MPhil and including any perid f Master's degree (by research) and/r MPhil registratin) and ther dctrates unless therwise specified. full-time 36 mnths 48 mnths part-time 72 mnths 84 mnths PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 15

16 MMU Research Student Handbk PhD (by Published Wrk rute 1) full-time 24 mnths 36 mnths part-time 48 mnths 60 mnths PhD (by Published Wrk rute 2) full-time 6 mnths 18 mnths part-time 12 mnths 24 mnths PhD (direct r by Practice rute 3) full-time 36 mnths 48 mnths part-time 72 mnths 84 mnths Prfessinal Dctrate full-time 36 mnths 48 mnths part-time 60 mnths 72 mnths When yur applicatin fr registratin has been apprved by the Cmmittee yur Directr f Studies will be sent a letter f the utcme and yur key dates attached. This will include yur thesis submissin deadline date and cnferment dates and recmmended transfer dates (if applicable). A cpy f this letter will be sent t yu. Imprtant: Yu shuld familiarize yurself with yur thesis submissin deadline date s yu can manage yur research prject accrdingly t meet this date. OBTAINING THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION FORM (FORM RD1) The first thing yu and yur DS will need is the applicatin frm. This is called Frm RD1 - Applicatin fr Registratin. Please ensure that yu cmplete the latest versin f the frm available frm the Graduate Schl website at: Yu and yur supervisrs will als need t familiarize yurself with the current Regulatins fr Pstgraduate Research Degrees (2013) and the Institutinal Cde f Practice at sme stage. These are available n the Graduate Schl website at: COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION The applicatin cnsists f 3 parts: PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 16

17 MMU Research Student Handbk i) The applicatin frm (RD1). ii) A research prpsal. iii) Any ther infrmatin that is required. We hpe that yu will find cmpleting the frm straightfrward. The fllwing guidance is intended t answer any queries yu might have. Yu may als find it helpful t lk at examples f cmpleted applicatins that have been apprved by yur Faculty. These may be btained frm yur supervisry team r yur Departmental Research Degrees C-rdinatr. There is als a wrkshp entitled Writing yur Prpsal that yu may wish t attend which prvides guidance and identifies gd practice. Dates f the wrkshps are available in the Student Develpment Prgramme at: If yu have any difficulties that yu r yur DS are unable t reslve, please cntact yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr. I) THE APPLICATION FORM (RD1) Please ensure that all sectins f the frm are cmpleted. If any sectin is nt applicable, please insert 'N/A'. Submitting an incmplete applicatin may delay its cnsideratin by the Head f Faculty Research Degrees, since the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr will need t cntact yu r yur DS fr any missing infrmatin. The frm shuld be preferably typed but if nt, in black ink and shuld be signed and submitted electrnically. SECTION 1: THE CANDIDATE Please ensure that all parts f this sectin are cmpleted. The fllwing ntes may help with particular parts f this sectin. BACKDATING OF REGISTRATION: Applicatins fr registratin must be submitted t yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr within 3 mnths (6 mnths if yu are part-time) f yur start date with the University and the cmmencement f the research. Under University Regulatins, yur registratin may be backdated frm the date f receipt f the applicatin by the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr. Hence yur registratin date will nrmally be retrspective t cincide with yur start date. It cannt be earlier than yur start date. Any perid elapsing between the receipt f yur applicatin by the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr and its cnsideratin is disregarded. If yur applicatin is submitted mre than 6 mnths after yur enrlment and yu wish t request extended backdating, yur DS will need t prvide a letter explaining the reasns why. TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION Students transferring frm anther institutin must als cmplete frm RD1 tgether with a brief reprt f prgress t date and prvide a letter frm the riginal institutin with which the student was registered indicating the perid spent n the research degree. If the transfer int MMU is with their existing Directr f Studies, students may cntinue at the same stage f registratin. Hwever, if the transfer is independent a maximum reductin t the registratin perid f ne year will be available fr full-time students (tw years fr part-time students). PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 17

18 MMU Research Student Handbk QUALIFICATIONS The nrmal qualificatin required fr a research degree is a first r upper secnd class hnurs degree. Direct entry t PhD nrmally requires a Master's degree in a discipline which is apprpriate t the prpsed research and includes training in research and the executin f a research prject, which the Faculty deems t be satisfactry. Yur qualificatins will have been checked at the admissins stage but the Head f Faculty Research Degrees needs t be satisfied that yu are n the crrect level f award. SECTION 2: THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL The title shuld be cncise and indicate the tpic f yur research. It nly needs t be a wrking title at this stage. Yu will need t cmplete the Ethics checklist t indicate whether there are any ethical issues raised by the research. This shuld be attached t yur applicatin. If yu have identified that there are ethical issues within the prject, yu need t submit evidence t shw they have been apprved by the apprpriate Ethics Cmmittee r shw evidence that yu have submitted yur applicatin t the Ethics Cmmittee and are awaiting apprval. A Gantt chart fr yur research prject shuld als be attached indicating the key milestnes. SECTION 3: SUPPORTING PROGRAMME As a research student yu are expected t engage with the Researcher Develpment Framewrk (RDF) n Vitae s website at: Framewrk.html and undertake a supprting prgramme in rder t attain cmpetence in research methds, key transferable skills, emplyment related skills and knwledge related t the subject f the thesis. In line with research cuncil guidance, full-time research students shuld undertake at least tw weekswrth f skills develpment per year. If yu cnsider that yu already have apprpriate cmpetence and/r knwledge, and wish t apply fr exemptin frm the prgramme, yu need t attach evidence f prir frmal training t yur applicatin. Yu are als required t attend the Graduate Schl Inductin Day, which is cmpulsry and will be invited t select which date yu can attend. It is advisable that yu attend at the earliest pprtunity as yu are required t indicate the date n the RD1 frm. Sme faculties als run their wn inductins, which cmplement thse ffered by the Graduate Schl. Further infrmatin n supprting studies and skills develpment can be fund n page 24 SECTION 4: DECLARATION Yu will need t sign the frm here t cnfirm that yu are familiar with the Regulatins and supprting dcumentatin. Yu shuld sign the frm electrnically t enable it t be ed. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 18

19 MMU Research Student Handbk SECTION 5: SUPERVISORY TEAM University Regulatins require yu t be supervised by a DS and at least ne additinal supervisr. It is cmmn fr a supervisry team t cmprise the DS and either ne r tw additinal supervisrs. Yur DS must be a member f University staff since they have the verall respnsibility fr the administratin f the prject and ensuring that yu cnfrm t the research degree prcedures and regulatins. In mst cases the DS is als the main academic supervisr but in sme instances, fr example, if the main academic supervisr is external t the University this rle may be split. The members f yur supervisry team shuld have expertise and experience in the subject area f yur research. A CV may need t be submitted with the RD1 frm fr each member f yur prpsed supervisry team. Yu shuld check with yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr t ensure they have a current CV n file. If nt, then the frm RDCV shuld be used fr this purpse. ADVISORS An adviser may be appinted t prvide advice n specialist aspects f the research, fr example, n statistical aspects. Where an adviser is appinted, an indicatin f the area f advice must be given. MENTORS A mentr may als be appinted t prvide supprt where the members f the supervisry team are inexperienced as supervisrs. SECTION 6: SUPPORT The Faculty must assure itself that any specialist facilities required t enable the research prject t be cnducted and cmpleted are available. If there is a specialist facility (such as particular library materials, labratry r cmputing facilities) upn which yur research depends, brief details shuld be given. There is n need t give details f facilities cmmnly available. Details f facilities being prvided by a cllabrating establishment must be indicated. The name f the rganisatin shuld be given and the applicatin will need t be signed by them. A cllabrating establishment is an external rganisatin that is actively invlved in r supprting the research by prviding facilities such as studi space, labratries r ther resurces, which may als include supervisin. Nte that the invlvement f an external supervisr des nt necessarily mean that the institutin is a cllabrating establishment. Facilities r ther resurces must als be prvided. SECTION 7: SUPPORT BY HEAD OF DEPARTMENT When sectins 1 t 6 f the frm and the research prpsal have been cmpleted, the applicatin, tgether with any additinal dcumentatin, shuld preferably be ed by yur DS t the Head f PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 19

20 MMU Research Student Handbk Department. They will cmplete the sectin in which they cnfirm that the resurces are available fr the prgramme. SECTION 8: SUBMISSION OF FORM TO FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREES ADMINISTRATOR Once yu have btained the signature frm the Head f Department yu shuld submit the frm, yur prpsal and all applicable dcumentatin t yur Faculty Research Degrees Administratr. This shuld be within 3 mnths frm yur start date if yu are a full-time student r 6 mnths if yu are a part-time student. SECTION 9: APPROVAL The Faculty Research Degrees Administratr will ensure that the frm and prpsal is cmpleted fully and will send it t tw independent academic staff t review. It will then be submitted t the Faculty Head f Research Degrees fr cnsideratin and nward t the Research Degrees Cmmittee. Please ensure the frm is fully cmpleted. It will nt be cnsidered if it is nt cmpleted fully r attachments have been mitted. II) THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL Yu are required t submit a research prpsal with the RD1 frm. This shuld be apprximately 1000 wrds (±10%) in length and n smaller than size 12 fnt. It must be stressed that the cmplete prpsal (including text and key references) shuld nt extend beynd this limit. If yur prpsal is lnger than this, it will be returned t be shrtened. Please bear in mind that the prpsal is being written fr the Research Degrees Cmmittee. All members f the Cmmittee have substantial research experience, but whilst sme members might be familiar with the subject area f yur prpsal a number f them will nt. Yu shuld therefre aim t describe yur research in a way that will make it cmprehensible t nn-experts and will enable the Cmmittee t assess yur applicatin. The prpsal shuld include: A) ACADEMIC AIMS OF THE INVESTIGATION The aims shuld be clear and precise. They shuld indicate, in essence, what yu will expect t have achieved n cmpletin f yur research prject. Nte that the aims f an investigatin cannt be "t investigate" smething. The aims shuld be frmulated t indicate the utcme f the investigatin: what yu want t find ut, nt hw yu mean t d it. Rather than saying "t investigate", apprpriate expressins might be "t identify", "t establish" r "t cntribute t the understanding f". The aims shuld be presented as the first paragraph f the prpsal and it is helpful if the paragraphs are numbered. Please nte that if yu are applying t register fr MPhil (with the pssibility f transfer t PhD), it is pen t yu t indicate whether yu d, r d nt, expect t cntinue yur research t PhD level. If yu d intend t cntinue t PhD - yu shuld state yur intentin by including an apprpriate statement in the aims f yur prpsal, such as "t establish the develpment f this wrk t PhD level". N additinal detail is required at this stage, but yu may include such detail if yu s wish. If yu include such a statement and/r further detail, apprval f yur registratin will in n way imply that the Cmmittee wuld be prepared t apprve an applicatin fr transfer. PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 20

21 MMU Research Student Handbk If yu d nt intend t cntinue t PhD - yu shuld state this after setting ut yur aims. Such a statement will nt, hwever, preclude yu frm submitting an applicatin t transfer t PhD in the event that yur research subsequently shws ptential fr develpment t PhD. B) DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH TO BE UNDERTAKEN Yu shuld prvide a shrt statement in simple terms that refers t previus wrk with prperly cited references (which will be listed as the last part f the utline f yur prpsal) and shws hw yur research 'fits in'. This usually invlves identifying a gap r a cntrversy in existing knwledge. It explains why yu are ding the research. If yu are applying t register fr a PhD yu will need t indicate the significant cntributin t knwledge which yur research is expected t make. C) METHODS TO BE USED Yu need t indicate hw yu expect t achieve the stated aims. Yu shuld give a cncise, clear descriptin f what yu intend t d. It is helpful if yu bear in mind the aims yu have listed and, in describing the prpsed research, state explicitly hw it relates t the aims. One prblem yu may find is that it is smetimes difficult t describe what is t be dne befrehand, since the later stages f the research will be determined by the early stages. Nevertheless, it is necessary fr yu t describe in sufficient detail what yu plan t d s that a decisin can be taken as t whether the prpsal is feasible. If yur prpsal invlves sme frm f quantitative data cllectin and analysis, it is essential that yu indicate what frm the data will take and hw it will be analysed. Statements such as "a questinnaire will be distributed and the respnses analysed using the cmputer" are nt adequate, and raise the suspicin that yu have nt freseen what the data will be like r precisely hw it will be analysed. Yu must be able t demnstrate a reasnable understanding f these matters. If yu and yur supervisr are unclear abut hw the data will be cllected and/r analysed, yu shuld btain expert guidance. This may invlve recruiting a member f staff t act as an adviser. If yur prpsed prgramme is ne in which yur wn creative wrk frms a significant part f the intellectual enquiry, yu must ensure that yu include at the end f yur utline the frm f the submissin and the prpsed methds f assessment. D) KEY REFERENCES At the end, yu need t give the references that have been cited in the text. A cmprehensive and detailed bibligraphy is nt required and n mre than six key references shuld be included. References shuld be listed in a cnventinal academic style used by yur subject area. III) OTHER INFORMATION Additinal infrmatin t accmpany the frm and the research prpsal will include sme f the fllwing: PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 21

22 MMU Research Student Handbk Requests fr exceptinal backdating. CVs f supervisrs and advisers. Prpsed examinatin requirements if candidate's wn creative wrk. Cmpleted Ethics Checklist Gantt Chart (r alternative timeline) Request fr exemptin frm supprting studies Supprting statement t shw submissin f ethics r letter f apprval frm Ethics Cmmittee. Details f any research t be carried ut verseas. This may include a cntextual statement Cnfirmatin frm any utside rganisatin t which access may be required fr the purpse f the research. SCRUTINY BY DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH DEGREES CO-ORDINATOR When the Head f Department has signed the applicatin frm it shuld be passed t the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr wh will arrange fr the academic cntent t be checked and scrutinised. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION When the Research Degrees C-rdinatr is satisfied with the applicatin, they will sign a cvering frm, the RD1A, t cnfirm the fllwing: The research prpsal is attached. A CV fr all supervisrs/advisrs is attached. If apprpriate, a letter frm the DS explaining why mre than 6 mnths backdating is requested, is attached. Prpsed examinatin requirements where the candidate s wn creative wrk are t be examined and are described. Details f any research t be carried ut abrad are given and a cntextual statement is attached (where necessary) Cnfirmatin frm any utside bdy t whm access may be required fr the purpse f research has been btained ( letter granting apprval t be attached) Persnal Learning Plan frm the Learner develpment Service fr a candidate wh requires mdificatins t the prgramme (where apprpriate) Ethics checklist is attached. Any Ethical issues raised have been apprved (r in the prcess f seeking apprval) by the apprpriate ethics cmmittee. A risk assessment is attached (where necessary) A Gantt chart fr the research prject is attached. Recmmend the applicatin be referred fr external advice. The Faculty Research Degrees Administratr will check that the applicatin is fully and prperly cmpleted and will submit it t tw readers wh will prduce a reprt n yur prpsal prir t it being presented t the Head f Faculty Research Degrees fr cnsideratin. CONSIDERATION BY THE HEAD OF FACULTY RESEARCH DEGREES PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 22

23 MMU Research Student Handbk The Head f Faculty Research Degrees may cnsider applicatins independently r arrange fr a meeting with Departmental Research Degrees C-rdinatrs t cnsider applicatins. Hence, the reasn that the utline f the research prpsal is clear and cncise. Fllwing cnsideratin by the Faculty the decisin will be frwarded t the Research Degrees Cmmittee fr ratificatin. The Head f Faculty Research Degrees may make ne f the fllwing decisins: 1. Apprve the applicatin. 2. Apprve the applicatin and ffer advice intended t be helpful t yu in the develpment f yur prject. 3. Apprve the applicatin subject t a specific cnditin/cnditins being met. 4. Nt apprve the applicatin at this stage and refer it back fr discussin with the supervisry team and/r Head f Faculty Research Degrees. In this case the applicatin will need t be revised t the satisfactin f the Head f Faculty Research Degrees wh will recmmend apprval f the applicatin by either Chair s actin r referral back t the Research Degrees Cmmittee. CONSIDERATION BY THE RESEARCH DEGREES COMMITTEE Fllwing the meeting f the Research Degrees Cmmittee at which the decisin f the Head f Faculty Research Degrees is ratified, the Faculty Research Degrees Administratr will ntify yu f the decisin via yur DS. Where registratin is apprved a letter will be sent cnfirming the details f yur registratin. This will include yur submissin deadline, which is calculated frm the date f enrlment. A key dates reprt will be appended. This will highlight yur submissin date and if applicable, when yu need t cmplete the transfer prcess. It is imprtant that yu make a nte f this deadline and endeavr t plan yur research prject t enable yu t meet yur submissin date. Where yur applicatin has been apprved subject t cnditin(s) being met, yu will be ntified f what needs t be dne and nce the cnditin(s) has/have been met, a letter cnfirming yur registratin (as abve) will be issued. Where yur applicatin has nt been apprved, ntificatin will be sent via yur DS, setting ut the reasns fr the decisin and cntaining advice n revisins that need t be made. Yu shuld see yur DS as sn as pssible t discuss the cntents f the letter. If there is any dubt abut the revisins, the Head f Faculty Research Degrees will be pleased t help. CHANGES IN APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS It is smetimes necessary t change arrangements that have been apprved by the Research Degrees Cmmittee. New supervisrs may be required, yu may need t take time ff r yu may need t extend the time required t cmplete yur research wrk. As yu might expect, there are frms fr such circumstances: RD3 RD4 RD5 - Applicatin fr change in apprved arrangements fr supervisin - Applicatin fr extensin f perid f registratin - Applicatin fr suspensin f perid f registratin PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 23

24 MMU Research Student Handbk RDCP - Ntificatin f Change in Apprved Prgramme f Study It is assumed that the title f yur research prject is a wrking title s may be changed and amended at any time up t the submissin f the frm RD6 (Applicatin fr Apprval f Examiners). Hwever, if yur research changes substantially frm that apprved by the RDC, then yu will have t cmplete an RDCP frm which will need t be apprved by the RDC. SUPPORTING PROGRAMME The University Regulatins indicate that candidates shall nrmally fllw an apprved supprting prgramme equivalent t tw-weeks wrth per academic year (ne week fr part-time students) in rder t attain cmpetence in research methds and knwledge related t the subject f the thesis and als emplyability and transferable skills. Skills develpment is an integral part f the wrk fr yur degree and it is imprtant that the scpe and cntent f the supprting prgramme is agreed in discussin with yur DS. The imprtance f the research methds part f the prgramme becmes evident by a detailed descriptin, in yur thesis, f yur chsen methd f research tgether with an explanatin f the reasns behind yur chice. In sme disciplines it may als be necessary t include a brief discussin f the methds that have been chsen nt t be used. The Researcher Develpment Framewrk (RDF) develped by Vitae ( articulates the knwledge, behaviurs and attributes f successful researchers. By using the framewrk yu are encuraged t aspire t excellence. The RDF Planner encurages yu t think mre abut yur prfessinal develpment planning and helps yu t think abut yur wn training requirements. Yu will be prvided with yur wn individual subscriptin t the RDF planner when yu start and yu will receive an frm the Graduate Schl detailing hw yu get access. Yu will be expected t maintain yur Persnal Develpment Prtfli (PDP) in a blue file that the Graduate Schl prvides when yu attend the Inductin Day. Yu shuld discuss the RDF and yur PDP with yur DS. Yu will als need t take alng yur PDP flder t discuss with the Independent Reviewer at yur Annual Review. Please nte: A prgramme f supprting studies must be fllwed unless yu have gained exemptin when yur RD1 was apprved. I) WORKSHOPS OR SHORT COURSES The cre f yur supprting prgramme will prbably be thrugh attendance at wrkshps, seminars, r shrt curses ffered by the University. The Graduate Schl prvides a Research Student Develpment Prgramme which has a variety f wrkshps that yu may wish t attend at varius pints within yur research degree. Sme faculties may als prvide a range a wrkshps. All students are required t attend a Graduate Schl Inductin Day. The Inductin Day has been designed t be infrmal and prvide yu with useful infrmatin regarding the regulatins, expectatins frm yu as a student and f yur supervisry team, the Researcher Develpment Framewrk, the PGR Student Handbk 2014/15 Page 24