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1 This version of the EdD Student Handbook pertains to the 2014/15 academic year and was correct at the time of going to press. It is revised annually; the most up-to-date version is available on the Doctoral School website. A large-print version of this document is available and alternative formats can be provided on request. Please contact the Disability & Wellbeing Service for assistance. Telephone disabilityadmin@ioe.ac.uk 1

2 Institute of Education, University of London Doctor in Education Programme Welcoming Letter Welcome to the Doctoral School at the Institute of Education and a new year of study. This handbook provides you with useful information on your doctoral programme to help you to make the most effective and constructive use of the resources here at the Institute of Education. Please do consult it. I hope that this year will be a rewarding one for you, whether you are just starting or further on in your doctoral journey. I look forward to meeting you at the various events during the year. Good luck with your doctoral studies for 2014/2015. Dr Denise Hawkes EdD Programme Leader September

3 Contents Welcoming Letter 2 Contents 3 Key Dates 7 Introduction 8 Teaching Dates for Core Courses EdD Programme: Submission Dates for Assignments for Taught Courses in Contacts and General Information Academic Administrative Team Programme Leaders Dean of the Doctoral School Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutors Doctor in Education Programme Team Course Leaders for Taught Core Courses The Research Community Your Contact Details Moodle Research Rooms Student ID cards Help and Support at the IOE Useful Telephone Numbers Registration Requirements Course of Study Minimum and Maximum Period of Registration Assessment Requirements Enrolment Formalities Verification of Qualifications Statements of Registration Absence Interruption in Course Refund of Tuition Fees and Fee Liability following Withdrawal Complaints Procedure Appeals Procedure and Reconsideration by Board of Examiners Supervision Allocation of Supervisor Taught Courses Institution-Focused Study Thesis Advisory Panel Change of Supervisor Monitoring of Progress Annual Progress Reviews and Confirmation of Satisfactory Progress 31 3

4 4.2 Special Progress Review Status Withdrawal for Academic or Personal Reasons Review prior to IFS Formal Progress Review prior to Thesis Postgraduate Diploma in Practitioner Research The Master of Education (MEd) in Practitioner Research Doctor in Education Programme Summary The Taught Courses Core Courses Research Training Programme Selection Timing of Courses Attendance Requirements Course Readings, Library and Study Time Course and Workshop Evaluations Assignment Topics Relating to Taught Courses Assessment Criteria for Taught Course Assignments and IFS Report Initial and Final Submission of Assignments Referred Assignments Requests for Extension to Final Coursework or IFS Report Submission Dates and Deferral of Examination (Assessment) Requests for Extension for Submission of the Portfolio, IFS Proposal and Thesis Proposal Submission of Portfolio Portfolio Review Process Proceeding to the Institution-Focused Study and Submission of Proposal External Moderation Appeals Procedure and Reconsideration of Decisions by Board of Examiners for Taught Elements and Institution-Focused Study Report Students who have a Disability Guidelines on Written Work Structure Format Reading Literary Presentation Referencing Style and Acknowledgement of Sources Plagiarism Ethical Issues Intellectual Property Rights The Institution-Focused Study IFS Stage of the EdD What is the Institution-Focused Study? Support for the IFS Writing your IFS Proposal 66 4

5 7.5 Writing up the IFS Submission of Report Format and Binding of the Report Examination of the Report and Notification of Results Presenting and Publishing your IFS Research at Conferences/Seminars The Thesis Support at the Thesis Stage Criteria for EdD Thesis Support for the Thesis Thesis Proposal Writing up the Thesis The 2,000 Word Statement Presenting and Publishing your Research at Conferences/Seminars Requirements of the Thesis Requirements applicable to the EdD Availability of Thesis Examinations Criteria for the Thesis Title of Thesis Timetable for Submission How to Enter for the Examination Independent Reader for Draft Thesis Approval of Examiners Arranging the Oral Examination (Viva Voce) and Conduct of Examination Independent Chair Preparing for the Examination Notification of Result Degree Diploma Degree Award Ceremonies Appeals Procedure Conduct of Examination and Thesis Format Instructions Instructions and notes on submission, format and binding of theses submitted for the EdD Conduct of Examination for the Degree of EdD 93 Appendix Postgraduate Diploma in Practitioner Research 101 Appendix Master of Education (MEd) in Practitioner Research 102 Appendix Turnitin Plagiarism Detection Service 103 Appendix Dual Award Programme 106 5

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7 Institute of Education, University of London Key Dates Dates of Term The dates of term for the session are: Autumn term - Monday 29 September to Friday 12 December 2014 Spring term - Monday 5 January to Friday 20 March 2015 Summer term - Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July 2015 Library Opening Hours The Institute library is normally open during term time from: 8.30 a.m. to p.m. on Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday During vacations the normal hours are: 9.30 a.m. to 8.15 p.m. on Monday to Friday a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays The times given above indicate the library s study service opening hours. For full service and membership desk opening hours please consult the website: Dates of Closure The Institute will be closed on the following dates: Christmas and New Year Wednesday 24 December 2014 to Friday 2January 2015 Easter 2014 Friday 3 April 3014 to Monday 6 April 2015 inclusive Spring Bank Holidays Monday 4 May and Monday 25 May 2015 Summer Bank holidays Friday 28 August 2014 to Monday 31 August

8 EdD Student Handbook For Students and Their Supervisors Introduction All new students will be enrolled under the Institute s regulations for the degree of Doctor in Education (EdD). If a decision to merge is confirmed in December 2014 all students will be written to. The Research Degrees Examination Board, has strategic oversight and responsibility for all matters relating to research students, and has established procedures and guidelines to supplement the EdD regulations: these apply across the Institute. The EdD Programme Team is responsible to the Doctoral School Committee for all aspects of the programme. This handbook is a comprehensive guide for EdD students and their supervisors and contains advice about mandatory procedures and guidelines on good practice as well as information about support and facilities. It should be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice for Research Degrees which is available from the Doctoral School and also from the Doctoral School s website: If anything is unclear or if you need advice on any points regarding procedures or regulations for your degree course, please contact the Doctoral School, (room 519), where staff will be pleased to be of assistance. Please retain this handbook for reference during your course. You will find that you need to refer to it for guidance and explanations throughout the programme. 8

9 Teaching Dates for Core Courses EdD Programme: Students should select which dates you will follow at the start of each term; we will assume that you will continue on the same structure unless we are informed otherwise. Y1 Students Autumn Term - Monday 29th September to Friday 12th December 2014 Cohort Course Co-ordinator Mode of attendance Dates Y1 Students Induction Doctoral School 1 day 4th October 2014 Dr Bryan Cunningham 17/18 October x 07/08 November 2014 Friday/Saturday 05/06 December 2014 Y2 (Int'l) Students Foundations of Professionalism in Education Specialist Course in International Education including IFS Workshops Dr Norman Lucas Dr Tristan McCowan / Charlie Owen Y2 Students IFS Workshops Dr Sue Taylor Y3, Y4 and above Students Y3, Y4 and above Students IFS Workshops (students due to submit on ) Thesis Workshops 9 Week Week 2 x Friday Week 06/07 October /09 October /11 October /11 November /13 November /15 November October November /20* November 2014 *Graduate Seminar Dr Denise Hawkes 1 day 21st November 2014 Dr Bryan Cunningham 2 x Saturday Week 18 October November */21st November 2014 *Graduate Seminar

10 Spring Term - Monday 12th January to Friday 20th March 2015 Cohort Course Co-ordinator Y1 Students Methods of Enquiry 1 Dr Holly Smith Mode of attendance 3 x Friday/Saturday Week Dates 09/10 January /07 February /07 March /13 January /15 January /17 January 2015 Y2 Students IFS Workshops Dr Sue Taylor Y3, Y4 and above Students Thesis Workshops Dr Bryan Cunningham 2 x Friday Week 2 x Saturday Week 23 January March /05* March 2015 *Poster Conference 24 January March */06 March 2015 *Poster Conference 10

11 Summer Term - Monday 20th April to Friday 3rd July 2015 Cohort Course Co-ordinator Mode of attendance Dates Y1 Students Methods of Enquiry 2 Dr Maria Kambouri Y2 Students IFS Workshops Dr Sue Taylor 3 x Friday/Saturday Week block 3 x Friday Week Block 24/25 April /23 May /20 June 2015 [Workshops: 9 May/6 June] 27/28 April /30 April /02 May May June July /17/18*/19 June 2015 *Summer Conference Y3, Y4 and above Students Thesis Workshops Dr Bryan Cunningham 2 x Saturday Week Block 9 May June */19/20 June 2015 *Summer Conference 11

12 EdD Programme Submission Dates for Assignments for Taught Courses in Cohort Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle Foundations of Professionalism in Education Methods of Enquiry 1 Methods of Enquiry 2 Year 1 Students Initial submission: 5 January 2015 Initial submission: 7 April 2015 Initial submission: 17 August 2015* Feedback: 26 January 2015 Feedback: 27 April 2015 Feedback: 7 September 2015 Final submission: 23 February 2015 Final submission: 26 May 2015 Final submission: 5 October 2015 Final result: 16 March 2015 Final result: 15 June 2015 Final result: 26 October 2015 Portfolio submission 5 December 2015 Portfolio feedback 21 December 2015 IFS Proposal 1 February 2016 Proposal feedback 23 February

13 Cohort Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle To be submitted by 5 pm via Moodle Portfolio IFS Proposal IFS Report Year 2 Students Submission: 28 November 2014 Submission: 1 February 2015 Submission: 1 February 2016 Feedback : 19 December 2014 Feedback: 23 February 2015 Feedback: 23 February 2016 Thesis Proposal Year 3, 4 and above Submission: 30 September 2014 Feedback: 18 th November 2014 *Permission has been obtained for students to have more time to submit the MOE2 assignment as students are required to obtain ethical approval and collect data. 13

14 1. Contacts and General Information 1.1 Academic Administrative Team Academic Administration staff are there to offer you assistance on regulations, policies and procedures for the MPhil/PhD, online MPhil/PhD, EdD, DEdPsy, PGDip and MRes Programmes as well as other research degree programmes offered at the Institute. The Doctoral School is situated in room 519 on level 5 (A Core Wing). The office opening hours are: Monday and Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Friday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m a.m. to 5.00 p.m a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Staff with specific responsibility for EdD, DEdPsy and PGDip SSRM students Cathy McSweeney c.mcsweeney@ioe.ac.uk Programme Services Co-ordinator Room 519 / ext Contact Cathy for all queries related to taught courses, student progress and supervisor support. Neal Carr n.carr@ioe.ac.uk Programme Administrator Room 519 / ext Contact Neal for all queries related to the EdD Formal Review Prior to Thesis Pui Sin p.sin@ioe.ac.uk Programme Administrator Room 519 / ext Contact Pui for all queries related to EdD viva voce examinations and programme administration matters related to the PGDipSSRM Lorraine Fernandes l.fernandes@ioe.ac.uk Programme Administrator Room G6 / ext Woburn Square Contact Lorraine for all programme administration matters related to the DEdPsy Staff with specific responsibility for MPhil/PhD and MRes students (including online programmes) Catherine Haberfield c.haberfield@ioe.ac.uk Programme Services Co-ordinator Room 519 / ext Contact Catherine for all queries related to student progress and supervisor support and administrative arrangements for the MPhil/PhD Research Training Programme Gary Ford g.ford@ioe.ac.uk Programme Administrator Room 519 / ext Contact Gary for all programme administration matters related to the Online MPhil/PhD, MRes and Online MRes Hazel Croft h.croft@ioe.ac.uk Programme Administrator Room 519 / ext Contact Hazel administrative arrangements relating to MPhil/PhD upgrades and viva voce examinations. 14

15 Please note: PGR applicant enquiries, admissions and enrolment are managed through the Recruitment and Admissions team in the Academic Registry Thesis examinations are managed by the Exams team in the Academic Registry although administrative support for viva arrangements is provided by the PGR team in Academic Administration. 1.2 Programme Leaders Each taught course has a Programme Leader who acts as the co-ordinator for the course. The Programme Leaders responsible for co-ordinating courses in are:- Programme Leader(s) for MPhil/PhD and MRes Claudia Lapping Jane Perryman Programme Leader for EdD Denise Hawkes Programme Leader for Online MPhil/PhD Richard Freeman Programme Leader for DEdPsy c.lapping@ioe.ac.uk Room 630b/ ext j.perryman@ioe.ac.uk Room 737 / ext d.hawkes@ioe.ac.uk Gordon Square Room 415 / ext r.freeman@ioe.ac.uk Room 519a/ ext Vivian Hill v.hill@ioe.ac.uk Room 105 / ext Woburn Square Programme Leader for Postgraduate Diploma Sue Taylor s.taylor@ioe.ac.uk Room 201 / ext Woburn Square 1.3 Dean of the Doctoral School Professor Andy Tolmie is the Dean of the Doctoral School with overall responsibility for all doctoral programmes and the students registered on those programmes. He can be contacted by at a.tolmie@ioe.ac.uk. 1.4 Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutors Each supervisor is a member of an academic department. You are a member 15

16 of the same academic department as your main supervisor and each Department has an appointed Postgraduate Research Tutor, who chairs the Departmental Postgraduate Research Committee. The Postgraduate Research Tutor is responsible on a day to day basis for all matters concerning doctoral students within the Department. This includes student admissions to Departments; the appointment of supervisors; doctoral training; the provision of facilities for doctoral students within the department; the review of annual progress reports on all students and training plans for new students; formal review of progress; and, the nomination of examiners. The Postgraduate Research Tutor also has responsibility for the pastoral care of students within the Department: you may discuss in confidence any matters related to your progress with your research studies. PGR Tutors Department Psychology and Human Development Quantitative Social Science Humanities and Social Sciences London Centre for Leadership in Learning Lifelong and Comparative Education Early Years and Primary Education Culture, Communication and Media Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Children, Families and Health PGR Tutor Maria Kambouri George Ploubidis Tom Woodin Rob Higham Christine Han Phil Jones John Potter Jane Perryman Sarah Crafter 1.5 Doctor in Education Programme Team The Programme Team comprises: Dean of the Doctoral School; EdD Programme Leader (Chair); Course Leaders responsible for compulsory core courses as well as the coordinators of the IFS and thesis workshops; Research Training Programme Leader Two student representatives one representing the taught phrase, one the research phrase; In attendance: a representative from the Library. The Programme Team is responsible for reviewing the quality of the course; monitoring the admission requirements and all related teaching, tutorial support and examination matters. Meetings of the Programme Team are usually held 16

17 once a term. 1.6 Course Leaders for Taught Core Courses Each taught course has a Course Leader who acts as the co-ordinator for the course. The Course Leaders responsible for co-ordinating courses in are listed in section The Research Community As a doctoral student at the Institute, you are also a member of the Doctoral School which brings together over 800 research students across the Institute. The Doctoral School provides conferences, seminars, social events and information which aim to foster links between students and staff and to enhance your studies at the Institute. Please check Moodle ( regularly for up-to-date information and news. You should also contact your Postgraduate Research Tutor, Supervisor or Programme Leader to find out about any research activities, seminars and events that will take place within your Department. Our events diary on the website also gives a good overview of seminars offered across the Institute - visit Your Contact Details It is important to keep your details up to date on our Student Information System so that any information sent to you goes to the correct place. If you have changed either your permanent address or your term time address or both, you can use this form to let Student Support know. For any other enquiries concerning this please contact the Student Support Centre Once you have enrolled on your programme you will be given an IOE address and this will be the primary means of communication through which the Institute and Programme Team will contact you. You must make sure you activate and regularly check your IOE account as vital information, lecture notes or other reading material may be sent. You can also access the Institute s network and check your remotely via the IOE portal available at Please refer to your information sheet Essential Information for using IOE Services for further information which was issued to you at registration. See also Getting Started with your Computing and Library Accounts on the website. 17

18 1.10 Moodle Students are entitled to a standard, consistent provision of course materials, information and services via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and the Doctoral School makes use of Moodle, a VLE both for e-learning and for communication about the programmes. Moodle is also the VLE used by the Bloomsbury Consortium, of which the Institute of Education is a member. Registered students will be included as users of Moodle. You can access Moodle ( with your IOE username and password issued to you at enrolment. Full details of how to do this can be found on the website at Each taught course has it s own Moodle site as do the IFS and Thesis Workshops. If you cannot see the appropriate Moodle sites for your stage of programme contact VLE Helpdesk. Copies of any programme forms mentioned in this handbook will be available on Moodle within the main programme area. Please also note that you will be required to submit your assignments online via Moodle to your Course Tutor Research Rooms The Institute has a number of research students rooms to which you have access offering a base for study whilst you are at the Institute, and are equipped with computers, printers and lockers or filing cabinets. PGR Administrators in the Doctoral School can advise you of the access codes for the research room doors Student ID cards The IOE has electronically produced photographic ID cards for all students. These cards will confirm you are a registered student of the IOE and provide you with access to the Library and IT Services and to other access-controlled areas of the Institute. You will be given your card once you have enrolled on your programme. The cards must be carried at all times whilst on IOE premises and shown to a member of staff upon request if you are asked to provide verification of your entitlement to be using Institute facilities. Any misuse of the card may lead to disciplinary action. Whilst initial cards will be issued free of charge, you will be charged 10 for a replacement card. If you lose your card, you should report this to the Student Support Centre on Level 4 of the main building. If your card is stolen, you will not be charged for a replacement if you bring an official crime number with you. 18

19 1.13 Help and Support at the IOE Supporting students with disabilities We offer a confidential advice and support service. You can discuss your support requirements with us if you have any condition which affects your ability to study, including specific learning difficulties, mental health issues or any medical conditions (including temporary injuries). If you have a disability or medical problem which may affect your ability to complete the assessment procedures under standard assessment conditions, you should discuss this with the Programme Director and the Disability Coordinator well in advance of the date of the assessment(s), in order that any necessary special arrangements can be made. (For contact details please see the website: If you develop or identify a disability during your course, the Disability Coordinator will be able to provide practical support; this includes information about examination and assessment arrangements and support that you might be entitled to. Please also see the Health Professions Guide A disabled person's guide to becoming a health professional available at: professional.pdf. For further appointments and advice please disabilityadmin@ioe.ac.uk or call You can also visit for more information. 19

20 General Advice Academic Advisory Service Advice for students undertaking a masters degree or postgraduate diploma on planning their studies and academic and professional career development options. Academic Writing Centre Support to help you understand and write your assignments, dissertations and thesis. IT Services Information and advice relating to use of IT services. Library Information and advice relating to use of the library. Nursery The IOE Nursery accommodates up to 15 children aged between two years and five years. Students Union Runs clubs and societies; sends representatives to IOE committees; represents individuals and groups of IOE students on issues concerning their academic life or general student experience. Derek May Tel: d.may@ioe.ac.uk Tel: writingcentre@ioe.ac.uk Web: Tel: ComputerHelpDesk@ioe.ac.uk Web: Tel: lib.enquiries@ioe.ac.uk Website: Zehra Bukowski, Nursery Manager Tel: z.bukowski@ioe.ac.uk Students Union Office Administrator Tel: Web: Financial Support We administer Student Finance England loans and grants, teacher training bursaries, IOE underrepresented groups scholarships as well as offering advice to students with financial concerns or difficulties. Registry and Student Support Centre Level 4 Wing Tel: studentfunding@ioe.ac.uk For fee payments: Tel: cashier@ioe.ac.uk Enquiries Service For frequent queries including course information, student funding, payment of fees, admissions, accommodation and specialist support advisors. Welfare Support The Welfare Officer provides help and support for students facing financial hardship. You cna get information about budgeting, benefit entitlements, tax credits, funding for courses and the Access to Learning fund. International Student Support If you are an international student, you can access specialist support and assistance including immigration and visa advice. Healthcare and Counselling For information about health services: For information about counselling: Tel: enquiries@ioe.ac.uk Web: Tel: b.woods@ioe.ac.uk Web: Tel: iss@ioe.ac.uk Web: Web: Web: 20

21 1.14 Useful Telephone Numbers The following is a list of general telephone numbers that you may find useful in your time at the Institute. (If you know an extension number all you need do is add to the front of it to reach a direct line.) Main switchboard Main fax Emergency Number Main reception Alumni Officer Bookshop Directorate Finance Office /6021/6180/6735 John Adams Hall Library and Media Services Doctoral School Office - Fax (general enquiries) Sick Room Central Institutions Health Service Gower Street Health Practice Specialist Institutions Careers Service (SICS) Accommodation and Housing Advice /

22 2. Registration Requirements This section provides a summary of the regulations and registration requirements of the Doctor in Education programme. 2.1 Course of Study The degree of Doctor in Education (EdD) is a doctorate designed for experienced practitioners of education who wish to extend their professional expertise and training. Its focus is on research in relation to professional practice. The demands of an EdD are comparable to those of a PhD; however, it is different in structure from a PhD because it comprises five elements namely: three taught courses which are assessed; development of a portfolio built on experience of the taught courses selection of at least 30 hours from the RTP during the 2 nd and 3 rd years on programme an institution-focused study (IFS); and a research-based thesis. You are assigned an appropriate supervisor at the start of your course who will help to ensure the co-ordination of your studies and the work undertaken in the core programme. Usually, you will meet with your supervisor once a term during the taught part of the programme. This supervisor will normally continue supervision of the IFS and thesis unless your area of interest changes substantially during the first year and a change of supervisor is agreed. Further details of each element of the course are given in sections 5.1 and Minimum and Maximum Period of Registration Our expectation is that the programme will take four to seven years of part-time study to complete and the minimum period of registration is four years. There is one entry date for the EdD programme in October and the taught courses are offered once each year. Students are expected to complete their degree within a maximum of seven years of part-time study. The Dean of the Doctoral School may grant permission for a longer period of study only in exceptional cases which have the unequivocal support of the supervisor, the PGR Tutor for the Department in which you are registered. 22

23 2.3 Assessment Requirements The current assessment requirements for each element are set out below. Candidates will be expected to satisfy the examiners in all three elements of the programme of study, and no compensation between elements of the degree will be permitted. A portfolio comprising three separate pieces of coursework of approximately 5,000 words each based upon one of the assessed courses which make up the taught element of the EdD, plus a statement of approximately 2,000 words reflecting on the student s learning experiences across the three courses and the relationship between the three pieces of coursework and the student s academic and professional development. The IFS forms the basis of a research report of 20,000 words which is expected to show that the programme has supported the student s professional development and extended his or her understanding of his or her professional role. The research-based thesis of no more than 45,000 words must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study and afford evidence of originality and a capacity for autonomous research. The thesis must be accompanied by an abstract of not more than 300 words. There is also an oral examination (a viva voce), which tests both the thesis and the candidate s conceptual understanding of the integration of all the elements of his or her programme of study. Candidates will be expected to submit, together with their thesis, a statement of no more than 2,000 words summarising the areas that they have covered in their course as a whole, and highlighting the links between each element. This statement should be bound into the thesis and will be discussed with the examiners at the oral examination. All taught assessments will be moderated by examiners external to the Institute. 2.4 Enrolment Formalities As a doctoral student of the Institute, you must enrol at the beginning of your programme of study and, subject to making satisfactory progress as outlined in section 4.1, re-enrol at the beginning of the Autumn term of each subsequent academic year. The Institute will publish an annual schedule of fees for its courses on its website. The 2014/15 fee rates can be found at The Institute sends information about enrolment, including payment methods, to all new and continuing students in September each year. Where possible, you will be given the opportunity to enrol and pay your fees online. It is only by completing these enrolment formalities that you can take advantage of the support and resources which the Institute has to offer. Failure to complete the enrolment process, including payment of fees, at the 23

24 appropriate time each year may lead to the cancellation of your student enrolment record. See our Tuition Fee Policy on the website. If you are having problems paying your fees at enrolment time, please contact Recruitment and Admissions who will be willing to offer advice. Writing Up Fee From a writing up fee is available for research degree students in the final stages of their doctoral study, prior to the submission of thesis. Students who fulfil the following criteria are eligible for a reduced fee equivalent to half the fulltime fee, or half the part-time fee, depending on their mode of study: PhD: the student has upgraded to PhD (unless working towards MPhil) EdD: the student has completed their IFS Has entered for the thesis examination Is within 12 months (full-time PhD, or part-time EdD) or 18 months (part-time PhD) of completion of the degree The student s supervisor confirms that the student is in the final year of completion of the degree. The writing up fee is available for a maximum period of one year. If you do not complete within this period then you will be required to pay fees at the normal rate for any subsequent period of registration. 2.5 Verification of Qualifications In order to comply with the Institute s General Academic Regulations, you must produce original documentary evidence of the qualifications on the basis of which you have been accepted as a doctoral student at the Institute. You will also be asked to let the Recruitment and Admissions have sight of your passport or driving licence. If you fail to produce adequate documentation you may be required to withdraw from the course. Change of Name The form in which your name appears on the evidence which you provide for the verification of your previous qualifications is used for enrolment purposes and you should use the same form in all correspondence relating to your studies, including your examination application. Your name will appear in this form on your diploma. Any official change that you may wish to make to your name during the course of your studies should be notified to the Recruitment and Admissions (admissions@ioe.ac.uk). You will be asked to provide supporting documentation, for example, a marriage certificate, passport or deed poll before the change can be formally accepted. 2.6 Statements of Registration Should you require a statement to confirm your registration status at the Institute at any time, please complete a Statement Request form for current students which is available from the Doctoral School (and on the Doctoral 24

25 School website: Please note that seven working days notice should be allowed to ensure any such statements are ready by the date required. 2.7 Absence If you are absent from your studies for an extended period while you are enrolled, e.g. for health reasons, it is essential that you inform your supervisor, your Postgraduate Research Tutor and the Programme Administrator. 2.8 Interruption in Course Although the course of study for the EdD degree should normally be continuously pursued, you may occasionally find yourself in a position where you are unable to work on your EdD for a period of time and it may be advisable to seek an interruption in your registration. Examples of reasons for seeking an interruption in registration might include illness, unexpected pressure from work or financial difficulty. An interruption may be for just one or two terms or, in exceptional circumstances, for one or possibly two years. As it is normally necessary to take the taught core courses in order, the scheduling of courses may affect any advice given regarding the date of resumption on the programme. You may interrupt your studies subject to the approval of the EdD Programme Leader and with the agreement of your supervisor. If you wish to interrupt your registration, you should first discuss the situation with your supervisor to obtain his or her support. Formal written approval of your supervisor and the PGR Tutor for your Department must be obtained and the PGR Administrator must be informed in advance of the period of interruption so that the necessary administrative action can be taken, including any adjustment to tuition fee payments. Please note that retrospective requests for interruptions will not be approved. Requests for interruptions should be made using Form DS/1, which is available at You will need to indicate the reasons for your request and the length of the interruption. You are asked to bear in mind that an interruption to your registration should be considered exceptional and is not to be undertaken lightly. Supervisors are asked to monitor students overall progress on a regular basis and, in particular, to be aware of those who are interrupting in order to give them support and act as a contact to encourage their continuation on the programme. During a period of interruption you are not asked to pay tuition fees and you are not entitled to consult your supervisor, to take part in any Institute courses, or to use the Institute's library and computing resources. However, there would be no reason why you should not continue to work on your EdD independently if 25

26 personal circumstances allowed. If the interruption lasts for more than two terms, you will be required to submit a detailed written statement outlining the work you have completed towards your EdD and including a formal plan and timetable for when you resume. This will be considered by the EdD Programme Leader, your supervisor and your Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutor prior to re-registration. Please note that the Institute reserves the right to refuse to re-register a doctoral student, particularly if the interruption is over two years and there is insufficient evidence of the student s ability to complete the degree successfully or if their supervisor is no longer at the Institute. If you have not been registered with the Institute for three years or more your registration may be cancelled automatically unless the Institute has approved exceptional arrangements (see also the Code of Practice for Research Degrees). Any extension of the interruption must also be sought in advance. It is therefore imperative for any student who is unable to return after an approved period of interruption to seek an extension of the interruption, giving reasons and a revised completion date. You should apply in advance of the period by writing to the PGR Administrator in the Doctoral School who will consult the EdD Programme Leader, your Postgraduate Research Tutor and your supervisor for a decision in your case. 2.9 Refund of Tuition Fees and Fee Liability following Withdrawal If for any reason you decide to withdraw from your programme you should submit a formal withdrawal form (Form DS/3) to the Doctoral School, appropriately signed by the Postgraduate Research Tutor. Withdrawal forms are available from the Doctoral School but please note that notification to a supervisor is not sufficient. Tuition fees are not normally refundable and applications for refunds will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Such applications should be made in writing to the Academic Registrar. In all cases where refunds are sanctioned, the Institute will retain an administration fee of It will not be possible to consider refunds requested more than one year after payment has been made. If you are withdrawn from your course because of non-attendance you will be liable for the full tuition fee due. The Institute s Tuition Fee Policy is available on our website Complaints Procedure The Institute has a complaints procedure which should be followed if you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of your study at the Institute. Details regarding the complaints procedure are given in the Student Guide to Institute Policies and Procedures available on the website (see also the 26

27 Code of Practice for Research Degrees). The EdD Programme Leader and the PGR Tutor for your Department are also available to discuss in confidence any concerns which you may have about the progress of your research. Advice on how to proceed can always be obtained in confidence from the Head of Academic Administration Appeals Procedure and Reconsideration by Board of Examiners If you want to raise any matter in relation to your examination results for the taught courses or the IFS you should contact the Programme Services Coordinator, Cathy McSweeney in the first instance. Please refer to section 5.17 for details of the procedure. For the thesis appeals procedure see section

28 3. Supervision This section outlines the supervisory arrangements for students on the EdD programme. Please also refer to the Code of Practice for Research Degrees for more detailed guidance on your supervision arrangements. 3.1 Allocation of Supervisor On acceptance, you will be assigned to a supervisor who has expertise in your area of research and you will be registered in your supervisor s Department. During year 1, while you are following the taught courses, your supervisor is available to review your progress once a term and discuss likely areas of research. Please ensure that you make contact with your supervisor to arrange these meetings on a regular basis so that your supervisor can see how your work is progressing. This may be done in person, by telephone, or fax. You should keep a written record of any such discussion with your supervisor. 3.2 Taught Courses Tutorial support is provided by tutors on the three assessed courses and includes both formative and summative feedback on the assignment work. You should submit your assignments by the set submission dates as given on page 11. You will then receive feedback on the initial submission of the coursework and will have a further opportunity to carry out amendments prior to the submission of your final assignment on the due date. All work will be assessed by two Institute tutors and a sample of work will be sent to an external examiner for moderation. When your coursework submission is successful, you include it in your portfolio. Your supervisor will have an overview of your progress during the taught courses and will receive a copy of the feedback you receive on your assignments. It is useful to discuss the work you are preparing for your taught courses with your supervisor particularly in relation to how they act as a preparation for and inform your IFS and thesis. If your area of interest changes significantly you may be allocated a different supervisor for your IFS and/or your thesis. 3.3 Institution-Focused Study The normal expectation is that your supervisor, allocated at the start of your programme, will continue to supervise you for the IFS. As a part-time student we expect you will take approximately four terms to complete the study (the autumn/spring/summer of Year 2 and autumn term of Year 3). You should arrange regular supervision sessions during your course of study for the IFS; these should occur on average three times a term, though individuals will differ and the frequency will change at different stages of the study. It is important that you negotiate the relationship with your supervisor and make clear what each expects of the other. A written record of each face-to-face or telephone supervision session should be made as it is good practice and useful. If you 28

29 receive support by , both parties should retain copies of s, which provide evidence of the discussion. A record of these meetings is completed by you and your supervisor and kept in your student file. You will also be expected to participate in the IFS workshops which are provided to support IFS work (see section 7.3). Guidance on the supervision of the IFS is given in the Code of Practice for Research Degrees. 3.4 Thesis Your IFS supervisor is likely (though not always) to continue to supervise you for the thesis. You will therefore have worked out how to manage the supervisory relationship, and the best way of working together. However, it is worth spending time again to negotiate the pattern of supervision sessions, and the mode of working. You will discuss with your supervisor your proposed research topic and any additional research training needed. You will be asked to draw up a timetable for the completion of the research. You should aim to meet with your supervisor or arrange a supervision session by on average three times each term, although the frequency may depend upon the stage reached in the research. It is good practice to make sure that you arrange the date of the next meeting at the end of each session. If you receive support by , both parties should retain copies of s, which provide evidence of the discussion. A written record of these meetings should be kept so that you and your supervisor are clear about the outcome of the discussions. Guidelines on supervision are given in the Code of Practice for Research Degrees. You should also attend the thesis workshops (see section 8.3) as they provide a means of discussing your work with fellow participants as well as providing guidance on conducting and writing up your research. The book by Phillips and Pugh referenced in section 8.4 has a useful section on working with your supervisor. 3.5 Advisory Panel All doctoral students have an advisory panel. Advisory panels are small teams of supervisors (at least three and not more than five) with responsibility for monitoring the progress of students under their supervision. Your advisory panel is the panel to which your main supervisor belongs. The PGR Tutor for your Department will advise you of the names of the members of your advisory panel. Note that advisory panel members are not usually directly involved in the supervision of each other s students. 29

30 Advisory panels have the following responsibilities: to oversee the annual progress review and to ensure regular monitoring of progress; to oversee the independent reading of draft thesis and participate as required; to ensure continuity of supervision in the event of the supervisor leaving the Institute or being absent, e.g. on sick leave or study leave; to provide for one member of the advisory panel to carry out the ethical review of research prior to the commencement of data collection or fieldwork; to oversee the formal review of EdD thesis proposals prior to the thesis stage and participate as required; to be available to offer guidance to you at the request of your main supervisor. 3.6 Change of Supervisor There are a number of reasons why a temporary or permanent change of supervisor might be necessary. The PGR Tutor Supervision, in consultation with your advisory panel and the EdD Programme Leader, is responsible for ensuring that appropriate back-up supervisory arrangements are in place for you to cover contingencies such as study leave or illness which necessitate the temporary absence of your supervisor. For advice in such circumstances, please refer to the Code of Practice for Research Degrees. The PGR Tutor for your department should ensure that the Doctoral School is advised of a change of supervisor using Form DS/4 which is available on the website or from the Programme Administrator, Neal Carr (n.carr@ioe.ac.uk) or Pui Sin (p.sin@ioe.ac.uk). 30

31 4. Monitoring of Progress The Doctoral School at the Institute of Education aims to ensure that students accepted for doctoral studies successfully complete their degree programme and are examined within four to seven years of part-time study. In order to achieve this aim the Doctoral School has established procedures in each Department for reviewing the progress of students throughout their studies. These include an annual progress review, the review prior to the IFS and the formal progress review prior to the thesis as well as other systems adopted within Departments. It is important that all students are able to make satisfactory progress whilst registered and that, where a student is having problems, these can be discussed at an early stage in order to identify ways in which assistance or advice for the future can be given. 4.1 Annual Progress Reviews and Confirmation of Satisfactory Progress You and your supervisor are jointly responsible for providing a review of your progress each year. This review is usually carried out during the summer term. This process helps your advisory panel and your Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutor to monitor your work; to ensure that your training, supervision and support needs are being met; and to identify any difficulties which you or your supervisor might be experiencing. Evaluation and advice on the timetable for your research is undertaken on a regular basis by you and your supervisor. You are asked to give an estimated date of completion on the annual review form and you may also need to reassess your research in relation to ethical issues. Your Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutor reviews the annual reports of all students in the department on behalf of the Department s Postgraduate Research Committee. Any reports which give cause for concern are considered in detail by your Department Postgraduate Research Tutor and the EdD Programme Leader which may lead to the request of more frequent reports on the student in question. This annual review enables the Departmental Postgraduate Research Tutor to advise the Doctoral School by the end of July whether the student has made satisfactory progress and may therefore re-register the following year. 4.2 Special Progress Review Status Special progress review status is for those occasions when doctoral students have been unable to make the progress expected. Information on this status is given in the Code of Practice for Research Degrees. The EdD Programme Leader is also involved in discussions at each stage of the special progress review. 31

32 4.3 Withdrawal for Academic or Personal Reasons In some instances, it becomes clear that a doctoral student will not be able to complete his or her EdD studies, whether for academic or personal reasons. The Institute s annual monitoring procedures are designed to identify any difficulties so that action can be taken at an early stage. Please refer to the Code of Practice for Research Degrees for further details. In the case of students who are undertaking or have just completed the taught courses, they may be advised to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Practitioner Research (see section 4.6). Students who leave the programme having successfully completed the taught courses and the IFS may be advised to apply for the Master of Education (MEd) in Practitioner Research (see section 4.7). 4.4 Review prior to IFS In addition to the annual review process, your continuation to the research study for the IFS is dependent upon your portfolio of satisfactory assignments and IFS proposal being approved by your supervisor and submitted to the EdD Programme Team. This normally takes place at the end of the autumn term in your second year (see sections ). 4.5 Formal Progress Review prior to Thesis On completion of the IFS and submission of the thesis proposal, there is a formal review of your progress prior to starting the thesis. Progression to the thesis depends upon a satisfactory outcome of this formal review. Once you have submitted your IFS for assessment it will be marked by Institute staff and the external examiner and then the result will be confirmed by the EdD Board of Examiners. Once you have submitted your IFS, you should not wait for the result before beginning work on your thesis proposal. Developing that proposal will take some time, and you can build on what you have learned from the IFS. However, you cannot submit your thesis proposal for formal review until the result of the IFS is known. It is expected that the thesis proposal will be submitted within 6 months of the IFS result being released, usually by the end of September when the IFS is submitted on time in February of the same year. The review process provides a valuable opportunity: for you to have two members of staff, in addition to your supervisor, read your proposal and receive constructive feedback on your work and usually to discuss the feedback and your work; for you to receive confirmation that the review panel is reasonably confident that you are working at doctoral level and showing clear signs of progress towards a doctoral thesis; where appropriate or necessary, for you to be advised not to continue working towards a doctorate, but to consider applying for the Master of Education (MEd) in Practitioner Research (see section 4.7). 32