Research Degrees Code of Practice: Masters by Research (MA/MSc) MPhil PhD PhD by Published Work Professional Doctorates Higher Doctorates

Transcription

1 Research Degrees Code of Practice: Masters by Research (MA/MSc) MPhil PhD PhD by Published Work Professional Doctorates Higher Doctorates

2 Contents Chapter 1: Academic Awards 1.1 Awards at Level 7 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications 1.2 Awards at Level 8 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications 1.3 Posthumous Awards 1.4 Field of Study 1.5 Discontinuance of Awards 1.6 Principles 1.10 Definitions of Doctoral Awards Page Chapter 2: Application Process 2.1 Eligibility 2.8 Significant Connections 2.9 English Language Requirement 2.10 Applications Chapter 3: Registration Period 3.1 Masters by Research 3.2 PhD 3.3 Professional Doctorates 3.4 Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work (PhD by PW) 3.5 Higher Doctorates Chapter 4: Research and Professional Development 4.1 Research Skills Development 4.2 Audit 4.3 Developmental Plan 4.4 Recording 4.5 Review 4.6 Vitae Researcher Development Framework Planner (RDF Planner) Chapter 5: Supervision 5.1 The Director of Studies 5.2 Number of Supervisors 5.4 Supervisory Responsibilities Chapter 6: Progression 6.1 Masters by Research 6.2 Postgraduate Research (PGR) Panel 6.3 Registration 6.3 1st Progress Report (PhD and Professional Doctorates) 6.4 Other academic progression reviews (MPhil/PhD/Professional Doctorate) 6.5 Appeals Against the Decision of the PGR Panel 6.6 Interruption of Registration 6.7 Withdrawal of Registration 2 P age

3 Contents Page Chapter 7: Examination (All PGR programmes) 7.1 Thesis Submission for the Examination 7.2 Examination Team 7.3 Preliminary Examination 7.4 Oral Examination 7.5 Final Thesis Submission Chapter 8: PhD by Published Work 8.1 Publications to be Submitted 8.2 Role of the Director of Studies 8.3 Submission of Work 8.4 Examination 8.5 Thesis Chapter 9: Higher Doctorates 9.1 Publications to be Submitted 9.2 Multi-authored work 9.3 Applying for the Higher Doctorate 9.4 Role of the Sponsor/Adviser 9.5 Length of Registration 9.6 Examination 9.7 Role of the Examiners 9.8 Thesis Chapter 10: Appeals on Examination Result (All PGR Programmes) Chapter 11: Graduation 3 P age

4 Chapter 1: Academic Awards This section on Academic Awards covers the range of doctoral awards which the University is entitled to make, under powers granted through the Further and Higher Education Act, All award titles are approved by Academic Board, subject to appropriate validation arrangements, which scrutinise the structure and mode of delivery of each award of the University. Award titles may not be varied after initial validation, without an approval process having been undertaken. No new award titles may be added to the generic list presented within this chapter, unless by the approval of Academic Board. 1.1 Awards at Level 7 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Masters by Research o MA by Research o MSc by Research Master of Philosophy (MPhil) o Not a recruiting award 1.2 Awards at Level 8 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Doctor of Philosophy Professional Doctorate o Education - EdD o Business Administration DBA o Nursing D.Nursing o Health and Social Care D.Health and Social Care o Occupational Therapy D.Occupational Therapy o Optometry D.Optometry o Physiotherapy D.Physiotherapy o Radiography D.Radiography Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work Higher Doctorate 1.3 Posthumous Awards Any award may be conferred posthumously. 1.4 Programmes of research may be proposed in any approved field of study subject to the requirement that the proposed programme is capable of leading to scholarly research and to its presentation for assessment by appropriate examiners. All proposed research programmes shall be considered for research degree registration on their academic merits and without reference to the concerns or interests of any associated funding body. The written thesis may be supplemented by material in other than written form. The research must obtain ethical approval where appropriate. Discontinuance of Awards 1.5 The Academic Board may decide to discontinue any of the University s awards. When an award is discontinued, no further students will be enrolled for that award, 4 P age

5 Principles but the award will be conferred on any students who have already been enrolled and who successfully complete a course approved to lead to that award 1.6 The University shall encourage co-operation with industrial, commercial, professional or research establishments for the purposes of research leading to research degree awards. Such co-operation shall be intended: a) to encourage research that is multidisciplinary, international connected and deliver real world impact; b) to extend the student's own experience and perspectives of the work; c) to provide a wider range of experience and expertise to assist in the development of the project; 1.7 Co-operation may be formalised with one or more bodies external to the University. For the purpose of the research degree regulations these shall be referred to as Collaborating Establishments. Formal collaboration shall normally involve the student's use of facilities and other resources, including supervision, which are provided jointly by the University and the Collaborating Establishment. In such cases a formal letter from the Collaborating Establishment confirming the agreed arrangements should be submitted with the application, except where collaboration is an integral part of the project (as for instance with research council CASE awards). The name(s) of the Collaborating Establishment(s) shall normally appear on the student's thesis and degree certificate. 1.8 Registration as a student may only take place following: (i) enrolment as a research student of the University and payment of tuition fees; and (ii) approval of the registration of the student, 1.9 A student who does not progress satisfactorily may be withdrawn from their programme Definitions of Doctoral Awards 1.10 The Masters by Research shall be awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved independent research or a practice-led research project. topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis by oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners The MPhil shall be awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis by oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners The PhD shall be awarded to a candidate who, having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis by oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners Professional Doctorate shall be awarded to a candidate who, has completed the taught component to the appropriate level and completes the research component, 5 P age

6 the research is normally based on a work-related problem, with a view to finding a new or novel solution, thus demonstrating new knowledge PhD by Published Work offers an alternative route to the award of a doctorate but in all other regards must meet the standards for a PhD as outlined above Higher Doctorate shall be awarded to a candidate who, has demonstrated a coherent theme, be of high distinction, must constitute an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge or to both; should constitute a coherent body of work and must establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned. Chapter 2: Application Process Eligibility 2.1 An applicant for the degree of Masters by Research, should normally hold at least a 2 (ii) honours degree of a UK University, or a qualification which is equivalent to such an honours degree. International students are expected to have attained a certain level of English language both written and spoken, usually through a recognised English language qualification. The minimum requirement is normally IELTS An applicant for the degree of PhD, should normally hold at least a second class 2(i) honours degree of a UK University, or a qualification which is equivalent to such an honours degree, together with a Masters by research where advised by the relevant research council. 2.3 An applicant holding qualifications other than those in paragraph 2.2 shall be considered on his/her merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In considering an applicant in this category, the School shall look for evidence of the student's ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment shall be taken into consideration. 2.4 Applicants for the Professional Doctorate programme will normally have a Masters degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK University (or overseas Masters degree of equivalent standard); applicants should normally have had at least three full years full-time experience (or equivalent) in a relevant professional area. 2.5 Applicants who have not completed a Masters degree but who can successfully demonstrate equivalent experience and qualification will be considered for entry into the programme. Such applicants must demonstrate this equivalence by providing evidence, appropriate to their individual and other professional circumstances, such as publications, written reports, a portfolio of work, or other professional accomplishments. This may include additional work, such as a critical and reflective essay. They must also normally have at least four years of full-time experience (or equivalent). 2.6 Applicants for the PhD by Published Work should normally have a second class 2 (i) honours degree, or qualification which is regarded as equivalent to an honours degree, have a significant connection with the University and, most crucially, can produce evidence of appropriate published work that is internationally recognised, and/or world leading. 6 P age

7 2.7 Applicants for the Higher Doctorate Applicants should normally be: a) holders, of at least seven years' standing, of a first degree awarded by a UK university or equivalent or of a qualification of equivalent standard: or b) holders, of at least four years' standing of a higher degree awarded by a UK university or equivalent or of a qualification of equivalent standard. c) and is restricted to those who have a significant connection with the University and, most crucially, can produce evidence of appropriate published work. Significant Connections 2.8 Current academic members of staff of the University and affiliated institutions are the grouping for whom a significant connection is self-evident. Where affiliated institutions are capable of awarding a PhD, academic members of staff would not be eligible to apply. Alumni would also have a significant connection with the University, for example, previous staff or students. The University actively seeks to collaborate in research with industry, commerce and other professions and through links developed in this way a significant connection with London South Bank University could be established. English Language Requirement 2.9 International doctoral students are expected to have attained a certain level of English language both written and spoken, usually through a recognised English language qualification. The minimum requirement is normally IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 610; Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C or above. Applications 2.10 Applicants will need to demonstrate they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in paragraphs , have a research proposal that fits in with research undertaken within the School, have funding either sponsored or self-funded for the duration of the programme Applicants will only be offered a place on a research degree where they can be provided with a fully supportive research environment. Schools should ensure that the following criteria are met when assessing the research environment: Supervisory arrangements specified within the regulations are met or exceeded and that prospective supervisory teams have the relevant experience and related record of published research. Evidence at discipline level of appropriate national and international excellence in research. All enrolled students at the University should where appropriate be provided with a designated study area with appropriate desk space or hot desk, computing resources and experimental equipment to embark on and complete the research degree. Provides students with the opportunity to participate in research seminars, participating both as listeners and presenters. Students should be encouraged to participate in external symposia, conferences and workshops and publish within respected, and where possible refereed journals and publications. Give clear guidance on publication rights, including joint authorship, should be communicated to students to enable them to publish their research. Chapter 3: Registration Period 7 P age

8 The period of registration until award of the degree shall be as follows: 3.1 Masters by Research Minimum Maximum Full-time 12 months 18 months Part-time 24 months 30 months 3.2 PhD Minimum Maximum Full-time 36 months 48 months Part-time 48 months 72 months 3.3 Professional Doctorates In part-time attendance mode Taught element Minimum: 25 months Maximum: 36 months Thesis element Minimum: 36 months Maximum: 60 months In full-time attendance mode, Taught element Minimum: 12 months Maximum: 25 months Thesis element Minimum: 25 months Maximum: 48 months 3.4 Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work (PhD by PW) Minimum: 12 months Maximum: 48 months 3.5 Higher Doctorates Minimum: 12 months Maximum: 48 months Chapter 4: Research and Professional Development Research and Professional Development are integrated into the postgraduate culture at London South Bank University (LSBU). All postgraduates are required to engage in a programme of research and professional development that matches that outlined in the 2001 Joint Statement of the Research Councils/AHRB Improving the Standards of Postgraduate Education, the recommendations of which were accepted by Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in The primary aim of the Joint Statement was to improve postgraduate education, ensuring that, in addition to the necessarily narrow achievement of the attainment a new contribution to knowledge (doctoral award), the postgraduate experience would be altogether more rounded, with a significant component of personal and professional development in addition to the need for Research Training. 4.1 Research Skills Development 8 P age

9 Doctoral students are required to undertake relevant training as agreed with the supervisory team in the following areas: 4.2 Audit 1. Research skills & techniques 2. Research environment (i.e. context) 3. Research management 4. Personal effectiveness 5. Communication skills 6. Networking and team working 7. Career management 8. Project-specific skills Self-audit: this process requires self-reflection and consideration of skills sets already attained and whether further development of the specific skill set is required. The student will gather physical evidence such as certificates, work-related documentation and/or attendance registration at conferences. Other implicit evidence will be via a discussion with the supervisory team. 4.3 Developmental Plan Development plan: the plan leads on from the audit, and identifies the training and professional development needs of the student. The development plan is reviewed annually with the supervisor to ensure the developmental plan is still appropriate or revised to suit the development of the student. 4.4 Recording Students are expected to maintain a portfolio or maintain some other record, which forms the basis for discussion and review of research goals. The portfolio concept is modelled on the maintenance of portfolios for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The portfolio will also include a reflective diary related to the training undertaken in relation to the doctoral degree or professional development. 4.5 Review Annual review closes the cycle and allows new targets to be set for development, thereby ensuring that the cycle recommences again with appropriate modification to the outcomes and goals 4.6 Vitae Researcher Development Framework Planner (RDF Planner) The University have a number of institutional licences for the use of doctoral students and researchers within the institution. The RDF planner is a professional web based development framework that enables students to identify strengths, provide an action plan for development and collect evidence for the portfolio. Chapter 5: Supervision 9 P age

10 5.1 The Director of Studies shall normally be an academic member of staff of the University. When acting as a Director of Studies for the first time, the academic must have an experienced (two successful completions) mentor. The duties are as follows: To determine whether the student meets the requirements for entry; To help the student prepare the prima facie application; To help the student prepare the application for admission to a research degree, to register for the degree; To offer guidance on the selection, coherence and quality of the student s published work to be submitted; To advise on the preparation of the case for support which must accompany the submission; To help the student prepare for the progression panel, including documentary evidence. To offer guidance on the coherence and quality of the student s thesis (to be submitted as part of the examination process) To offer guidance on the preparation for the viva voce examination (this may involve the stage of a mock examination) To propose examiners to the university study board and to make arrangements for the oral examination. 5.2 A student shall have at least two and normally not more than three supervisors. 5.3 A supervision team shall normally have had a combined experience of supervising not fewer than two students to successful completion. The team as a whole should include supervision experience, familiarity with the broad subject area and of the research topic, and knowledge of the regulations. 5.4 Supervisors should organise regular meetings with the student, either individually or as a team meeting; students should expect a minimum of 30 hours contact time for part-time students and 50 hours contact time for full-time students over each academic year. Contact time may include face to face and other electronic means of communication as well as reading student s work. It is considered good practice to maintain a written record of supervisory meetings. 5.5 The Director of Studies shall be responsible for ensuring that the supervisory team works effectively. The Director of Studies with consultation with the supervisory team must also ensure that the supervised student is making satisfactory progress, not only with the programme but also with key skills training. The Director of Studies shall throughout the period of supervision review expectations and responsibilities with the supervised student. It is the responsibility of the Director of Studies to advise the student if appropriate academic standards have not yet been or are unlikely to be achieved. 5.6 The Director of Studies (First Supervisor) shall inform the Research Degrees Office if a full-time international student has not been in contact, missed supervisory meetings and if they are to go to a different country to collect data (this is important as there are potential visa issues). 5.7 It shall be the responsibility of every Director of Studies to draw to the attention of the supervised student the existence of these regulations, in particular the procedures for registration, ethics, 1st progress reports, bi-yearly (f/t) or annual reports (p/t), suspensions, withdrawals, extenuating circumstances, student discipline, grievances and appeals, and to explain where they can be consulted. 10 P age

11 5.8 In addition to the supervisors, an adviser or advisers may be proposed to contribute some specialised knowledge, or a link with an external organisation. 5.9 A student for a research degree shall be ineligible to act as Director of Studies and would not normally act as a second supervisor, but may act as an adviser for another research d degree student If and as soon as any member of the supervision team is of the opinion that supervision arrangements are no longer appropriate, it shall be their responsibility to notify the Director of Research (or nominee) and the Research Degrees Programme Manager immediately Any proposal for a change in supervision arrangements should be made at the School and provide details to the university board of study. It is advisable to ensure the student is happy with the proposed supervisory arrangements If there is a breakdown in supervision arrangements, the School shall try to find alternative supervision within the University; if it appears impossible to provide new and appropriate supervision arrangements then the School should convene a progression panel to enable the student to take their research to another institution. In all cases the university board of study must be notified of the outcome. Chapter 6: Progression 6.1 Masters by Research The Masters by Research programme is examined by a 30,000 word dissertation, produced under close supervision by a member of academic staff and supported by research training. The dissertation will be examined by an external and internal examiner in a viva voce with the student. 6.2 Postgraduate Research (PGR) Panel The academic progression of a doctoral student undertaking the PhD or Professional Doctorate is ascertained by a PGR Panel. The composition of the PGR panel will be the supervisory team and an independent experienced academic with related knowledge. The supervisory team will already have been assigned to the student at enrolment and the other members of the PGR panel will be assigned to the student within 2 months of enrolment by the School. With the exception of the independent chair, the PGR Panel will continue with the student until the outcome of the examination. The outcome of any panel meeting will be noted at the university board of study. If the academic member of staff in a related field should leave the employment of the university, then an alternative academic will be assigned to the Panel by the School. 6.3 Registration Registration is the process by which the proposed research project of an enrolled student is accepted by the postgraduate research panel (PGR panel) as a developed and suitable subject for research at postgraduate level. Once students have been enrolled they have a probationary period, during which they are required to prepare their research proposal for registration. All students shall normally, within three months and no later than six months 11 P age

12 (Full-Time Students) or within six months and no later than twelve months (Part-Time students) of their enrolment, submit an application to the PGR Panel. Students should ensure that ethical approval, appropriate to the level of study development, has been obtained for their research project (see Research Ethics on the Research Student s website) st Progress Report (PhD and Professional Doctorates) All students shall submit a 1st progress report and attend a PGR panel to discuss the research to date and whether appropriate academic progression has been made on the programme. The outcome of the panel will be: PhD Progress PhD Progress MPhil (cannot revert back to PhD if academic judgment is for MPhil) Withdraw Professional Doctorates Progress next phase of research for Professional Doctorate Withdraw Full-time students normally submit at 12 months but exceptionally no later than 18 months from date of enrolment. Part-time students normally submit at 18 months but no later than 24 months from date of enrolment 6.5 Other academic progression reviews (MPhil/PhD/Professional Doctorate) All students are required to attend regular PGR panels that will assess academic progression; the student and the supervisor will be required to submit a progression review that can be supplemented with chapters of thesis, publications, copy of poster (A4 size not the actual poster) produced for a conference or other suggestions by your supervisors. Full-time 12 months (if first progress report not received) 18 months 24 months 30 months 36 months 42 months Part-time 12 months 24 months 30 months 36 months 42 months 48 months 54 months Students and their supervisory team will meet with the PGR panel to discuss whether academic progression has been made on the programme; to revise skills development for forthcoming period. The outcome of the panel will be: Doctor of Philosophy Students: Progress PhD Progress MPhil (Decision only after any two consecutive referrals). Professional Doctorate Students: Progress next phase of research for Professional Doctorate Withdraw (Decision only after any two consecutive referrals). 12 P age

13 6.6 Appeals Against the Decision of the PGR Panel A student may appeal against the decision of the PGR panel (thereafter referred to panel in section 6.5). The only ground for appeal is the availability of evidence that is likely to have altered the decision of the panel if it had been made known to the panel when it made its original decision. This evidence is restricted to evidence of: (a) a material administrative and/or procedural error by the University in its conduct of the assessment of the student. 6.7 Interruption of Registration If a student is prevented, by ill-health or other cause, from making progress with the research, the registration may be interrupted by the School, normally for 6 months but exceptionally up to a maximum of one year following a PGR panel review and Board of study agreement. The application for a period of suspension must normally be supported by written evidence produced by the student. 6.8 Withdrawal of Registration A student can be asked to withdraw from the programme if progress is deemed unsatisfactory. A student will be deemed to have withdrawn from the programme if no response is received following communication from the University. A student who wishes to withdraw from the programme must complete a withdrawal form. Chapter 7: Examination (All PGR programmes) 7.1 Thesis Submission for the Examination The thesis shall be presented in English in a soft-bound format; the text of the thesis should normally not exceed the following length (excluding ancillary data): For a Masters by Research (all subject areas) 30,000 words or a PhD in Science, Engineering, Computing, Art and Design 40,000 words for an MPhil in Science, Engineering, Computing, Art and Design 20,000 words for a PhD in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Health and Education 80,000 words for an MPhil in Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Health and Education 40,000 words Where the thesis is accompanied by material in other than written form or the research involves creative writing or the preparation of a scholarly edition, the written thesis should normally be within the range given below: for a PhD 30,000-40,000 words for an MPhil 15,000-20,000 words For a Professional Doctorate in Education 40,000 50,000 words plus 2000 word report For a Professional Doctorate in Nursing 40,000 50,000 words For a Professional Doctorate in Allied Health Professions 40,000 50,000 words For a Professional Doctorate in Health & Social Care 40, words For a Professional Doctorate in Business Administration 40,000 50,000 words 7.2 Examination Team A student shall be examined by at least two and not more than three examiners, of whom at least one shall be an external examiner; and an Independent Chair. The independent chair will not participate in the examination itself, but will provide advice on procedures, guidelines and academic regulations, and will ensure that the interests of the students are protected 13 P age

14 An internal examiner shall normally be defined as an examiner who is: a) a member of academic staff at the University; b) experienced in the examination of Masters or Doctoral students depending on whether the examination is for Masters or Doctoral level; c) knowledgeable of the field of study that the thesis falls within The external examiner shall normally have substantial experience (that is, three or more previous examinations at the appropriate level) of examining research degree students. An external examiner shall be independent both of the University and of the Collaborating Establishment and shall not have acted previously as the student's supervisor or adviser. An external examiner shall normally not be either a supervisor of another student or an external examiner on a taught course in the same academic department at the University. Former members of staff of the University shall normally not be approved as external examiners until two years after the termination of their employment with the University. Former external examiners shall normally not be approved as external examiners until two years after the previous examination with the University. No PGR student shall act as an examiner for a research degree. 7.3 Preliminary Examination Each examiner must read and examine the thesis, and submit an independent preliminary report, on the appropriate form to the University before any oral or alternative form of examination is held. In completing the preliminary report, each examiner must consider whether the thesis satisfies the requirements of the degree and where possible make an appropriate provisional recommendation subject to the outcome of any oral examination. 7.4 Oral Examination There will normally be an oral examination; following the oral examination the examiners shall, where they are in agreement, submit, on the appropriate form, a joint report and recommendation relating to the award of the degree to the research degrees team. The preliminary reports and joint recommendation of the examiners shall together provide sufficiently detailed comments on the scope and quality of the work to enable the course board to satisfy itself that the recommendation is correct. Where the examiners are not in agreement, separate reports and recommendations shall be submitted. The recommendations shall be made on the appropriate form. Following the completion of the examination the examiners may recommend that: a) the student should be awarded the degree; b) the student should be awarded the degree subject to minor amendments (typically typographical or grammatical errors, inappropriate references or changes that do not affect the outcomes and findings of the thesis) being made to the thesis. The student will be normally allowed a maximum of three months to resubmit the work; the amendments will be subject to approval by either the internal or external examiner or all examiners as deemed appropriate by the examining team. 14 P age

15 c) the student should not be awarded the degree, but shall be permitted to re-submit for the degree and be re-examined as follows: The thesis requires major revisions (typically, substantial changes in two or more chapters or elements) and should be revised and submitted for re-examination by all the examiners, with or without a further oral examination normally no later than one Year from the date of the viva. A student may not be failed without oral examination with the exception of non-submission of the revised thesis. d) in the case of a PhD examination: the student should not be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy but be offered the award of Master of Philosophy subject to the presentation of the thesis amended to the satisfaction of the examiners. e) in the case of the Professional Doctorate: the student should not be awarded the professional doctorate but be offered the award of Master by Research (MA/MSc Research) f) the student should not be awarded the degree and should not be permitted to be reexamined. The Examiners may indicate informally their recommendation on the result of the examination to the student, but shall make it clear that the decision rests with the study board. It is the student s responsibility to ensure that all amendments, including typographical and grammatical corrections, are carried out. If the student does not submit the amendments and corrections within the deadline, the student will normally be deemed to have failed. 7.5 Final Thesis Submission Final version of the thesis submitted after completion of the examination: One electronic copy of the thesis, as one document, submitted in PDF format for the University library and the British Library on a non-returnable disk. 15 P age

16 Chapter 8: PhD by Published Work The PhD by Published Work offers an alternative route to the award of a doctorate but in all other regards must meet the standards for a PhD as outlined above. 8.1 Publications to be Submitted The submitted work should normally consist of one or more of the following: a) a research-based completed book b) a series of research-based articles on a coherent theme c) research reports d) other media formats approved by the study board together with the necessary written work The publications should not have been submitted for any previous award. Number of publications required: this varies between research areas; the important issue is the quality of the research and equivalence to a standard PhD. Ultimately, the examiners need to be convinced that the publications represent an original contribution to the field at an acceptable level and embodying an appropriate methodology. Multi-authored work: The primary or lead author must be identified in all cases. Where students are submitting applications based wholly or partly on multi-authored work, the student must provide evidence of their individual contribution to each phase of the work. The student will also be required to describe the steps taken to ensure that co-authors are aware that publications are to be used to support an application to register for a PhD by Published Work and that they are wholly supportive of the student s assessment of his or her own role in the investigation. The University may wish to contact co-authors before approving registration. In addition, the student must provide up-to-date contact addresses for all co-authors. The University may wish to contact some or all of the co-authors independently to ask for their views on the assessment made by the student of the student s role in collaborative research. Any information gathered in this way, will be made available to the study board and the examiners. 8.2 Role of the Director of Studies The Director of Studies shall be a full-time academic member of staff of the University and normally have experience of supervising a minimum of two PhD students to successful completion. To determine whether the student meets the requirements for entry; To help the student prepare the prima facie application; To help the student prepare the application for admission to a research degree, to register for the degree; To offer guidance on the selection, coherence and quality of the student s published work to be submitted; To advise on the preparation of the case for support which must accompany the submission; To offer guidance on the preparation for the viva voce examination (this may involve the stage of a mock examination) To propose examiners to the study board and to make arrangements for the oral examination. 8.3 Submission of Work 16 P age

17 Along with the publications, the student is expected to produce a case for support (6,000-10,000 words) including the following: an abstract giving an account of the context of the student s work a discussion of how the work provides an independent and original contribution to knowledge an account of the themes that give the publications their defining coherence the impact of the submitted publications within the wider context of the field of research evidence of appropriate research training and elements that constitute an independent and original contribution to knowledge a discussion of how specific publications have been tailored for publication (through the editing out of experimental data, for example) a short assessment of multi-authorship if relevant reference section giving publications not presented as part of the submission. 8.4 Examination The examination of PhD by Published Work will consist of an independent report by the examiners and a viva voce, as is the case for a conventional PhD student. The submitted work will be assessed by two external examiners, not normally the assessors of the prima facie case, and one internal chair, The examiners may recommend one of the following: a) the award of PhD b) the award of PhD subject to minor amendments c) that the degree may not be awarded Neither the award of MPhil nor a recommendation that the student be re-examined within 12 months are permitted under the PhD by Published Work regulations. Where the examiners recommend that the degree be not awarded, the student may not resubmit for a PhD by Published Work within a period of three years from the date of the original examination. Any further submission must include evidence of additional work. 8.5 Thesis Following the award of PhD by Published Work, the student shall submit one electronic pdf non-returnable copy of the case for support along with the following: a separate copy of the abstract, title page and contents page a list of all the publications including ISBN numbers and full journal referencing (due to copyright these cannot be sent to the British Library. This submission and documentation is required before the certificate can be released to the student. 17 P age

18 Chapter 9: Higher Doctorates The work submitted for a Higher Doctorate must demonstrate a coherent theme, be of high distinction, must constitute an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge or to both; should constitute a coherent body of work and must establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned. Applications may be made for the following higher doctorates: Doctor of Engineering (DEng) Doctor of Laws (LLD) Doctor of Letters (DLitt) Doctor of Science (DSc) Doctor of Technology (DTech) 9.1 Publications to be Submitted The submission may take the form of : a) books b) contributions to journals c) patent specifications d) reports e) specifications and design studies f) other relevant evidence of original work. All material, other than books, must be secured in one hard-backed folder, or more if necessary, each containing a title and contents page. An applicant shall state which part of the submission, if any, has been submitted for another academic award. The contents of a submission must be in English. The publications should not have been submitted for any previous award. Number of publications required: this varies between research areas; the important issue is the quality of the research and equivalence to a standard of higher doctorate. Ultimately, the examiners need to be convinced that the publications represent an original contribution to the field at an acceptable level and embodying an appropriate methodology. 9.2 Multi-authored work The primary or lead author must be identified in all cases. Where students are submitting applications based wholly or partly on multi-authored work, the student must provide evidence of their individual contribution to each phase of the work. The student will also be required to describe the steps taken to ensure that co-authors are aware that publications are to be used to support an application to register for a Higher Doctorate and that they are wholly supportive of the student s assessment of his or her own role in the investigation. The University may wish to contact co-authors before approving registration. In addition, the student must provide up-to-date contact addresses for all co-authors. The University may wish to contact some or all of the co-authors independently to ask for their views on the assessment made by the student of the student s role in collaborative research. Any information gathered in this way, will be made available to the University Committee and the examiners. The application will in the first instance be used to establish a prima facie case, for approval for the applicant to register with the Research Degrees Committee. 18 P age

19 9.3 Applying for the Higher Doctorate Applicants should complete the application and the registration application concurrently with the prima facie case. The University will identify a leading academic in the field to act as a sponsor/adviser. 9.4 Role of the Sponsor/Adviser The adviser must be a senior member of academic staff of the University and normally has had experience of supervising a minimum of two PhD students to successful completion. The adviser will support the student to develop the prima facie case for the examination. 9.5 Length of Registration The student is expected to enrol and pay relevant fees. The student must be registered for at least one calendar year, prior to submission of the work for examination. 9.6 Examination The submitted work will be assessed by two external examiners, not normally the assessors of the prima facie case, and one internal chair, nominated by the Director of Studies. Each examiner will provide a written report and recommendation of one of the following: a) the award of Higher Doctorate b) the award of Higher Doctorate subject to minor amendments c) that the degree may not be awarded Neither the award of MPhil or PhD, nor recommendations that the student be re- examined within 12 months are permitted under the Higher Doctorate route. Where the examiners recommend that the degree be not awarded, the student may not submit for a Higher Doctorate within a period of three years from the date of the original examination. Any further submission must include evidence of additional work. 9.7 Role of the Examiners The main tasks of the examiners in the case of the Higher Doctorate are to: ensure that the criteria for the award are met establish coherence between the work evaluate the quality of the cited work assess the contribution to knowledge contained within these outputs evaluate the methodologies by which the research was conducted be aware of the state of knowledge and the state of supporting facilities at the time that the publications first appeared. assess the student s contribution to the research reported in multi-authored work 9.8 Thesis Following the higher doctorate examination, the student shall submit one electronic pdf nonreturnable copy of the case for support along with the following: a separate copy of the abstract, title page and contents page a list of all the publications including ISBN numbers and full journal referencing (due to copyright these cannot be sent to the British Library. This submission and documentation is required before the certificate can be released to the student. Chapter 10: Appeals on Examination Result (All PGR Programmes) 19 P age

20 An appeal on process can be made after the award has been finalised and the student has been informed; you are not able to appeal on academic judgement. Chapter 11: Graduation When the student has completed the course and have been informed, the student will be invited to a graduation ceremony. Graduation is a chance for the student to recognise the achievement and celebrate the occasion with friends, family and sponsors, and to thank them for their encouragement and support. 20 P age