THE GRADUATE SCHOOL. Research Degrees Handbook

Transcription

1 THE GRADUATE SCHOOL Research Degrees Handbook Guidance for research degree students, academic staff, examination teams and professional services staff December 2014

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3 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY LIST OF CONTENTS RESEARCH DEGREES HANDBOOK Introduction... 3 The Graduate School... 3 Who to contact... 4 Sources of additional useful information... 5 Researcher Development Programme... 8 Regulations and Code of Practice Introduction General Conditions Starting a Research Degree Programme The Candidate/Supervisor Relationship Confirmation of Route Research Training Monitoring of Progress Failure to Progress Amendments to Registration Presentation and Submission of the Thesis Examination and Outcome of Examination Posthumous Degree and Aegrotat Award Problems and Queries Complaints Procedure for Research Degree Candidates Appeals Against Academic Decisions Minimum benchmark facilities for postgraduate research students Notes of guidance for examiners The roles and responsibilities of chairs at viva voce examinations QAA framework for higher education qualifications Descriptor for qualifications at Masters (M) level: Masters degree Descriptor for qualifications at Doctoral (D) level: Doctoral degree Appendix 1 - presentation of a thesis

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5 2014 Edition INTRODUCTION Welcome to Plymouth University This handbook has been produced by the Graduate School to provide information and guidance for research degree candidates, their supervisors, examiners and examination chairs and includes the rules governing the registration as well as guidance through the registration process. The Research Degree Regulations and Code of Practice cover the mandatory aspects of registration. Additional information has also been included which you may find useful. If there is any information which you would like to see included in a future edition then please let us know. If you have any queries concerning this Handbook or any aspect of research degree registration please get in touch. THE GRADUATE SCHOOL Our commitment to providing high-quality postgraduate opportunities with the right blend of specialist knowledge, research training and professional knowledge ensures we meet the personal and career needs of our postgraduate students. The dedicated Graduate School plays a central role in their development and supports and nurtures a vibrant, inclusive postgraduate community. Professor Mick Fuller, Head of Graduate School Plymouth University Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA Tel.: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Graduate.School@plymouth.ac.uk ResearchSkills@plymouth.ac.uk

6 Introduction 2014 Edition WHO TO CONTACT CONCERNING INFORMATION, ADVICE AND QUERIES Director of Studies Your Director of Studies will be your main contact in all project-related matters. You will work under the guidance of your Director of Studies throughout your research programme but will be required to work independently for a substantial part of the time and ultimately you are responsible for the submission of your thesis. As a result of the close working relationship between supervisor and candidate, difficulties may arise from time to time most of which can be dealt through consideration on both parts and the establishment of good communications. Your Director of Studies will aim to assist in every aspect of your work, to build your confidence in your work and support you in any other matters that might affect your studies. Second Supervisor(s) Your second supervisor is appointed to provide joint support with your Director of Studies to assist you on your research project. He/she may provide specialist knowledge in one particular aspect of your project and may also help to provide a balanced perspective. You, your Director of Studies and second supervisor(s) will be expected to work together as a team throughout your research degree programme. Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) Director The DTC Director is a member of academic staff in charge of the leadership of the Doctoral Training Centre. A DTC will be characterised by the following: A cognate discipline with defined subject specific training needs A training programme with Masters level modules and a cohort approach 100+ research students Responsibility for student support A mentoring system of peer student support A mentoring system of supervisor support & development Responsibility for admissions & progression Responsibility for monitoring & reporting DTCs give the University clear channels for the strengthening and development of graduate training in support of the Research Strategy and in response to the leads being given by the Research Councils and the European Commission. Research Degree Coordinator The local Research Degree Coordinator will be a member of academic staff who may have been appointed at School level or at Faculty level. This person will be able to advise and assist you on local research matters and the local processes and will normally be responsible for the annual monitoring of progress, research seminars and local induction. If you wish to raise a query with someone outside your supervision team then this is the person to contact

7 2014 Edition Introduction Doctoral Traning Centre (DTC) Administrator There are Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) Administrators, members of the Graduate School, who deal with day to day administrative matters for research students. Queries relating to enquiries, admissions, logbook, Graduate Sub-Committee deadlines, enrolment, annual monitoring as well as other issues can often be resolved with the administrator. Research Student Representative The School and/or Faculty will have a research candidate representative on their local Graduate Sub-Committee. Contact your Research Degree Coordinator or DTC Administrator to find out who this is and how they can be contacted if you wish to raise an issue at one of these meetings. The Graduate Committee also has two research student members, selected from and by the postgraduate research students, as well as the Chair of the PG Society, representing the research students. Furthermore, the Students Union is also represented. Please contact the Graduate School if you would like further information or visit the Graduate Sub-Committee community ( Head of School and Dean of Faculty The final decision concerning issues raised at local level normally rests with the Research Degrees Coordinator, the DTC Director, the Head of School or the Dean of Faculty. Issues are normally only referred to the Dean when other channels have been exhausted. In most cases if issues are raised directly with the Dean these will initially be referred back to the School or DTC. The Graduate School The Graduate School provides information, advice and assistance to staff, students and external bodies concerning research degrees and all related matters. As a central office with knowledge and contacts spanning all Faculties we are often a useful point of contact for queries. Particular areas dealt with by the Graduate School that relate to research degree candidates include: admissions procedures, research degree enrolment and registration, confirmation of route, examination and tuition fees. The Graduate School is also responsible for the coordination of certain workshops, generic skills training sessions, facilities, etc. for research students. Please visit the Graduate School webpages ( or the Researcher Development Programme ( for up to date information. If problems or queries arise which candidates would like to discuss initially with a member of staff outside their School or DTC they may contact the Graduate School and all matters are dealt with in an impartial manner. SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION Research Various publications are available on the research process, methodology, writing techniques, supervision and teaching. The following publications should be available in the University and public libraries: - 5 -

8 Introduction 2014 Edition E.M. Phillips, D.S. Pugh: How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors. O.U. Press. This book is a handbook and a survival manual which discusses the nature of a PhD qualification, methodology and the overall process of research degree registration. The difficulties in achieving a PhD are discussed in a chapter entitled 'How Not to Get a PhD'. Included in the book are many honest quotes from candidates and supervisors which many candidates will relate to. P. Cryer: The Research Student's Guide to Success. Open University Press. Described as providing practical information for the process of research study. L. Orna, G. Stevens: Managing Information for Research. Open University Press: Described as a book for first-time researchers, which addresses time management, organising information, producing written work, etc. SERC: Research Student and Supervisor: An Approach to Good Supervisory Practice. A useful common sense booklet particularly useful for supervisors. Copies are available from the Graduate School. R. Murray: How to Write a Thesis. Open University Press. M. Wilkin: Learning to Teach in Higher Education. CEDAR. Described as a manual for teaching assistants and graduate students who are teaching undergraduate students for the first time. It includes practical advice on preparing handouts, using audio-visual aids, giving a lecture and evaluating a teaching session. J. Bell: Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Open University Press. P. Salmons: Achieving a PhD - Ten Students' Experience. Trentham Books. H.S. Becker: Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book or Article. University of Chicago Press. J.W. Cresswell: Research Design; Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Sage Publications. P. Cunleavy: Authoring a PhD How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral Thesis Dissertation. Palgrave Macmillan. R. Murray: How to Survive your Viva. Open University Press. S. Delamont, P. Atkinson, O Parry: Successful Research Careers: a Practical Guide. Open University Press. Prospects Postgraduate Study The Prospects Postgraduate Directory provides national information on graduate study and research opportunities and is available in University Careers Offices and Libraries. It can also be accessed on the web at National Postgraduate Committee (NPC) This organisation was formed in 1992 with the aim of representing and advancing publicly the interests of postgraduate students within the U.K., of promoting the welfare of postgraduate students at institutions of Higher Education in the U.K. and promoting communication and cooperation between postgraduate student associations and societies. The Committee provides a series of guidelines in regard to postgraduate research and courses and organises various events around the country

9 2014 Edition Introduction Membership of the Committee is not restricted to postgraduate students and may well be of interest to academics and administrators. Details about individual membership and/or events, publications or information can be obtained from Web address: or EURODOC The council for postgraduate students and junior researchers in Europe. Officially created in February 2002, EURODOC was founded by the PhD student associations and unions of the European states. EURODOC's targets: To give an official frame for the collaboration of Europe's doctoral/postdoctoral students' unions. To represent the European doctoral students and young researchers at a European level towards all political and administrative institutions. To be a discussion platform for doctoral students and young researchers, senior scientists and science policymakers (discussing the current and future problems of science policy and those of young scientists in particular). To make propositions to achieve the amelioration of the status of PhD students and young researchers. Further information on EURODOC can be found on their website or via the board members: President of EURODOC board: president@eurodoc.net All board members: board@eurodoc.net Website: VITAE VITAE s vision is for the U.K. to be world-class in supporting the professional development of researchers and researcher careers. Championing the development and implementation of effective policy, Enhancing higher education provision through sharing practice and resources, Providing access to development opportunities and resources, Building an evidence base to support the researcher development agenda. VITAE works with higher education institutions and research institutes to provide specific support for doctoral researchers and research staff. VITAE champions the common needs and interests of all researchers. There are approximately 90,000 postgraduate researchers studying for doctoral degrees and 40,000 research staff employed within the U.K. higher education sector and research institutes. Researchers have a diversity of experiences, status, backgrounds, needs and aspirations. VITAE s work with researchers: VITAE provides resources, advice, information and fora for individual postgraduate researchers and members of research staff who are interested in their professional development and careers

10 Introduction 2014 Edition Activities include: A dedicated researchers portal with information, news and opportunities A programme of national courses and activities including GRADschools which are three to four day experiential programmes for postgraduate researchers focusing on developing their professional skills and career goals, Careers in Focus programmes and other activities, Labour market and careers information including surveys and research, Opportunities to input to national policy developments and initiatives. RESEARCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL The Graduate School is also offering workshops and seminars that are designed to support research students in their studies and in their professional development. Information about the workshops available can be found on the Graduate School website ( and in the portal ( - for internal staff and students use only). Queries related to the generic skill sessions can be addressed via to researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

11 2014 Edition Introduction RESEARCH DEGREE REGISTRATION - TIMETABLE Key tasks and milestones are detailed below. This list of tasks should be used as a check-list to ensure that milestones are achieved within the stipulated time. Please also refer to the University-wide and local quality procedures or handbooks. This table applies to those research students who started their programme of study on or after 1 st August MILESTONE FORM WHEN TASK Enrolment Day 1 Candidate enrols with University Project Approval RDC.1 By month 6 (FT) or month 12 (PT) Every Re-enrolment September/ October Annual monitoring Confirmation of route Examination arrangements Submission of thesis Viva voce examination RDC.2/ 2A RDC.3 RDC.3S Every academic year By month 18 (FT) or month 24 (PT) ~6 months prior to submission ~ 1 month after submission Submit RDC.1 to Local Research Committee Candidate re-enrols with University Assessment at local level and DTC summary report sent to Graduate Sub-Committee Submit RDC.2/2A, confirmation of route report and reports from Expert Commentator and supervisors to Local Research Committee DTC to submit RDC.3 to PGR EE Sub-Committee for consideration Candidate submits thesis to Graduate School office Director of Studies to arrange date, location and time of examination Research Degree Candidate (RDC) forms are available via the Graduate School Community in the portal ( RDC.1 Project Approval RDC.1A Changes to Research Degree Registration RDC.1B Changes to Supervisory Team RDC.2/2A Confirmation of Route RDC.3 Examination Arrangements RDC.3S Declaration of Submission of Thesis - 9 -

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13 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS AND CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE DEGREES OF RESEARCH MASTERS, MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY, MASTER OF SURGERY DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, AND PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES NOTE: Current Regulations for Approved Programmes of Study Leading to the Plymouth University s Awards will apply to all candidates. These can be found from the Faculty Office or at These Regulations and Code of Practice should be read in conjunction with the University-wide quality procedures for Research Degrees (available at and the University Student Handbook, available at Research degree students are also required to read and adhere to the following policies and procedures: students and intellectual property/intellectual property policy ( Plymouth University Research Ethics Policy ( which includes, among others, Procedure in the Case of Research Misconduct and Good Practice in Research Where Local Research Coordinator and/or Head of School and/or Dean of Faculty and/or DTC Director appears then Head of Research and/or Vice Principal and/or Principal should be read as equivalent for the Accredited Partner College (Falmouth University). Additional requirements and regulations apply to candidates registered for the degrees of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) and for Professional Doctorates Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Public Administration (DPA). Separate additional regulations apply for Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). 1. Introduction 1.1. The Plymouth University Research Degree Regulations and Code of Practice have been prepared to help define the obligatory aspects of research degree registration. This document is intended to provide research degree candidates and supervisors with guidance through

14 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition the research degree registration process and to assist Research Degree Management Units to establish good management practice These regulations are to be used in conjunction with the approved University-wide quality procedures which have been approved by Graduate Sub-Committee ( Appendices to the University procedures take account of the differences between subject areas. The document provides guidance on the processes for research. A copy of these procedures will be made available at enrolment by the DTC Administrator Research degree administration will be referred to in this document as the Research Degree Management Unit. In all cases final responsibility rests with the relevant Deputy Vice Chancellor in consultation with the Dean of Faculty Definition of a research student all research degree candidates are referred to as research students and are recorded in the University student records system (UNIT-e) A Research Degree Coordinator is nominated at School or Faculty level. This person is responsible for dissemination of information between the School and the Graduate Sub-Committee. This person will normally be the main contact for research degree matters at school level and will act as an advisor to applicants, candidates and supervisors The DTC Director in conjunction with subject area Research Student Coordinators are responsible for over-arching research student matters and will ensure that the DTC meets the Minimum Benchmarks for research students, that all research students are allocated to a research group and that the research group will provide a seminar series, journal clubs and access to appropriate facilities. This personnel will be responsible overall for admission and selection procedures, supervision team nomination, quality assurance, annual monitoring and upgrade from MPhil to PhD or from ResM/MD to PhD (if appropriate) and examinations. Subject specific skills training will also be the responsibility of the DTC and where appropriate developed collaboratively across DTCs. Researcher Development training delivery will be the responsibility of the Graduate School. The DTC nominees are also responsible for ensuring that the DTC is meeting requisite standards and will provide Graduate Sub-Committee with appropriate reports and updates. 2. General Conditions 2.1. Research students can be registered for the degree of: a. ResM - Research Masters A 2 year full-time (including 6 months writing up period) or 3 year part-time (including a 1 year writing up period) research degree. According to individual needs, further credits up to a total maximum of 120 credits is permitted within a ResM (can include up to 30 credits of level 6 modules). These optional credits are

15 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice determined by the supervisor and candidate depending on previous experience and the needs of the proposed research project element. The compulsory 40 credits must include a Research Methods module, appropriate to the discipline, and taught Credits applicable to the subject area. Optional credits include taught modules as applicable to the student and topic chosen. These modules may be chosen from a variety of existing taught masters programmes and can span disciplines and Schools as appropriate and as agreed between Schools. Each student is assigned a Director of Studies and an additional supervisor. A project thesis must be submitted, with the examination of the dissertation by thesis and viva voce examination, as with other research degrees. A Research Masters award will only be made on satisfactory completion of the thesis and designated modules. Similar to other research degrees, detailed attainment in the modules will be provided in the Diploma Supplement appendix. If the student fails to submit a dissertation thesis, or fails to pass the thesis examination, but has completed and passed the appropriate Masters-level credits, the compensatory award of Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) may be awarded. There are progression possibilities for ResM candidates, who can exceptionally apply to continue direct to the 2 nd year of a PhD upon the successful completion of the Confirmation of Route process. However if a student transfers and continues to PhD then the ResM degree will not be awarded. b. MPhil - Master of Philosophy direct A 3 year full-time or 4 year part-time research degree (including a 1 year writing up period). c. MPhil/PhD - Master of Philosophy with transfer possibility to Doctor of Philosophy A 4 year full-time (including a 1 year writing up period) or 6 year part-time (including 2 years writing up period) research degree if successfully transferred to PhD. d. PhD Doctor of Philosophy A 4 year full-time (including a 1 year writing up period) or 6 year part-time (including 2 years writing up period) research degree once successfully transferred to PhD. e. Integrated PhD A 5 year full-time (including a 1 year writing up period) or 7 year part-time (including 2 years writing up period) research degree if successfully transferred to PhD, including an integrated set of taught M-level modules

16 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition f. MS Master of Surgery A 2 year full-time or 3 year part-time research degree at masters level available with the Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry for qualified doctors registered with the GMC and working in a clinical setting within the U.K. There are progression possibilities for MS candidates, who can exceptionally apply to continue direct to the 2 nd year of a PhD upon the successful completion of the Confirmation of Route process. However if a student transfers and continues to PhD then the MS degree will not be awarded. g. MD Doctor of Medicine A 2 year full-time or 3 year part-time research degree at doctoral level available with the Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry for qualified doctors registered with the GMC and working in a clinical setting within the U.K. There are progression possibilities for MD candidates, who can exceptionally apply to continue direct to the 2 nd year of a PhD upon the successful completion of the Confirmation of Route process. However if a student transfers and continues to PhD then the MD degree will not be awarded. h. Professional Doctorate (EdD, DPA, DBA, DClinPsy). A 4 to 7 year part-time (not available as full-time) research degree (including an initial set of taught D-level modules depending on the programme). Note: separate additional Regulations are approved for Professional Doctorates. i. By Published Work. A presentation for a MPhil or PhD on the basis of previously published works. Note: separate Regulations and guidelines exist for this type of degree Candidates whose work forms part of a wider group project may register for a research degree but each registered project must be distinguishable for the purposes of assessment All research degrees will be assessed by means of a written thesis and an oral defence (viva voce examination) Candidates may undertake a programme of research in which creative work forms a significant part of the intellectual enquiry (practicebased). In such cases, assessment may include a presentation in addition to the other elements of assessment (thesis and viva voce examination) Candidates may undertake a programme of research of which the principal focus is the preparation of a scholarly edition of a text or texts, musical or choreographical work or other original artefacts. In such cases, assessment may include a presentation in addition to the other elements of assessment (thesis and viva voce examination)

17 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice 2.6. All research students shall undertake a programme of related studies, where it is deemed necessary, in order to gain competence in appropriate research methods and related knowledge of the subject of the thesis For the ResM programme this comprises a minimum of 40 credits up to a maximum of 120 credits of M-level modules (may include up to 30 credits of stage 3 level modules). The taught components will normally include formal research methods training Each Professional Doctorate will have a separate requirement regarding the taught components for the programme Research degree students in full-time mode are entitled to 8 weeks leave per year, including public holidays. Part-time students are entitled to pro-rata number of days based on 0.5 FTE for part-time students and 0.1 FTE for writing up students. Leave will be taken at times agreed with the Supervisory Team Full-time students are expected to devote at least 37 hours per week to their studies. Part-time students are expected to devote at least 18.5 hours per week to their studies. Writing up students are expected to devote at least 3.7 hour per week to their studies Overseas students on a Tier 4 General Student visa must fulfil and adhere to the regulations given by the U.K. Visa and Immigration (U.K.VI) office. Students are also obliged to comply with their responsibilities with the University as a Tier 4 General Student visaholder, as outlined in the relevant web pages of the International Students Advisory Service (ISAS) Starting a Research Degree Programme Enrolment and registration 3.1. Research students (including staff registered for a research degree) are required to enrol on their first day and again at the beginning of every academic year whilst registered for a research degree. Research students should contact the relevant DTC Administrator for details of when and where enrolment will take place. On-line enrolment is possible for most research students At enrolment candidates will normally be required to: a. produce a copy of their offer letter (initial enrolment only), b. produce confirmation of award or sponsorship arrangements or confirmation that payment for fees has been made (the Finance department or the Graduate School should be contacted if any queries arise concerning the payment of tuition fees), c. for overseas students based at Plymouth (i.e.not registered for research carried out mainly overseas), have their relevant documents scanned by the International Students Advisory Service (ISAS), and

18 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition d. complete and sign an enrolment form or complete on-line enrolment process Candidates will normally receive at enrolment: a. a copy of the enrolment form which they have completed and signed (if enrolled manually), b. an ID card (initial enrolment) - this card enables candidates to access the library, Students Union, and access certain buildings and offices and sports facilities (after payment of a joining fee where appropriate), and c. a Welcome pack and Research Degrees Handbook (initial enrolment only). A copy of the University-wide quality procedures and/or handbooks may also be provided If on-line enrolment is available, the above documentation which is not available via the University web pages, will be given at an induction session or be sent by post (especially for students carrying out research mainly based overseas) Initial enrolment and subsequent annual enrolment defines the registration for the research degree and: a. enables the administrators to complete the full registration of the research student into the University student records system (UNITe), b. clarifies and formalises the research programme, the supervisory team, research training, mode of study and qualification aim, and c. provides a base on which the candidate, supervisors and Research Degree Management Unit can focus Assessment of the project plan (project approval stage) for a research degree candidate will include: a. consideration of the academic content and quality of the programme of work to ensure that it is set at the appropriate level and achievable within the limits of the research programme, b. review of the project by an expert commentator outwith the supervisory team, c. consideration of the appropriate level of study of the candidate and programme and thus the route of study and qualification aim, d. consideration of the availability of financial support, project resources, research training, supervision for the duration of the programme, e. consideration of the extent of the relationship with any collaborating establishment and the protection of intellectual property rights and copyright of the final thesis, f. consideration of the candidates qualifications/experience and potential, g. assurance that the candidate and research degree programme meet the requirements of the University Research Degree Regulations,

19 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice h. ethical considerations and/or approval if appropriate and not considered before, and i. completing form RDC.1 (for those students not on Professional Doctorates) A candidate must re-enrol at the beginning of each academic year for the duration of the programme of study. No candidate is entitled to reenrol unless the prescribed fees for the academic year or any other outstanding academic debt with the University have been paid. For those students on the EdD programme starting after January 2014, their academic year runs from January to December each year, with re-enrolment before January or as soon as possible afterwards Any student who has not enrolled for the current academic year without a formal suspension approved by the Graduate Sub- Committee will have their registration automatically terminated and their status will be recorded as Withdrawn. The University will endeavour to contact the research student by registered post to determine if the student intends to enrol prior to terminating their registration. It is imperative that the University is informed (via the DTC Administrator if necessary) of any change in address The normal maximum and minimum periods of supervised study and registration for a research degree shall be: Registration type M.O.A. Minimum Maximum ResM MS MPhil PhD (via transfer from MPhil registration) (integrated PhD add 12/24 months FT/PT) MD full-time 12 months 24 months part-time 24 months 36 months full-time 12 months 24 months part-time 24 months 36 months full-time 12 months 36 months part-time 24 months 48 months full-time 24 months 48 months part-time 36 months 72 months full-time 12 months 24 months part-time 24 months 36 months For Professional Doctorates, please refer to the appropriate additional set of regulations and procedures for each degree The period of registration for a research degree ends when the thesis is submitted for examination For those students registered for an Integrated PhD, the above deadlines will be increased by one year for full-time students and by two for part-time students The Graduate Sub-Committee may permit a candidate who has started a programme of study and research at another university to complete it as a registered candidate of the Plymouth University. The Graduate

20 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition Induction School shall determine the minimum and maximum periods of study and research on a case by case basis in consultation with the research students previous establishment The first 6 months of registration for full-time students and 12 months for part-time students are considered a probationary period and registration may be terminated by the University if insufficient progress is being made by the research student The local Research Degree Management Unit will provide essential and useful information for all new candidates undertaking a research degree. The process for imparting this information will vary according to the local Research Degree Management procedures but will normally be provided through an induction workshop/event/programme A University-wide Induction will be available twice a year for all research degree candidates Professional Doctorate students attend an induction for their programme and may not be required to attend the University-wide induction for research degree students Induction aims to ensure that: a. candidates are informed of the local research degree management structure, staff and procedures, the formal and informal channels of communication at local and University level, b. candidates new to the Plymouth University are introduced to the library, computing, sports/social facilities, etc. and that international candidates are introduced to the additional facilities/services available to them, c. candidates are made aware of their responsibilities as a research degree candidate and the responsibilities of their supervisors to them, d. candidates are informed of facilities and resources available to them within the DTC, including availability and access to photocopiers, computers, etc., e. candidates are introduced to the extent of research training available and/or required, f. candidates are informed of University health and safety procedures - where appropriate specific local guidelines will be provided and candidates may be required to sign a statement to confirm that they have read and agree to these procedures, g. candidates are informed of the University ethics policy particularly in those areas where research involves human and/or animal participants, h. candidates are informed of the University policy on ownership of copyright of theses and intellectual property rights arising from their work,

21 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice Extension to registration i. candidates are made fully aware of the timescale for completion of their research degree including the normal minimum and maximum periods for completion, the liability of payment of fees and the structure of amount of fees to be paid, j. candidates are informed of the process and schedule for registration or confirmation of route, transfer from MPhil to PhD (if appropriate) or from ResM/MD/MS to PhD (if appropriate) and examination arrangements, including the deadlines for local Graduate Sub-Committees and the University Graduate Sub- Committee meetings for consideration of these matters, k. candidates are informed of normal expectations for progress and informed of the six (if full-time student) or twelve month (if parttime student) probationary period and the annual monitoring process, l. candidate are informed of the local systems and procedures in place to monitor the use of the electronic system for research degree student (PGR e-log) to view and record their progress, and their responsibilities, m. candidates are informed of pastoral support and counselling services available and are encouraged to make use of the support network for personal and work related matters when needed, and n. candidates are aware of opportunities to voice views and input into local decision making - a research candidate representative is normally elected annually at local level and local associations established In exceptional cases with extenuating circumstances, and on the recommendation of the supervisors, a candidate s registration may be extended by the Graduate Sub-Committee. Extensions may be granted for not more than twelve months at any one time. The registration of a candidate for whom the maximum period of registration has ended, and for whom no further extension has been granted, may be deemed by the Graduate Sub-Committee to have lapsed and will be automatically withdrawn. The period by which the registration of a student will be extended (including extensions and suspensions granted) will not normally exceed a total of 24 months. Suspension of registration Where the candidate can demonstrate good reason for not making progress with the research programme, the registration may be suspended for a period not exceeding twelve months. In exceptional circumstances such suspension of registration may be renewed. Periods of suspension shall not count towards the maximum period of registration and if the period of suspension exceeds 4 months and 1 day then appropriate fees will be suspended and refunded. Outstanding fees or fees held in credit will be reallocated when the student returns from suspension. The period by which the registration of a student will be extended (including extensions and suspensions granted) will not normally exceed a total of 24 months

22 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition During the period of suspension the University has the right to suspend access to laboratories, office or other workspace and to the library since the student may no longer be covered by the University s insurance. However, the University will normally attempt to keep access to the library and on-line accounts live during the period of suspension. During the period of suspension the supervisors are not obliged to engage with the student in pursuit of their project progress since no fees are being paid. Fee paying structure The amount of fee payable depends on the mode of attendance (fulltime or part-time). The table below shows the level of fees for each case (please note that the years in italics are only granted after formal approval by Graduate Sub-Committee of extensions to registration periods) From 2008/09 entry, fees for Overseas and Channel Islands research students are fixed for the duration of the normal registration at the level pertaining at the commencement of their programme of study. Extension years are excluded from this and are charged at the level of the appropriate year of enrolment Students will need approval from the Graduate Sub-Committee for their 5 th year if FT PhD, 4 th for MPhil; 3 rd for ResM/MS/MD) and 7 th and 8 th if PT PhD, 5 th and 6 th for MPhil; 4 th for ResM/MS/MD). Similarly, Graduate Sub-Committee will need to approve any extensions to registrations for Professional Doctorates beyond the normal period of registration (refer to each Professional Doctorate information for the length of each programme) Further information on standard tuition fees can be found on the extranet at Mode of attendance Full-time Part-time PhD MPhil ResM MD/MS 3 years FT fees Plus 1 year of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ FT fees 4 years PT fees Plus 2 years of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ PT fees 2 years FT fees Plus 1 year of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ FT fees 3 years PT fees Plus 1 year of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ PT fees 1.5 years FT fees Plus 0.5 years of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ FT fees 2 years PT fees Plus 1 year of writing up (reduced fee) Extension: Appropriate ½ PT fees 2 years FT fees No writing up stage Extension: Appropriate ½ FT fees 3 years PT fees No writing up stage Extension: Appropriate ½ PT fees

23 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice Mode of attendance EdD* DBA* DPA* 5 years of PT fees 2 years of taught phase 2 years of taught phase Part-time 2 years of writing up (reduced fee) 3 years of research phase 2 years of research phase Extension: Extension: Extension: Appropriate ½ PT fees Appropriate ½ PT fees Appropriate ½ PT fees * Repeat years will be charged additionally at the pro-rata per the number of modules taken 4. The Candidate/Supervisor Relationship 4.1. It is recommended that the candidate and supervisor work together to maintain and complete the electronic Research Student Logbook (PGReLog) All candidates shall have at least two supervisors and not normally more than three supervisors. One of the supervisors shall be nominated as the Director of Studies. The Director of Studies shall be a member of the academic staff of Plymouth University or an approved member of staff at a Node. Wherever possible the Director of Studies shall have had previous successful U.K./CNAA supervision and experience (i.e. to completion) of the degree for which the candidate is registered. Where this is not possible, then the 2 nd supervisor must have previous successful supervision and experience of the degree for which the candidate is registered and will undertake to act as Mentor to the Director of Studies. Inexperienced Directors of Studies will have to fulfil all other criteria as experienced staff. All inexperienced supervisors are expected to attend a Good Supervisory Practice Session either prior to, or within, the first year of supervision of their first student at Plymouth An Emeritus Professor can act as a member of the supervisory team but not normally as Director of Studies The Graduate Sub-Committee may appoint a replacement or additional supervisor at any time if it deems this to be necessary and shall do so if there is a sole University-based supervisor who ceases to be a member of staff of the University or is on extended leave of absence, study leave or sabbatical If the Director of Studies ceases employment as an academic member of Staff of the University or as an approved member of staff at a Node, the 2 nd supervisor will immediately move to acting Director of Studies until a replacement supervisory team has been formally approved. The

24 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition student will remain registered in the same programme during this period of time The Local Research Degree Management unit will ensure that supervisors: a. are appropriately experienced and qualified for supervision and the Director of Studies has supervised to completion at the relevant level or a second supervisor has been appointed as Mentor in cases of Director of Studies with no previous supervisory experience to completion, b. the maximum total number of students supervised by a single supervisor will normally be 8 FTE research students at any one time (The role of Director of studies will be equivalent to 1.0 FTE, the role of second supervisor will be equivalent to 0.3 FTE and the role of third (or further) supervisor will be equivalent to 0.1 FTE). c. are able to provide supervision in the subject area and at the appropriate level, d. are not registered for a research degree themselves, and e. have undertaken appropriate supervisory training by no later than the end of the first year of their first student s registration The supervisors shall be responsible for the supervision of the design and progress of the candidate s research project and for providing academic advice to the candidate. They shall report to the Head of School/DTC Director, or nominee, on the candidate s work and progress annually The responsibilities of the Director of Studies of a candidate are as follows: a. to provide the leadership of the supervisory team and to provide support to the research student on a regular and frequent basis, b. to impart knowledge in the area of the candidate's research programme and/or the theoretical approach to be taken, c. to develop an effective working relationship with the candidate and to provide an encouraging and supportive environment, d. to maintain regular contact through meetings and to co-ordinate meetings with the other supervisors as well as being responsive to students' needs outside of agreed meeting times, e. to keep a record of supervisory meetings, f. to introduce the candidate to external publications, professional bodies, contacts and sources in the related field g. to involve the research student in the activities of a research group and its workshops and conferences, h. to assist with the planning of the research programme, advise on literature sources, investigative and analytical techniques and arrange a programme of advanced training in generic and specific aspects of the research programme, i. to provide assistance with a project structure, work plan and milestones, in conjunction with the candidate and other

25 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice supervisors, advise the candidate on timing for the various stages of work and ensure the thesis is submitted within the required time period, j. assist the research student in the self-assessment of the personal and professional skills, k. to request written or creative work regularly and arrange for oral presentations of work and provide constructive criticism and feedback, l. to ensure that the research student is aware of what is expected of them and to ensure that they are informed as to whether they are attaining the standard expected, and where progress is not of the required standard to provide support and assistance to improve performance, m. to ensure that the intellectual property rights and copyright of all written works are protected and that any period of confidentiality of the thesis is requested as soon as possible after registration and prior to making the examination arrangements, n. to advise on University regulations and deadlines, o. where appropriate links with a collaborating organisation exist, encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship between the organisation and the research student, p. to provide close and regular monitoring and to ensure that annual monitoring reports are completed by the student and supervision team, q. propose an appropriate examination team, r. organise and arrange for the oral examination, liaising with all examiners, chairperson where appointed and candidate as required, and s. contact examiners if pre-viva report forms have not been received by the Graduate School within 10 working days of viva voce examination date The responsibilities of the second supervisor and any other supervisors are as follows: a. to act as a Mentor in the case of Director of Studies who have not had previous supervisory experienced to completion, b. to become acting Director of Studies if the Director of Studies ceases employment as an academic staff of the University or as an approved member of staff at a Node until a replacement supervisory team is formally approved, c. to provide additional, often specialist, guidance, support and feedback, d. to maintain an awareness of the status of the candidate's progress and to assist in the progression of the candidate where possible, e. to attend regular meetings with the candidate and Director of Studies, and

26 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition f. to provide primary support on a temporary basis, in the absence of the Director of Studies The responsibilities of the research student are as follows: a. to develop an effective working relationship with the Director of Studies and other supervisors, b. to pursue the research project with a positive commitment, taking full advantage of the resources and facilities offered by the DTC and where appropriate the collaborating establishment, c. to maintain record of formal supervisory sessions and log any formal meetings and associated documents in the on-line Research Students electronic logbook (PGReLog), d. to submit written or creative work to the supervisory team regularly, as required, and provide oral presentations of work in seminars, e. to agree a schedule of regular meetings with the supervisors (for candidates conducting their research mainly based overseas, it is compulsory to spend at least 6 weeks a year at Plymouth University), f. to take the initiative in raising problems and difficulties, g. to undertake a personal training needs analysis and ensure that the supervisors are aware of areas where particular training may be necessary, h. to maintain progress in accordance with the schedule agreed with the Director of Studies and other supervisors, i. to engage in self-assessment of personal and professional skills development and appropriate skills training, j. to provide an annual report of progress, k. to agree with the Director of Studies the amount of time devoted to the research and the timing of vacations and leave of absence, l. to make the ultimate decision to submit the thesis (the Director of Studies' advice should be taken as to when the thesis is ready for submission but this cannot be taken as a guarantee that the examiners will find the thesis acceptable for the award of a higher degree), m. to be responsible for the preparation of the thesis, binding and submission and any corrections required post-examination and to ensure that the content is complete, accurate and the research students own work, n. to enrol every year and to ensure that all tuition fees are paid, as appropriate In consultation with the supervisors, the DTC may recommend to the Graduate Sub-Committee that a candidate s registration should be terminated if they are dissatisfied with the candidate s progress. In such case, the candidate shall be given notice of such dissatisfaction in writing at least one month in advance of making the

27 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice recommendation (see below for procedure for termination of registration due to lack of progress or lack of contact ). 5. Confirmation of Route 5.1. The confirmation of route process should normally be made, via the supervisors, not earlier than one year after initial registration Transfer (if appropriate) will only take place upon satisfactory completion of the confirmation of route process. Professional Doctorate students are not required to undertake a process of transfer from MPhil to PhD 5.3. Transfer is possible between the following levels of the research degrees (ResM to PhD, MD to PhD, MS to PhD and MPhil to PhD). The transfer (if appropriate and approved) is retrospective to the date of initial registration Confirmation of route should normally be finalised within 18 months of initial registration if full-time and no later than by the end of the 18 months for ResM students and end of the 2 nd year for full-time MPhil/MD/MS candidates For part-time students, confirmation of route should normally be finalised within 24 months of initial registration and no later than by the end of the 24 months for ResM students and end of the 3 rd year for part-time MPhil/MD/MS candidates For research students on an Integrated PhD this process should occur adding 12 months if full-time or 24 months if part-time The confirmation of route is considered to be: a. a useful step on the path to the final award, b. a gauge of the current level of progress and a check that the programme is on target, and c. a useful stage in the write up of the final thesis The confirmation of route process involves: a. production of a transfer report by the candidate (guideline is 6,000 words) detailing: a literature review and description of methods or 2 or 3 draft chapters or draft research paper, a statement of progress against the project Gantt chart the plan for a higher level of study differentiating between the ResM, MD,MS or MPhil and the PhD level of work (as appropriate). The originality and contribution to knowledge that the project will make will also be required, b. the specific and generic research training undertaken so far and details of any planned future training, c. assessment and consideration of the confirmation of route will involve a DTC-based panel to review the reports and confirm the route (refer to DTC quality procedures for detailed information on the process at each DTC). The review will contain:

28 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition a report from the Director of Studies on the progress of the student. completion of the confirmation of route form (RDC.2/2A) by the candidate, supervisors and expert commentator, duly signed if the confirmation of route is not successful, students will have the opportunity to re-submit and be re-assessed within 3 months of the first assessment DTCs will provide Graduate Sub-Committee with a summary of the confirmation of route approved at DTC level in readiness for each meeting of Graduate Sub-Committee In exceptional extenuating circumstances a research student may be permitted to submit their thesis for a lower award than that for which they are registered if it is clear that they will not be able to complete a satisfactory thesis at the higher award aim. 6. Research Training 6.1. The Research Training Policy is as follows: a. to provide high quality and professional training in research, tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of each research candidate, b. to supply this training partly through the individual attention of a well-trained, professional, Director of Studies and supervisory team, who will meet regularly with the candidate at agreed times and for set periods in an atmosphere of support, encouragement, constructive criticism and debate, c. to provide access to a selection of professional level short training courses, comprising both specialist and non-specialist topics, d. to support the student and supervisor(s) by the actions of a Research Degree Management Unit at DTC level, as appropriate, which will be responsible for regular monitoring and peer review of candidate progress, e. to require the Research Degree Management Unit to assess an annual candidate progress report or other submitted work - this may be carried out by such means as interview with an internal 'commentator', f. to provide adequate opportunity for regular oral presentations by research degree candidates of research results to groups of contemporaries and peers within the University, g. to expect all research degree candidates in the local unit and as many staff as possible to attend and participate in such presentations, h. to support attendance and delivery of research results by candidates at appropriate external venues e.g. via conference attendance, and

29 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice i. to support and encourage the operation of a Postgraduate Society for discussion and representation of student views, for mutual support and development of extra-mural activities Due to the diverse research training requirements within areas of the University, Research Degree Management Units will identify the particular local research training process within their procedures The level and requirements for individual training of candidates will be detailed prior to enrolment and will be scrutinised at local level. 7. Monitoring of Progress 7.1. It is the responsibility of the Research Degree Management Unit to monitor progress of research students towards their award aim. Assessment of progress will be identified in the DTC procedures and will normally include: a. student led research seminars during which oral presentations of work are made to other research students and staff, b. written reports, c. interviews, in some cases, may be a part of the monitoring process, d. an annual written report of progress, and e. a completed annual monitoring form It is recognised good practice that a third party (independent from the supervisory team) will review the student s progress, normally following an interview The monitoring process will: a. give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate progression, b. where appropriate, deal with matters in a sensitive manner, c. provide the opportunity for candidates and supervisors to report separately on progress, and d. where necessary assist the candidate and supervision team to bring the programme back on schedule at the earliest opportunity The PGReLog shall assist in this process. 8. Failure to Progress Lack of academic progress 8.1. Concerns about progress should be identified as early as possible in order that corrective measures can be taken. Concerns about progress will normally include failure to meet deadlines, failure to produce work or provide work of a suitable standard or failure to attend supervisory meetings A research student will initially receive a verbal warning from the Director of Studies if there is concern on progress. A written warning will follow a verbal warning if progress continues to give cause for concern

30 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition 8.3. A research degree candidate may not be required to withdraw from the University without having first received a formal written warning about their academic progress and without having had the opportunity to improve performance within a reasonable time period. The definition of a 'reasonable period' will depend on the circumstances of each case, but normally a period of months rather than weeks might be suggested as a minimum A Director of Studies or Supervisor who has concerns about the progress of a research degree candidate should: a. make those concerns known to the candidate, b. give the candidate the opportunity to discuss any difficulties they may have encountered in their research or outside the project environment which may be affecting performance and progress, c. agree with the candidate a written plan for improvement of progress with appropriate milestones, targets and review dates, copies of which should be retained by the Director of Studies and candidate, d. ensure that the second Supervisor(s), the Research Degree Coordinator and Management Unit are kept informed and if necessary become involved, and e. formally review progress as identified in the plan. Annual monitoring is one opportunity for consideration of progress; however review is not limited to these occasions Supervisors may not be able to help with all the problems that a candidate may encounter. The Research Degree Coordinator, DTC Director, the Graduate School, and other staff, mentioned below in section 13, are also available to provide support and advice for candidates as required If, following review, academic performance has not improved to an appropriate level: a. the Director of Studies, together with the rest of the supervisory team, should inform the candidate in writing of their concerns, the agreed course of action to address those concerns and the period identified for improvement; and b. the Research Degree Coordinator and Management Group and the DTC Director should be kept informed and if necessary become involved If, after the period identified, the Director of Studies, the rest of the supervisory team and Research Degree Coordinator, in consultation with the Research Degree Management Unit and DTC Director, remain concerned at the academic progress of the candidate, they are advised to consult the Graduate School The University reserves the right to terminate the registration of a research student in the case of persistent unacceptable progress

31 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice Loss of contact with a candidate 8.9. The principles set out above will also apply if a candidate fails to keep in contact with their supervisory team and submit tangible evidence of progress with the research project The supervisory team, Research Degree Coordinator, DTC Director and Management Group should make every effort to: a. contact the candidate, b. identify any obstacles to progress, c. agree a plan for improvement, and d. continue to monitor and review the plan Following failure to re-establish contact the candidate should be issued with a formal written warning that registration will be terminated unless the candidate re-establishes contact with his/her Director of Studies and the other supervisors within an appropriate period. If the candidate fails to respond the termination procedure should follow. Termination of registration The candidate will receive a formal letter from the University, normally from the Graduate School, requiring him/her to withdraw if it is agreed that the University has: a. discharged all its responsibilities towards the candidate, and b. the candidate has received adequate and formal warning of inadequate progress, and c. has not improved and shows no likelihood of improvement If a candidate fails to enrol for the current academic year without a formal agreed suspension they will have their registration automatically terminated. 9. Amendments to Registration 9.1. Changes may occur during the period of registration which may need consideration, approval or notification at DTC and/or University level. In all cases a request for an amendment to the registration should be made in writing by the Director of Studies to the Local Research Degree Management Unit. The request may be approved at local level in the case of changes in the supervisory team or may be forwarded to the Graduate School for consideration by the Graduate Sub- Committee using the RDC.1A or RDC.1B forms as appropriate. The most common amendments affecting registration are detailed below Change in mode of study. The maximum period of study varies according to the mode of study and the award aim, the total remaining registration period and tuition fee status will therefore be affected by any such changes. Requests for changes must be approved by the local Research Degree Management Unit and Graduate Sub-Committee. Changes in mode of study once the student has entered the writing up period will not be permitted

32 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition 9.3. Change to the source of funding. Candidates and supervisors often assume that information concerning a change in source of funds is automatically forwarded to the appropriate staff. Notification of any such changes should be reported to the DTC Administrator and the Graduate School Change of supervision. Changes to supervision usually occur as a result of the change in direction of the project or departure of a supervisor from the University. A request for the removal/addition of a supervisor may affect the total supervision experience of the team, or the role of supervisors within the team. Any changes of supervision will require approval by the local Research Degree Management Unit and reporting to Graduate Sub-Committee Suspension of registration. Suspensions of registration are usually requested as a result of illness, maternity leave, severe personal problems or commitments unrelated to the research project, but not for trivial matters. A maximum period of 12 months may be requested at any one time. Normally a maximum total of 24 months suspension during the whole registration period will be tolerated. The suspension period will not count towards the total registration period. Approval by the local Research Degree Management Unit and by Graduate Sub-Committee will be required. The University is obliged to follow the guidelines issued by U.K. Visas and Immigration (U.K.VI) when dealing with request for suspensions from overseas students under a Tier 4 General Student visa Extension of registration. Requests for a period of extension are considered to be exceptions to the norm. The request for an extension of registration may not exceed a period of 12 months at any one time. The extension will count towards the total registration period. Approval by the local Research Degrees Management Unit and the University Graduate Sub- Committee will be required. See also Extensions to resubmission of thesis Transfer to a degree programme other than that for which a candidate is registered. Exceptionally a candidate may decide to submit for an award lower than the one for which they are registered. Approval by the local Research Degrees Management Unit will be required Transfer from one institution to another. A candidate who has started a programme of study may, due to a change in circumstances, e.g. redeployment of their supervisor, request to transfer registration to another institution. If an external candidate wishes to transfer into Plymouth University, the institution where the candidate is transferring from must provide written confirmation that they are willing to accept the transfer of the registration for the candidate. The University has the right to refuse the

33 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice transfer of a student to another institution and in case of refusal an explanation will be proffered by the University. The University is obliged to follow the guidelines issued by U.K. Visas and Immigration (U.K.VI) when dealing with transfers between institutions for overseas students under a Tier 4 General Student visa Withdrawal of registration. If a candidate decides to withdraw from their research degree registration then written confirmation including the reason for withdrawal and date of departure should be notified in writing to the local Research Degree Management Unit, usually via the Director of Studies. A copy of the withdrawal must be forwarded to the Graduate School as soon as possible to ensure that the tuition fees, enrolment and registration are cancelled. The matter will be reported to the Graduate Sub-Committee. The University is obliged to follow the guidelines issued by U.K. Visas and Immigration (U.K.VI) when dealing with withdrawals of overseas students under a Tier 4 General Student visa Change to thesis title. The final title of thesis is required on the examination arrangements form RDC.3. Permission for a change to the title after approval of the examination arrangements should be sought in writing to the Graduate Sub-Committee by the Director of Studies. If the examination team has requested the change in the thesis title following examination then no further approval is required. 10. Presentation and Submission of the Thesis The thesis is the work of the research student and they must decide when they consider the thesis is ready for submission, although it is advisable to heed the advice of the supervisory team. The research student will be required to submit a signed copy of the declaration of submission form (RDC3.S) with the thesis to certify that they are submitting the thesis Candidates with disabilities are advised to contact Disability ASSIST (DAS), to discuss whether special procedures for the oral defence of the thesis are appropriate. Normally an independent Chair will be appointed to the examination team in these cases to ensure that any special procedures are adhered to Work submitted for a research degree at Plymouth University may not form part of any other degree either at the University or at another establishment. Contravention of this condition will mean that the degree will be revoked by the University Exceptions to this rule apply when a student is studying as part of a collaborative arrangement with another institution, where a joint degree may have been agreed as part of the agreement made between the higher education institutions

34 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition A collection of published papers is not a suitable type of submission for this type of degree. This type of submission is considered to be a different type of degree (by published work) and would follow separate regulations Theses may be submitted for examination in a temporary bound form such as perfect binding or comb binding. A loose leaf copy in a ring folder will not be accepted. A thesis submitted in a temporary bound form must be in its final form in all respects save the final binding The thesis should be written in English. Any exception to this condition must be sought in writing to the Graduate Sub-Committee Published papers during the research period should be included as an appendix at the end of the thesis but will not form the main body of the thesis The requirements and guidelines for the presentation of the thesis are detailed in Appendix Copies of the thesis should be submitted to the Graduate School office at least one month prior to the viva voce examination. One copy of the thesis should be submitted for each examiner. If a Chair has been appointed he/she should also receive a copy of the thesis When a candidate wishes the thesis to remain confidential for a period of time after completion, application for approval of this should normally be made by the time of the submission of the thesis. The period approved will not normally exceed two years The main text of the thesis shall normally be below the following limits (excluding ancillary data, appendices, bibliography, etc.): a. for ResM.: 25,000 words b. MS/MD: 60,000 words c. for MPhil: 40,000 words d. for PhD: 80,000 words e. Professional Doctorates project thesis may vary in word limit depending on the subject area. The prescribed word count must not exceed that for a PhD (80,000 words) Where the thesis is accompanied by material other than that written in the hard copy or the research involves creative writing or the preparation of a scholarly edition, then the written thesis should normally be shorter than the above limits. In the case of practice-based research degrees, application may be made to the Graduate Sub-Committee for the Plymouth University regulations regarding the traditional form and format of the thesis to be waived in whole or part. Any such request must be made by the Director of Studies before commencement of the final year of study and must also meet with the written approval of the appointed examiners. The anticipated form of the final submission should have been outlined in a statement at the end of year one and should be approved by the DTC, which is then submitted to the Graduate Sub- Committee for final approval

35 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice In agreeing to such a request the Graduate Sub-Committee shall ensure that the proposed thesis form and format: a. will be legible to the candidate, examiners, peer community and intelligent lay reader; b. will include a satisfactory record of the practice element; f. will serve to contextualise the practice intellectually; g. will clearly demonstrate its contribution to knowledge; h. will be of a scale and form which can be reasonably stored in a library; i. will be archive stable for a reasonable length of time; j. makes clear what is being examined It is the responsibility of the Director of Studies and/or candidate to satisfy the Graduate Sub-Committee in these respects. Where the research involves Creative and Performing Arts (e.g. practical research in Arts and Design, Creative Writing or Performance) it will be accompanied by a written element of the thesis which helps to substantiate the research outcome as a contribution to knowledge. The thesis will include a written text which situates the creative and performing arts within an appropriate intellectual context Research students should include a statement at the front of their thesis with the word count. The thesis will not be accepted by the Graduate School unless the word count is mentioned and is below the above limits. The only exception to this rule would be if the greater word count has been agreed with all the examiners prior to submission The thesis and appropriate paperwork will be sent out from the Graduate School office as soon as possible after submission. The external examiner s copy will be sent out by first class recorded delivery If a chair has been appointed, they will receive: a. a copy of the thesis with a letter confirming that the Director of Studies will be making the arrangements for the viva voce examination, b. a link to the Research Degrees Handbook, which includes an extract of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for doctoral and master examinations and the Roles and responsibilities of Chairs at viva voce examinations of research degrees, c. a copy of the pre-viva report (form RDC.4P) for their information only, and d. the examiners report form RDC.4 to be completed jointly by the examiners and the Chair (or in the case of a resubmission report form RDC.4R). It is the Chair s responsibility to arrange for the post-viva report to be filled in and sent to the Graduate School as soon as possible after the examination

36 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition The external examiner(s) will receive: a. a copy of the thesis with a letter confirming that the Director of Studies will be making the arrangements for the viva voce examination, b. a link to the Research Degrees Handbook, which includes the Plymouth University Notes for guidance for research degree examiners and an extract of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for doctoral and master examinations and the Roles and responsibilities of Chairs at viva voce examinations of research degrees, c. a copy of the pre-viva report (form RDC.4P), and d. expenses and honorarium claim forms and details of the limits for travel and expenses claims The internal examiner will receive: a. a copy of the thesis with a memorandum confirming that the Director of Studies will be making the arrangements for the viva voce examination, b. a link to the Research Degrees Handbook, which includes an extract of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for doctoral and master examinations and the Roles and responsibilities of Chairs at viva voce examinations of research degrees, c. a copy of the pre-viva report (form RDC.4P), and d. the examiner's report form RDC.4 to be completed jointly (or in the case of a resubmission report form RDC.4R), where a Chair has not been appointed (see 10.15); it is the responsibility of the internal examiner to arrange for the post-viva report to be filled in and sent to the Graduate School as soon as possible after the examination The Director of Studies will receive a memorandum: a. confirming that copies of the thesis have been sent to the examiners and chairperson if appropriate, b. indicating any amendments required to the presentation of the thesis which have been identified by the Graduate School, and c. asking to arrange for the viva voce examination, liaising with candidate and Disability Assist Services (DAS) where appropriate for any special needs The candidate will receive a letter: a. confirming that copies of the thesis have been sent to the examiners, b. indicating any amendments required to the presentation of the thesis which have been identified by the Graduate School, c. mentioning that the Director of Studies will make the necessary arrangements for the viva voce examination,

37 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice d. asking to contact Disability Assist Services (DAS) if appropriate, and e. outlining the general procedures with regard to the exam and the possible outcomes. 11. Examination and Outcome of Examination The stages of consideration of the examination arrangements will involve: a. discussion between the supervisors and possibly other members of the local Research Degree Management Unit to consider the most appropriate examination team, b. submission of the examination arrangements (form RDC.3) and a brief CV of the proposed External Examiner(s) to a local Research Degree Management Unit meeting - if the Director of Studies and supervisors are agreed on a proposed examination team and are satisfied that the criteria specified within the Research Degree Regulations for Professional Doctorates, ResM, MS, MD, MPhil or PhD have been met, then the Director of Studies will complete form RDC.3 and forward this to the local Research Degree Management Unit for approval, c. submission to the University Graduate Sub-Committee - following approval at local level form RDC.3 will be signed by the DTC Director, Head of School or Research Degree Coordinator and forwarded to the Graduate School for formal consideration by the University Graduate Sub-Committee, d. formal consideration by University Graduate Sub-Committee via its PGR External Examiners Sub-Committee - examination arrangements should be forwarded in plenty of time before the student submits his/her thesis for examination. Examination arrangements will not normally be considered outside PGR EE Sub-Committee meetings (normally once per month); and e. confirmation by the Graduate School on behalf of the University Graduate Sub-Committee of the outcome of consideration. Confirmation of all matters will be sent to the DTC Administrator who will ensure that an appropriate process is in place at local level to communicate these matters to candidates, supervisors and other appropriate staff The selection of external examiners is subject to the University s general requirements. Details of any past or current association with the University, its staff or students must be declared at the time the examination arrangements are considered The regulations relating to the examination of Professional Doctorates, ResM, MS, MD, MPhil or PhD require that: a. two examiners are appointed for each research student. One of these examiners will be external to the University (the external examiner) and the other will be internal and independent of the research student and their project (the internal examiner) - if the candidate is a member of academic staff of the University (other

38 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition than a Research Assistant), then two external examiners and one chairperson are required, b. the research student must not have been formally advised or supervised or had any close association with the examiners although the internal examiner may have acted as the independent assessor for the student for annual review or transfer, c. the thesis is defended in an oral examination (the viva voce examination), normally held in the U.K When due to exceptional circumstances a viva voce examination is to be conducted via videoconferencing, prior approval by the Head of the Graduate School is required. This option should only be considered as the last resort when all other possibilities have been exhausted. The videoconference facility must be a secure link with adequate bandwidth to ensure an uninterrupted oral examination, normally a Skype link will not be acceptable The following criteria are used in selecting the examination team for research degrees (ResM, MS, MD, Professional Doctorates, MPhil and PhD) examinations: a. the internal examiner: should not be registered for a research degree, should not have supervised the candidate or had any formal advisory or supervisory relationship with the candidate (other than having acted as the independent assessor for the student for annual review or transfer), should have appropriate knowledge in the field and/or examining experience - the internal examiner is not required to have previously examined but is requested to attend the University s Internal Examiners Briefing Session before the oral examination takes place if he/she has no previous examining experienced at the level of the examination for Plymouth University, and should be present at the viva voce examination. b. the external examiner(s): should not be registered for a research degree, should have experience of examining U.K. research degree candidates at the same level or higher, an external examiner will not normally have held any appointment with the University, or one of the former institutions from which the University has developed, during the period in which the candidate has been registered for the degree, should not have supervised the candidate or had any formal advisory or supervisory relationship with the candidate and should be independent of the supervision team and/or any collaborating establishment, and should not be an imminent employer of the research student, and

39 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice should be present at the viva voce examination. c. the chairperson: should not be registered for a research degree, should have experience of examining U.K. research degree candidates at the same level, preferably at Plymouth University, should not have supervised the candidate or had any formal advisory or supervisory relationship with the candidate and should be independent of the supervision team and/or any collaborating establishment, and should not be an imminent employer of the research student, and should be present at the viva voce examination A chairperson is appointed in exceptional circumstances, such as: video conferenced viva voce examination, equality issues (where a Chair is appointed then attention should be paid to an appropriate gender balance within the examining team) extenuating circumstances including disability, issue(s) raised by either the internal or external examiner in the pre-viva report, examination team has only recently met the minimum requirements of examining experience, external examiner is an experienced researcher from industry but with little or no examining experience The examination team must have at least experience in a total of 3 U.K. examinations between the examiners at the level of the examination, with the External Examiner having at least 1 of these (subject to 11.8) Where an overseas or industrial external examiner is nominated with no previous experience of examining a U.K. research degree, reasons for this nomination need to be submitted by the Director of Studies and a Chair will be also nominated to the examination team For the examination of Professional Doctorates, previous experience of examining Professional Doctorates will be considered as appropriate for the approval of the examining panel. All other regulations regarding the appointment of the examining team for ResM/MS/MD/MPhil/PhD will apply equally to Professional Doctorates External examiners must be actively involved in research and with substantial/significant research experience in the subject. Recently retired distinguished researchers or Emeritus professors are acceptable as external examiners but must commit to being available and contactable until the examination is complete The Director of Studies is expected to make the following arrangements:

40 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition a. arrange the viva voce examination date, time and location with the examiners, the research student and the Graduate School either just prior to or soon after the thesis is received by the examiners, b. notify the Graduate School or the DTC Administrator of the date, time and venue for the oral examination, c. check whether the candidate wishes any of the supervisors to be present, as observers, at the examination, and pass this information to the internal examiner or the chair when one has been appointed, d. ensure that accommodation and travel for the external examiner(s) has/have been booked, usually via the local Research Management Unit, and e. book an appropriate quiet room for the duration of the examination (normally 3 or 4 hours) taking into account any requirements from Disability Assist Services (DAS) where appropriate and arrange for refreshments during this period Supervisors may, with the consent of the candidate, attend the oral examination as observers. They may not participate in the discussion unless invited by the examiners. Exceptionally the examiners may request a discussion in private with the supervisor prior to making their final decision. The supervisor must withdraw with the research student prior to the deliberations of the examiners on the outcome of the examination If none of the supervisors are present during the viva voce examination then they should leave instructions as to how to be contacted by the examiners in case they are needed and normally they are required to accompany the research student to hear the decision of the examiners at the end of the examination Before the viva voce examination all examiners (not the Chair) shall submit a pre-viva report (RDC.4P) to the Graduate School. These reports are kept confidential from the student and the supervisory team and will be exchanged between examiners (and copied to the Chair) by Graduate School staff. If reports are not submitted on time it will be the Director of Studies s responsibility to ensure examiners forward their reports prior to the viva voce examination. A copy of the pre-viva reports will be held in the research students file and is confidential throughout the duration of the examination, even if requested by the candidate under the Data Protection Act After the viva voce examination the examiners shall, where they are in agreement, jointly report on the thesis and the viva voce examination and return report form RDC.4 (or RDC.4R in the case of a resubmission) to the Graduate School as soon as possible after the examination (normally within a day or two and not more than 2 weeks). Unless a Chair has been appointed (see 10.15) it is the responsibility of the internal examiner to arrange for the post-viva report to be filled in and sent to the Graduate School. Where the examiners are not in agreement, separate reports and recommendations shall be submitted to the University

41 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice Following the examination the examiners can make one of the following recommendations: a. pass with no corrections: the degree be awarded, or b. pass with minor corrections: the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections being made to the final copy of the thesis to the satisfaction of one or all of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or c. pass with major corrections: the degree be awarded subject to the major corrections and/or amendments being made to the final copy of the thesis to the satisfaction of one or all of the examiners by 9 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or d. defer resubmission allowed: the candidate is permitted to resubmit for the degree (with detailed advice) and be re-examined on one further occasion with or without further research by 12 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or e. compensatory award: the degree for which the research student is examined is not to be awarded but a lower level degree (MPhil, ResM, PgCert or PgDip) or in the case of Professional Doctorates and where the individual regulations for each Professional Doctorate allow, an appropriate master level degree be awarded subject to the presentation of the thesis being amended to the satisfaction of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or f. fail: the degree not to be awarded and the candidate not be permitted to be re-examined Where the examiners recommendations are not unanimous separate report forms will be issued for the decisions to be reported separately. The University: a. will normally appoint an additional external examiner to arbitrate and shall consider the reports of all examiners before reaching a decision; or b. may exceptionally accept the recommendation of the external examiner(s) The recommendation of the examiners will be confirmed to the candidate informally verbally after the viva voce examination by the examination team Formal written confirmation of the outcome of the examination, including the corrections/amendments required if not already provided by the examination team, will be issued to the candidate by the Graduate School on receipt of the report form(s) If the degree is awarded without any corrections the candidate will be required to submit: a. an electronic copy of the thesis in the University electronic repository (the candidate should also supply the Director of

42 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition Studies and any collaborating establishments with a hardcopy if requested to do so but this is for the candidate to arrange). The expectation is for the candidate to submit this electronic copy of the thesis within 60 days of the official notification of the outcome. The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid If the degree is awarded subject to corrections/amendments the corrections must be made and submitted to the internal examiner and/or the external examiner(s) by the relevant date depending on the outcome. Following approval of the corrections by the examiner(s) the Graduate School will require: a. confirmation in writing from the internal and/or external examiner(s) that corrections have been made to their satisfaction; if the examiner(s) is/are not satisfied with the corrections made, they may recommend the award of a lower degree or that the submission has failed. Failure to submit by the required date will normally result in failure of the award. Any request for an extension to the due date of the corrections must be made in writing to the Graduate School (supported by the supervisory team and the faculty Research Management team) who will obtain the approval of the examiners before deciding on the period of extension. b. an electronic copy of the thesis in the University electronic repository (the candidate should also supply the Director of Studies and any collaborating establishments with a hardcopy if requested to do so but this is for the candidate to arrange). The expectation is for the candidate to submit this electronic copy of the thesis within 60 days of the official notification of the outcome. Corrections are to be approved by the internal and/or the external examiner(s) and not the chairperson. The chairperson may approve corrections only if these are of typographical nature. The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid If a candidate is permitted to resubmit for re-examination for the award: a. the research student may be required to carry out further research and will require a further viva voce examination - details of these requirements must be submitted by the examination team to the Graduate School who will then forward them to the research student, b. the research student must submit the revised thesis to the Graduate School office by not later than 12 months from the formal notification of the outcome of the examination. Failure to submit by the required date will normally result in failure of the award. Any request for an extension to the due date of the corrections must be

43 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice made in writing to the Graduate School (supported by the supervisory team and the faculty Research Management team) who will obtain the approval of the examiners before deciding on the period of extension. c. the resubmitted thesis will be sent out to the examiners, in the same manner as the first submission. The internal examiner will be responsible for arranging the joint completion of the relevant report form (RDC.4R) unless a chairperson had been appointed (see paragraph above). Possible outcomes after a resubmission are: a. pass with no corrections: the degree to be awarded, or b. pass with minor corrections: the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections being made to the final copy of the thesis to the satisfaction of one or all of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or c. compensatory award: the degree for which the research student is examined is not to be awarded but a lower level degree (MPhil, ResM, PgCert or PgDip) or in the case of Professional Doctorates and where the individual regulations for each Professional Doctorate allow, an appropriate master level degree be awarded subject to the presentation of the thesis being amended to the satisfaction of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or d. fail: the degree not to be awarded and the candidate not be permitted to be re-examined. In the case of a re-submission where all the examiners agree on outcome a. pass with no corrections the degree to be awarded, the viva voce examination may be waived. The examination team is asked to contact the Graduate School if this is the case If a research student is awarded the degree of ResM, MPhil or MS following a PhD or an MD examination. The Graduate School will require: a. confirmation in writing from the internal and/or external examiner that corrections, if required, have been made to their satisfaction, as indicated on the report form. Failure to submit by the required date will normally result in failure of the award. Any request for an extension to the due date of the corrections must be made in writing to the Graduate School (supported by the supervisory team and the faculty Research Management team) who will obtain the approval of the examiners before deciding on the period of extension, b. all references to PhD or MD will need to be changed to ResM, MPhil or MS as appropriate, c. an electronic copy of the thesis in the University electronic repository (the candidate should also supply the Director of Studies and any collaborating establishments with a hardcopy if

44 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition requested to do so but this is for the candidate to arrange). The expectation is for the candidate to submit this electronic copy of the thesis within 60 days of the official notification of the outcome. The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid If a research student is not awarded a ResM, then they can be awarded either a PgCert or PgDip if they have satisfactorily completed either 60 or 120 M-level credits respectively Following receipt and approval of the electronic thesis submission a research student will receive a congratulations letter from the Vice- Chancellor (for PhD, MD or Professional Doctorates excluding DClinPsy) or the Dean of Research & Innovation (MPhil, ResM, MS) and will be invited to the next appropriate award ceremony. The degree certificate and the diploma supplement will normally be issued at the ceremony, or in advance if requested A research student who fails to submit a corrected or revised thesis by the date set by the examiners shall normally be regarded as having failed the examination and the recommendations of the examiners shall lapse Request for extensions to resubmission of thesis should be made in advance of the deadline and with the support of the supervisors. The Graduate School will liaise with the examiners with regard to the approval or not for these extensions. 12. Posthumous Degree and Aegrotat Award The degree of ResM, MPhil or PhD or the relevant professional Doctorate may be awarded posthumously on the basis of a thesis completed by a candidate which is ready for submission for examination The University may award an aegrotat degree to students who will be unable to complete the oral examination in the usual way due to irreversible health problems In both cases the Graduate Sub-Committee shall seek evidence that the candidate would have been likely to have been successful had the oral examination taken place The degree can also be considered if the research was at its final stages. The supervisors will need to compile a thesis in readiness for examination A request from the supervisors to the Graduate Sub-Committee to proceed with the examination will be required. A brief report explaining that the thesis and work carried out by the candidate are of sufficient quality for a ResM, a MPhil, a PhD or the relevant Professional Doctorate award should accompany the request If the research work was not concluded by the research student the supervisors should include reasons as to why the work should be

45 2014 Edition Regulations and Code of Practice considered for examination, taking into account how far the research had advanced and the extent of understanding of the topic by the student, etc In the case of an aegrotat degree, the request should be made after all other avenues have been investigated and exhausted when appropriate, such as suspensions, change to part-time, termination at MPhil, etc Two examiners, at least one of them external, should assess the thesis and report independently on whether the degree should be awarded or whether a lower award is more appropriate e.g. a ResM or an MPhil instead of a PhD. If the student was an academic or technical member of staff (other than a Research Assistant) of the University two external examiners will normally be required. Other requirements for examiners as in normal research degree regulations need also be fulfilled Outcomes of the examination should be as for normal degrees excluding the possibility of corrections/amendments and resubmission Other forms of research outcomes may be included and/or considered in the examination, such as conference presentations, papers, annual reports, etc The electronic copy of the thesis will mention it was submitted in partial fulfilment of a posthumous/aegrotat award and would need to be submitted to the University repository as detailed above. 13. Problems and Queries Candidates will be expected to work independently and on a one-toone basis with their Director of Studies and other supervisors for the majority of the registration period. Consideration and sensitivity shown on the part of the candidate and supervisors, particularly initially, will help to forge rewarding and productive relationships At some period(s) during their registration research students may face practical, professional or personal difficulties which may affect their work. If problems arise, whether related to health, finances, academic progress, work or personal matters research students should be encouraged to deal with these problems, or highlight them to staff as soon as possible, so that delays or disruptions to work will be sympathetically received. In most cases a research student s Director of Studies will be the most appropriate person to approach The staff detailed below are experienced in research degree matters and will be familiar with most of the problems that research students face. If feel unable to discuss a problem with their Director of Studies, or it is inappropriate, then one of the following members of staff may be available to provide practical, confidential advice and support: a. second or third supervisor, b. Research Degree Coordinator, c. DTC Director d. DTC Administrator, e. Head of School,

46 Regulations and Code of Practice 2014 Edition f. Dean of Faculty, g. the Graduate School, and h. Chaplain. i. In the case of Professional Doctorates there will also be a Programme Manager for each Professional Doctorate programme. 14. Complaints Procedure for Research Degree Candidates Students should follow the Complaints procedure ( Minor complaints should normally be dealt with informally by consultation between the candidate and staff concerned (e.g. the Director of Studies, second Supervisor(s), Research Coordinator, DTC Director, Head of School, Dean) Stage If the response is not to the satisfaction of the research student, he/she must then write to the University Complaints Office using the appropriate form stating the nature of their complaint and indicating the deficiencies in the response received If, once all internal processes and procedures have been exhausted, the complaint is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the research student, the complainant will have the right to take their complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). 15. Appeals Against Academic Decisions Where, as a result of a recommendation of the examiners, a candidate has not been awarded the degree for which he/she was registered and has not been permitted to submit a revised thesis for the same degree, the candidate may appeal to the University in accordance with the Appeals Procedure. Please follow the link below or contact the Graduate School for further details ( APPROVED BY THE ACADEMIC BOARD ON 23 JUNE 1993 and with minor subsequent amendments on 13 August 1993, 19 June 1996, 26 June 2002, June 2003, August 2004, July 2007 and December Amendments to include ResM approved by Academic Board on 8 July Amendments to the outcomes of the examination approved by Academic Board (Chair s action) in

47 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY MINIMUM BENCHMARK FACILITIES FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS 1. Need for minimum benchmarking Postgraduate research (PGR) students are those students undertaking Master of Philosophy - MPhil, Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Research Masters ResM, Professional Doctorate degrees (Doctorate in Education - EdD, Doctorate in Public Administration - DPA, Doctorate in Business Administration DBA, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology DClinPsy), Doctor of Medicine MD or Master of Surgery - MS. They are governed by the Procedures, Processes and Regulations regarding postgraduate research students which are based upon the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education for postgraduate research students (section B11 of the Code). PGR students can be enrolled in full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) mode and may be based at a campus of Plymouth University or a site remote from the University (distance mode). The subject of study and discipline in which the PGR resides/studies places differing needs on the hosting Doctoral Training Centre (DTC). Despite these differing needs all PGR students have minimum requirements which it is Plymouth University s duty through the Graduate School and the DTCs/Schools/Faculties/Nodes to provide in order for the student to meet the expectations of the University to complete their studies within the required time period. 2. All students All PGR students will be provided with: A suitably qualified supervision team Access to the Plymouth University s computer system which will supply , intranet, extranet and web access. This access will be available at remote locations via web access and will include access to the electronic library resources Library access and an entitlement to a defined quantity of Inter-library loans Access to a suitable programme of generic and subject specific skills workshops Access to at least one subject relevant taught postgraduate module run either by the Plymouth University, a Partner Institution or an approved 3 rd party Access to the Graduate School facilities Access to the Student Counselling services Access to the Disability Assist services Access to the Staff Catering facilities on Plymouth University campuses Access to the Staff Recreation Services on Plymouth University campuses Access to the Students Union Access to Nursery provision

48 Minimum benchmarks 2014 Edition 3. Full-time students resident at a campus of Plymouth University All FT PGR students based at Plymouth University will normally be provided with: A work-space with the following minimum attributes: o A desk or workbench for sole use (sometimes both are appropriate) o A lockable space for personal items o A computer o Access to printing facilities Access to appropriate facilities to conduct their research Access to photocopying facilities with a defined limit or agreed method of recharge 4. Part-time students resident at a campus of Plymouth University All PT PGR students based at a campus of Plymouth University will normally be provided with: A work-space with the following minimum attributes: o A desk or workbench which may be shared or hot-desked o A lockable space for personal items o Shared access to a computer o Access to printing facilities Access to appropriate facilities to conduct their research Access to photocopying 5. Distance students Distance PGRs include those students based at home and those based at cooperating institutions remote from Plymouth University or one of its Partner Institutions. Where PGRs are based either FT or PT at a cooperating institution then it is expected that the Institution will provide facilities in line with those outlined above. 6. Students in writing-up mode When PGRs enter the writing-up mode of study (i.e. yr 4 for FT PhD, yr 5/6 for PT PhD, 4 th semester for ResM FT, yr 3 for PT ResM) their hosting DTC/School/Faculty/Node may require them to move location and switch to a hotdesking situation. This will be determined according to the availability of space. Plymouth University is not obliged to provide any facilities beyond the minimum for all PGRs outlined above for students who are home-based. All students however can expect good access to their supervisory team by (and webcam where possible), fax or telephone and a number of face-to-face meetings at pre-determined intervals. Access to appropriate research facilities by distance students where appropriate, must be determined prior to enrolment on the research programme

49 2014 Edition Minimum benchmarks 7. Library entitlements Additional library services are available for part-time students, students living more than 25 miles from the University and for students with disabilities. The service includes a copy service from items in stock, postal loans; help with reservations and renewals, and collection of material by proxy. The SCONUL Access ( scheme provides borrowing privileges at 170 higher education libraries for most academic staff, postgraduate research students registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification, part-time, distance learning and placement students and full-time postgraduates. The SCONUL Access scheme does not normally include access to IT or electronic library services. APPROVED BY GRADUATE COMMITTEE December 2005 and November

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51 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS OF THE DEGREES RESEARCH MASTERS, MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY, MASTER OF SURGERY DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, AND PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES 1. Appointment of Examiners 1.1. Candidates are usually examined by one internal and one external examiner. If the candidate is a member of academic or technical staff of the University (other than a Research Assistant), then two external examiners and one chairperson are required Requirements of examiners: a. no examiner, unless there are exceptional circumstances, will have acted as supervisor or advisor to the candidate (other than having acted as the independent assessor for the student for annual review or transfer in the case of internal examiners), b. an external examiner will not normally have held any appointment with the University, or one of the former institutions from which the University has developed, during the period in which the candidate has been registered for the degree, nor had any formal supervisory or advisory relationship with the candidate, c. at least one external examiner must have substantial experience of examining U.K. Research Degree candidates. In an examination for PhD at least one examiner must have experience of PhD examining, d. no person who is registered for a research degree may act as an examiner, and e. the selection of external examiners is subject to the University s general requirements. Details of any past or current association with the University, its staff or students must be declared at the time the examination arrangements are considered. 2. The Role of the Examiners 2.1. Examiners are nominated by the School/Faculty/DTC to serve as a full member of the examination team. This means that, prior to the viva voce examination, the Examiners must:

52 Notes of guidance for examiners 2014 Edition a. read the thesis carefully; b. identify shortcomings in the thesis/research; c. prepare appropriate questions with which to challenge the candidate; and d. identify any minor errors/corrections needed to improve the final version of the thesis prior to submission. This list should be given to the candidate at the close of the examination As an examiner, it is inappropriate to discuss the thesis with either the candidate or supervisor(s) prior to the examination. 3. Thesis 3.1. The degree of MPhil should include the results of an appropriate research programme or a critical analysis of existing knowledge in a defined field The degree of PhD should include a distinct contribution to the current knowledge of the subject. The thesis should show systematic study and independent, critical and original powers and should be capable of publication in whole or in part Work submitted for another degree may not form part of the submission for the research degree The thesis must be presented in English. The presentation should be of a high standard in line with the Plymouth University Research Degrees Handbook Regulations and Code of Practice. Any amendments required to the presentation of the thesis will be detailed to the candidate by the Graduate School for inclusion in the final electronic version of the thesis Sufficient copies, for distribution to each examiner (and chairperson where appropriate) must be submitted to the Graduate School office in a perfect temporary or permanently bound form. 4. Preparation for the Examination 4.1. It is normal that the Director of Studies should organise the time, location and arrangements for the examination in conjunction with both examiners and the candidate. The candidate should let his/her Director of Studies know whether they wish any of his/her supervisors present at the viva voce examination. The candidate s wishes should be passed on to the Internal Examiner The examination should be held at Plymouth University whenever possible, but is sometimes necessary to meet elsewhere. If this is the case, the Graduate School should be informed. This is also important if the examination is to be conducted by videoconferencing, where prior approval by the Head of the Graduate School is required. This option should only be considered as the last resort when all other possibilities have been exhausted

53 2014 Edition Notes of guidance for examiners 4.3. It is important that the viva voce examination: a. be held in an appropriate location; b. be held in a room that is quiet and not subject to telephone or other interruptions; c. takes into account any special requirements for students with special needs; d. uses a table large enough to accommodate the required number of theses, papers, diagrams, etc.; e. has drinking water available and (possibly), coffee or tea on request; f. has sufficient time allowed - (the Director of Studies should ask the examiners in advance about the anticipated duration of the examination) although candidates should not have to face an excessively long examination without good reason; and g. has available a waiting area for the candidate and supervisor to use that is not within hearing range of the examination room In most viva voce examinations, the External Examiner will act as Chair, but the Internal Examiner must be prepared to take on this role if required. 5. Procedure 5.1. The Graduate School will distribute copies of the thesis to each examiner (and chairperson where appropriate) as soon as possible on receipt, with the Research Degree Handbook, Notes of Guidance for MPhil and PhD Examiners, Pre-viva Report Form (RDC.4P), Recommendation of Examiners Form (RDC.4/4R) and expenses claim and honorarium forms, as appropriate The Director of Studies will make arrangements for the viva voce examination and keep the internal and external examiners, the chairperson, the candidate and the Graduate School informed of the date and schedule for the examination It is the responsibility of the Graduate School to determine and pay fees and expenses to the external examiners Before the viva voce examination (10 working days in advance) each examiner shall submit a pre-viva report (RDC.4P) to the Graduate School. These reports will be exchanged between examiners and a copy given to the chairperson. If reports are not submitted on time it will be the Director of Studies responsibility to ensure the report is forwarded prior to the viva voce examination. Copies of the pre-viva reports are to be held by the Graduate School. Under the Data Protection Act students do have the right to request to see examiners comments. If examiners wish their comments to remain confidential, they should advise the University when they submit them and explain the issues which give rise to their concern After the completion of the examination, either: a. the examiners may tell the candidate direct that he/she has passed and that they require a few minutes to complete the

54 Notes of guidance for examiners 2014 Edition paperwork (at which point the candidate and supervisor(s) must withdraw); or b. the examiners ask that the candidate and supervisor(s) withdraw while they reach a decision and complete the paperwork. In exceptional circumstances, the supervisor(s) may be asked to withdraw and the candidate asked further questions (where it is thought that student/supervisor relationships may have affected the thesis/research). There may be a situation where the candidate is asked to withdraw and the supervisor(s) are asked further questions. This is usually the case if it appears that the student has failed to heed advice given and, as a result, has encountered unnecessary difficulties Once the decision is agreed, the candidate and supervisor(s) should be invited back into the examination room for a statement of the outcome. If this is not 'good news' then it must be given with as much tact and sensitivity as possible The Recommendation of Examiners Form (RDC.4 or RDC.4R in the case of a resubmission), which is sent to the internal examiner or the chairperson when one has been appointed, should be completed as soon as possible after the viva voce examination, in consultation with the external examiner(s). It is the chair s responsibility to arrange for the post-viva report to be filled in and sent to the Graduate School if a chairperson has been appointed. The form should be completed and returned to the Graduate School office as soon as possible after the examination so that appropriate action can be taken The RDC.4/4R form is quite clear in the response required to many of the questions but the examiners must pay particular attention to the recommendations. The normal maximum time for a re-submission (2.4) is within one year from the date of the official notification of the outcome to the candidate. Corrections (2.2 and 2.3) may be submitted within a restricted time frame (please refer to the RDC.4 form or RDC.4R in the case of resubmissions for details) In the case of recommendation 2.2 and 2.3 it must be agreed as to whom will check the final version of the thesis (Internal Examiner or External Examiner or - rarely - both) and that the candidate is told precisely the nature of the corrections to be made In the case of recommendation 2.4 the candidate must be absolutely clear as to the nature of the work to be done. As well as section 3 being completed, Examiners may give the candidate additional sheets, but when this is done, copies of these should be given to the Graduate School with the RDC.4. Candidates must have clear instructions, as they will be judged solely on their response to those instructions at the time of resubmission. This is to ensure that Examiners do not ask for further modifications at that time In the case of recommendation 2.5, the response and requirements are as detailed in 2.4 above In the case of recommendation 2.6, section 3 and any supporting papers must be very clear about the grounds for rejection of the thesis

55 2014 Edition Notes of guidance for examiners In the event of an outcome not being agreed by the Internal and External Examiner, each must present a separate report and form to the Graduate School as soon as possible. If this scenario is possible, the Internal Examiner must not agree with the External Examiner as a matter of course; both are of equal status in the examination. In the event of a disagreement, the candidate should be told and it should be explained to him/her that individual reports are being lodged with The Graduate School. If there is a disagreement, it is always possible to telephone The Graduate School and, if available, the Head of The Graduate School or the DTC Director may be able to come to the examination room or give advice by telephone In some cases there may be three examiners. It is preferable that all agree on the outcome. But if there is a disagreement, voting, in order to obtain a decision, is not recommended, as it will undoubtedly leave the 'loser' feeling aggrieved. However, if that is the only way to resolve the issue then it may be a solution. In the case of total deadlock, the Examiners may request that another Examiner be appointed, in which case, all three must prepare reports and submit these to the Graduate School If there are any doubts about the completion of the RDC.4 (or RDC.4R in the case of resubmissions), please contact The Graduate School It must be remembered that the main grounds for appeal against a result are related to the conduct of the examination. This must always be fair and if the Internal Examiner feels that something is going wrong, then he/she should ask the candidate and supervisor(s) to leave the room temporarily while the issue is raised with the external(s). 6. Oral Examination 6.1. The candidate is examined viva voce, normally in the United Kingdom. At least one external and one internal examiner (and a chairperson if one appointed) shall be present. Supervisors may, with the consent of the candidate attend the oral examination and participate in the discussion if requested by any of the examiners, but must withdraw prior to the deliberations of the examiners on the outcome of the examination. Under the Data Protection Act students do have the right to request to see examiners comments. If examiners wish their comments to remain confidential, they should advise the University when they submit them and explain the issues which give rise to their concern The Director of Studies will inform the examiners before the recommendation is determined, of any exceptional circumstances which might have affected the candidate s performance adversely After the viva voce examination the examiners will, where they are in agreement, jointly report on the thesis and examination. The RDC.4 (or RDC.4R in the case of a resubmission) report form should be returned to the Graduate School office as soon as possible. Where the examiners are not in agreement, separate reports and recommendations must be submitted to the Graduate School

56 Notes of guidance for examiners 2014 Edition 7. Outcome of the Examination 7.1. Following the viva voce examination the examiners may recommend that: a. pass with no corrections: the degree be awarded, or b. pass with minor corrections: the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections being made to the final copy of the thesis to the satisfaction of one or all of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or c. pass with major corrections: the degree be awarded subject to the major corrections and/or amendments being made to the final copy of the thesis to the satisfaction of one or all of the examiners by 9 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or d. defer resubmission allowed: the candidate is permitted to resubmit for the degree (with detailed advice) and be re-examined on one further occasion with or without further research by 12 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or e. compensatory award: the degree for which the research student is examined is not to be awarded but a lower level degree (MPhil, ResM, PgCert or PgDip) or in the case of Professional Doctorates and where the individual regulations for each Professional Doctorate allow, an appropriate master level degree be awarded subject to the presentation of the thesis being amended to the satisfaction of the examiners by 3 months from the date of the formal notification of the outcome of the examination, or f. fail: the degree not to be awarded and the candidate not be permitted to be re-examined Where the examiners recommendations are not unanimous separate report forms will be issued for the decisions to be reported separately. The University: a. will normally appoint an additional external examiner to arbitrate and shall consider the reports of all examiners before reaching a decision; or b. may exceptionally accept the recommendation of the external examiner(s). 8. Award of the Degree without Amendments 8.1. On agreement by the examiners that the degree be awarded without any amendments, the candidate will be asked to submit an electronic copy of the thesis in the University electronic repository (the candidate should also supply the Director of Studies and any collaborating establishments with a hardcopy if requested to do so but this is for the candidate to arrange). The expectation is for the candidate to submit this electronic copy of the thesis within 60 days of the official notification of the outcome

57 2014 Edition Notes of guidance for examiners 8.2. The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid The Graduate School will arrange for the certificate to be produced and will notify the Exams and Awards Office that the candidate is eligible to attend the Graduation Ceremony. 9. Minor or Major Corrections to the Thesis 9.1. The student should be informed of the corrections required to the thesis and the date by which these should be made. The corrections must be made and submitted to the internal examiner and/or the external examiner by the relevant date depending on the outcome. The candidate should be told by the examiners how to submit the corrections to them. Normally an electronic copy with the changes/corrections Tracked or Tagged is preferred Corrections are to be approved by the internal and/or the external examiner(s) and not the chairperson. The chairperson may approve corrections only if these are of typographical nature The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid The Graduate School will arrange for the certificate to be produced and will notify the Exams and Awards Office that the candidate is eligible to attend the Graduation Ceremony. 10. Re-Examination A thesis may be re-examined on one occasion with a further viva voce examination and with or without further research Details of any further research (where appropriate) requirements must be submitted by the examination team to the Graduate School who will then forward them to the research student Sufficient copies of the revised thesis must be resubmitted to the Graduate School office by the deadline. Failure to resubmit by the date set will normally be regarded as failure of the examination The internal examiner (or the chairperson if one has been appointed) is responsible for obtaining the joint report of the examiners on the form RDC.4R (recommendation of the examiners following resubmission) In the case of a re-submission where all the examiners agree on outcome a. pass with no corrections the degree to be awarded, the viva voce examination may be waived. Please contact the Graduate School if this is the case The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid

58 Notes of guidance for examiners 2014 Edition The Graduate School will arrange for the certificate to be produced and will notify the Exams and Awards Office that the candidate is eligible to attend the Graduation Ceremony. 11. Appeals Against Academic Decisions Details of the regulations on Appeals against academic decisions can be found at APPROVED ON 10 NOVEMBER 1993 Minor amendments approved July 1996, September 2002, June 2003, August 2004, November 2012 and October

59 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHAIRS AT VIVA VOCE EXAMINATIONS OF RESEARCH DEGREES 1. The appointment of a chair of a research degree viva voce examination needs to have been approved either by the Graduate Sub-Committee or the Head of the Graduate School on behalf of Graduate Sub-Committee. The reasons for appointing a Chair can be various and include: Video conferenced viva voce examination Equality issues (when a chair is appointed then attention to an appropriate gender balance is recommended) Extenuating Circumstances including Disability Issue(s) raised by either the internal or external examiner in the previva report Examination team has only recently met the minimum requirements of examining experience External examiner is from overseas and has not examined UK/CNAA before External examiner is an experienced researcher from industry but with little or no examining experience. The Chair will be provided with copies of the pre-viva reports of the examiners and a copy of the thesis but is not an examiner. It is recommended that the Chair reads the abstract and scans the thesis for any gross irregularities. 2. The principal duty of the Chair is to ensure that the rules and regulations of the examination have been conducted in accordance with University procedures and practices. It is therefore important that the Chair is an experienced examiner and is familiar with the University s procedures. 3. The Chair should obtain a copy of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Award Descriptor for Masters/Doctorates either from the Graduate School or from the QAA website. These descriptors should act as an aide memoire to the criteria for judging whether the candidate satisfies or not, the U.K. criteria for Masters/Doctorate. These criteria can be particularly helpful when examiners are faced with a borderline decision. 4. Ensure that the Examiners have had a period together prior to the viva voce examination in the absence of the student and supervisor(s) to discuss their opinion of the thesis. To ensure they have seen each others pre-viva reports (RDC.4Ps). To ensure that the Examiners have developed an agenda or plan of questioning for the viva voce examination

60 Roles and responsibilities of Chairs 2014 Edition 5. The Chair is responsible for the set-up in the examination room for the viva voce examination. Check with the supervisor the actual location of the room and its suitability for the viva voce examination. It is good practice to use a neutral location, not the office of one of the supervisors. The room must be free from any external distractions i.e. phone, computer, extraneous noise. If, on the day of the viva voce examination, the room is deemed unsuitable then the Chair has the right to seek an alternative venue for the viva voce examination. 6. If the supervisor(s) are to attend the viva voce examination, then ensure that they are positioned as an observer to the examination, they are not part of the examination process. Supervisors can only make a contribution during the examination with the permission of the Chair after consultation with the examiners. It is expected that the supervisor remains completely silent during the examination, remember it is the student who is being examined not the supervisor. If the Examiners have queries to raise with the supervisor these are normally deferred until the end of the viva voce examination and normally taken in the absence of the candidate e.g. the Examiners may wish to ask the supervisor about issues or extenuating circumstances that either, the student had claimed or that they may suspect, has severely affected their ability to collect data or write-up the thesis. 7. If the supervisor(s) is not present at the viva voce examination then the Chair should know how to contact the supervisor or their nominee (phone extension, or mobile phone number) in case they are required by the examination team. Remember they will definitely be required at the end of the examination to hear the decision. 8. Ensure that the supervisor or nominee has provided refreshments (water) at the beginning and that refreshments (tea/coffee) will be provided at an appropriate time during the viva voce examination e.g. after 1.5 to 2 hours. At this time into the viva voce examination the Chair should offer a 5-10 min comfort break for the examining team and the candidate. 9. Ensure that the student is given an opportunity to relax into the viva voce examination setting at the beginning by an introductory question or two to get the candidate talking e.g. tell us why you carried out this research, did you enjoy it, what was the most enjoyable part of the work etc. After this introduction, hand over to the examiners to conduct the viva voce examination. 10. During the viva voce examination, it is good practice to take notes of the progress of the viva voce examination with a time line noted in the margin. Such notes are extremely helpful in the case of an appeal against the decision! Keeping notes also helps the Chair remain alert and attentive during a viva voce examination and gives them a purpose for being there! 11. During the viva voce examination the Chair has the right to intervene if they judge that an examiner s questioning is too aggressive, is biased, is discriminatory or bigoted. If necessary, the Chair has the right to call a temporary break to discuss an issue with the examiners

61 2014 Edition Roles and responsibilities of Chairs 12. If the candidate is showing signs of extreme stress the Chair should suspend the viva voce examination and allow the candidate a short break to compose themselves. In very extreme cases the Chair has the right to suspend the viva voce examination indefinitely pending advice from a Counsellor. In the event of the viva voce examination being suspended indefinitely the Graduate School must be informed immediately and the supervisor or nominee referred to the Head of Graduate School for advice of how to proceed. 13. At the end of the questioning period the Chair must ask that both examiners are satisfied that they have enough information to come to an examination decision regarding the candidate. If they agree then the Chair asks the student to leave the room to allow the examiners to confer and come to a decision. The student should be told to wait close by with their supervisor. 14. During the period of conferring the Chair s role is to bring objectiveness to the discussion reflecting back on particular relevant issues that occurred in the viva voce examination this is where your notes can be useful to you! The Chair should use their experience to judge how the candidate had performed in the viva voce examination e.g. using phraseology such as average, above average, below average can help the examiners be more objective in the case of a borderline student. Go through the questions on the RDC.4 (or RDC.4R) one by one. If the examiners are not in agreement on any questions get them to discuss it and come to a decision. Discuss each of the options for the result of the examination with the examiners ruling out the options one by one. Most (approx. 85%) examinations fall into category minor modifications, some fall into the category of resubmission or award of a lower degree. In the case of all decisions which require further work (either minor modifications or resubmission) be sure that the examiners are agreed on what needs to be done, the extent of the further work and which of the examiners will be responsible for producing the written guidelines of the further work for the student. Emphasise that a copy of these guidelines must be submitted with the RDC.4/4R form to the Graduate School as soon after the end of the viva voce examination as possible (normally within a day or two and definitely within a two-week period from the date of the examination). 15. Ensure that the examining team, including the Chair, all sign the RDC.4 (or RDC.4R in the case of resubmissions) form. 16. Call the candidate and supervisor or nominee back into the examination room and deliver the verdict of the examination. 17. The Chair s hand written notes of the viva voce examination must be passed to the Graduate School so that they can be kept on file. This is very important in the case of resubmission or the award of a degree different to which the thesis was submitted for, as the student has the right to appeal against this decision and the University has a duty to provide evidence on the conduct of the examination. Reviewed June 2008, November 2012 and October

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63 2014 Edition PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY QAA FRAMEWORK FOR HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS (EXTRACT) Masters level Much of the study undertaken for master's degrees will have been at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments. Master's degrees are awarded after completion of taught courses, programmes of research or a mixture of both. Longer, research-based programmes may lead to the degree of MPhil. The learning outcomes of most master's degree courses are achieved on the basis of study equivalent to at least one full-time calendar year and are taken by graduates with a bachelor's degree with honours (or equivalent achievement). Master's degrees are often distinguished from other qualifications at this level (for example, advanced short courses, which often form parts of continuing professional development programmes and lead to postgraduate certificates and/or postgraduate diplomas) by an increased intensity, complexity and density of study. Master's degrees - in comparison to postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas - typically include planned intellectual progression that often includes a synoptic/research or scholarly activity. Some master's degrees, for example in science, engineering and mathematics, comprise an integrated programme of study spanning several levels where the outcomes are normally achieved through study equivalent to four full-time academic years. While the final outcomes of the qualifications themselves meet the expectations of the descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 7 in full, such qualifications are often termed 'integrated master's' as an acknowledgement of the additional period of study at lower levels (which typically meets the expectations of the descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 6). First degrees in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science comprise an integrated programme of study and professional practice spanning several levels. While the final outcomes of the qualifications themselves typically meet the expectations of the descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 7, these qualifications may

64 QAA framework of higher education qualifications 2014 Edition often retain, for historical reasons, titles of Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine or Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and are abbreviated to MBChB or BM BS, BDS, BVetMed and BVSc respectively. Note The Master of Arts (MA) granted by the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are not academic qualifications. The MA is normally granted, on application, to graduates of these universities with a Bachelor of Arts (BA). No further study or assessment is required, but the recipient may be required to pay a fee. At the University of Oxford, the MA may be granted during or after the twenty-first term from matriculation and at the University of Cambridge, the MA may be granted six years after the end of the first term. Descriptor for qualifications at Masters (M) level: Masters degree Masters degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated: a. a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice; b. a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; c. originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; d. conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: a. deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; b. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; c. continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level; and will have: d. the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

65 2014 Edition QAA framework of higher education qualifications Doctoral level Doctoral degrees are awarded for the creation and interpretation, construction and/or exposition of knowledge which extends the forefront of a discipline, usually through original research. Holders of doctoral degrees will be able to conceptualise, design and implement projects for the generation of significant new knowledge and/or understanding. Holders of doctoral degrees will have the qualities needed for employment that require both the ability to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields and an innovative approach to tackling and solving problems. Doctoral programmes that may include a research component but which have a substantial taught element (for example, Professional Doctorates), lead usually to awards which include the name of the discipline in their title (for example, EdD for Doctor of Education or DClinPsy for Doctor of Clinical Psychology). Professional Doctorates aim to develop an individual's professional practice and to support them in producing a contribution to (professional) knowledge. The titles PhD and DPhil are commonly used for doctoral degrees awarded on the basis of original research. Achievement of outcomes consistent with the qualification descriptor for the doctoral degree normally requires study equivalent to three full-time calendar years. Higher doctorates may be awarded in recognition of a substantial body of original research undertaken over the course of many years. Typically a portfolio of work which has been previously published in a peer-refereed context is submitted for assessment. Most higher education awarding bodies restrict candidacy to graduates or academic staff of several years' standing. Note Honorary doctoral degrees are not academic qualifications. Descriptor for qualifications at Doctoral (D) level: Doctoral degree Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated: a. the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication, b. a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice, c. the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems; d. a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry

66 QAA framework of higher education qualifications 2014 Edition Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: a. make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; b. continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; and will have: c. the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments

67 2014 Edition APPENDIX 1 - PRESENTATION OF A THESIS PRESENTATION Except with specific permission of the Graduate Sub-Committee the thesis must be presented in English. Perfect/Temporary Binding Theses can be submitted for examination in permanent or more usually "perfect" temporary binding, which is sufficiently secure to guarantee that pages cannot be added or removed. The University accepts temporarily bound theses which are presented in the format of perfect binding where all pages are glued together on the spine of the document. A thesis submitted in temporary binding must be in its final form in all respects other than binding. The University requires all theses, in their final form following examination, to be submitted as an electronic version of the thesis which will need to be uploaded in the University electronic repository. The award will not be given until the electronic copy of the thesis has been submitted to the University repository and the submission been approved by the Graduate School and any outstanding academic debts to the University have been paid. Students may wish to produce a hard copy of their final thesis for themselves, their supervisors or their funders and the hard copy should conform to the following instructions. Cover and Binding Any final hardbound of the thesis for personal use of the candidate, supervisors or other staff should be such that the spine is flexible enough so that it can be opened fully for ease of reading, it is fixed so that pages cannot be removed or replaced and the cover is rigid to support the weight of the pages when upright Wording on Spine Permanent Bound Thesis Only The permanent bound thesis should detail: surname and initials of the candidate, qualification aim/achieved, year of submission, and volume of work if the work consists of more than one volume. Wording on front page or front cover The front page/cover should detail: title of the work, surname and initials of the candidate, qualification aim/achieved, and year of submission

68 Appendix Edition Lettering on Front Cover and Spine (Permanent Bound Thesis Only) The lettering should normally be 8 mm capital height if all in capitals, 10 mm capital height if capitals and lower case are used. Page Format Line Format CONTENTS Page size/type: A4 portrait; white (70 to 100 g/m2) Margins top/bottom: 20 mm Page numbering: Arabic numerals located bottom centre, in single sequence throughout, including pages that carry tables, figures, plates and appendices Chapter numbering: In sequence from start to finish of the thesis Footnotes: Single spaced Printing: Double-sided Justification: Left compulsory; right optional Inside margin: 40 mm Outside margin: 20 mm Line length: 60 to 70 characters Spacing: Text in double spacing; quotations in single spacing Sequence of Items Recommended sequence of items required in a single-volume thesis: Copyright statement Title page (see model) Acknowledgements Author's declaration and word count (see model) Abstract List of contents List of tables, illustrations, etc. Text, divided into chapters, sections, etc. Appendices List of references/bibliography Bound in copies of publications

69 2014 Edition Appendix 1 Copyright Statement The following statement should be placed on a single page on the first page of the thesis: Title Page This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without the author's prior consent. A model title page is attached. Acknowledgements The acknowledgements should normally include the reason for undertaking the study, acknowledgements of assistance including scholarships and grants, acknowledgements of assistance from supervisors and colleagues and thanks for support from friends, family, etc. Author's Signed Declaration A model declaration is attached. The declaration page should be signed and dated by the candidate at the foot of the page and contain: Abstract a declaration that at no time during the registration for the research degree has the author been registered for any other University award, without prior agreement of the Graduate Sub-Committee, a declaration that no work submitted for a research degree at Plymouth University may form part of any other degree either at the University or at another establishment, if the registration has been undertaken as part of an official agreement between Plymouth University and an another institution(s) (Joint degree), then the declaration must mention this, if the study was part of a collaborative project then a clear indication of the individual contribution of the candidate and extent of collaboration, and relevant aspects of research training undertaken such as courses completed, conferences attended, presentations of research works and published or other forms of presentation of creative work. The text should be approximately 300 words and should provide a synopsis of the thesis, stating the nature and scope of work undertaken and the contribution to knowledge in the subject. The abstract should appear on a single page and should be headed by: the candidate s name in full (not initials), and the title of thesis

70 Appendix Edition List of Contents The list of contents should follow the abstract page. All relevant subdivisions of the thesis should be listed in sequence including the following: the title of chapters, sections and subsections, appendices, the list of abbreviations and other functional parts of the whole thesis, the list of references/bibliography, and publications. List of Illustrations and Tables Should follow the list of contents. 1. Illustrations Illustrations should appear near to the first reference made to them in the text. It may be desirable to group illustrations at the back of the thesis, as appendices, if they: List of Illustrations need to be compared with one another, or are referred to frequently in the text, or need to be separate because of their size or character. Every illustration in the thesis, including appendices and material that cannot be bound, should be included in the list of illustrations with page numbers or other identification. Legends and Labels A short legend should appear beneath each illustration detailing the title of the illustration and any other necessary information e.g. meaning of codes, size and source of item reproduced. Numbering Illustrations should be numbered consecutively in a single sequence. Large Illustrations If it is necessary to bind an illustration into the thesis which is greater than A4 in size, it should be produced on paper that can be folded to fit within the thesis or if too large, then it should be placed in a pocket attached to the inside back cover of the volume. The bindery should be advised of any large illustrations. Material that cannot be bound should be avoided if possible. Any such material that cannot be bound near to the related text should be: packaged in such a way that it can be bound with the thesis, or stored in a pocket attached to the inside back cover, or gathered into another volume and stored in a rigid container of the same size as the bound thesis

71 2014 Edition Appendix 1 2. Tables If there are relatively few tables, each should appear near to the first reference made to them in the text. Each table should, if possible, appear complete on one page. It may be desirable to group tables at the back of the thesis, as appendices, if: Number and Title they are referred to frequently in the text, or there are many tables. Each table should have a number and title, which should appear beneath the table. The number should precede the title. The title should describe the content of the table. Tables within the text should be numbered in a single sequence, separate from illustrations. Tables that are not the work of the author but that are reproduced in the thesis should be numbered and treated as illustrations. Tables in an appendix should have a separate sequence. If there is more than one sequence of tables, the different sequences should be identified. If a table occupies more than one page, its number should be given on each page, followed if necessary by 'continued'. Character Size The size should be large enough to allow the table to be reproduced without risk to legibility. Numerical tables may require a larger character size than the main text. A series of tables should be consistent in character size, use of space, etc. 3. Photographic Prints and Computer Printout If bound within the text photographic prints should be on medium - weight photographic paper. Appendices The appendices may contain material of considerable length, lists, documents, commentaries, tables and other matters that if included in the thesis would interrupt the flow. The style should be consistent with the main text. If long appendices are divided into chapters these divisions should be detailed in the list of contents under the main heading of the appendix. Appendices should follow the main text of the thesis, possibly with a separate list of contents, particularly if the thesis is divided into more than one volume. List of References/Bibliography Full bibliographical references should be given for all works cited in the text and should follow one of the major accepted systems. It is necessary to distinguish between a bibliography and a reference list. A bibliography lists all works and sources which have been read or consulted during the course of the research but will not necessarily be an exhaustive list of all material relevant to it. A list of references is confined to sources mentioned in the text, and this is usually considered more pertinent for a thesis (although sometimes important publications which have been consulted, but not specifically referred to in the text may be included)

72 Appendix Edition Publications Students are encouraged to publish and/or present their research material in advance of the thesis, thereby having some peer review of their work. Copies of published materials should be bound in with the thesis or placed in an adequately secured pocket at the end of the thesis

73 2014 Edition Appendix 1 MODEL DECLARATION AUTHOR'S DECLARATION TO BE TAKEN AS AN EXAMPLE, AND BE AMENDED TO EACH CANDIDATE S DETAILS At no time during the registration for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy has the author been registered for any other University award without prior agreement of the Graduate Sub-Committee. Work submitted for this research degree at the Plymouth University has not formed part of any other degree either at Plymouth University or at another establishment. This research has been conducted under a formal agreement with name of other higher education institution(s), for which a joint award will be awarded. This study was financed with the aid of a studentship form the sponsor name and carried out in collaboration with collaborating institution. A programme of advanced study was undertaken, which included taught modules taken, other as relevant. Relevant scientific seminars and conferences were regularly attended at which work was often presented; external institutions were visited for consultation purposes and several papers prepared for publication. Publications (or presentation of other forms of creative and performing work): Presentation and Conferences Attended: External Contacts: Word count of main body of thesis: Signed Date

74 Appendix Edition MODEL TITLE PAGE: AN EVALUATION OF THE MEASUREMENTS OF PORT EFFICIENCY by ANDREW JOHN SMITH A thesis submitted to Plymouth University in partial fulfilment for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Earth and Environmental Sciences Doctoral Training Centre In collaboration with Rutland Port Authorities August