Research Supervisor Training Programme

Regulations & Processes

Regulations• The University of Worcester Resear

ch Degree Regulatory Framework• Regulations (and associated

processes) are fully explained in Handbook for Research Students and Supervisors 2012/13

Key stages of the Research Degree Process

• Application• Approval of the research proposal

(RDB1)• Transfer to PhD (RDB2)• Examination Arrangements (RDB3)• Annual Monitoring (RDB7)

RDB Forms• RDB1 – Approval of Research Proposal • RDB2 – Transfer to PhD • RDB3 – Examination Arrangements • RDB4a - Suspension • RDB4b – Extension • RDB4c – Early submission • RDB5 – Withdrawal • RDB6 – Supervisory Changes • RDB7 – Annual monitoring • RDB8a – Examiner’s Preliminary report (PhD) • RDB8b – Examiner’s Preliminary report (MPhil) • RDB9a – Examiners’ Final report (PhD) • RDB9b – Examiners’ Final report (MPhil) • RDB10 – Student’s Declaration • RDB11 – Independent Chair’s Declaration • RDB12 - CV

Application stage – self funded

• Student submits application to GRS with brief research proposal

• Application form passed to relevant Research Coordinator who identifies potential DoS and other supervisors

• If the Research Coordinator cannot identify the necessary expertise the student is rejected at this stage

• Proposed supervisory team interviews student (based on an interview checklist)

• Student either accepted subject to references or rejected (commonly because the project is not viable, or because the student does not have the skills or experience to begin the project)

• DoS approves contract and start date for successful applicant

Application stage – studentships

• Opportunities to propose studentship projects or areas advertised to staff in Summer with closing date for applications in October

• Applications considered by a Selection Panel and recommendations made to VC

• Successful applications advertised in national press

• Supervisory team identifies an interview shortlist

• Candidates interviewed by team and member of GRS staff

• DoS approves contract and start date for successful candidate

Approval of Research Proposal (RDB1)

• All research student projects and the supervisory team must be approved by Research Degrees Board

• At the core of RDB1 is a 1000 word proposal. The proposal must be preceded by a lay summary of 200 words. The proposal must then outline:

– Context for the research– Research Question– Aims & Objectives– The expected or planned original contribution to knowledge – Methodology/critical framework– Timescale for the research

• Proposal undergoes a formal 2 stage review process before reaching the Board– Review by Institute– Review by External Experts

• Student and DoS must formally respond to the reviews, addressing any issues or problems highlighted, and revise the proposal accordingly

• The Board sees the final version of the proposal, the reviews and responses• DoS is required and the student advised to attend the Board to present the

research and answer any questions• RDB may approve without requiring revisions or request minor revisions (and

approve by Chairs action when met) or request more significant revisions (and the student re-submit to the Board)

Transfer (RDB2)• All students normally registered for MPhil/PhD• Therefore all students must normally undergo Transfer

to PhD at roughly the mid point of their degree• Transfer requires:

– Submission of a substantial piece of work e.g. chapter of thesis

– ‘Interview’ with a panel consisting of• Independent Chair• Supervisory team• Expert in the field (internal or external)

• Panel can recommend to RDB that– Transfer is approved without condition– Transfer is approved subject to certain conditions– The student reapply for transfer at a later date– The student submit for MPhil

Examination (RDB3)• An examination team has to be approved a minimum of 3 months in

advance of submission of thesis• Team consists of at least 2 (sometimes 3) examiners plus an Independent

Chair• At least 1 examiner must be external and 2 in the case of students who are

current or recent members of staff• Examiners are proposed by the supervisory team• The DoS completes an examination arrangements form (RDB3) with

attached CV (RDB12) for each examiner • Independent Chair is appointed by the GRS• Examiners must have appropriate subject expertise and collectively have

examined 3 research degrees at the appropriate level• Where an examination team is approved and the student does not submit

their thesis within a 12 month period, it must be established that the examiners still wish to act in this capacity and remain independent

• Once the thesis is submitted the GRS will forward the thesis to the examiners and organise the date of the viva

• The viva will take place a minimum of 6 weeks after submission• Supervisors can attend the viva as observers only with the permission of

the student

Annual Monitoring (RDB7)• Research student progress is monitored in a number of formal and informal ways

– Meetings with supervisory team– RDB1, RDB2, training– Report to Research Degrees Board– End of year interview with GRS– Annual Monitoring (RDB7)

• Annual Monitoring requires the student to complete Section 5 of the RDB7 form addressing the following key issues:

– Progress of research– Significant changes to research project– Pattern of meetings with supervisors– Training undertaken

• The DoS is asked to reflect on progress based on the information provided• The form must be signed off by the student and the DoS and is passed to Research Co-

ordinator who arranges an annual interview for the student with an independent member of staff

• The completed form is returned to the research Co-ordinator after the meeting and reviewed with any significant issues being addressed. Summary report and issues for the Board received at December meeting.