Research Supervisor Training Programme

1. Research Supervisor Training Programme Regulations & Processes

2. Regulations • The University of Worcester Research Degree Regulatory Framework • Regulations (and associated processes) are fully explained in Handbook for Research Students and Supervisors 2012/13

3. Key stages of the Research Degree Process • Application • Approval of the research proposal (RDB1) • Transfer to PhD (RDB2) • Examination Arrangements (RDB3) • Annual Monitoring (RDB7)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.