Draft Framework for the Management of Academic Standards, Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement 2012/2013
PART C: RESEARCH PROVISION
CONTENTS
1.Introduction
2.Structures, Roles and Responsibilities
3.Admissions
4.Pre-Entry Guidance and Induction
5.The Structure of the University’s Research Degrees
6.Supervision
7.Progress and Transfer
8.Examination
9.Student Support
10.Student Representation and Feedback
11.Student Progress Review
1. Introduction
1.1This document outlines the structures, policies, procedures, roles and responsibilities that together constitute the Framework for the Management of Academic Standards, Quality Assurance and Enhancement (the Framework) for research provision leading to awards of the University of Glamorgan.
1.2The University defines academic standards as the level of achievement a student has to reach to gain an academic award.
The University defines academic quality as the learning opportunities provided to students to help them achieve their award.
The University defines academic enhancement as the, process of taking deliberate steps at institutional level to improve the quality of learning opportunities
2.Structures, Roles and Responsibilities
2.1The Framework is based upon three interconnected tiers of operation: Programme, Faculty and University. Responsibility for activity at each of these tiers rests with the ‘Gatekeeper’ (the person with overall responsibility) and the ‘Gateway’ (the committee through which that person exercises their responsibilities).
2.2The Vice Chancellor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the University, oversees academic standards, quality assurance and enhancement, assisted by members of Directorate, the Principal of RWCMD, Deans and Heads of Corporate Departments.
2.3The principal committees of the University are the Board of Governors and Academic Board. The Vice Chancellor chairs Academic Board which takes overall responsibility for academic standards, quality assurance and enhancement for all courses leading to awards of the University.
2.4Academic Board delegates responsibility for academic standards and quality assurance of taught degrees to the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC), chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Business Development), responsibility for academic quality enhancement to the Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committee (LTEC), chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Student Experience) and responsibility for academic development to Academic Development Committee (ADC) chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Business Development). All of these committees report to Academic Board.
2.5QAC delegates responsibility for the quality and standards of research degrees to a University-wide Research Programmes Sub-Committee (RPSC).
2.6At Faculty level, the quality assurance of research degrees is undertaken by the Faculty Research Programmes Committee (FRPC). The Chair of FRPC is a senior member of staff to whom the Dean has delegated substantial responsibility for research degrees.
2.7FRPC reports to both RPSC and QAC.
2.8An institution-wide Graduate Research Office (GRO) which is part of the University’s Research Office provides administrative support for the academic standards and quality assurance of research degrees at both University and Faculty level.
3.ADMISSIONS
3.1 Minimum entry requirements are set out in the Research Degrees Regulations which are available on the University of Glamorgan website.
3.2All applications for research degrees are considered by a review panel against pre-determined criteria.
3.3Applications must be approved by the FRPC which ensures the University has the capacity and expertise to supervise the research before an offer is made to the applicant.
3.4The FRPC notes new registrations and ensures any ethical issues have been considered and approved if required.
3.5Acceptance of a research student confirms that the resources required to undertake the research are available either within the Faculty, University or from other sources.
4.pre-entry guidance and induction
4.1The postgraduate prospectus and University website provide comprehensive information on research activity and opportunities as well as other matters such as fees, accommodation and student support.
4.2New students receive joining instructions ahead of arrival and induction programmes are organised by the GRO and by Faculties. Additional events are organised for international students.
5.THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY’S RESEARCH DEGREES
5.1The University awards research degrees at both Masters Level and Doctoral Level.
5.2The definitions and requirements for research degrees are outlined in the Research Degree Regulations which are available on the University of Glamorgan website.
5.3Degrees may be approved in any field of study subject to the following requirements:
1.There being appropriate supervisory capacity and expertise to supervise the programme
2.The proposed programme is capable of leading to scholarly research and to its presentation for assessment by appropriate examiners.
5.4The University offers several Professional Doctorates which are approved degrees requiring, in addition to the research element, the completion of taught elements at advanced level.
5.5The University’s Masters by Research degree may include completion of taught elements at Masters Level (up to a maximum of 80 credits).
5.6The submission route for a research degree varies depending on the type of award:
5.6.1The route to a Masters by Research award is via the submission for examination of a written thesis.
5.6.2The route to an MPhil award is via the submission for examination of a written thesis or portfolio of work.
5.6.3The route to a PhD award is via the submission for examination of a written thesis, portfolio of work, or published materials.
5.7A University Research Diploma may be awarded at the discretion of examiners to research degree candidates who do not achieve the criteria required for the award of a research degree.
6.SUPERVISION
6.1All new supervisors are required to attend supervisor training within six months of taking on a new student and all other supervisors are required to attend refresher training every three years.
6.2Supervisors must normally be research active and at least one member of the supervisory team must have expertise in the relevant discipline of the research.
6.3 There are mechanisms which encourage partnering for supervision so that subject specialists who may have little supervisory experience are linked with and mentored by experienced supervisors within supervisory teams.
6.4Supervisory teams consist of at least two but no more than three supervisors.
6.5The Director of Studies is the principle supervisor and manages the supervisory process such that at least one supervisor meets with the student on a regular and frequent basis. A formal record of the meeting is agreed by both parties and includes a review of previously agreed objectives, and targets and objectives for the next meeting.
6.6All new postgraduate research students are strongly encouraged to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Research which is a 60 credit taught award. This comprises a 20 credit generic module plus 40 credits of Faculty based discipline-specific modules at Masters Level.
7. PROGRESS AND TRANSFER
7.1The FRPC monitors the progress of research students at Faculty level and transfers students from MPhil to PhD.
7.2Each Faculty holds an annual Progress Board to review each student’s progress, using supervision reports, annual statements of progress from the student and supervisor and any other material that may be relevant e.g. transfer reports.
7.3The Progress Board assesses progress using one of the following grades:
- A Excellent (no problems and timely completion anticipated)
- B Satisfactory (some issues exist but timely completion anticipated)
- C Some progress has been made but timely and satisfactory completion is questionable
- DProgress unsatisfactory
7.4In the event of a student’s progress being less than satisfactory, the Progress Board shall make appropriate recommendations such as interviewing the student and/or supervisory team, changes to the supervisory team and/or withdrawing the student.
7.5A student registered for an MPhil/PhD degree must successfully transfer from MPhil to PhD in order to continue towards PhD. The transfer process is a two-stage process involving the student (1) completing a transfer report which is assessed by an approved independent specialist (who may be internal or external) and (2) undertaking an oral assessment (viva voce). Where possible, the oral assessment will be undertaken by the independent specialist who reviews the transfer report.
7.6Before approving transfer from MPhil to PhD, the FRPC ensures that the candidate has made sufficient progress and that the programme provides a suitable basis for a future PhD submission.
7.7The independent specialist considering the transfer report cannot be appointed as internal or external examiner for the candidate’s final submission.
8.EXAMINATION
8.1Examination arrangements are approved by the Research Programmes Sub Committee (RPSC) of QAC.
8.2Candidates are examined by at least two and usually not more than three examiners, of whom at least one is an independent external examiner. Where the candidate is a member of staff at the University, a second independent external examiner is appointed.
8.3When appointing external examiners, the RPSC considers any familiarity with the department and whether this could potentially prejudice objective judgement. RPSC has taken measures to reduce this risk e.g. the same examiner is not usually approved more than twice within a five year period and former members of staff of the University are not approved as external examiners until at least three years after they have left.
8.4Objective judgement of all examiners is further ensured by the University requiring proposed examiners to complete an appointment of examiners form which includes a declaration of any prior relationship with the student and supervisory team.
8.5Appointed examining teams comprise specialists in the area of the research and usually the topic to be examined and are experienced in examining at the level of the award being considered.
8.6The Secretary of the RPSC sends a copy of the thesis to each examiner along with a preliminary report form and the Code of Practice for Examiners of Research Degrees, and ensures all examiners are properly briefed as to their duties. Examiners complete independent preliminary reports on the thesis.
8.7The University appoints an independent person to chair the oral examination to ensure the assessment process is rigorous, fair, reliable and consistent. The Chair is independent of the candidate’s programme of study and is usually a senior academic who has substantial experience of examining research degrees and a clear understanding of the University’s regulations and procedures.
8.8Following the oral examination, examiners complete a joint report and recommendation to the RPSC. Where they are not in agreement, separate reports and recommendations are submitted. In this situation, the RPSC may:
- accept a majority recommendation (provided this includes at least one external examiner)
- accept the recommendation of the external examiner
- require appointment of an additional external examiner
The value the University places on the opinion of the external examiner under these circumstances ensures the process is independent and robust.
8.9The GROorganises a Degree Examining and Chair of Viva Workshop for members of staff new to research degree examining andviva chairing. Other more experienced examiners and chairs are encouraged to attend to share their experiences and to ensure their knowledge of the research regulations is kept up to date.
9.STUDENT SUPPORT
9.1Students have access to a wide range of sources of help and advice.The University’s Glamlife website which is the student portal acts as a central reference point bringing together a network of support and information provided by the Research Office, Academic Registry, the Student’s Union and Student Services.
9.2The GRO is a branch of the University’s Research Office, the remit of which is:
- to provide administrative support for research degrees from application through to award
- to advise research students, supervisors, examiners and chairs on University regulations and procedures associated with research degrees
- to co-ordinate a generic skills training course for research students, bringing together students from across the University
9.3The Student Services Department is made up of a number of specialist teams: Careers; Counselling and Mental Wellbeing; Student Money Service, Disability and Dyslexia Service; Health Service and Resident Tutors. Although not part of Student Services, the Chaplaincy works closely with the Department.
10.STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND FEEDBACK
10.1Students play a critical part in the evaluation, development and enhancement of quality. Feedback from students is essential for the University to identify issues and areas for quality improvement, as well as to learn from those areas where quality is seen as of a high standard.The gathering of student feedback is carried out through a variety of methods.
10.2Students are represented on committees at both faculty and University level, and the Students’ Union, in partnership with the University, runs a programme of training and networking each year to enable student representatives on committees to serve effectively. Student Voice Reps (SVRs) sit on faculty boards and University committees such as the RPSC. Students are also represented on other committees (such as the Quality Assurance Committee) by the Sabbatical Officers of the Students’ Union.
10.3Regular meetings take place between the Students’ Union and Senior Management Team, and between the Students’ Union and all levels of Students’ Representatives.
10.4Students attending generic skills training events are encouraged to provide feedback through completion of evaluation forms after the event.
10.5The GRO runs the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey every two years which research students are encouraged to complete and which feeds into quality enhancement processes.
10.6Where students have cause for complaint about the service they have received they have access to the Student Complaints Procedure which is intended to provide an accessible, fair and straight-forward system which ensures an effective, timely and appropriate response.
11.STUDENT PROGRESS REVIEW
11.1All research students are reviewed annually, as part of the University’s annual monitoring process. The purpose of the process is:
- To assure the quality of research degrees and that academic standards are being maintained
- To evaluate students’ progress
- To ensure the best possible student experience within the resource available
- To ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy any identified shortcomings and opportunities to enhance provision and practice are taken
- To identify and disseminate good practice
11.2The key responsibilities for Student Progress Review are assigned as follows:
Tier 3: University Level
- RPSC audits the FRPC Student Progress / Annual Monitoring Reports and provides an overview highlighting any general issues arising
- QAC receives anoverview of the Student Progress Review exercise from RPSC
Tier 2: Faculty Level
- The Head of Research / nominee prepares a Faculty Student Progress / Annual Monitoring Report and action plan
Tier 1: Programme Level
- The supervisor and the student complete Student Progress Review forms
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
- Research Degrees Regulations
- Codes of Practice for Research Students, Supervisors and Examiners of Research Degrees
- QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education,Chapter B11: Postgraduate Research Programmes
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