UNIVERISTY OF KENT
Programme Specification
- The Award and Title
PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences
MPhil in Medicine and Health Sciences
2.The Length and Mode of Registration
PhD: 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
MPhil: 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time
3.Entry Requirements
Candidates must have either:
A first degree in a relevant subject from a British University at II.1 or above;
A first degree in a relevant subject from a British University at II.2 and a higher degree;
or an equivalent qualification
Candidates who do not have English as their first language will be required to achieve a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score to a recommended standard of the University of Kent
- Anticipated Total Student Registration
2-3 candidates per year
- Programme Management
Responsibility for postgraduate students on the programme rests with the Director of Graduate Studies who works with the appointed supervisors and the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medical Studies.
Director of Graduate Studies:Professor Larry Ray
Academic Administrative Support:Judy Lee
- Proposed Start Date
This programme is running.
- Opportunity and Need
It is central to the University’s mission and the Department Plan to pursue research to an internationally recognised standard, and a vital aspect of this is the provision of research degree programmes. PhD and MPhil degrees, the standard research degrees in most subject areas, are increasingly recognised as appropriate in medical research.
8.Aims and Objectives
The aim of the programme of research is to contribute to knowledge and practice within the broad field of Medicine and Health Sciences.
On completion of the programme students will be able demonstrate that they are familiar with all the current literature relating to their topic of research. They will be proficient in the research methodology and research skills relating to their area of research. They will be able to demonstrate that they have undertaken a specific body of original research, that they have been able to draw appropriate conclusions and that they are able to relate their findings to the general body of knowledge surrounding their subject.
On completion of the programme students will be able demonstrate that they are familiar with all the current literature relating to their topic of research. They will be proficient in the relevant methodology and research skills. They will be able to demonstrate that they have undertaken a specific body of original research, that they have been able to draw appropriate conclusions and that they are able to relate their findings to the general body of knowledge surrounding their subject. The thesis should be of such scholarly merit as would justify its publication either as submitted, or in an abridged form, or divided into a series of separate papers.
Assessment will be undertaken in accordance with the University’s Assessment Criteria for Research Degrees.
9.Programme Outline
The curriculum will be in the general area of medicine and health sciences and may range from basic research into mechanisms of disease or methodology, clinical research, or behavioural social science research. Candidates will be required, in consultation with their supervisors, to undertake appropriate background reading, to undertake such research training as the supervisor and the Social Sciences Faculty require and to put such training into practice, to carry out a substantial body of original research and to provide a written account of the research, including its context within the current body of knowledge.
10.Research Skills Training
Current training provided for SSPSSR students (over and above that available at Faculty level) is designed to support students in acquiring research and transferable skills. The following specific learning opportunities are offered:
Departmental Course on Research Skills - First year students are expected to attend some or all of the modules attached to the MA in Methods of Social Research (MSR) run by SSPSSR each year. Topics covered include literature searches, critical appraisal of papers, assessment of different types of research (e.g. randomised controlled trials), analysis of data, qualitative research, research governance, ethical issues, ethical approval processes, writing good papers, communication skills and research funding. In later years students may attend selected lectures for a refresher.
Library Skills and Literature Searches – students are encouraged to attend the Templeman Library’s hands-on skills training sessions covering inter alia searches on the Web of Science and on-line resources for science, technology and medicine.
Computing Services/World Wide Web – most students are highly competent in these areas but all students are made aware of the availability of local advice and of University courses to develop knowledge and skills.
Personal Training Skills – University courses are available to support the development of personal skills and students are encouraged to attend these. Supervisors are expected to provide personal support to students, to monitor progress, and to provide constructive feedback.
Presentation Skills – students are encouraged to give a presentation once a year as part of the SSPSSR seminar series for PGR students.
Thesis and Report Writing – writing papers and theses are covered in the MSR modules. Supervisors are expected to play an important role in guiding students over their written work, which generally forms their most important output.
Careers Training – in SSPSSR many students are already established on a professional career such as medicine or psychotherapy. All students receive advice within the Department and where appropriate (e.g. for younger students) through the University Careers Office.
Teacher Training – aspects of teaching skills have been covered above and students are also encouraged to attend University courses.
Health and Safety – all new students are given a health and safety induction by the Departmental.
11.Progression
Students and Supervisors are required to complete annual written reports on progress.
Students undergo formal reviews of progress at key stages in their programme of study, involving the student, main supervisor and advisor. They will also meet with their supervisory panel at least twice a year. The upgrading and submission reviews are undertaken by the supervisor, another member of the supervisory team and the Department Director of Graduate Studies (who will normally act as chair).
Where the Department Director of Graduate Studies is a member of the student's supervisory team, another member of the Department Graduate Studies Committee will be co-opted to act on behalf of the committee.
The review stages are as follows:
Induction – This review takes place shortly after registration and should focus on the student's topic of study as set out in their application. The principal function of this review is to agree initial targets for the student.
Probation – This review takes place following the completion of the student's induction programme and initial research training. The principal function of this review is to ensure that the student has been able to embark on the main body of their research, and to address any issues of concern to student or supervisors.
Upgrading – This review normally takes place after the Probation review, and is completed during the fifth term for full-time students and by the end of the 2nd year for part-time. The principal function of this review is to make judgements on the capabilities of the student and the viability of the project for an award at a higher level. If appropriate, the panel for this meeting will also include an external member.
The panel decides whether the student should be upgraded. Should the student's progress prove to be unsatisfactory, this review may be repeated on one more occasion only. If the panel considers that a student should not be upgraded but may submit a thesis for the degree for which he/she is registered or that the student should withdraw from the programme, the recommendation will be considered by the Faculty Director of Graduate Studies.
Submission – This review normally takes place approximately three months prior to the end of the student's period of registration. The principal function of this review is to ensure that the student is in a position to complete and submit their research in the allotted time. The panel decides whether the student should be advised to submit or to enter the extension year. Should the student's progress prove to be unsatisfactory, the panel will recommend to the Faculty Director of Graduate Studies that the student should be granted an extension to their registration period. Should the student's progress prove to be unsatisfactory, this review may be repeated.
12. AssessmentBy thesis. It is the responsibility of the Director of Graduate Studies to ensure that all students are examined in accordance with the appropriate University Regulations.
13.Approved Supervisory Chairs
A list of supervisors approved by the SS Faculty Board for Research and Enterprise in accordance the Code of Practice for Quality Assurance (Research Students).
14.Research Environment
SSPSSR is one of the leading research departments in its field, attested by the 6* status in social policy gained in the 2001 RAE [1]. The School includes five large, independently-funded established Research Centres and a number of other Centres of Research. Staff also carry out a wide range of research listed on their individual web-pages [2] and direct a number of funded research projects.
The School has also identified a number of specific areas of research strength which draw together staff in Research Centres and members of the School.
Crime, Control and Culture [3]
Cross-National and European Social Policy [4]
Environmental social science [5]
Health Care and Health Studies [6]
Philanthropy [7]
Race and Ethnicity [8]
Risk, Risk Society, Risk Management and Welfare Reform [9]
Social
15.Student Support and Guidance
The SSPSSR Handbook for Postgraduate Students and the University booklet covering Regulations, Students’ Union Code of Practice, and the Student Charter are available on the University website.
Supervisor:The principle source of support is the academic supervisor, a member of staff. The supervisor is assigned as part of the registration process.
Adviser: A second adviser assists with annual progress reviews and is available to advise over mentoring or other issues as necessary.
16.Departmental Quality Assurance and Enhancement
The University offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) programme. The programme is open to any member of academic staff but is particularly geared to the needs of new members of staff. New academic staff at the University of Kent who are appointed with a probationary period of two years or more are required to register for the programme.
17.Departmental Resource Implications
The Department provides office space and computer facilities for all research students. In addition, students involved in clinical research will need access to hospital or community-based facilities, which are established at the time of registration is not already available.
18.Professional Accreditation
Where applicable, agreement will be sought from the established bodies for accreditation in the field, namely Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of Physicians (London) or a related faculty or college (e.g. Faculty of Occupational Medicine of Ireland), with a view to having the thesis accepted for submission towards membership of the Faculty.