Introduction
These guidelines have been approved by the Board of Studies in the School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences (SHES) for the management of research training in the School. They supplement the Bangor University's guidelines and regulations and are consistent with the QAA for Higher Education Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education (September 2004). They are intended to provide both students and supervisors with an understanding of the specific research training management procedures in SSHES and with their rights and responsibilities. The guidelines are written with full time PhD students in mind. However, the management of part time PhD students and full and part time MPhil students should utilise the same procedures wherever possible. Any time limits mentioned apply to full time students and should be adjusted appropriately for part time students. Similarly, the guidelines are written with the assumption that students start their studentships at the beginning of the academic year. Any dates mentioned should be adjusted appropriately for students commencing their studies at other times of the year.
Aims of Research Training in SSHES
The aim of our research training programme is to develop students' potential as independent researchers who operate from a theory-driven perspective and can address both theoretical and applied questions using a wide variety of research methods. Our students are expected to develop a very sound understanding of a broad range of analytical techniques, underpinned by a strong conceptual grasp of research processes and their underlying philosophies. Flexibility and adaptability in selecting ways of answering particular questions are encouraged. We aim to develop strengths in written and verbal communication and presentational skills so that students are able to effectively communicate with both expert and lay audiences through a variety of formats. Our emphasis is very much on research training in a broad sense, rather than just training to produce a particular thesis. Thus we are also committed to the all-round academic and professional development of our students. To this end, our students are actively involved in the research, teaching and administrative aspects of the School's work and, where appropriate, work opportunities external to the School. The School is well-known for its learner-centred approach to both undergraduate teaching and postgraduate research training and has been a leader in developing this ethos throughout the University.
Overall management of research training in the School is the responsibility of the Director of Postgraduate Studies, under the direction of the Head of School. The Director's specific responsibilities are:
1. To co-ordinate the Postgraduate Forum..
2. To report to the Board of Studies twice yearly.
3. To handle the process of research student admissions.
4. To ensure that all students have an appropriate and well-run Thesis Committee.
5. To arbitrate between supervisors, Thesis Committee chairs/advisors and students in the case of problems that cannot be resolved by the Committee itself.
6. To co-ordinate the process of monitoring student progress.
7. To liaise with the Academic Office with respect to all research student affairs.
Formal applications are channelled through the University Academic Office and the Director of Postgraduate Studies. Potential students will normally have a Masters degree or at least a First Class undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline and be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of understanding of research methods and statistical analysis. Applicants must submit a formal application form to the Academic Office. To obtain a form, click here.
Applicants are asked to present a CV, the names of two academic referees and an outline of the topic or topics of research that they are interested in pursuing. The Director of Postgraduate Studies then seeks to match the student with an appropriate supervisor. Where a successful match is found, the potential student will usually be invited to be interviewed by a panel normally comprising at least the Director of Postgraduate Studies and the potential supervisor. The Academic Office will then be asked to make an offer of a place to the potential student, subject to funding. The first year of registration will in all cases be provisional. Students will proceed to full registration in year two subject to satisfactory progress as outlined below. These procedures may differ in the case of overseas students. Overseas students whose first language is not English will also normally be expected to have achieved a score of at least 6.5 on standardised English language tests (IELTSs). The School operates an equal opportunities policy with respect to postgraduate admissions.
At the heart of the research training process is the Thesis Committee, whose role is to oversee the student's research training and professional development and to monitor and evaluate progress towards completion of the thesis. This is achieved by a system of regular reporting by both student and supervisor to the Thesis Committee. The intention is to identify and cater for individual student needs, to spot problems as early as possible and to implement mechanisms for recovery from such problems. A primary responsibility of the Thesis Committee is to establish at the start of the studentship the expectations, rights and responsibilities of each member in the form of a personal contract to which all are committed. These personal contracts need not take a formal written format, but should address such issues as the number of hours of contact between the student and supervisor, the availability of the student within the department, the amount and frequency of written submissions expected of the student, the amount of chairperson and advisor involvement in the research training process, departmental privileges that the student may expect and what is expected of them in return.
1. The Thesis Committee will consist of a principal supervisor, a second supervisor/advisor and a chairperson. The Chair and second supervisor/advisor will be selected by the supervisor in conjunction with the student. The responsibilities of the Chair are to assist in monitoring the progress of the student's research training and thesis, to monitor the quality of supervision provided and to ensure that a good student-supervisor relationship is maintained. The responsibilities of the second supervisor/advisor are to provide additional academic support for the student (and supervisor), often with regard to specific expertise in aspects of the research and training in methodologies. Their precise role and extent of involvement will be agreed by the thesis committee at the start of the studentship.
2. All supervisors must be approved by the Head of School. New supervisors (those who have not previously supervised at least one research degree to completion) will normally be required to serve as an advisor or second supervisor prior to becoming a principal supervisor and will be mentored by a more experienced supervisor when they first become a principal supervisor. New members of staff should discuss these Guidelines with the Director of Postgraduate Studies at the earliest opportunity.
3. The Thesis Committee will meet at least three times in the first year and at least twice yearly thereafter to identify training needs, discuss progress and set goals. The Committee will collectively produce an agreed report on the student's progress, the adequacy of the student-supervisor relationship and further training needs twice during the first year (approximately January and May) and at least annually in subsequent years. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss the adequacy of their supervision with the committee Chair in the absence of the supervisor. Based on the internal reports, the supervisor will also complete and return to the Director of Postgraduate Studies the University's centrally-administered student report forms at the end of each academic year.
4. In the first instance, it is the Thesis Committee Chair's responsibility to deal with any unsatisfactory reports. If the problem persists then the matter is referred to the Director of Postgraduate Studies who may take action or may refer the matter on to the School's Board of Studies or Head of School.
5. The Thesis Committee Chair can be a strong source of social and academic support for both the student and the supervisor. The Chair should, therefore, take an active interest in the student's research training. They should meet formally or informally with students on a regular basis (at least once per semester) to discuss progress.
Each student's training needs will be identified at the start of the studentship by the Thesis Committee and reviewed as the research progresses. Most training is arranged and provided for on an ongoing basis by the supervisor(s). In addition, students are normally expected to complete thirty credits from the University's Early Researcher Development Programme (ERDP) during the first two years of their studentship. Typically, they will complete the SSHES Masters level module Research Skills (20 credits).
Monitoring and Progression in Year One
Registration is probationary in the first year. Students will be upgraded to full PhD registration in the second year subject to satisfactory progress, successful completion of ERDP modules (if required) or other formal training and a successful research presentation, as outlined below.
The Chair of the Thesis Committee will keep a portfolio of records of Thesis Committee meetings and decisions. Records of the meetings will normally be taken and written-up by the student and endorsed as correct by all members of the Committee.
The supervisor(s) and student will keep a brief record of all supervisory meetings which will be written-up by the student and endorsed by the supervisor(s).
The major landmark in the first year is the Research Proposal. At around nine months after initial registration students will give a verbal presentation to the School of their research proposal and/or the results or preliminary results of their first study/studies, and a proposal for future studies. All staff and postgraduate students will be invited to attend the proposal. Immediately following the presentation the Thesis Committee will meet without the student to discuss the student's progress and development and determine whether they can progress beyond the probationary period. For this meeting the Committee will co-opt at least one other member of staff who is independent of the student's supervisory team. The student will then be invited to join the meeting to discuss the Committee's decisions and recommendations. The Committee will formally record:
| (a) That progress is satisfactory and that the student should be allowed to progress to year two and full PhD registration. |
OR
| (b) That progress is not satisfactory and more work is required before the student can progress to full PhD registration. In this case the steps that need to be taken to get back on track will be discussed and agreed and new requirements and deadlines set. The Committee may decide that a further verbal and/or written presentation will be necessary or they may make alternative arrangements to evaluate progress. The Committee may decide that it is in the best interests of the student to not progress any further or to switch to an MPhil degree. |
The Thesis Committee will meet early in the first semester to review progress and identify any further training needs and how they will be met. A second review meeting will be held in June. At this meeting the student will present:
1. A written report of studies conducted to date.
2. A plan for submission of journal articles and/or conference presentations.
3. A plan for completion of data collection.
The Thesis Committee will meet early in the first semester and again early in the second semester to review progress. At the second meeting, in addition to conducting a general progress review and discussing plans for journal articles and conference presentations, the Committee will normally consider the expected date of completion and submission of the thesis and make a preliminary decision on external and internal examiners.
The Supervisor's
Specific Responsibilities
Supervisors should be familiar with the following documents:
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Bangor University Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes Bangor University Code of Practice for Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards of Research Programmes Bangor University Handbook for Research Students and Supervisors CoHaBS Guidelines for the Management of Research Degree Programmes The School's Guidelines for Postgraduate Teaching-Related Work |
The specific responsibilities of the supervisor with respect to full time PhD students are:
1. To give guidance to the student in choosing an appropriate research topic, in understanding the nature of a higher degree and the standards expected, in planning the research programme, in registering for appropriate Graduate Programme modules, in coordinating other aspects of the student's research training and in preparing and submitting the thesis.
2. To ensure, right from the start of the studentship, that the student is aware of the issues surrounding the ownership of intellectual property. In particular, the supervisor and student should come to an agreement about the issue of order of authorship of publications that may arise from the student's research. These issues should be re-addressed periodically throughout the studentship.
3. To maintain contact through regular meetings (normally weekly).
4. To be accessible to the student at all other reasonable times.
5. To create a supportive environment in which the student feels comfortable in discussing their social and personal well-being, and to help overcome any problems should they arise.
6. To request written work as appropriate and within agreed time limits and to return such work with detailed constructive comments within a reasonable time. As a rough guideline, such written work might be requested about once per month and students might normally expect to have it returned within two weeks.
7. To ensure that students take an active part in the management of their own research training.
8. To identify weaknesses and to ensure that students are made aware of any inadequacies in their work or progress and to help them overcome any such weaknesses or inadequacies.
9. To ensure, where appropriate, that the student is socially integrated into the School and that they take an active part in the School's activities.
10. To act as the student's line manager for any work that they do within the School and to ensure that the student is not exploited in any way within the School (see the Guidelines for Postgraduate Teaching-Related Work).
11. To assist, where appropriate, in the further academic, professional and personal development of the student.
12. To make every effort to ensure that full time students submit a thesis within three, or at very most, four years of commencing their studies.
13. No member of staff may supervise more than six full time research students at any one time.
Students'
Rights and Responsibilities
Students should be familiar with the following documents:
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Bangor University Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes Bangor University Code of Practice for Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards of Research Programmes Bangor University Handbook for Research Students and Supervisors CoHaBS Guidelines for the Management of Research Degree Programmes The School's Guidelines for Postgraduate Teaching-Related Work |
1. Students should familiarise themselves with the rules for time limits and submission of theses.
2. Students can expect to receive supervision at least to the level described in the previous section.
3. Students will receive all the normal benefits of registration for a higher degree provided by the University including access to the library and computing facilities, the Student's Union and the University sports and recreational facilities. In addition, full time students will be provided with as much office space as is reasonably possible within the SHES building, a desk, lockable filing cabinet and other storage space, and a key to the building and their office. They will have access to stationary and a telephone and will be given a photocopy code to allow unlimited access to the photocopying facilities. Students are expected, however, to exercise appropriate restraint in their use of stationary, the telephone and the photocopiers and they will be billed for personal telephone calls. The School will provide as many high specification personal computers and printers etc. as is possible, linked to the University network and hence e-mail and the internet, for the sole and unlimited use of research students. Students will have virtually unlimited access to Inter-Library Loans, although again reasonable restraint is expected and all such loan requests must be channelled through the supervisor.
4. Students are expected to take an active part in the management of their own research training. They should be prepared to discuss the student-supervisor relationship and their perceived training needs in a frank and open manner in meetings with the Thesis Committee and/or its individual members. At the end of each academic year Academic Office will invite students to complete an evaluation form concerning the adequacy of their training and supervision.
5. Students can normally expect to receive some financial support from the School to attend conferences provided that they are presenting at the conference and that they also make the presentation to the School (normally prior to attending the conference).
6. Students are expected to contribute up to 120 hours per year in assisting with teaching and other duties within the School. This figure may be adjusted to comply with funding agency guidelines in the case of externally funded students. Such work must be developmental in nature. That is to say, it should contribute to the student's academic/professional development. This might include lecturing, running/assisting with seminars or labs, some types of marking, etc. The student's supervisor will be the line manager for this work and will normally have first call on their own student's time. It is up to the student and supervisor together to ensure that these hours are not exceeded (unless it is agreed to be in the student's own interests) and that the work is appropriately developmental. Any more mundane work which cannot be considered developmental for the student will be paid for. The fee will be negotiated and agreed at the time of asking and must be cleared in advance with the Head of School or his/her Deputy. Any work opportunities within the School will be offered to the student deemed to have the appropriate skills for the task, taking into account overall workloads and training needs.
7. Each year the research student body will elect one student representative. This person will be in at least the second year of his/her studies. The representative's role is to represent student opinion to the School and the Director of Postgraduate Studies, to disseminate information to other students on behalf of the Director of Postgraduate Studies, and to represent the School's research students on the University's Postgraduate Forum.
8. First year students must normally enrol on the University Graduate Programme. They will take any compulsory modules and any optional modules that are considered by their thesis committees as appropriate for their research training. Students may take further modules in subsequent years where it is considered appropriate. Choices of optional modules will be made by the student with advice by the supervisor and/or Thesis Committee.
9. Students are normally expected to attend the Research Seminar Programme in the School and are encouraged to make presentations themselves on the Seminar Programme.
10. Students are normally expected to take a full and active part in the life of the School and are expected to be seen working in the School on a regular basis. The expectation is that students will work at least 37 hours per week for 44 weeks per year.
11. It is the student's responsibility to inform their supervisor when they are away on holiday etc. and of any change in circumstances or problems that may affect their work.
12. Students should try to deal with any disputes or problems with their supervisor directly with the supervisor him or herself in the first instance. If this fails or is not possible, they should speak to their Thesis Committee Chair or the Director of Postgraduate Studies. Students may also approach the Head of School or, in exceptional circumstances, the Dean of the Faculty in the case of a dispute. Problems are usually more easily and satisfactorily resolved at the most local level, however, and an early and frank discussion with the supervisor will usually prevent small problems becoming big ones.
13. Wherever possible, disciplinary matters will be dealt with within the School by the Director of Postgraduate Studies and/or the Head of School.
14. Like all members of the School, students have a responsibility to maintain the security of the SHES building and to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Students should ensure that the building is always locked after six o'clock in the evenings and at all times at weekends and should report any potential health and safety problems to the Health and Safety Officer.
The thesis will be examined in accordance with Bangor University Regulations. The examining board will consist of the Director of Postgraduate Studies (or a deputy) as Chair, the external examiner and the internal examiner (or two external examiners in the case of a staff candidate). The supervisor may not act as internal examiner, but may be invited to attend the viva voce examination with the prior consent of the candidate. At the end of the viva voce students will be given the opportunity to comment on the supervision they have received in the absence of the supervisor. Students will normally be informed of the examining board's decision immediately after the viva voce examination.
Any enquiries about research student admissions or any other research student affairs should be directed to the current Director of Postgraduate Studies:
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| Author: David Markland | Updated: Thursday, February 2, 2012 13:25 |