The Committee is also responsible for the approval of the recommendation of the examiners for research degree candidates after the viva examination.
A.Terms of Reference
To advise the Academic Development Committee on:
- aspects of research policy and practice relevant to the recruitment, successful supervision and examination of postgraduate research students;
To act on behalf of the Academic Development Committee to:
- confirm registration of students for research degrees on approved programmes of work under approved supervision, and approve applications for transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD
- oversee all other responsibilities for the registration, supervision and extension of registration of research students
- approve examination arrangements for research students
- complete the examination processes for research students in respect of individual candidates in the light of examiners’ recommendations
- oversee University level provision for skills development for research supervisors, research students and contract research staff
- oversee the general arrangements under which a candidate’s research is carried out, including arrangements for academic supervision and postgraduate study and the provision of adequate facilities
- review indicators of the quality of the student experience including completion rates and Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) data; initiate and monitor action as appropriate
- ensure that actions arising from the periodic review of postgraduate provision are appropriately progressed
To report to Academic Development Committee on an annual basis on its evaluation of policies and procedures and on their development and future plans.
B. Constitution
- A Chair nominated by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), with substantial experience of research, research supervision and examination
- From each Faculty, a Research Student Manager and one other experienced supervisor
- Assistant Director (Research Support) from Academic Services
- Chair of University Research Ethics Committee
- Programme Co-ordinator for the Professional Doctorate or nominee
- Head of Academic Development or nominee
- A senior member of Student and Learning Support nominated by the Director
- Two research degree student members nominated by research degree students through a University wide process. They will be required to withdraw from meetings when research degree items concerning individual research degree students are being discussed
- The sub-committee may co-opt up to three members in any one year
C.Duration of Appointment of Members
- Full members will be appointed for three years in the first instance.
- Student members will be appointed for one year in the first instance.
- Co-opted members will be appointed for one year.
- All members shall be eligible for re-appointment for further terms of office.
D.Meetings
- The Sub-Committee will hold a minimum of two meetings per term
- The Minutes of Sub-Committee meetings will be reported to the Research and Innovation Committee and the Academic Development Committee
- The quorum of the Sub-Committee shall be 33% of the total membership
- The Secretary of the Sub-Committee shall be an officer designated by the Director of Academic Services
- Deputies may attend with prior approval of the chair.