Research Student Training Programme 200405

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Research Student Training Programme2004/05

• Reg Vardy Centre Room 317
• Saturday 23 APRIL 2005

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Introduction to the University of
Sunderland the best new University for research

• Professor Andrew Slade
• Director, Research, Development and Innovation
  Services

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Learning Outcomesfor this session

• Familiarisation with University and with
  University procedures in relation to research
• Identification of roles / responsibilities of
  relevant individuals

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Route map for this session

• how the University is organised
• Research Committee
• research degree processes
• what the University provides
• what is expected of you
• who does what

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But first

• What is research?
• What is a PhD / MPhil?

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The University of Sunderland defines research as

• Original investigative or
• creative work or critical study
• of existing work or data

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The University of Sunderland defines an MPhil as
follows

• The MPhil will be awarded to a candidate who,
  having critically investigated and evaluated an
  approved topic and demonstrated an understanding
  of research methods appropriate to the chosen
  field, has satisfactorily presented and defended
  a thesis by oral examination.

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• Holders of a Master of Philosophy will have shown
  originality in the application of knowledge, and
  they will understand how the boundaries of
  knowledge are advanced through research. They
  will be able to deal with complex issues both
  systematically and creatively.

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The University of Sunderland defines a PhD as
follows

• The degree of Doctor of Philosophy will be
  awarded to a candidate who has critically
  investigated an approved topic and demonstrated
  an understanding of research methods appropriate
  to the chosen field, resulting in the creation
  and interpretation of knowledge which extends the
  forefront of a discipline, usually through
  original research, and who has satisfactorily
  presented and defended a thesis by oral
  examination.

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• Holders of doctorates will have demonstrated the
  ability to conceptualise, design and implement
  projects for the generation of significant new
  knowledge and/or understanding.

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Route map for this session

• how the University is organised
• Research Committee
• research degree processes
• what the University provides
• what is expected of you
• who does what

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how the University is organised

• Chancellor Lord Puttnam
• Board of Governors
• Vice-Chancellor
• University Executive
• University Services
• eg Graduate Research School
• Information Services
• Schools
• Academic Areas within Schools

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how the University is organised
contSchoolsAcademic Areas within Schools

• School of Arts, Design, Media and Culture
• Arts and design
• Media
• Culture
• Sunderland Business School
• Business and management
• Law
• Psychology

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how the University is currently organised cont

• School of Education and Lifelong Learning
• Education
• Lifelong Learning
• School of Computing and Technology
• Automotive technology
• Computing
• School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences
• Health, Society and Environment
• Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences
• Sport and Leisure

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how the University is currently organised cont
The Graduate Research School

• a virtual School
• manages university research procedures
• all research students are members
• information via website

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Route map for this session

• how the University is organised
• Research Committee
• research degree processes
• what the University provides
• what is expected of you
• who does what

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Research Committee powers and responsibilities

• to register research students on approved
  programmes with approved supervision - and to
  enable the student to conduct the work in an
  efficient and safe manner
• to exercise other responsibilities with respect
  of MPhil and PhD programmes including approving
  examination arrangements
• to decide upon examiners recommendations
• to protect the interests of research students
• to maintain the standards of research degrees

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Research degree processes eg PhD FT

• time zero define research topic, Director of
  Studies and supervision team enrol (RC/NEW)
• by four months submit registration proposal
  sub-group meeting
• approval by Research Committee of research
  programme, supervision and other arrangements,
  related studies programme and fit of your
  academic subject background and qualifications
• first annual review / second annual review
• examination arrangements approved
• at 35 months, thesis completed and mock viva held
• examination of the thesis and viva

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what the University provides

• an accredited Director of Studies supervision
  team
• approval of the research programme
• a research culture and environment
• supportive research management / monitoring
• mechanisms for feedback
• tutors to postgraduate research students
• mechanisms to interact with other researchers
• A University which itself is continuously
  evaluating and improving its research management
  processes
• this Research Student Training Programme

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what is expected of you

• work enthusiastically and diligently on the
  approved programme of research
• meet expected deadlines and comply with the
  research monitoring requirements
• attend your approved programme of related studies
  including attendance at the RSTP
• attend the research seminar programme
• provide informal or formal feedback
• comply with University rules and regulations
  including on Health and Safety
• understand the meaning of Intellectual Property
  and ensure that it is protected as appropriate
• seek ethical approval for studies using humans
  where personal details are involved
• always reference fully the work of others

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who does what

• the Director of Studies oversees the programme
  gives specialist input, advice, guidance,
  feedback, constructive criticism
• other supervisors give input as required
• the academic area has oversight of research
  activities, development of the research culture
  and organises the monitoring procedure
• the Dean of School is responsible to the Deputy
  Vice-Chancellor for all School activities
  including research
• Research Committee is responsible for all aspects
  of approval of the programme, for standards and
  for award of the degree
• the Graduate Research School is responsible for
  university-level administration of research
  degree programmes
• Tutors to Postgraduate Students act as a point
  within the School for ultimate reference

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Introduction to the University of Sunderland

• Professor Andrew Slade
• Director, Research, Development and Innovation
  Services