PGR Code of Practice

1
PGR Code of Practice

• Ruth Siddals

2
Aim of session

• Focus on Northumbrias and QAA PGR Code of
  Practice
• Address what the student expects
• Consider what standard procedures deliver
• Focus on administrative problems

3
Intended learning outcomes

• Become familiar with our Code
• Understand better the Codes purpose
• Explore both good practice and problems arising
  from the Codes demands
• Become aware of current and future developments

4
Introductions

• Introduce yourself and your role
• Indicate what you wish to get out of the session

5
Key Northumbria Documents

• Regulations for the degree of MPhil PhD
• PGR Code of Practice
• Handbook of Student Regulations
• Research Degrees Handbook
• Academic Registry Website
• Virtual Graduate School website
• Blackboard Site

6
History Context

• 1990s HEQC Code
• 1999 QAA Code of Practice
• 2001 2004 HEFCE consultation
• Survey of current practice in HEIs 50
• Funding impact

7
With increased level diversity of doctoral
programmes, the aim is to

• improve standards
• ensure consistency
• be accountable for public funds
• meet needs of the knowledge economy.

8
Students need to

• Engage in an appropriate research environment -
  facilities, training, other researchers and
  students
• Be empowered to own their research programme and
  personal development
• And..

9
HEIs need to

• Increase the quality of the student/supervisor
  relationship - through teams, and with more
  transparency brought about by regular independent
  scrutiny
• Operate good institutional QA processes

10
History Context cond.

• HEFCE consultations Improving Standards
• Duplication?
• HEFCE negotiations with QAA
• Impact on HEFCE funding for PGR
• HEFCE publication of PhD research degrees Entry
  and completion
• HEFCE monitor HEIs completion rates - HESA
• QAA special review 2005/6
• Our Institutional Review April 2005

11
Northumbria Code of Practice

• How our Code works and why it is set out in this
  way
• What is in the Code

12
Quick Quiz on the Code

• Who has authority to admitting PGR students?
• Within how many days should we notify applicants
  of whether their application can be considered,
  of just not supervised?
• Where on the web would you find the standard PGR
  offer letter
• How soon after starting should students receive
  induction?

13
Quiz continued

• How soon after start date should IPA be
  submitted?
• How frequently should the full supervision team
  meet with the student?
• How frequently must the Principal Supervisor and
  student meet?
• What are the criteria for MPP approval?
• What are the criteria for re-registration?

14
Good Practice Problems

• A Admissions Sections 9 14 - What good
  practice problems arise from the demands of the
  Code?
• B IPA Sections 23-25 - What benefit does the
  Code give the student?
• C MPP Section 36 38 - What do standard
  procedures deliver?

15
QAA PGR Code

• Precepts Explanations
• GSCs gap analysis
• What is in the QAA Code p 28
• Selections
• Precept 4, 5, 13, 25