Research ethics and integrity
Frequently asked questions
Read our frequently asked questions to see if you can find the answers you need.
Q: I'm an undergraduate, or on a taught postgraduate course, or studying for my Masters do I need ethical approval for my research?
A: Ethical review is required. This will either be dealt with by your Module Leader on a block approval basis, or via application to your department ethics committee. All research will be monitored by your module lead who will advise if further steps are necessary. It is therefore a requirement that you discuss any proposals with your tutor, or supervisor and follow the ethical protocols for your module before undertaking any research project. Further information can be found on the Application guidance for ethical approval for UG, PGT and MRes course students webpage.
Q: How do I apply for ethical approval?
A: Staff and postgraduate researchers must self-review their proposals and discuss with their supervisor or manager first. With their agreement, if you are a member of staff, a Masters by Research student, or completing your PhD please use the Ethics Monitor System to complete and submit your ethics application, where ethical approval is required.
- Application and approvals: PhD (level 8) researchers, Masters by Research (Level 7) students and academic staff and professional services staff
- Application guidance for ethical approval: UG, PGT and MRes course students
Q: My research project has no ethical risk. Do I still need to seek approval?
A: All research projects at York St John must follow the ethical review processes as noted here:
- Application and approvals: PhD (level 8) researchers, Masters by Research (Level 7) students and academic staff and professional services staff
- Application guidance for ethical approval: UG, PGT and MRes course students
Q: I want to work with the NHS. What do I need to do?
A: You must speak to your manager/supervisor first. Obtaining approval from both the NHS and York St John can be a lengthy process and both must approve before any research can take place. We have created a new Working with the NHS page to deal with this process.
Q: I have concerns about the methods used by a researcher, what should I do?
A: York St John is fully committed to ensuring the very highest standards of research integrity. If you do not feel able to raise these concerns with your own supervisor or manager, please see the York St John Whistleblowing Policy for details of how to escalate your concerns.
Q: I want to work with research participants, what should I know?
A: You must obtain consent from your participants, or the person acting on their behalf. A Participation Information and Consent Form has been created which should simplify this process. Nevertheless, you must stay within the guidelines.
Q: I want to give my participants a voucher, or cash reward for taking part, but I have no money, what can I do?
A: The Research Office can, in certain circumstances, allow postgraduate researchers to make a claim from the 'PGR Project Fund' to cover the costs. Details can be found on the Virtual Graduate Centre SharePoint site. Please note that funding is not guaranteed. Staff members may be able to seek financial assistance from their school. Please contact your School Research and Knowledge Transfer Lead.
Q: I want to apply for external funding to finance my project, what do I need to know?
A: York St John actively supports external funding applications. You must contact the Research Office at ResearchGrants@yorksj.ac.uk who will provide all the necessary support.
Q: I'm a member of staff and I'd like to gain experience on a School Research Ethics Committee as an observer, how can I arrange this?
A: Please contact your SREC Chair. If approved, this would be limited to a 12 month period in the first instance but during this time you could attend as many, or as few, meetings as your time allowed.
Q: How do I download my ethical approval confirmation letter from the Ethics Monitor System?
A: Open your application in the Ethics Monitor System and go to the 'NOTIFICATIONS' field on the right-hand-side of the page. Select the letter you wish to download and when the letter opens, select 'Download as PDF...' on the top right-hand-side of the page. This option also allows you to download the letter in a form that includes the YSJ logo.
