Our approach to research degrees

Committees

Quality and Standards Committee (QSC)

Within the powers delegated by the Academic Board, the Quality and Standards Committee is responsible for the quality of programmes and standard of awards for all provision.

Research Degrees Committee (RDC)

Within the powers delegated by the QSC, the Research Degrees Committee is responsible for the oversight of research degree provision. RDC delegates decisions on applications for research degree supervisors to a subgroup of the committee. School Postgraduate Researcher Leads (SPGRLs) can approve admissions, suspensions, extensions, changes of supervisors and delays in transfer assessments, or they may refer the matter to the RDC subgroup for consideration.

Research Degrees Examination Panel (RDEP)

Within the powers delegated by the Academic Board, the Research Degrees Examination Panel is responsible for the implementation of University policy and procedures for the examination of research degree candidates.  RDEP is also responsible for the consideration of requests for suspensions or extensions which occur whilst a student is within the examination process.

Research Committee

The Research Committee is responsible for advising on research policy for the monitoring and support of research activity at the University.

School Research Ethics Committees (SRECs)

The SRECs are responsible for supporting their school's research activity by considering best policy and practice with respect to research ethics within their subject areas. This is done by providing a review of ethical issues arising from research proposals within their School, by auditing and monitoring compliance and by disseminating best practice. The SRECs are directly accountable to the University Research Ethics and Integrity Sub-committee (UREISC). More information about these committees can be found on the Research Ethics & Integrity webpage.