Quality Assurance of Postgraduate Research Programmes

Please see the Code of Practice for Programme Design, Development, Approval and Review

Please see the Code of Practice for Programme Design, Development, Approval and Review

Quality Assurance processes apply to all programmes within the University at all levels of study and where students are involved, including Postgraduate Research programmes. However, the specific nature of Postgraduate Research programmes does require a slightly modified approach, with a more specific focus on, for example, the research environment, facilities, supervisory capacity and expertise, to underpin the overall research student experience. As a result, the University is currently working on developing a Postgraduate Research specific focused and proportionate review process, aligned to the University’s integrated, risk-based Quality Review process. The aim is to identify potential areas which may require support and enhancement as early as possible, and to ensure issues are addressed early, and before problems are allowed to persist and negatively impact on the student experience. This process will be launched in September 2020.

The University has developed a core set of Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Research programmes, which can be adapted for the relevant FHEQ levels: For Doctor of Philosophy (FHEQ 8) programmes the proposed outcomes are: By the end of their programme, students should be able to:

1. Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.
2. Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of [an academic discipline /area of professional practice] through the development of a written thesis.
3. Conceptualise, design and implement a project aimed at the generation of new knowledge or applications within [discipline].
4. Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
5. Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
6. Make informed judgements on complex issues in the fields of [__], often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
7. Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media and events, including conference presentations, seminars and workshops.
8. Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship via high quality peer reviewed publications within the discipline.
9. Develop the networks and foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
10. Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Please see also our FAQ section on Writing Learning Outcomes.