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Research degree-related policies

Certain policies relate specifically to students on research degree programmes or to the management of research degrees.

Appeals (research students)

If a candidate for a research degree wishes to appeal against an academic decision, there is a formal procedure to follow.

Appointing examiners for research degrees

It is the supervisor's responsibility to recommend both internal and external examiners who meet the eligibility criteria using the examination entry workflow in GRAD

Attendance monitoring (postgraduate Research students)

This document includes policy, guidance and examples of good practice in relation to attendance monitoring by staff in schools.

Change of programme: MA by research to provisional PhD (Arts only)

The document explains the arrangements under which PGRs registered for the degree of MA by Research in the Schools of English, History, LCS and PHRS may be permitted a change of programme to Provisional PhD registration status, before proceeding to an assessment for transfer to PhD.

change of research project

The policy provides guidance for those cases where consideration is being given to a postgraduate researcher (PGR) changing their research project/focus.

Close personal relationships with students

This policy explains what a member of staff should do if they become involved in a close personal relationship with a student including a research student.

Concurrent registrations for postgraduate researchers

Candidates for research degrees are not normally permitted to register concurrently for two programmes of study at this or another Higher Education Institution.

considering applications for part-time research degree study

Part-time study is available for some research degree programmes.  Academic Requirements for part-time study are identical to those for full-time study.

Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies

The Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies have a key strategic and operational role within the academic unit.

Disabled postgraduate researchers

The University is experienced in supporting disabled Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs). Disability Services, the individual PGR and their academic School work together to remove any barriers a student may face in their studies; including putting in place reasonable adjustments to the transfer and viva process.

Disagreement between research degree examiners

In the exceptional situation when the team examining a research degree cannot reach agreement on the outcome, a procedure has been agreed for resolving the issue.

Examiners and independent chairs - criteria for appointment (research students)

The preferred level of experience for a research degree examiner is either experience of supporting a doctoral candidate through to successful completion or previous examination experience. 

External examiner briefings (research students)

This page guides members of staff providing briefings to external examiners who are undertaking their first UK postgraduate research examination

Oral examinations - good practice guidelines

Before the viva the internal examiner should ensure logistic arrangements are in place to make all parties comfortable and to minimise distractions to the examination. Examiners may find the following good-practice guidance helpful in conducting the viva.

Plagiarism in research work

The University has agreed ways in which suspected plagiarism should be investigated in research degree work with guidance depending on the point at which possible plagiarism is identified.

Postgraduate research forms

There are a number of forms available for postgraduate researchers and staff to complete tasks in a number of areas.

Postgraduate research students engaged in teaching

This code of practice applies to postgraduate research students registered at the University of Leeds who are engaged in teaching at the University and paid on an hourly rate.

Regulations, codes, policies and procedures for postgraduate researchers

Key regulations, learning outcomes, procedure and policy documents that apply to research students at Leeds, mentioned in the Research Student Handbook and Guide for Research Degree Supervisors.

Research degree candidatures code of practice

This Code sets out a framework of shared responsibilities between the University, supervisors and candidates with the aim of delivering successful research degree programmes and to inspire all our research students to develop their full potential.

Research degree supervision eligibility

The Graduate Board provides criteria for appointing research degree supervisors. 

Research degree supervisors guide

The guide for research degree supervisors provides information to enable supervisors to provide the appropriate level of support to their postgraduate researchers

Research excellence in doctoral research submissions

Where examiners identify research excellence in doctoral research degree submissions, as defined by the policy, this can be formally recognised by the Examinations Group.

Suspensions and extensions of study for postgraduate research students

Where circumstances or events occur which adversely impact on a research student's progress, the University may grant a period of suspension or extension of study. This may also happen during the referral period.

Thesis in a language other than English

Research degree candidates within the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies may be granted permission to submit theses in a language other than English.

Unsatisfactory academic progress procedure (research students)

This procedure applies to postgraduate research students only and will be instigated when the supervisor(s) has concerns about the student's academic progress.