Research Degree Supervision and Examination

This unit covers the role of the research student supervisor and the examiner, the regulations governing research degrees at MMU and the research student experience, contextualised in the relevant literature. It is strongly recommended to participants who are either already supervising research degree students or who are new to supervision. Completion of this 15-credit unit will allow favourable consideration of participants to join supervisory teams, including as Director of Studies, in line with sections 7.2 and 7.3 of the Institutional Code of Practice for Research Degrees.

Unit Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and critically evaluate the external influences and drivers which shape the context of research degrees supervision
  2. Examine the role of the supervisor within the research degree process and identify good practice in research degree supervision
  3. Recognize the importance of skills development for research students and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Researcher Development Framework
  4. Critically evaluate the role of the examiner and discuss the examination process in relation to research degrees within the University

Content

Participants will have the opportunity to explore and critically evaluate:

  1. The contemporary literature and scholarship on research student support and supervision;
  2. The structure, policies and procedures that govern postgraduate research degrees within the University;
  3. Pedagogies for supervision and best practice in the supervisory process to enhance the student experience;
  4. Employability and the acquisition of transferable skills through the  postgraduate research process;
  5. The contemporary external environment particularly HEFCE completion rates, the QAA Quality Code: Chapter B11 and Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework;
  6. The role of the examiner and good practice in the assessment of research degrees.

Unit Assessment

Formative:
Group presentations – critical evaluation of research student progression and completion, and of the role of the supervisor in supporting postgraduate research.

Summative:
A written reflective assignment, to include a demonstration of the participant’s critical and analytical understanding of their learning from the unit content, and action planning for their continuing professional development as postgraduate supervisors. (2,500- 3,000 words)

 

For more information contact utacpd@mmu.ac.uk

As well as registering below, in some circumstances you may need to complete an application form to study this unit. Please check on the application form page »

In brief

 

  • Gain a better understanding of doctoral supervision at MMU
  • Consideration of good practice in doctoral supervision
  • Completion of this unit features as a consideration when doctoral teams are being considered

Mode of study: online

Number of sessions:5

Type of session: workshop

Assessment type and size:
2500 word written reflection

Prior knowledge/experience required: None. Usually staff taking this unit would have a doctorate.

When will it run: every term

Unit leader/contact: UTA CPD team

Delivery Dates and Registration

Please note: Units are delivered online. Processing time required for applications and preparation time for participants means that the last registration date cannot be extended

Summer 2021

Online sessions begin:
Friday 30th April

Delivery:
9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue: online

last date for registration for all students:
7th April

Registrations for this event are now closed
Click here to see full timetable

RDSE

Taught sessions on Friday 9.30am-21.30pm

DateActivityLocation
30 April 2021 Session 1 online
7 May Session 2 online
14 May Session 3 online
21 May Session 4 online
13th Sept 2021 Written Assignment Submission Moodle

Autumn 2021

Online sessions begin:
Thursday 30th September

Delivery:
9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue: online

 

Click here to see full timetable

RDSE

Taught sessions on Thursday 9.30-12.30

DateActivityLocation
30 Sept 2021 Session 1 online
7 Oct Session 2 online
14 Oct Session 3 online
21 Oct Session 4 online
10 Jan 2022 Final Submission Deadline Moodle

Summer 2022

Online sessions begin:
Friday 29th April

Delivery:
9:30am - 12:30pm

Venue: online

 

Click here to see full timetable

RDSE

Taught sessions on Friday 9.30-12.30

DateActivityLocation
29 April 2022 Session 1 online
6 May Session 2 online
13 May Session 3 online
20 May Session 4 online
12 Sept 2022 Final Submission Deadline Moodle

 

Please contact the UTA CPD team if you have any queries.