Research degrees

The University's approach to quality assurance across its research degree programmes.

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The Research Degrees Subcommittee is the University body concerned with the assurance of quality of research degree programmes across the University. Its remit covers the research degree regulations and maintenance of the ‌Research Degree Quality Code. The Registry is the unit with responsibility for day-to-day administration of research student affairs.

The Research Degrees Quality Code provides details of relevant policies and procedures.

Postgraduate student support

The University provides a number of routes of support for postgraduate students:

  • the supervisory arrangements and school-run thesis monitoring schemes, as detailed in the Research Degrees Quality Code
  • the generic skills training programme organised by Organisational & Professional Development
  • training for postgraduates who teach from the Academic Skills Centre (ASC)
  • Student Services for areas such as: careers, counselling, disability services, funding, health, international student support, music, nursery, peer connections, residences and the student advisory service; and
  • general pastoral support for research students is by contacting the Enquiry Centre, Student Services to make an appointment.
  • English language support from English for International Students (EIS)

Involvement of research students in QA for research degrees

DUSA provides student representation on the relevant committees that deal with postgraduate affairs. Postgraduate students are represented on the DUSA Student Representative Council. For further details, consult the section on Student Representation.

The University takes part in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) organised by the HE Academy. Results are discussed at the Research Degree Subcommittee, reporting to the Leaning and Teaching Committee, the Research

Policies and other information