1. A Guide to the Academic Regulations
What you need to know!
Michael Frain, Graduate School
Level Two, Foundation Building
15 November 2012

2. Research Progression

3. Information Resources
Good Practice Guide for PhD’s
Academic Regulations and Procedures.
Ch.5: Research Postgraduate Academic Regs
PGR Forms and Codes of Practice/Regulations

4. UL Res PG Population 11-12 PhD F/T 583 PhD P/T 120 PhD Total 703
Masters F/T 82
Masters P/T 23
Masters Total 105
Total Res Postgraduate 808

5. Overview Supervisor/Student Relationship Monitoring & Progression
Transfer from Masters to PhD
PhD by Publication
Duration of Research
Continuation Fees
Student Status
Final Stages

6. Student/Supervisor Relationships
Director :
Master :
Guru :
Teacher :
Expert :
Guide :
Project manager :
Auditor :
Editor :
Colleague :
Friend :
Follower
Servant
Disciple
Pupil
Novice
Explorer
Team worker
Client
Author
Colleague
Friend
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7. Responsibilities of the student
Be responsible for your own research activity – only you can write the PhD
Be responsible for your own personal career development
Be aware of academic rules, regulations, ethical guidelines & grievance procedures
Maintain regular contact with your supervisor, agree & keep deadlines, report on progress (end of semester report) & keep a written record of meetings
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8. Responsibilities of the supervisor
At the outset at supervisor should:
Explain what is involved in doing a PhD
Agree a programme of work and time frame
Agree the ground rules – find out what your supervisor expects
Acquaint you with regulations /postgraduate charter
Agree on a schedule of meetings / deadlines
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9. Working Together Maintain a good working relationship at all times
Importance of supervisory meetings
Provide written reports - measure your progress
Keep records of your meetings
Ask for feedback - should be positive
Listen to your supervisor
Make sure you understand the feedback, Ask ?
Review with your supervisor your progress
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10. Continued…
Group meetings can be useful / departmental presentations / student research forums
Agree on training needs & skills development
CV development / awareness of profession / networking
Conferences / publications
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11. Monitoring & Progression
Research Student Progression
Research Review Panels formed on an annual basis to review the progress of all research candidates within the department.
Where the Research Review Panel is not satisfied that the student is making satisfactory progress, refer the student to the Research Confirmation Panel, where the student will be required to present and defend their work.

12. Monitoring & Progression
Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Research Confirmation Panel to the Research Progression Appeal Panel.
See Academic regulation , 5.6.8

13. Monitoring & Progression
Grievance procedure:
Complaints in relation to the adequacy of supervision see regulation of the regulations
Complaints will not be considered once a thesis has been submitted for Examination

14. Res Confirmation Panel
Some students may be requested complete written and oral presentation
Demonstrate suitability for doctoral level work.
Clear evidence that the candidate has the innate ability to understand the topic deeply enough.
Ability to undertake independent research work successfully appropriate to doctoral level.

15. Transfer to a PhD Transfer from Masters to PhD
Similar to Research Confirmation Panel
Code of Practice
The Process includes (PGR-3b form)
Should take place by 18 Months
Must be done by 24 months
Written presentation &
Oral Presentation to three faculty members
There may be funding implications

16. Structured PhD’s Candidates on Structured PhD programmes
Must agree the required taught modules with their
supervisor
Must register for the relevant taught modules
Forms need to be submitted to SAA
Must keep a record of their programmes Generic skills training as a personal development plan
Progression to Stage 2 comes after months

17. PhD by Publication Decide early if this is your preferred route
See Ch.5 Appendix 6 of Acad Regs
Three to five published articles
Articles must be published or accepted for publication
while the candidate is registered as a research student

18. PhD by Publication
Articles that are pending publication need a letter from the journal editor stating that the article has been accepted in a final form and is awaiting publication
Manuscripts or papers under review are not acceptable.

19. Duration of Research PhD F/T with Masters Masters Full-Time
Min 2 years Max 5 years
PhD F/T without Masters
Max 3 and 5 years
PhD P/T with Masters
Min 3 years Max 6 years
PhD P/T without Masters
Min 4 and 10 years
Masters Full-Time
Min 1 year
Max 3 years
Masters Part Time
Min 2 years
Max 4 years

20. Duration of Research
Students may apply for an extension to the duration of research
Must complete a PGR-8 form
Chapter 5: Sec 7 Academic Regs and Procedures

21. Continuation Fees Research PG Fees: (full fees) Continuation Fees:
EU and non-EU fees
Masters two years fees,
PhD four years fees (Jan 2011 onwards)
Continuation Fees:
Students are liable for an annual continuation fee after two yrs (Masters) or four yrs (PhD)
AY 12-13, EU -BEH €1,000 SET 1,500

22. Student Status Leave of Absence (LOA)
Complete a LOA form, must be approved by their supervisor
There may be funding implications?
Return the form to Student Academic Admin
For those who have completed the minimum registration time, a minimum of 1 year’s registration must elapse before submission of thesis

23. Student Status Withdrawal from Studies
In exceptional circumstances students may wish to withdraw, an exit form should be completed

24. The Final Stages Submission of Research Thesis Process
Nomination of Examiners PGR-1 Form
Submission of Thesis PGR-4 Form
Viva Voce - Code of Practice
Format and Presentation of the Thesis
Electronic Submission
Thesis embargo

25. Final Stages Continued…
The Final Stages of the Research
Final draft of submission … must meet an agreed standard … to submit
Make sure deadlines can be met
Prepare for the Viva Voce examination – talk to supervisors/others
Ask about the the format Viva Voce
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26. Summary You are responsible for your progress
Interact with you supervisor
Do not ignore any correspondence or letters
Be aware of the regulations and procedures
If you are unsure, ask someone for advice

27. Remember!

28. Finally
Thank-you for listening
Questions…