1. preparing for upgrade
Dr Alex Mermikides 1

2. session aims to understand the purpose of the upgrade
to go through relevant regulations and suggest strategies
to start preparing for upgrade, including opportunities to share ideas and strategies
…so that you can start preparing for upgrade with your supervisor (timing and format)
So by the end of the session, you should be in a position to start planning your upgrade with your
Main message is…

3. and how do you feel about it? What are your main concerns?

4. To confirm that the project being undertaken is of sufficient scope, originality and theoretical interest to constitute a genuine contribution to the subject at doctoral level
We need to know this to ensure that you are on the right pathway and that you are more likely than not to be able to complete your doctorate
Of course it’s not an absolute guarantee: your aim is to convince the examiners that you meet the listed criteria – we’ll go through these in a bit.

5. practical written viva Need to do that through:
Submission of work you done so far which always includes a written element and usually a practical component
Followed by a viva
And if the examiners aren’t fully convinced
3) Revisions and/or additional material
Decision made on range of criteria that test the project and the skills that you have to do it (hence the mix of formats)

6. Possible outcomes proceed to doctoral route (with/out minor amends)
resubmission (with/out another viva)
submit for MPhil
termination of registration
Resubmission is a common outcome
Mphil is not a fail
Termination has never happened in my lifetime.

7. when to upgrade
Aim to submit… Full-time students: January of your 2nd year Part-time students: May of your 3rd calendar year Viva are usually within 2 months of submission.
Key points:
the regulations might change –
It’s your choice (in consultation with your examiner) but the deadline (or rather, range of deadlines) is pre-set
Make it useful for yourself

8. timeline 12
upgrade supervision: format; feedback; mock; examiners 8
doctoral clinic (if required) 6
notify office with proposed examiners 2
submit (to Sarah)
Numbers are weeks to intended viva date – eg 6 here means 6 weeks before approximate time you want to upgrade. It’s surprisingly difficult to find a date when student, chair & 2 examiners can meet so at this point the deadline is bit of a moveable feast. THESE ARE VERY BENDY FIGURES.

9. upgrade supervision approximate submission date (give a range)
schedule of draft submissions including feedback
mock viva
format of submission + viva (separate performance?)
schedule for recording/documentation etc
research ethics
proposed examiners
These are the things you should discuss – and keep discussing - with your supervisor(s)
EXAMINERS:
2 internal members of staff usually including the relavant HoD or nominated equivalent. 1 can be external eg for members of staff and where specialist support is needed
NOT your supervisor or anyone who has had major exposure to the project
They can’t be re-used for your final viva!
I suggest we start the conversation about the FORMAT now

10. examiners Usually 2 internal members of Guildhall staff
1 can be external for staff student or where specialist expertise is needed
NOT your supervisor or anyone who has had major exposure to the project
Appropriate practice/research expertise across panel
They can’t be re-used for your final viva!

11. what to submit (guidelines)
PRACTICAL
WRITTEN
20 minute composition
(recording & score)
words
Project plan
20 minute music performance
20 minute theatre performance
Portfolio of documented practice
Any other combination approved by DPL
Thesis only: 11-15,000
These are GUIDELINES – submission format is case by case basis depending on the discipline and research project.
Can you work with 1 or 2 people with similar methodologies to you. Talk through the balance of practical and written elements esp the format for the practical.
Some comments:
*written element: no less than 5 K words. No more than 15K
* Performance:
if you are doing something bespoke for your upgrade, then we’re looking at 20 minutes very small-scale/tech-light. Something you can do in one of available rooms with absolutely minimal tech support. Often just for the examiners and immediately before the viva
If you’re already doing (or can plan) a public performance as part of your research and/or professional practice, either at the school or outside, then that can be considered for upgrade submission. No more than 4 weeks before the viva. At least 1 examiner needs to see it live with good recording output for the other
Composition
As well as the score, it’s advisable to also arrange a good quality recording (another reason to think ahead) – speak to your supervisor
Documented practice
Eg workshops rehearasals practice sessions data collection etc.

12. criteria
HAND – OUT: look at criteria and have a discussion about what you might submit.

13. viva
EXERCISE:
What do you want to convey to the examiners during your viva? Can you find a way of sitting that supports that? Stance, body language, level of tension
What question are you most dreading? Hear them.
Can you prepare an an