The purpose of induction is to welcome new research students and to equip them with the tools they need to commence their programme. They are informed about systems of support at MU as well as students’ rights and responsibilities, rights and responsibilities of supervisors, performance monitoring, research integrity, plagiarism, ethical considerations, potential intellectual property issues. Research students are required to attend the induction programme in the first year of their registration.
Postgraduate Research Induction is compulsory for all new research students.
Induction will comprise of two parts:
Part A: Research Induction will take place in September of each academic year: Join the Director of the Graduate Research Academy and/or the Vice-President for Research and Innovation, and the research student support team. Students who cannot present on campus can join us through moodle.
Part B: Series of online presentations through moodle. The presentations will include: Presentations from core University services about the many supports that are available to you, such as the Library, and the Research Development Office as well as others.
The Initial Meeting Record (IMR) formally outlines the student’s individual research programme. As soon as possible after registration, the student should hold the initial meeting with his/her supervisor(s)/supervisory team.
The purpose of the initial meeting is to:
> Provide an opportunity to design a unique, individual programme;
> Identify modules that will enhance the student’s research programme;
> Identify modules that students will take in year one;
> Agree a calendar of meetings;
> Ensure the student has attended the induction programme;
> Ensure that the student is aware of and agrees to the University regulations and policies.
Details of the agreed programme are recorded in the IMR and signed by the student and the supervisor and then approved by the Departmental Research Student Progress Committee (DRSPC). A copy should be kept by the student and supervisor and stored in the department. The IMR is forwarded by the DRSPC/department to the GRA by the end of October/February, or within four weeks after first registration for students registering outside of standard registration times, for inclusion in the student record system. The IMR informs the Annual Progress Review subsequently carried out by the student’s DRSPC.
The purpose of the Annual Progress Review (APR) is to:
> Provide feedback to the student on their progress, in synergy and conjunction with the supervisor;
> Grant permission to the student to progress to the next year of study based on an overall assessment of the quality of research output to date in light of the supervisor’s recommendations;
> Give the student the opportunity to provide feedback on their supervisory arrangements;
> Discuss and record any changes to the student’s individualised programmes;> Ensure that the student has passed their required modules before thesis submission and, where appropriate, that waivers have been ratified by the DRSPC.
PhD Thesis – Submission and Examination at a Glance
1. Final Annual Progression
The DRSPC approve completion of the programme and confirms required credits have been obtained.
2. Establishment of Examination Board
In consultation with the supervisor, the HOD forwards name of internal/external examiner to Faculty for approval. The Registrar nominates the independent chair.
3. Approval to Submit
The HOD and supervisor confirm approval of the final draft of the PhD thesis.
4. Thesis Submission
Research students are required to submit an electronic copy of their thesis for examination. The thesis must be accompanied by an abstract, not exceeding 300 words. In addition, the student should submit the following forms: Thesis Submission Form A: Confirmation of approval from the HOD and supervisor of the final draft of the PhD thesis. In addition, the Records Office needs to confirm that student is currently registered and the Fees & Grants Office confirm that fees are paid. Thesis Submission Form B: Certification of Student’s Own Work There are two fee deadlines for submission without the student incurring additional fees: September registration: 31 October and January registration: 28 February.
5. Report of Examiners
Prior to the Viva Voce, each examiner must separately complete an individual pre-report on the thesis. Further to the Viva Voce, the chair submits the Report on the Recommendation of the Examiners to the Examinations Office, Head of Department & Supervisor. Where Category 2 is awarded, the internal examiner confirms to the Examinations Office that the recommended corrections have been completed satisfactorily. Where Category 3 is awarded, both the internal and external examiners must confirm this in writing to the Examinations Office.
6. Approval by Faculty
The thesis result will be not be considered by Faculty until three hardbound copies of the thesis, the Report on the Recommendation of the Examiners and sign off on corrections by internal (external) examiners have been submitted to the Examinations Office. An electronic copy mirroring the hardbound copy must also be submitted: Form C: Thesis Depositor Declaration Form must be submitted with the hardbound copies. If a student intends to withhold access from the Library Institutional Repository (MURAL), support of the supervisor must also be submitted with Form C: Thesis Depositor Declaration Form and both are sent to GRA for signature by the Director of Research Students .
7. Conferring
Following Faculty approval, the award is ratified by Academic Council and the Conferring Office informs the National University of Ireland.
