MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE INSTITUTIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMMES ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC: RESEARCH DEGREES HANDBOOK 2019-2020 (Version 0, October 2019) Please note that items in black print are copied from the Manchester Metropolitan University Institutional Code of Practice. Items in red print are RNCM-specific variants negotiated with Manchester Metropolitan University. Contents

Section Subject Page No

Key staff contacts at RNCM and MMU General information about RNCM’s PGR degrees

2 4

1

A General principles Definitions of research and research degrees University policies, procedures and guidelines for postgraduate research degrees Equality and diversity commitment

4 4 5 5

2 B Application, admission, enrolment and progression Application for registration Progression review and transfer of study

5 8 9

3 C Suspension and extension of study 11

4 D Adjustments for students 12

5

E Supporting research students Induction arrangements and skills development Graduate Teaching Assistant framework Support for research students who teach

12 12 13 15

6 F Employment of research students 15

7 G Supervision of research students 15

8 H Annual review 18

9

I Examination procedures The role of examiners

19 20

10 J Complaints and appeals 21

11 K Research ethics and academic misconduct 21

12

L Monitoring and evaluation Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)

22 23

13 Staff development and training 23

14 Glossary 23

Schedule 1 Academic Memorandum, excerpted from the Collaboration Agreement between MMU and RNCM (2013-2019)

25

This document should be read in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees.

2

Major changes for 2019/20

This Code of Practice is reviewed annually, with changes approved by the Academic Board. Major changes for 2019/20 are below:

Regulation Amendment/Addition

All Amendments have been made throughout the document to provide clarity, reduce duplication and ambiguity in the text and ensure ease of reference between the suite of regulatory documents.

All To provide consistency and clarity in decision making, where the term “delegated authority” is noted, unless stated otherwise, this means the Faculty Research Degrees Committee.

All Where the term “normally” appears, if a situation does not fall within this criterion, it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Head of Faculty Research Degrees, in liaison with the Research Degrees Manager.

All Terminology has been amended from conferment to completion and award throughout the document

2.1 The regulation confirms the minimum number of staff required to make admissions decisions, and the Head of Research Centre has been added; this was not referenced as an approval role in the previous regulations.

B.1 Clarification of role of DoS, now encouraged to take an active part in supervision.

B.3 1500-word research proposals to include bibliography or references, to be congruent with applications for AHRC funding via NWC DTP.

2.6 Regulation has been updated to confirm that the application for registration deadline for students who enrol in October will be 15 January 2020.

2.9 Regulation confirms in exceptional circumstances a student may be registered for another course of study concurrently with the research degree registration, provided that the dual registration will not detract from the research.

G.1 Discipline-specific research supervision training event will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 11 February 2019.

H.1 Annual review process will take place on form RNCM RDAR circulated via email, not SkillsForge.

Addition of a Glossary

KEY STAFF CONTACTS AT RNCM FOR 2019-2020 Director of Research Prof. Barbara Kelly Tel. 0161 907 5380 Email: barbara.kelly@rncm.ac.uk Associate Director of Research (Programme Leader) Prof. Jane Ginsborg Tel: 0161 907 5315 Email: jane.ginsborg@rncm.ac.uk Research Manager Tom Wise Tel: 0161 907 5386 Email: thomas.wise@rncm.ac.uk or research@rncm.ac.uk Research Administrator

3

Rachel Ware Tel: 0161 907 5228 Email: rachel.ware@rncm.ac.uk or research@rncm.ac.uk At Manchester Metropolitan University Graduate School, Research and Knowledge Exchange – please see https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/frd-contact/ for up-to-date contact information. Link Tutor Martin Blain Tel: 0161 247 5319 Email: m.a.blain@mmu.ac.uk Senior Graduate School Manager Yogita Patel Tel: 0161 247 3680 Email: y.patel@mmu.ac.uk

4

General information about RNCM’s postgraduate research degrees A.1 Manchester Metropolitan University validates the RNCM’s MPhil/PhD programme. RNCM is

therefore a Collaborative Partner of MMU so far as the RNCM MPhil/PhD programme is concerned. Manchester Met’s Institutional Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes therefore applies to the RNCM’s MPhil/PhD programme. This Handbook provides clarifications of the Code of Practice, where necessary, for students at RNCM and their supervisory teams.

A.2 The RNCM’s postgraduate research degrees occupy the final step in a progressive series of programmes that together make up the RNCM Graduate School. They offer an opportunity to conduct high-level research within the dynamic, creative, and supportive environment of an internationally recognised conservatoire. Excellence in the fields of performance and composition continues to be underpinned and enhanced by research of the highest quality, which, in recent years, has resulted in academic monographs, international critical editions, edited volumes, peer-reviewed journal articles, CDs, and a variety of Practice-as-Research (http://www.rncm.ac.uk/research/).

1. General principles 1.1 The University’s Institutional Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that Manchester Metropolitan University’s practices and procedures regarding research degrees continue to be compliant with national guidelines. 1.2 The Institutional Code of Practice is made available to research students and staff of the University and should be read in conjunction with the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees. It outlines the requirements of research degree programmes and the support mechanisms available to students and staff as members of the supervisory team. Definitions of research and research degrees

1.3 At Manchester Metropolitan University, research degrees include: Master’s (by Research), MPhil and doctoral level study including Professional Doctorates, PhD and PhD by Published Work and by Professional Practice.

A.3 The following programmes are offered at RNCM in i) musicology, ii) music psychology, iii) music education, and iv) by practice (composition or performance):

MPhil

PhD via transfer from MPhil

PhD (direct)

PhD (by published work). 1.4 For those studying Part A of Professional Doctorates, the taught postgraduate curriculum framework and the Assessment Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study apply. 1.5 At Master’s level, the work of Manchester Metropolitan University research students will be at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments. 1.6 At doctoral level, Manchester Metropolitan University students will show creation and interpretation of knowledge, which extends the forefront of a discipline, usually through original research and critical thinking. Holders of doctorates will be able to conceptualise, design and implement projects for the generation of significant new knowledge and/or understanding. They

5

will have the qualities needed for employment requiring the ability to make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, and innovation in tackling and solving problems.

University policies, procedures and guidelines for postgraduate research degrees

The Institutional Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University policies and University-wide procedures. It should be read in conjunction with the following:

Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy for Manchester Metropolitan University

Internationalisation Strategy for Manchester Metropolitan University

Education Strategy for Manchester Metropolitan University

The Regulations for the Academic Awards of the University

The Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees

The Manchester Metropolitan University Commitment

Postgraduate Research Degrees Admissions Procedure

Research Degrees Handbook.

1.8 In addition, and where a Collaborative Partner Organisation is supervising a student for a Manchester Metropolitan University postgraduate research award, the Institutional Code of Practice for Collaborative Provision will apply. 1.9 These policies and procedures will be applied consistently to all students on a research degree. Equality and diversity commitment 1.10 Manchester Metropolitan University is proud of its diverse community of staff, students and visitors. We are committed to creating a positive environment where everybody is treated with dignity and respect. Wherever possible this commitment should be reflected in the diversity of staff membership on the panels (e.g. interview panels), committees (e.g. University and Faculty Research Degree Committees) and teams (e.g. supervisory teams) associated with managing postgraduate research across the University.

2. Application, admission, enrolment and progression

RNCM students: please see B.2-5 below. 2.1 To ensure equality of opportunity, all applications for study must be made online and include evidence of qualifications and references, followed by a formal interview. Admission decisions will involve a minimum of two members of staff who have completed HR’s Recruitment and Selection training. This can include:

The Research Degree Co-ordinator, Head of Department, Faculty Head of Research Degrees

(or their nominee) or Head of Research Centre (or their nominee)

Another research active member of staff (which can include a prospective Director of

Studies).

B.1 At Manchester Metropolitan University the Director of Studies (DoS) is normally the student’s

primary supervisor. At RNCM, students’ supervisory teams include primary and secondary supervisors who are typically full- and/or part-time members of staff at RNCM, and the DoS at Manchester Metropolitan University whose role was, historically, administrative but who is now encouraged to take an active part in supervision.

6

B.2 RNCM is committed to offering the highest quality supervision in the field in which a student wishes to work. It is important that the proposed research field coincides with established or developing research within the College. To this end, applicants are advised to identify a potential primary supervisor for MPhil/PhD research from the biographies of staff published on the RNCM website and in the Guidelines for Applicants and to contact this staff member to discuss ideas and interests informally, prior to submitting a research proposal and making a formal application.

B.3 Applicants are required to submit a research proposal of 1500 words including bibliography or

references, directed clearly towards one of the five strands of the programme. The content and structure of research proposals are specified in the Guidelines for Applicants (http://www.rncm.ac.uk/research/programme/apply/). Applicants for the PhD in composition must also submit scores of three examples of their recent compositions, with high-quality audio-recordings where available, and applicants for the PhD in performance must submit high-quality audio-visual recordings of their performances. In both cases links to online recordings are acceptable.

B.4 Applications are approved for evaluation by the appropriate research degree pathway leader:

Head of School of Composition (composition); Head of Graduate School (performance); Director of Research (musicology); Programme Leader (music psychology); Head of Music Education (music education). In consultation with the initial evaluator and/or the potential primary supervisor, the Programme Leader will appoint at least one other member of staff, besides the potential primary supervisor, to evaluate the proposal and/or portfolio of compositions/performances. If the proposal is rejected, then feedback and further advice may be obtained through the Programme Leader prior to one re-submission of a revised proposal. No more than two submissions are possible.

B.5 Applicants whose research proposal and/or portfolio receive(s) positive evaluation will be called

for interview, and if appropriate, audition (c. 45 minutes). The interview panel will consist of no fewer than two appropriately-qualified research-active members of staff, ideally including those who evaluated the application and not excluding the potential primary supervisor. The Head of School of Composition or his nominee will interview all applicants for MPhil/PhD in composition. The offer of a place on the programme will be made only after the applicant has been interviewed, and is subject to the availability of a Director of Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.

B.6 The normal entry point for the MPhil/PhD is the first day of the academic term in September.

2.2. All applicants must meet the minimum university English language entry requirements and complete their study and prepare and defend their thesis in English. Where applicable, evidence of the applicant’s IELTS score must also be provided to support the application.

Overseas students must adhere to immigration, visa and UK Home Office requirements at all

times. Some types of visa also require attendance at specified pre-enrolment sessions. Such

information is provided within the application information, and queries can be directed to the

International Office.

B.7 At RNCM, the minimum requirement is an IELTS score of 7.0 in each of the four components

(listening, reading, writing and speaking), or equivalent scores on a test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) taken no more than 12 months before the student made his or her application. Certification will be checked with UK NARIC (the National Agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on vocational, academic and professional skills and qualifications). If offers to applicants are made conditional on the results of language tests, these must be passed prior to enrolment.

B.8 Registry staff will check all qualifications and certificates before students pay their fees and enrol at

RNCM. The current fees are published on the RNCM website. The Research Administrator will then arrange for students to be enrolled at the Faculty at Manchester Metropolitan University in which their proposed Director of Studies is a member. Students must re-enrol at RNCM by 15 October of

7

each new academic year (or 15 February for those enrolling for the first time in January) until the degree has been conferred. 2.3 Entry requirements to research Master’s (by Research), MPhil and doctoral level study, including detail of equivalent qualifications for international applicants, are available on the Applying for Postgraduate Research Courses webpages. 2.4 Applicants holding alternative qualifications, including professional qualifications, shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In exceptional circumstances, Manchester Metropolitan University, through the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority, may permit entry for PhD to applicants who do not hold typical academic qualifications for entry to postgraduate study. The University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority may place additional entry criteria, including written or oral submissions, on applicants without the normal entry requirements to ensure an ability to study at the required level. Applicants must also be required to provide names of two suitable persons, independent of the supervisory team, who the University can consult concerning the applicant’s academic attainment and fitness for research.

B.9 Applicants to RNCM who already hold master’s qualifications in relevant subjects, having undertaken research training1 and produced a dissertation / portfolio of compositions / performances, are normally eligible to apply direct to PhD, starting in September, and to apply for AHRC funding via NWC DTP or RNCM, if available.

B.10 Applicants who expect to receive their master’s qualifications in relevant subjects, having

undertaken research training* and produced a dissertation / portfolio of compositions / performances, are normally eligible to apply direct to PhD and be offered a place conditional on their being awarded their master’s qualification, starting in January.

B.11 Applicants who expect to receive their master’s qualifications in relevant subjects, having

undertaken research training* and produced a dissertation / portfolio of compositions / performances, are normally eligible to apply for MPhil with option to transfer to PhD, starting in September and to apply for AHRC funding via NWC DTP or RNCM, if available.

B.12 Applicants with upper second-class or first class bachelor’s degrees in relevant subjects and

related professional experience are normally eligible to apply for MPhil with option to transfer to PhD, starting in September.

B.13 In all cases, formal approval for direct registration for the degree of PhD is given by the

Manchester Metropolitan University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority following a recommendation from the applicant’s supervisory team with the approval of the Programme Leader on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee. 2.5 Applicants may transfer into Manchester Metropolitan University from other institutions. Each case will be considered on its merits and a maximum reduction of one year of study will be available for full-time students who do not transfer into Manchester Metropolitan University with their existing Director of Studies from their previous institution. A pro-rata equivalent will be applied for part-time students. Where an applicant transfers into Manchester Metropolitan University when their existing Director of Studies takes a post at the University, they may continue with their studies at the same stage of registration as at their previous institution. Applicants will be required to provide documentation from their previous institution to support a reduction in their registration period. All transfers to Manchester Metropolitan University shall be approved by the University Research Degrees Committee.

1 research training at RNCM = Research Methods in Music Education or Music Psychology OR Repertoire Research. MPerf

students wishing to apply for MPhil / PhD must choose Repertoire Research for their optional module.

8

Application for registration (RD1) 2.6 Following enrolment, an application for registration for a research degree is considered by the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority. The Head of Faculty Research Degrees and the relevant Head of Department (or equivalent) where the research programme will be undertaken must support applications. The application for registration will normally take place within three months of enrolment for full-time students and within six months for part-time students. Only in exceptional circumstances shall students obtain an extension of registration from the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority.

B.14 At RNCM the application for registration and any extension in exceptional circumstances must be supported by the Programme Leader on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee. 2.7 Approval of registration, and the date of registration, is set in accordance with the terms outlined in 3.2 and 3.3 of the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees.

B.15 Within three months of enrolment for full-time students / six months of enrolment for part-time students an application for registration has to be submitted via Skills Forge. The form has to be completed online. Once signed off by the student and supervisor(s) it is evaluated by two readers before it can be approved by the relevant Manchester Metropolitan University Head of Faculty Research Degrees and approval ratified by the Manchester Metropolitan University Research Degrees Committee.

Students must first provide their details including Manchester Metropolitan University email address and ID number. Their Faculty will be the same as that of their Manchester Metropolitan University DoS. They must provide the title of their thesis or proposed submission and upload their research proposal, approved by his or her supervisory team, of 1500 words +/- 10% and no more than six key references. Examples of such research proposals can be seen here. They should also upload a project timeline such as a Gantt chart. RNCM has a well-established procedure for seeking and obtaining ethical clearance for research that does not involve human participation and ethical approval for practice-based and non-practice-based research that does involve human participation. RNCM students should not upload the Manchester Metropolitan University Ethics Checklist. Instead, they must upload an Ethical Clearance form signed by the Chair of the RNCM Research Ethics Committee. Students should not complete or upload a Security Sensitive Information Form. They should attach a completed Manchester Metropolitan University Insurance Checklist and a completed RNCM Risk Assessment form. They must also complete the Research Integrity Course online (at https://moodle.mmu.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=87241; log in with their Manchester Metropolitan University ID and password), the Faculty online induction and the Training Needs Analysis (on Skills Forge). If registration needs to be backdated a supporting letter from the Manchester Metropolitan University DoS should be uploaded. RNCM students are unlikely to have a collaborating establishment, but if they need facilities or equipment, approved by their supervisory team, this should be flagged up on the application form. Finally, they must tick their own name and those of the member(s) of the supervisory team to sign off the application.

The Programme Leader will identify two readers, who must be members of staff at Manchester Metropolitan University or RNCM (but only in very exceptional cases external to both institutions) who are not members of the student’s supervisory team, to evaluate the research proposal. In order to do so they must complete their CV and obtain log-in details for Skills Forge. The student has the opportunity to resubmit the proposal if the evaluators recommend changes.

Applications will be recommended for approval by the Programme Leader on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee, and by the Manchester Metropolitan University Head of Faculty Research Degrees. The latter’s decision will be ratified by the Manchester Metropolitan University Research Degrees Committee.

9

2.8 The University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority (the appropriate Faculty Research Degrees Committee) may approve an application from a student proposing to work substantially outside the University or by distance learning, provided that:

there is satisfactory evidence regarding the facilities available for the research both within and outside the University;

adequate provision is made for contact with other researchers and for the attainment of skills development;

the arrangements for supervision include frequent and substantial contact between the student and the supervisor(s), and

the oral examination will be conducted within the University, , or via video conferencing if deemed appropriate (see the Interim Video Conference Policy for Oral Examinations for full details and eligibility).

In addition, see Distance Learning PhD guidance for full details of resources and support that should be in place. 2.9 The University Research Degrees Committee may exceptionally permit a student to register for another course of study concurrently with the research degree registration, provided that either the research degree registration or the other course of study is part-time and that, in the opinion of the Committee, the dual registration will not detract from the research.

B.16 Applications from RNCM research degree students proposing to

(i) work substantially outside the College or by distance learning, (ii) register part-time for another course of study concurrently with the research degree registration must meet the conditions stated above and be supported by the Programme Leader for Research Degrees on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee.

Progression review and transfer of study (RD2)

2.10 All students undertaking a research degree (with the exception of those on programmes that last for less than 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time) will complete a progression review. This takes place after 12 months (or 24 months if part-time) of registration and enables the University to judge whether the student has made sufficient progress on their research studies to continue their registration (see PGR Regulations 4).

2.11 Manchester Metropolitan University also provides the opportunity for research students registered for a Master’s degree (by Research) or an MPhil to apply to the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority (the appropriate Faculty Research Degrees Committee) for transfer to study for a higher award. A transfer report will be required and an oral assessment will be used as part of the assessment of the case for transfer (see PGR Regulations 5.1 – 5.6).

2.12 If a student is unable to complete their approved programme of work, they may apply, or the Director of Studies may recommend, to the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority prior to the submission of the thesis for examination, for a transfer from MPhil or PhD to a Master’s degree (by Research) or an MPhil respectively (see PGR Regulations 5.7). The student has a right of appeal regarding any transfer recommendation via the University Academic Appeals procedure (see PGR Regulations 5.8).

B.16 All students at RNCM undertaking a research degree will complete a progression review (if registered for MPhil or direct to PhD) or transfer of study (if registered for MPhil with option to transfer to PhD) after 12 months (full-time) or two years (part-time) study.

Regardless of whether the student is completing a progression review or applying for transfer of study the process consists of the submission and approval of a report and oral assessment (‘research proposal defence’) as set out in PGR Regulations 4 and 5.1 – 5. 8.

10

Applications for progression/transfer are made via Skills Forge and must be supported by the student's supervisory team. Applications for transfer are examined by two “scrutineers” identified by the Programme Leader and appropriate Head of Faculty Research Degrees at Manchester Metropolitan University following consultation with the student’s supervisory team. The role of the scrutineers is to evaluate the progression/transfer report, submit their evaluation via Skills Forge on Form RD2A and conduct a progression/transfer viva voce examination of the student. One or both scrutineers will be from RNCM, the other from Manchester Metropolitan University or – in exceptional circumstances – external to both institutions. One of the RNCM scrutineers will be a subject specialist not a member of the student’s supervisory team. He or she will not be precluded from fulfilling the role of internal examiner in the student’s final MPhil or PhD oral examination. If there is no conflict between the scrutineers’ reports the oral examination will not be chaired. If there is conflict between the scrutineers’ reports, the Programme Leader will nominate an independent chair for the transfer oral examination. The application for progression/transfer consists of three parts: Form RD2; a progression/transfer report; and a one page abstract setting out progress made to date. The content and style of the student’s progression/transfer report will inevitably vary but for most students on the musicology, music psychology and music education pathways it should incorporate the following: (i) the aims of a student’s thesis as detailed in the research proposal accompanying their

original application for registration (ii) a literature review summarising and critiquing the findings of other scholars and/or

practitioners in the field of enquiry (iii) a full description of the general methodology and specific methods (iv) details of results obtained, including details of how the aims specified in the research

proposal have been achieved, modified or added to in the course of the student’s research project to date

(v) discussion of the work already undertaken and conclusions drawn at this stage of the research

(vi) a full description of the significant contribution to knowledge that is likely to emerge from the thesis, while providing clear and precise indications of the development of the research project from MPhil to PhD standard.

Progression/transfer reports should normally be between 5,000 and 6,000 words in length or equivalent. Instead of using the headings (ii) to (v) above, students registered for PhD in Performance or Composition may submit a short document (normally 2,000 to 3,000 words) including the headings (i) and (vi) above (adapted as necessary), contextualising the research already completed and the future direction of the research project AND a performance or composition portfolio, as appropriate. Students registered for PhD in Performance should submit high-quality audio- and/or audio-visual recordings of their performances (links to online recordings are acceptable), consisting of around 30 minutes of music-making, and be prepared to perform, if so requested, during the oral examination. Copies of all works performed must be submitted with the recordings. Students registered for PhD in Composition should submit scores of 3-5 works (two hard copies of each) with a total duration of around 30 minutes, and high-quality audio- and/or audio-visual recordings of their performances (links to online recordings are acceptable) if possible. If preferred, a similar strategy can be used by students registered for PhD in Music Education, Music Psychology and Musicology. They may submit a short document (normally 2,000 to 3,000 words) including the headings (i) and (vi) above (adapted as necessary), contextualising the research already completed and the future direction of the research project AND sample chapters from the

11

draft thesis. The maximum length of the complete submission should not, however, be more than 6000 words.

The progression/transfer oral examination will take place at the RNCM. One of the panel members or the independent chair will write a report of the progression/transfer viva voce examination on Form RD2B, to be submitted via Skills Forge. The report will include one of the following recommendations: that the student (i) be approved to progress/transfer from MPhil to PhD (ii) be approved to progress/transfer subject to revisions being made to the

progression/transfer report to the satisfaction of one of the scrutineers (to be completed within two weeks FT or four weeks PT) OR

(iii) the progression/transfer report must be revised within four weeks FT or eight weeks PT and presented for re-examination

The application for progression/transfer will be approved by the Manchester Metropolitan University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority. A student whose revised progression/transfer request is unsuccessful will have no further opportunity to request transfer to a higher degree. The student will have a period of six months from his/her oral examination date in which to submit his/her thesis for a Master’s Degree or MPhil).

B.17 In keeping with all Graduate School Programmes at RNCM, supervision for MPhil/PhD students is normally delivered within the context of a 34-week academic year. That part of the year lying outside this 34-week period should be regarded primarily as devoted to private study and preparation for submission.

3. Suspension and extension of study

3.1 There are specific guidelines providing information and support about an extension of studies (where a student, due to exceptional factors, requires additional time to submit their thesis), and about a suspension of studies (where a student is prevented by exceptional factors from making progress with their research). Please see The Code of Practice on Extensions and Suspensions for full details.

C.1 Where a student is on a studentship and is either funded internally or by an external funding body or

sponsor, the student must, in the first instance, obtain approval from the funding body either to extend their submission date or to suspend their studies.

C.2 Suspensions are interruptions of study. The Code of Practice on Extensions and Suspensions sets out categories of suspension (voluntary and compulsory, on medical and non-medical grounds) and the implications of suspending study. RNCM students will not have access to College facilities/supervision or receive studentship payments for the duration of their suspension. It is vital that overseas students check the implications of applying for suspension for their visa and right to remain in the UK.

If, having read the Code of Practice, students wish to apply for a suspension, they must make their case, in writing, supported by documentary evidence, and submit it to the Research Administrator (research@rncm.ac.uk). They should then request interviews, face-to-face or via telephone or Skype, with each of the following members of staff in turn, so that the RNCM Extension/Suspension of Studies form can be completed:

the Director of Research [Head of School],

Programme Leader for Research Degrees [Course Leader],

Assistant Head of Registry (Student Finance and Wellbeing),

Head of Registry.

12

When the Extension/Suspension of Studies form has been completed and signed by all four members of staff it can be used as evidence to support an application for extension/suspension of studies to Manchester Metropolitan University via Skills Forge. The Programme Leader will report interruptions of study to the RNCM Research Degrees Committee when approved.

C.3 Extensions of study are requested when students are nearing their deadline for thesis/portfolio

submission, or for corrections to the thesis/portfolio following the oral examination. Applications must be made at least three months before the deadline. The Code of Practice on Extensions and Suspensions sets out the “exceptional” factors that are considered grounds for an extension, and those that are not considered exceptional.

If, having read the Code of Practice, students wish to apply for an extension, they must follow the

same procedure as specified in C.2 above.

4. Adjustments for students

4.1 The Student Maternity and Pregnancy Guidelines outline the maternity procedures for all students. 4.2 The needs of students with disabilities, including specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia),

are supported in compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Students who identify a disability or

other learning need that requires reasonable adjustments to be made to the approved programme will be referred by their supervisory team to the University’s Disability Service. Arrangements will need to be put in place if the Disability Service confirms a Personal Learning Plan is required. The University’s Practical Arrangement for Examinations for Disabled Students shall be followed in so far as they can be applied to research degree students having regard for the standard of the award and the programme’s thesis requirements.

D.1 Students at RNCM who identify a disability or other learning need that requires modifications to the approved programme will be referred to the RNCM’s Learning Support Tutor and, if necessary, will be offered a Personal Learning Plan. The implications of such a plan will be discussed with the student and his or her supervisor(s). The relevant College guidelines may be found in Section 6 of the RNCM Student Information Handbook. If additional time is required for the submission of the thesis/portfolio, the PLP must be submitted for consideration by the Manchester Metropolitan University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority.

4.3 If a student needs support during supervision or within the oral examination, this will be detailed within the Personal Learning Plan. Where an oral examination is used as the means of examination, and the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority is satisfied that a student would be disadvantaged due to reasons of sickness or disability if required to undertake an oral examination, an alternative form of examination may be approved. .

5. Supporting research students

Induction arrangements and skills development 5.1 All full-time and part-time research students should attend the appropriate Faculty induction programme and complete the online induction on Moodle. Students who fail to attend the relevant Faculty induction, and complete the online induction, may not be permitted to re-enrol with the University until active participation at an appropriate induction event has been recorded (see also ‘8. Annual review’). 5.2 Through the Faculty inductions and Graduate School online induction, students are introduced to the general research environment and are signposted to the research degree policies and practices, information on supervisory expectations and research ethics.

13

E. 1 RNCM students must engage with the Induction programme at Manchester Metropolitan University as well as attending the Induction session on Thursday 19 September 2019 at RNCM. 5.3 Research students are required to complete research integrity training, which is part of the

online induction.

E. 2 RNCM students must complete the mandatory online research integrity training on Manchester Metropolitan University’s Moodle VLE and maintain a record on the SkillsForge system throughout their studies of their engagement with an approved supplementary programme of skills development support and training (see below). 5.4 Research students are required to complete at least two weeks’ worth of development activities per year for full-time students and one week per year for part-time students. These should provide personal and professional skills and the skills necessary to attain competence in research methods, wider research integrity and knowledge related to the subject of the thesis. See the Training and Development section in the Research Degrees Handbook for further details. Students are required to complete at least two weeks’ worth of development activities per year for full-time students and one week per year for part-time students. (See Training and Development) Students should utilise the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), which describes the knowledge, behaviour and attributes of successful researchers. The characteristics of excellent researchers are expressed in the RDF as ‘descriptors’, which are structured in the following four domains:

Knowledge and intellectual abilities

Personal effectiveness

Research governance and organisation

Engagement, influence and impact

The framework can be used to help researchers to identify the areas that they want to develop further, and to create an action plan.

Students are required to maintain a record on the university system throughout their studies of their engagement with skills development and training. This skills development record is used as a basis for discussion at the annual review.

E. 3 The RNCM is responsible for meeting the library and information requirements of its research students. However, in order to provide access to a wider range of materials, research students can access the Library at Manchester Metropolitan University as external students. This means that they can borrow a limited number of items, and use some of Manchester Metropolitan University’s electronic resources remotely, subject to the licensing restrictions of the suppliers. Further details can be found in the Manchester Metropolitan University guide for external students at https://libguides.mmu.ac.uk/c.php?g=664266&p=4699136.

Graduate Teaching Assistant Framework

5.5 As part of their development, full-time research students shall, wherever possible, be provided with the opportunity to participate in the Graduate Teaching Assistant Framework. The Graduate Teaching Assistant Framework is not a compulsory element of skills development but teaching experience can be a valuable opportunity for some research students. 5.6 Research students may undertake a range of teaching-related activities including: tutorial support, demonstration of practical exercises, delivery of lectures, and assessment of students. They must not develop or lead a unit of study.

14

E. 3 RNCM is not obliged to offer research students opportunities to develop expertise in teaching but recognises that such opportunities – if available – are valuable to those aspiring to careers in higher education.

Research students are normally eligible to participate in the Graduate Teaching Assistant

Framework if they:

are in their second or third year of study

are making progress recorded as good or excellent in their most recent Annual Review

have a teaching qualification and/or make use of training opportunities at RNCM

will be teaching topics related to their research, at a level lower than the degree for which they are registered.

All students who teach must be mentored by their primary supervisor, another member of their supervisory team or other appropriate member of staff. They can contribute to their mentor’s assessment of students by drafting written feedback and suggesting marks but may not mark students’ work independently.

Research students’ teaching hours are included in business planning each year so it is vital that students express their interest in teaching as early as possible and have completed the requisite training before they take up teaching opportunities at the start of, or part-way through the following academic year. PGR students, their primary supervisors/mentors, Directors of Studies and Heads of Schools, as appropriate, should complete the PGR Students’ Application to Teach form (available on RNCM Moodle) and submit it to research@rncm.ac.uk by the end of February. The process for applying to teach is as follows:

The student should approach their primary supervisor and Director of Studies to ensure approval will be given, in principle, for them to teach

If approval is given, the student should identify appropriate teaching opportunities (most likely via their primary supervisor, who will also fulfil the role of mentor

The mentor should obtain approval from the Head of the School of Study, Head of Undergraduate Studies or Head of Graduate School, as appropriate

The Associate Director of Research will forward applications to the Director of Programmes by the end of the spring term.

5.7 The employment of research students shall follow Manchester Metropolitan University Human Resources requirements, policies and guidelines. In accepting a contract, students will become employees of Manchester Metropolitan University and must therefore be eligible to work in the UK. This eligibility is very important for international students and must not compromise their visa status, which would need to be checked by the International Office and Human Resources as part of the selection process. Students, including those receiving training awards or University studentships, shall be employed in approved University roles and receive the commensurate approved rate of pay for any teaching undertaken. Those employed as Graduate Teaching Assistants shall have a teaching qualification or have completed one of the following approved training courses:

PGR students with no previous teaching experience must have completed the Teaching and

Learning Essentials for New Teachers (TALENT) unit

PGR students who already teach at least 4 hours a week could be eligible for the ‘Introduction

to Learning, Teaching and Assessment’ (ILTA) qualification, delivered by the Centre for

Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT).

5.8 Graduate Teaching Assistants are not permitted to be scrutineers, academic supervisors or examiners. A permanent member of academic staff acting as a mentor shall support Graduate Teaching Assistants. 5.9 Manchester Metropolitan University acknowledges that the employment of full-time research students as Graduate Teaching Assistants must not compromise their ability to complete their research degree programme. Therefore, Faculties are required to ensure that any employment of

15

full-time research students as Graduate Teaching Assistants will not endanger their ability to complete their research degree programme within the specified time. Employment shall not normally exceed six hours per week and, in all cases, must not exceed 180 hours averaged over the course of the academic year. Such employment must be approved by the student’s Director of Studies, Head of Faculty Research Degrees and Head of Department.

E.4 At RNCM, the details of the Graduate Teaching Assistant role are available from the Programme

Leader for Research Degrees; the role was re-evaluated by the RNCM Human Resources Department in June 2017 and meets the criteria for a Grade 6a post for which rates of payment in 2018-2019 were between £15.25 and £16.66 per hour.

E.5 The same limits on employment as Graduate Teaching Assistants apply to students at RNCM. Approval must be given by the student’s primary supervisor and Director of Studies. Support for research students who teach 5.10 The University recognises its responsibilities to provide all research students with appropriate training before they undertake any teaching to ensure that the quality of teaching and learning is safeguarded. All research students who teach will

Receive an induction and mentoring from the appropriate programme leader;

Be signposted to available University Teaching Academy provision (a charge may be liable

for research students from collaborative partner institutions).

Be signposted to any Faculty-specific provision and resources if in place.

5.11 It is the Head of Department’s responsibility to undertake or delegate the above actions to

ensure they are carried out, and appropriate records are maintained. 5.12 In addition, research students shall be provided with sufficient resources in terms of access to teaching and learning facilities, to allow them to provide a quality teaching experience.

6. Employment of research students 6.1 During registration, full-time research student shall not undertake more than 16 hours of paid employment per week. This is to safeguard their ability to complete their research degree programme successfully. Students who require a visa and/or students who are funded should also check their eligibility to work with the relevant authority.

F.1 The same limits on paid employment, including teaching in the role of Graduate Teaching Assistant, apply to students at RNCM. Approval must be given by the student’s primary supervisor and DoS.

7. Supervision of research students

7.1 All research degree students shall be supervised by a supervisory team including a Director of Studies, supervisors and, where appropriate, specialist advisor(s). The team shall not include anyone who has a close personal relationship with the student. Each member of the supervisory team should normally be:

a member of the University teaching or research staff

experienced in and actively engaged in research

hold a research degree at the same level as, or higher than, the degree being supervised, or

have appropriate equivalent experience or professional qualifications or status.

16

7.2 The approval of the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority should be sought for proposed supervisors to supervise to a higher level than their own qualifications. Approval to supervise in these circumstances would be granted once to individual members of staff. Evidence that a member of the team has attended and passed the 15 credit unit on Research Degree Supervision and Examination offered on the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE will also count towards a proposed supervisor’s academic experience. Supervisors without completed supervisions, or academic staff new to the University, should attend appropriate supervisory training and receive mentoring within an existing supervisory team. An academic supervisor or advisor may be external to the University. All supervisors must attend the supervisor or refresher training every three years.

G.1 Discipline-specific research supervisors’ workshops are held annually at RNCM and will take place in 2020 on Tuesday 11 February. Supervisors are expected to attend a refresher workshop every three years. 7.3 The Director of Studies shall be a member of academic staff of the University, and normally hold a higher degree than the level of the student’s registration award. They shall have responsibility to the appropriate Faculty Research Degrees Committee for the administration of the project. A member of staff without completions may be appointed to the Director of Studies role on condition that they

have attended research supervisory training

will be mentored by a nominated member of the supervisory team who has previous

successful experience of research degree completions, ideally as a Director of Studies.

At least one member of every supervisory team must have supervised a research student to successful completion. Research degree students at the university are ineligible to act as Directors of Studies for other research degree students, but may act as a supervisor or advisor, with the exception of PhD by Published Work (Route 2) students who can act as Directors of Studies). 7.4 Supervisory teams can propose the addition of an advisor to contribute specialist knowledge or provide a link with external organisations, where appropriate. Supervisory teams may also appoint a mentor to provide additional experience and support to the team. 7.5 The appropriate Faculty Research Degrees Committee shall determine the number of concurrent supervisions permitted for a member of staff acting as a Director of Studies or supervisor. A maximum number of six students shall normally apply where the member of staff is acting in a Director of Studies role. The Committee shall ensure that an individual member of staff is able to manage a particular workload and that this does not reach a level where it might disadvantage a student. 7.6 For students in a collaborative institution, the University will ensure that the partner organisation has comparable resources to support the supervision of research students through the approval and review of collaborative programmes process, and that supervisors are appropriately qualified and experienced.

G.2 At RNCM, the Programme Leader will, on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee, determine the number of concurrent supervisions permitted for a member of staff acting as a primary or secondary supervisor. A maximum of 6 full-time students shall apply where he or she is fulfilling the role of primary supervisor. 7.7 The aim of supervision is to

enable the development and critical overview of the work

prepare the student for the oral examination

17

provide the student with insight into the skills required to supervise future students.

In order to achieve this, the supervisory team shall have contact with the student on a negotiated and agreed regular basis. Records of formal supervisory meetings must be kept using the record of supervision (RD9) form on SkillsForge. Students are required to complete at least six RD9 forms throughout the academic year and these should be taken to the annual review meeting (see ‘8. Annual review’). (Please note that the visa conditions for some international students require them to record at least 10 points of contact across the academic year; the record of supervision can be used for this purpose.) In the event that a student fails to maintain contact with their supervisory team, the Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Procedure for Postgraduate Research Students, which could lead to the withdrawal of the student’s registration by the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority if their engagement does not improve.

G. 3 The quantity and format of contacts between students and their supervisory teams will vary since they depend on many factors, including the stage of the research (for example, students may need more support in the early stages as they prepare for registration and begin work, and then again as they approach final submission); different kinds of supervisory meeting (for example, talking about projects face-to-face; having draft work read and commented upon by the supervisor, which might be done via e-mail or post; ‘virtual’ meetings on the telephone or Skype etc.); and the type of research project being undertaken. There are no hard and fixed rules about this and each student will need to negotiate with her or his supervisory team how best to organise their time together.

In any case, however, full-time students should normally organise regular meetings in person with

their primary or secondary supervisor around once every six weeks throughout the year (part-time students pro rata), in addition to keeping in contact via regular e-mails between meetings (Manchester Metropolitan University expects at least six RD9 forms to be submitted via Skills Forge by each full-time student each academic year). While some supervisory teams, including the student’s DoS, prefer to meet more often, the whole supervisory team is expected to meet with the student at least once each year.

After each face-to-face supervision, the student should complete and submit an RD9 form via

Skills Forge; it will be signed by all members of the supervisory team who were present. 7.8 The responsibilities of the supervisory team are to:

Manage the induction of the student into the Department, Research Unit or School, the Faculty,

the University environment, and where appropriate the wider region

Ensure the satisfactory and timely completion of required postgraduate research milestone

documentation (e.g. application for registration and thesis submission)

Provide guidance on such matters as the nature of research, academic standards, planning,

literature, methods and techniques

Propose the appointment of a suitable advisor, where appropriate

Assist the student in navigating through official procedures

Negotiate and maintain frequent formal contact with the student

Obtain progress reports and other written work

Provide prompt and constructive critical evaluation of work reviewed

Provide an annual progress report as part of the annual review

Arrange any training or formal instruction which the student requires, including research,

personal and professional skills

Ensure that the research student is aware of ethics procedures and has completed an ethical

application to support this

Ensure that the student is aware when their progress is inadequate or of other problems that

may affect the successful completion of research within the required duration

18

Ensure that the student re-enrols on an annual basis

Ensure that the student makes a positive contribution, through their work within the University

and through the choice of area of study, research methods and analysis, to promoting diversity

and equal opportunities within the University and the community.

7.9 Students who are dissatisfied with their supervision arrangements should first raise their concerns with a member of the supervisory team. If it is not possible to resolve the issues at this level, they can then discuss their concerns with the Head of Faculty Research Degrees and appropriate Head of Department. Any issues that still require resolution can then be escalated to the appropriate Faculty Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange, if required. Students can also raise such concerns with their Faculty Graduate School team, or at their annual review. Students may also use the more formal complaints procedure. In all cases where there is a proposal for a change in supervision arrangements this shall be reported to the appropriate Faculty Research Degrees Committee and the University Research Degrees Committee.

G.4 Supervisory teams are all different: most work smoothly and efficiently, but it is not unusual for teams to experience tensions that are hard or apparently impossible to resolve. Ideally difficulties will be addressed within the team, but sometimes the student and/or supervisor(s) find it easier to suggest a change of supervision arrangements in a meeting with the Programme Leader or at the annual review. Students may also use the formal RNCM complaints procedure. Applications for changing supervision arrangements are made via the RD3 form on Skills Forge. The student, primary supervisor or Manchester Metropolitan University can make the application, specifying outgoing and incoming members of the team and giving a reason for the change. The RD3 form has to be signed by the student, primary supervisor and DoS. Signatures are not required from the outgoing or incoming supervisors so it is important that they are consulted and informed both when the change is proposed and when it has been approved. 7.10 Where students are not progressing with their research, the Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Procedure for Postgraduate Research Students can be instigated by supervisors at any point during the academic year or a recommendation can be made by the independent reviewer following the annual review process (see ‘8. Annual review’).

8. Annual review 8.1 Most students undertaking a research degree (with the exception of students on suspension, Masters (by Research) students studying full-time, students who have submitted already or students who are within three months of their thesis submission date) will have an annual review in the summer term of each academic year, which focuses on the student’s engagement with the research programme, quality and frequency of supervisory meetings, and wider research skills development support. The annual review is completed by a reviewer independent from the supervisory team. The focus of the review is to establish the student’s engagement with the research programme, their progress with their study, the contact with the supervisory team, and the skills they have developed. It provides the opportunity to discuss any future developmental requirements and review the personal and professional development activities recorded in SkillsForge. Students shall be required to present evidence of attendance at supervisory meetings using the record of supervision (RD9) form, a successful record of annual reviews and evidence of undertaking a skills development programme. This annual review process must be completed before the start of the new academic year. 8.2 In the event that the annual review is deemed to lack evidence of satisfactory progress, the independent reviewer, in consultation with the Director of Studies, may recommend that the Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Procedure for Postgraduate Research Students is instigated which aims to retrieve the situation within an appropriate timescale. However, it may result in the termination of the registration or, if appropriate, the consideration of a lower level award. The student has a right of appeal regarding any progression recommendation via the University Academic Appeals procedure (see PGR Regulations 4).

19

H.1 In 2019-2020 the Annual Review process will take place during the summer term through reports submitted by the student, supervisory team and DoS via the RNCM RDAR form circulated via email, followed by a one-to-one meeting between the student and an internal independent reviewer approved by the Head of Faculty Research Degrees lasting no more than one hour, after which the Independent Reviewer will write and submit their own report and recommendations to the student. Members of the supervisory team should not attend the Annual Review meeting unless the student specifically requests their presence.

9. Examination procedures

9.1 All teaching, supervision and examination of research degrees will be in the English language. 9.2 The University Research Degrees Committee, acting as the Assessment Board for research degrees, shall establish general procedures for the conduct of examinations and shall consider and approve recommendations of awards for conferment. 9.3 Academic staff, including supervisors, advisors and other research degree students registered with the University may, with the explicit consent of the student, attend the oral examination as non-examining observers. 9.4 Detailed guidelines are provided in the document entitled Guidelines on the Examination of Postgraduate Research Degrees and in the Research Degrees Handbook. The assessment regulations for postgraduate research degrees are set out in the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees. The external examiners shall make recommendations according to the regulations. A copy of the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees shall be made available online to each student, the supervisory team and the examiners.

I.1 Submissions for MPhil and PhD at RNCM Dissertations and theses will be written in English. Students are required to submit to the Research

Administrator two soft-bound copies of the dissertation or thesis, an electronic copy in either Word or PDF format for submission to Turnitin for plagiarism checking and a completed and signed student (Part A) Research Degree Declaration (RD DEC) form.

A single page abstract of approximately 300 words should be bound into the dissertation or thesis

providing a synopsis of the submission stating the nature and scope of the work undertaken and of the contribution made to the knowledge of the subject treated.

MPhil submissions should normally not exceed the following lengths (excluding ancillary data such

as footnotes, bibliographies, diagrams and references): MPhil in Musicology, Music Education or Music Psychology:

i) Dissertation of 40,000 words ii) An oral examination

MPhil in Performance: i) A series of substantial performances of c.90 minutes total duration, which may be in the

form of live presentations or studio recordings. Live presentations must also be submitted as high-quality audio-visual recordings of their performances (links to online recordings are acceptable) recordings (live and / or studio).

ii) A critical commentary, word count to be negotiated, but normally between 5,000 and 10,000 words.

iii) An oral examination assessing the entire submission. Students must make scores of all works performed available to both members of the examination panel, so should contact Library staff four weeks in advance of the examination for copies to be obtained and made available. The supervisory team will ensure that MPhil submissions in

20

Performance involving live presentation, or that for other reasons require multiple assessment points, will be supported by the early appointment of an external examiner who will be invited to assess the student’s performances accordingly. MPhil in Composition: i) A substantial portfolio of compositions normally between 45 and 60 minutes in duration.

The portfolio of scores should normally be accompanied by recordings of each work. ii) A critical commentary, word count to be negotiated, but normally between 5,000 and

10,000 words. iii) An oral examination assessing the entire submission.

PhD submissions should normally not exceed the following lengths (excluding ancillary data such as footnotes, bibliographies, diagrams and references):

PhD in Musicology, Music Education or Music Psychology: i) Thesis of 80,000 words ii) An oral examination

PhD in Performance: i) A series of substantial performances of c.180 minutes total duration, which may be in the

form of live presentations or studio recordings. Live presentations must also be submitted as high-quality audio-visual recordings of their performances, live and / or studio (links to online recordings are acceptable).

ii) A critical commentary, word count to be negotiated, but normally between 10,000 and 20,000 words.

iii) An oral examination assessing the entire submission. Students must make scores of all works performed available to both members of the examination panel, so should contact Library staff four weeks in advance of the examination for copies to be obtained and made available. The supervisory team will ensure that PhD submissions in Performance involving live presentation, or that for other reasons require multiple assessment points, will be supported by the early appointment of an external examiner who will be invited to assess the student’s performances accordingly.

PhD in Composition: i) A substantial portfolio of compositions normally between 90 and 120 minutes in duration.

The portfolio of scores should normally be accompanied by recordings of each work. ii) A critical commentary, word count to be negotiated, but normally between 10,000 and

20,000 words. iii) An oral examination assessing the entire submission.

While for MPhil/PhD in Performance and Composition some flexibility can be negotiated between

the student and supervisory team as to the relative weightings of the portfolio and text components of the submission, a thesis that is substantially below or in excess of the recommended word or time lengths without sufficient justification may not be allowed to proceed to formal examination.

The role of examiners

9.5 The examination team shall be able to assess the student’s conduct of research and, for doctoral programmes, the contribution to knowledge. The examination team shall normally comprise an external examiner, an independent internal examiner and an independent chair. At least one of the examiners shall have experience of examining UK research degree students at the level of the award or higher. An internal examiner with limited or no research degree examination experience may be approved if they have experience of supervising a research student to successful completion at the level of the award or higher. They must also have attended the university workshop (or refresher workshop) on supervising and examining research students, and have observed at an oral examination (where possible). (See also Guidelines on the Examination of Postgraduate Research Degrees).

21

9.6 The University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority shall appoint the examination teams and external examiners for the research degree programmes. Examination teams shall be proposed by the Director of Studies before being approved by the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority.

I.2 For students at RNCM, the Manchester Metropolitan University DoS will propose examiners on the basis of a recommendation from the supervisory team approved by the Programme Leader on behalf of the RNCM Research Degrees Committee. All arrangements for the examination will be co-ordinated by the DoS and RNCM Programme Leader. 9.7 The role of external examiners shall be to ensure that the student is treated fairly and equitably, that the standard of the University’s awards is maintained, and that the assessments with which the examiner is concerned are carried out in accordance with the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees. External examiners shall be independent of Manchester Metropolitan University and of any collaborative partner organisation where the Manchester Metropolitan University research degree is being undertaken. 9.8 For research degree students who are required to undertake an oral examination, an independent chair shall be appointed by the University Research Degrees Committee or delegated authority who has previous research degree examining experience and has attended the ‘Chairing a Viva’ workshop. The chair shall also be responsible for ensuring the associated administration of the oral examination is completed satisfactorily. The chair will not examine the thesis but may, on request, have a copy made available to them. 9.9 The independent internal examiner will not have been a supervisor or advisor to the student and must have relevant knowledge of the thesis subject area. They shall not be in a close personal relationship with the student or any of the supervisory team. 9.10 The student shall take no part in the appointment of examiners and shall not have contact with the external examiner(s) between the appointment of the examiners and the oral examination.

10. Complaints and appeals 10.1 The Student Complaints Procedure and the Academic Appeals Procedure apply to all postgraduate research students of the University.

10.2 If research students are employed by Manchester Metropolitan University as Graduate Teaching Assistants and have any complaints regarding their experience as Graduate Teaching Assistants they must manage such complaints through the Manchester Metropolitan University Staff Grievance Procedure rather that the Student Complaints Procedure. Every effort shall be made to address concerns informally within the Faculty as soon as they arise. However, should this not achieve resolution, the normal University Human Resources procedures will apply.

J.1 Students at RNCM will be entitled to invoke the complaints procedure of either RNCM or

Manchester Metropolitan University, but not both, according to the individual circumstances of the complaint. Complaints must be addressed to the institution responsible for the subject of the complaint or where it occurred. The RNCM’s formal procedure for Student Complaints is published in the Student Information Handbook (Section 7). Academic appeals can only be made to the relevant “Student Life” Office at the Faculty in which the student’s DoS is a member.

11. Research ethics and academic misconduct

11.1 Research students are expected to maintain the highest professional integrity in research practice and publication. Students are accountable to their professional bodies, Manchester

22

Metropolitan University and to the organisations that fund the research. The Manchester Metropolitan University Academic Ethical Framework explains how staff and students of the University give consideration to the ethical implications associated with any academic activities with which they engage. If there are any ethical issues associated with the research, full approval must be sought from the relevant Head of Ethics within the Faculty. Where there is research involving patients or the NHS, research students must submit an application for ethical approval to the National Research Ethics Service (NRES). Prior to the commencement of any research work, students must gain approval for that work.

11.2 The Manchester Metropolitan University website on Research Governance provides guidelines for Good Research Practice and links to legal and policy requirements as well as to Manchester Metropolitan University policies and procedures. The Procedure for the Investigation of Misconduct in Research and the Procedure for Handling Academic Misconduct provide guidance on appropriate behaviour and definitions of misconduct in research.

11.3 The University will implement the Procedure for the Investigation of Misconduct in Research if an allegation of scientific or ethical misconduct is identified. Once this procedure has been completed, any necessary recommendations and decisions on penalties will be made through an Assessment Disciplinary Committee as outlined in the Procedure for Handling Academic Misconduct.

K.1 Students at RNCM should in addition be familiar with the RNCM Good Research Conduct Policy, which sets out the RNCM Research Misconduct Procedure. Before any participants are recruited to studies involving human participation, ethical approval (not clearance) must be obtained from the RNCM Research Ethics Committee. Research involving human participation can be practice-based (typically composition and performance) or non-practice-based (e.g. one-to-one and focus group interviews, observational studies and experiments; questionnaire surveys). The requirement to obtain ethical approval applies to

all researchers who are members of staff or students at RNCM

all external researchers (i.e. independent researchers and those employed by other institutions) wishing to recruit staff or students at RNCM as participants in their research, regardless of whether they have obtained ethical approval from another institution – although the process of obtaining approval from the RNCM Research Ethics Committee is likely to be expedited if they have already obtained ethical approval elsewhere.

It is therefore vital that all candidates for research degrees and their supervisory teams are aware of and adhere to RNCM procedures for obtaining ethical clearance for research that does not involve the participation of other people, and ethical approval for empirical research that does involve other people as participants.

Researchers at RNCM who wish to undertake studies involving the participation of students and

staff at other conservatoires should apply for ethical approval to the CUK Research Ethics Committee. All relevant forms can be found at the Research Ethics tab on RNCM Moodle.

12. Monitoring and evaluation 12.1 The University shall, through the University Research Degrees Committee, monitor and evaluate its research degrees. The monitoring and evaluation process is undertaken on an annual basis to review the success of research programmes. Such monitoring takes account of feedback from Faculties, student feedback, examiner comments and, where appropriate, employer, sponsor or funder feedback. Comparative analysis of other institutions is also undertaken to monitor the position of Manchester Metropolitan University and guide further development activity. 12.2 Heads of Faculty Research Degrees shall submit their Annual Monitoring Reports to the Head of Graduate School each year and an Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report shall be considered and approved by the University Research Degrees Committee. The report will comment on identified areas for improvements to the support and general academic environment for research students and

23

supervisors. It will identify both the positive and negative comments made by students during the annual review process and report on the action taken to address issues arising. Faculties will ensure mechanisms are in place to provide feedback to any research students undertaking taught elements of research programmes.

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)

12.3 The University participates in the biennial PRES survey in association with Advance HE. The University analyses the results from the survey and uses the data to enhance the student experience through the Student Rep Forum and through University and Faculty Research Degrees Committees.

13. Staff development and training

13.1 Manchester Metropolitan University ensures that external and internal examiners and academic staff at Manchester Met, and collaborative partner organisations involved in the supervision and assessment of students, are equipped to undertake their roles and responsibilities. The University Staff Development Programme is reviewed annually and provides detail of development opportunities for staff involved in postgraduate research supervision. It includes training and guidance on the selection and admission of research degree students, ethical issues and procedures, the supervision and examination of students, the chairing and observation of oral examinations and information related to the annual review.

14. Glossary

Academic Board: The body that oversees the University’s academic activities, and considers matters relating to the awarding of degrees.

Advisor: An optional member of the student’s supervisory team who may be brought in to contribute specialist knowledge or connections.

Annual review (RDAR): The formal review of a student’s engagement with and progress in their research project.

Application for registration (RD1): The formal process of defining and approving a student’s research project.

Department, Faculty, School: Manchester Metropolitan University is made up of five Faculties. Each Faculty is subdivided into a number of different Schools or Departments.

Director of Studies (DoS): Leads the supervision of the student. Ethics: Research ethics are a set of core principles defining how researchers interact with research

participants, including their data or tissue. Examiner: A specialist academic who can assess a student’s research output. Examiners may be

internal (employees of Manchester Metropolitan University) or external (not employed by Manchester Metropolitan University).

Extension of study: Where a student has exceptional factors that mean they require additional time to submit (or re-submit) their thesis, they can apply for an extension of study.

Faculty Research Degrees Committee: The strategic body within each Faculty that reviews student progress and key milestones, and which takes a wider interest in postgraduate research policies and procedures. Also the delegated authority for the Research Degrees Committee in many instances.

Graduate School: The University’s Graduate School oversees the administration and quality assurance of research degrees, as well as working to enhance the student experience and raise the profile of postgraduate research.

Head of Faculty Research Degrees (HFRD): Provides strategic leadership within Faculties, ensuring the interests of postgraduate research students are protected, and that the standard and quality of research degrees is maintained.

Independent chair: A member of the examinations team. The chair does not examine the thesis, but will be responsible for ensuring the oral examination is run and administered appropriately.

Independent reviewer: A student’s annual review will be assessed by an independent reviewer: an academic outside the student’s supervisory team.

24

Moodle: The University’s online learning environment. Oral examination (viva, viva voce): Most research degrees are examined via an oral examination,

sometimes referred to as a viva or viva voce. Personal Learning Plan (PLP): Students who declare a disability will have a Personal Learning Plan

(PLP) that details any reasonable adjustments they require PGR: Abbreviation for postgraduate research, or postgraduate researcher. PRES (Postgraduate Research Experience Survey): A survey that takes place every other year in

order to gather feedback from postgraduate research students about their learning and supervision experiences.

Progression review (RD2): A formal process to review the progress a student is making with their research.

Registration period: The formal period that a student is registered on a research degree. Research Degrees Committee: Has University-wide strategic responsibility for the enhancement and

quality assurance of research degrees, and for oversight of students’ registration, transfer, progression and examination.

Research Degrees Co-ordinator: Academic lead within Schools/Departments for research degrees, providing oversight of the research degrees programme. Note, in some faculties this role is called Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Lead.

Scrutineer: A student’s registration and progression review will be assessed by scrutineers: two academics from outside the supervisory team.

Supervisory team: The team that will supervise the research student. The supervisory team includes a Director of Studies (DoS), supervisor(s) and – in some cases – advisor(s).

Suspension of study: Where a student has exceptional factors that prevent them from progressing with their research, they can apply for a temporary break of study, known as a suspension of study.

Thesis submission: The formal submission of the thesis – in the required format – to the University.

Main forms and processes used by PGR students

RD1: Application to register

RD2: Progression review / Transfer of study

RD3: Changes to supervisory arrangements

RD4: Application for extension

RD5: Application for suspension

RD6: Approval of examiners

RDAR: Research degrees annual review

RD9: Record of supervision.

Additional guidance and support Supporting regulations are available from the Graduate School website, including the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees and the Research Degrees Handbook. Additional supporting documents include:

Guidelines on the Examination of Postgraduate Research Degrees

Guidelines for PhD by Publication

Assessment Arrangements for Disabled Students

Code of Practice on Extensions and Suspensions

Unsatisfactory Progress Procedure

Appeals and Complaints: Guidance for Students

Ethics and Research Governance

Research Misconduct

Authors: Dr Theresa McKinven (Head of Graduate School, Manchester Metropolitan University) Professor Jane Ginsborg (Programme Leader for Research Degrees, RNCM)

Queries should be directed to the Graduate School (gsresearchdegrees@mmu.ac.uk) or Jane Ginsborg (research@rncm.ac.uk).

25

Excerpted from the Collaboration Agreement between MMU and RNCM (2013-2019)

Schedule 1 Academic Memorandum

1. OVERSIGHT AND MAINTENANCE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS

1.1 The MMU Academic Board will retain overall responsibility for the academic management and control of the programme and for the maintenance, monitoring and evaluation of academic standards. Responsibility for the maintenance of the academic standards will be exercised through the Research Degrees Committee.

1.2 The procedures for the maintenance of academic standards will be those described in MMU’s Institutional Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Programmes, the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Degrees of the University and supporting documentation as issued and modified from time to time and will be subject to such other guidance and instructions issued to RNCM from time to time by MMU.

1.3 Overall responsibility for the MPhil/PhD programmes will reside with MMU. 1.4 MMU and RNCM will have joint responsibility for the delivery and administration of the

MPhil/PhD programmes in accordance with the Institutional Code of Practice and Regulations of MMU.

1.5 MMU will have responsibility for undertaking the annual review of RNCM MPhil/PhD students in accordance with the processes outlined in the Institutional Code of Practice and Regulations and with guidance issued by the Research Degrees Committee, although the Independent Reviewer may be from either MMU or RNCM.

1.6 MMU and RNCM shall each identify from amongst their staff a link tutor to liaise as necessary to promote and ensure effective communication and collaboration between the parties.

1.7 RNCM shall provide the MMU DoS with the Curriculum Vitae of any supervisor nominated by RNCM to supervise a research student on the MPhil/PhD programme and also the CV for any internal examiner from the RNCM.

1.8 Overall responsibility for the supervisory arrangements of the student shall rest with MMU. 1.9 The supervisory team shall be appointed by MMU and include a Director of Studies, who will

be a member of academic staff from MMU, and who will be responsible for the administration of the respective student’s MPhil/PhD programme. The main academic supervision, guidance and subject expertise will be provided by supervisors from or appointed by RNCM.

1.10 Responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of the MPhil/PhD programme will rest with RNCM, specifically through the Programme Leader and the RNCM Research Degrees Committee, which reports to the RNCM Research Committee.

1.11 Membership of the MMU Academic Board Research Degrees Committee will include the RNCM Link Tutor.

1.12 All procedures will conform with those within the Institutional Code of Practice, Regulations and supporting documentation under the authority of MMU’s Academic Board Research Degrees Committee.

1.13 Supervisors, internal examiners and independent reviewers/chairs will be expected to attend appropriate workshops provided by MMU and RNCM with regards to the MPhil/PhD programme. Supervisors must attend refresher workshops every three years.

2. RESOLUTION OF DIFFERENCES

2.1 Any differences which might arise in respect of the arrangement, shall, if incapable of a resolution at the MMU Academic Board Research Degrees Committee level shall be referred to the MMU Academic Board.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

3.1 Students will be admitted to the MPhil/PhD programme in accordance with the entry requirements identified in the Institutional Code of Practice, Regulations and supporting documentation.

26

3.2 Although the academic development and organisation of the MPhil/PhD programme is the joint responsibility of MMU and RNCM, for administrative purposes MMU will be designated as the ‘lead’ institution.

3.3 Administrative duties undertaken by the ‘lead’ institution will include: i) External enrolment and pre-registration of students (and subsequent annual re-

enrolment) ii) The registration (RD1) of students at MMU iii) Formal communication with the students iv) Retention of student records, which will be maintained by RNCM v) The transfer (RD2) of students from MPhil to PhD vi) Annual reviews vii) The formal appointment of examiners viii) The examination arrangements ix) The conferment of awards x) Generic workshops on supervision, examination and annual reviews for staff at RNCM xi) Provision of the generic skills programme for the research students

3.4 Administrative duties undertaken by RNCM will include: i) Organisation of publicity for the programme ii) The recruitment and admissions of students to the programme iii) Enrolment, re-enrolment and the collection of fees iv) The maintenance of student records v) The recommendation of appropriate supervisors and examiners for approval by MMU,

and the management of day-to-day supervisory arrangements vi) Relevant discipline-specific research skills and supervision training vii) All aspects of the awards ceremony

3.5 Students will be enrolled at both institutions and will be entitled to use facilities at MMU applicable for externally enrolled students but will have full access to facilities at RNCM including appropriate arrangements for guidance and counselling.

3.6 RNCM will grant those students on the programme who are also employees of RNCM appropriate release of time, subject to negotiation with their line manager, in order to undertake the necessary research.

3.7 RNCM will undertake to provide teaching practice opportunities, where available and appropriate, for students on the full-time or part-time MPhil/PhD programme up to a maximum of six hours per week, according to the MMU Graduate Teaching Assistant Framework.

3.8 Students will be expected to comply with the disciplinary procedures of the institution on whose premises they are studying or whose facilities they are using at the time of alleged misconduct.

3.9 Student representatives from the RNCM will be invited to sit on MMU’s PGR student forum. 3.10 RNCM students will be encouraged to participate in the Annual Research Student Conference

at MMU. 4. ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION

4.1 The overall assessment of the students on the MPhil/PhD programme will be the responsibility of the MMU Academic Board Research Degrees Committee.

4.2 The supervisor at the RNCM in liaison with the Director of Studies at MMU will nominate suitable examiners in line with MMU’s Institutional Code of Practice and Regulations.

4.3 An Independent Internal Examiner will be nominated by the RNCM Research Degrees Committee in discussion with the supervisor from the RNCM.

4.4 The Independent Chair for the examination may be appointed from either MMU or RNCM but must meet the criteria within the Institutional Code of Practice and Regulations of MMU.

4.5 The MMU Board of Examiners, which is the Academic Board Research Degrees Committee, will be responsible for approving the examination team and approving recommendations for the conferment of the award.

4.6 MMU will pay the external examiner fees in accordance with the MMU scheme. 4.7 Any travel expenses, subsistence costs and/or hotel costs for the external examiner will be

met by RNCM. 4.8 Any hospitality costs for the examination of the student will be met by RNCM.

27

4.9 Students will be entitled to invoke the MMU Academic Appeals procedure for requesting a review of decisions of boards of examiners

4.10 Students will be entitled to invoke the complaints procedure of either MMU or the RNCM, but not both.

4.11 MMU will issue the letter of conferment and certificate to the student. 4.12 Certificates awarded by MMU to students having completed the MPhil programme under this

agreement shall bear the following wording: “NAME has been granted the award of Master of Philosophy for having undertaken an approved programme of research in collaboration with the Royal Northern College of Music.”

4.13 Certificates awarded by MMU to students having completed the PhD programme under this agreement shall bear the following wording: “NAME has been granted the award of Doctor of Philosophy for having undertaken an approved programme of research in collaboration with the Royal Northern College of Music.”

4.14 Students will be entitled to attend the RNCM Congregation (awards ceremony).

5. COMMUNICATION 5.1 Responsibility for communication between the partners on matters relating to Schedule 1 shall be via the designated link tutors. 5.2 Managerial issues may be taken up directly with the Chair of the Academic Board Research Degrees Committee. 5.3 The Director of Studies from MMU and the supervisor(s) from the RNCM will be expected to

liaise with each other from time to time. 5.4 The supervisor(s) from RNCM and the Director of Studies from MMU will be expected to meet

as a full supervisory team with the student on the MPhil/PhD programme on at least one occasion during the academic year.