DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY

MASTER OF RESEARCH (M.Res) SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

2019-2020

Contents

1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology........................................................................2

1.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Areas of interest..............................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Links................................................................................................................................................................3

1.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series..........................................................................................3

1.5 Postgraduate students’ writing-up seminar.....................................................................................................3

1.6 Research facilities...........................................................................................................................................4

2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology.........................................................................................................4

2.1 Qualifications for entry...................................................................................................................................4

2.2 Application procedure.....................................................................................................................................4

2.3 Selection procedure.........................................................................................................................................4

2.4 Duration..........................................................................................................................................................5

2.5 Term dates and attendance requirements........................................................................................................5

2.6 Requirements for Tier-4 international students...............................................................................................5

2.7 Induction.........................................................................................................................................................6

2.8 Structure of the MRes.....................................................................................................................................6

2.9 Exit points.......................................................................................................................................................6

2.10 Aims..............................................................................................................................................................6

2.11 Learning outcomes........................................................................................................................................7

3. MRes courses........................................................................................................................................................8

4. Ethical guidelines for research............................................................................................................................11

The Arts, Social Sciences, and Business Research Ethics Guidance is appended to the end of this Handbook for information..............................................................................................................................................................11

5. Skills training and research support....................................................................................................................11

6. Assessment..........................................................................................................................................................12

6.1 Methods of assessment..................................................................................................................................12

6.2 Course weightings.........................................................................................................................................12

6.3 The Common Grading Scale.........................................................................................................................12

6.5 Resits.................................................................................................................................................................13

7. Supervisory practice............................................................................................................................................13

8. Transfer from MRes to MPhil or PhD registration.............................................................................................14

9. Guidance and support..........................................................................................................................................15

9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms.....................................................................................................................15

9.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities.......................................................................................................15

9.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee...................................................................................................15

9.4 Problems and difficulties..............................................................................................................................16

9.5 Regulations....................................................................................................................................................16

10. Contact details and sources of further information...........................................................................................16

APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................................16

Arts, Social Sciences, and Business Research Ethics Guidance.............................................................................16

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Ethical Approval Form............................................................................................................................................18

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1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology

1.1 Introduction

The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology has its origins in the re-establishment of Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen in 2000. It provides an innovative and lively forum for staff and postgraduates that is unique to the University of Aberdeen. The programme draws on the wide range of anthropological experience and expertise within the Department and also provides access to the library, archival and museum collections of the University. The distinctive Graduate Programme thus offers an excellent research environment in which to study for a postgraduate degree.

The Department of Anthropology has four principal academic themes that link together our activities in teaching and research: Anthropology of the North, Environment and Perception, Creativity and Knowledge, and Religion Belief and Practice. These themes and specific research projects that fall under them are detailed on the departmental website. Nearly all staff have past and present projects that fall under more than one theme, and these themes connect to strengths elsewhere in the university.

1.2 Areas of interest

We can offer research supervision in most areas of social anthropology, and our particular strengths are in the areas listed below. Some of these themes are ongoing projects that members of the Department of Anthropology are carrying out.

Anthropology of the NorthColonial histories and indigenous rightsMobility, movement, and roadsHome, hearth and household in the circumpolar NorthArts practice in the North Narrative, knowledge, time and memory  EnvironmentEnvironmental anthropology and nature conservationHuman-animal relationsAnthropological perspectives on energyThe perception of the environment

Creativity and KnowledgeAnthropology, archaeology, art and architectureCraft, skill, improvisation and performanceIndigenous media, oral traditions and the making of cultureMuseums, collections and material historiesScience, technology and medicineLines, drawing and inscriptionAnthropology and dance  Religion, Politics and PracticeRitual and politics in the contemporary world Religion, belief and practice in IslamReligion, state and landscape in Tibet Ritual communication and shamanic cosmologiesDeath, monuments and memorials

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 Social and Cultural ProcessesPolitics and the statePost-socialist societiesMorality Language, society and identityEvolutionary theoryPhenomenological perspectives on place and landscapeMemory and forgetting  Regional AnthropologyThe Circumpolar North The AndesNorth American PlainsCentral AsiaTibetScotland, UK and Europe

1.3 Links

The Graduate Programme is closely linked with:

Aberdeen University’s Marischal Museum, offering considerable scope for research especially in the field of material culture studies. The museum is closed to the public but its collections are accessible to researchers. King’s Museum on campus displays items from the collections and hosts changing exhibitions. There are a number of other University collections which may be of interest to students and other researchers.

A range of other Departments and Schools across the University, such Archaeology, History, the School of Language and Literature, and the School of Education, as well as the Department of Anthropology’s home in the School of Social Science. Many staff across the University have skills and interests relevant to Anthropology, and often work in collaboration with us.

1.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series

Apart from courses and seminars for students, as detailed below, the Department of Anthropology organises occasional lectures by distinguished academic visitors as well as a fortnightly seminar to which visiting speakers are invited. Full details of the seminar series can be accessed on the Department’s website. All MRes students are required to attend these events, and all other postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Additional events are organised by the School of Social Science. For information on these and other events, students should regularly check their email, the website for the Graduate School (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate/) and also consult the Postgraduate notice board which is located in the corridor of the first floor of the Edward Wright Building.

1.5 Postgraduate students’ writing-up seminar

This research seminar is primarily intended for PhD students who are writing up, though pre-fieldwork research students may be able to attend, subject to the agreement of the post-

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fieldwork students. The programme of seminars are organised by students and Dr Andrew Whitehouse, the PhD programme coordinator will liaise with students and staff on the schedule.

1.6 Research facilities

All postgraduate research students are provided with shared office space (hot desk) located in G03, Annex, Edward Wright Building (access code available from Kerry Boyne). The hot desks are allocated on a first come first served basis and no desks belong to any one person.The desks have computer access suitable for the needs of their research work and are supplied with the appropriate software packages. Technical training in the use of specific programmes will be provided as necessary. All students have full access to the Sir Duncan Rice Library and all other appropriate facilities. The Department of Information Technology provides training and documentation in the use of library and computing facilities which students are required to attend. Students have access to telephone, electronic mail and other mail facilities. The printing costs are 2.5p per single-sided A4 and 5p per double-sided A4 for black and white .

Research students in social anthropology with interests in material culture can benefit from access to the substantial collections and facilities of the University Museums (Neil Curtis, Museum Director). The University’s Special Libraries and Archives also have extensive collections which may be drawn upon by students with interests in historical anthropology, colonialism, etc. In addition, the Department has a multimedia work-station with equipment for working with photographic, audio and video materials.

Any students requiring special assistance with facilities, or having special needs, should contact the School of Social Science Administrative Assistant, Jill Davis, Edward Wright Building (F48), phone 273124, email j.davis@abdn.ac.uk

2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology

The Programme Director is Dr Tanya Argounova-Low, Edward Wright Building, G15, phone3591, email t.argounova-low@abdn.ac.uk

2.1 Qualifications for entry

An Honours degree (upper second class or above), or the equivalent qualification level and class of qualification for non-UK applicants, in an appropriate subject(s).

A research interest in an area in which we are able to offer adequate supervision. Applicants should consult the areas of interest of our staff before applying (see section 1.2).

2.2 Application procedure

Applications should be made to the University’s Student Recruitment & Admissions Service through https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply-1639.phpApplications are accepted at any time throughout the year. In order to be accepted to start the programme in the autumn, applications should be received by the end of the preceding April.

2.3 Selection procedure

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: Evidence of academic excellence, from transcripts and letters of reference

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An area of interest that fits the speciality of our staff and research programmes Evidence that the applicant has either secured or applied for funding for their term of

study

If one or more of the above criteria are not fulfilled, we may make a conditional offer of admission.

2.4 Duration

12 months full-time; 24 months part-time.

Unless exempted by virtue of qualification or experience from the whole programme or from components of it, part-time students will be expected to complete the same programme as full-time students.

2.5 Term dates and attendance requirements

The academic year for the MRes programme is divided into three stages or terms. Term calendar can be found here https://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/study/week-numbers-634.php

Stage 1 (First Half-Session) runs from 2 September 2019 to 29 November 2019, with teaching commencing on 9 September 2019. The winter break runs from 16 December 2019 to5 January 2020. Stage 2 (Second Half-Session) runs from 13 January to 27 March 2020 (with a spring break from 1 April - 19 April). Stage 3 runs from 21 April 2020 to 17 August 2020. Barring the winter and spring breaks, full-time students are normally expected to be in attendance throughout these periods.

Students commencing their studies for the MRes must be present in the University by 2 September 2020. They are strongly advised, however, to arrive one week prior to the start of the session.

2.6 Requirements for Tier-4 international students

Students holding a Tier 4 visa must be aware of the terms of their visa, and the responsibilities placed on them by both the University and the Home office. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the termination of your studies, and could also result in the University having to withdraw sponsorship of your visa.  While Home Office regulations change frequently, three overarching principles generally apply, and we would ask you to abide by them carefully:

(i) Tier 4 students should co-operate with any class monitoring for your courses and inform the School should you need to miss any planned classes or meetings with university representatives. You may also be asked to sign periodically at the School Office.

(ii) Tier 4 students should inform the University (most usually, through the School of Social Science Office in Edward Wright Building) of their correct term-time address, and of their planned whereabouts should they leave Aberdeen. In case of departures of more than one week, please ask the School Office for the relevant form.

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(iii) Tier 4 students should be aware of their visa conditions regarding work outside studies (including tutoring) and abide by them.

Should you have any questions regarding the specifics of Home Office regulations, please ask a member of our Student Support team, located in the Hub.

More information on the duties you have as a Tier 4 student can be found on the Infohub website - http://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/study/tier-4-students-1321.ph p

2.7 Induction

All new MRes students are expected to meet with their prospective supervisors during the first week of term. The purpose of this meeting is to make an initial assessment of the student’s training needs, to confirm the courses to be taken, and (where two or more supervisors are involved) to determine the optimal division of supervisory functions between them. Our principles of supervisory practice are set out in more detail below (see Section 6). 2.8 Structure of the MRes

Candidates for the MRes shall be required to attend the following programme of courses:

Stage 1 (First Half-Session):

AT5032 Research in Social Anthropology (30 credit points)AT5033 Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credits)AT5029 Supervised Reading (15 credits)

Students are allowed to audit any anthropology courses of appropriate Level 5 course(s) that will benefit their research and anthropological knowledge.

Stage 2 (Second Half-Session):

AT5531 Research in Social Anthropology (30 credits)AT5532 Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credits)AT5529 STAR Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (15 credits)

Stage 3

AT5910 Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)

2.9 Exit points

Students who complete all the coursework components of the programme except Philosophy and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 60 credit points, may exit with the award of the Certificate of Social Research.

Students who complete all the coursework components of the Programme, together with Philosophy and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 120 credit points, may exit with the award of the Diploma of Research in Social Anthropology.

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Students who complete all components of the Programme, including the Dissertation, amounting to 180 credit points, may exit with the award of Master of Research (MRes) in Social Anthropology.

2.10 Aims

The MRes programme introduces students to current directions of research in social anthropology, and fosters awareness and critical reflection on the epistemological, conceptual and ethical problems entailed in the conduct of research. Students learn how to access and use key sources of research material and are provided training in ethnographic fieldwork and related research methods. Students completing the programme should be adequately prepared either to undertake further research towards the PhD in Social Anthropology or a related discipline, or to enter employment as researchers in fields outside the academy, such as in museums and libraries, the media, business, or government and non-governmental organisations, where the knowledge and skills cultivated by the programme are in demand.

2.11 Learning outcomes

The MRes programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, along with intellectual, practical and transferable skills, in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding of History and current directions of research in social anthropology Basic principles of research design and strategy, including how to relate evidence to

theory, and to select methodology appropriate to the evidence The rationale for qualitative research methods, their epistemological implications, and

relations with quantitative methods. The use, interpretation and presentation of appropriate techniques of data collection and

analysis The ethical, legal and political issues involved in the conduct of research

Intellectual skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to Reason critically Apply anthropological concepts to real world situations Apply a range of appropriate research methods and tools to research problems Embark on research involving the collection of data through participatory fieldwork,

and/or from other sources such as archives and museums Understand the theoretical questions that inform anthropological research, and the kinds

of empirical evidence that can be deployed in addressing these questions Appreciate the sensitivity of social or cultural knowledge and understanding to context,

and the problems of mediating between different cultural or epistemological frames

Practical skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to Identify and use library, web-based and other bibliographic sources Employ word-processing and other basic skills including spreadsheets and database

management Communicate and disseminate information about the topics and results of their research to

both specialist and lay audiences Manage the interpersonal and inter-cultural relations involved in research collaboration

with subjects or organisations

Transferable skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to8

Present work to colleagues and build networks for researching in the same field Apply basic survey, interviewing and documentary techniques Practise the essential skills of writing, presentation and dissemination Tailor written work to the needs of particular audiences Manage a project of research, including the definition of targets and the efficient use of

time and resources Work collaboratively alongside others, or as a member of a team Exercise critical and flexible judgement Take responsibility for the management of their own career

3. MRes courses

The courses making up the MRes in Social Anthropology provide a foundational training for postgraduate research students, by imparting essential skills that will stand them in good stead in their future careers as researchers as well as providing a base for completing a successful programme of research leading to the award of a higher degree. Besides offering training in methods of data collection and analysis, writing and presentation, these courses are designed to raise awareness of more general issues relating to theory, methodology, ethics and practice.

FIRST TERM:

AT5029: Supervised Reading 1 (15 credits)Course Co-ordinator: Dr Tanya Argounova-LowTeaching: there are no formal classes for this course

Content: This course comprises a programme of reading and writing to be agreed with the student’s supervisors. There are no formal classes associated with this course. Alternatively, students can audit a Level 5 course and subsequently present an assignment based on the readings, lecturers and material from that course.

Assessment: One 3,000 word essay on a topic to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

AT5032: Research in Social Anthropology 1 (30 credits)Course Coordinator: Dr Nancy Wachowich Teaching: One 2-hour seminar per week.  Content: Research in Social Anthropology is a module of 30 credits and runs for 11 weeks. This course examines key debates in the ‘anthropological canon’ in order to best understand our discipline’s knowledge practices. This is a team-taught course, with three members of staff working together with students to address a diversity of themes. The past 40 years has seen broad-sweeping changes to the discipline, with challenges to ideas of fieldwork and cultural analysis opening anthropology to new innovative theoretical movements, located in the divide between social science and humanities, and each radically different from the other. Each week we explore distinctive approaches to the study of social life, drawing on cutting-edge anthropological writing to examine questions of culture, representation, cultural appropriation, activist politics, multispecies ethnography, environmental change, feminist thought and phenomenology. The course is run in a seminar format with participants (both lecturers and students) sharing their observations on the week’s readings, and engaging in the set learning activities. It is designed to help students to place their own emergent research interests within the broad sweep of larger conceptual debates. In this process, both lecturers

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and students work to contribute critically to the intellectual movement that moves anthropology forward.  Assessment: Two short formative assignments that are assessed but are not formally marked. One 6,000 word essay that locates the student’s project within a relevant theoretical frame. The essay should be discussed with the student’s supervisor. AT5033: Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credits)Coordinator: Dr Jo Vergunst

Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.

Content: This course allows students to learn about and practice research skills in social anthropology through a series of workshops. It will encourage reflexive awareness of the role of research skill, technique and methodology in the discipline. Topics will include the history of methods in anthropology, participant observation, writing fieldnotes, interviews, analysis, and working with media technologies, historical resources and museums. Case studies of how these skills are combined in practical fieldwork will be held. Students will be expected to bring any previous experience of anthropological fieldwork to bear on the discussions, and to develop ideas for their future research practice.

Assessment: One 3,000 word coursework assignment (see course guide for further details).

SECOND TERM:

AT5531: Research in Social Anthropology 2 (30 credits)Course Co-ordinator: Dr Tanya Argounova-Low

Teaching: One 90-minute lecture and one 90-minute student-led seminar per week.

Content: Research in Social Anthropology consists of one module of 30 credit and runs for 11 weeks. Each lecture a member of staff will present their research projects or a specific case-study following its development from an idea, design, fieldwork research component, to a final stage of an academic or public impact output. The overall aim of this course is to introduce students to some ideas of structure of a research project, to provide a practical insider view of how the research is conceived, implemented and written about. It will also demonstrate some key directions of current research in anthropology and allied disciplines to allow students to become familiar with the anthropological approaches taken in Aberdeen.

Assessment: One 6,000 word essay for each course, on topics to be agreed with the students’ supervisors.

AT5532: Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credits)Coordinator: Dr Maggie Bolton

Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.

Content: This course will introduce students to a range of conceptual and philosophical issues that are relevant to research design in anthropology, and will enable them to write their own research proposal. Taking its lead from critiques of knowledge production in anthropology, it will describe how the contemporary discipline has been shaped by the interplay of objectivity and subjectivity, the representation of the anthropologist and their informants, and new forms

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of ethical practice. Students will be enabled to respond to these trends by designing research in ways that are both theoretically informed and politically aware.

Assessment: One 3,000 word research proposal.

AT5906: STAR (15 credits)Course Co-ordinator: Dr Rob Wishart

Content: Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (STAR) is a week-long residential course undertaken in partnership with the Universities of St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow. MRes and pre-fieldwork PhD students in Social Anthropology are normally required to attend. Students will take part in a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related anthropological methods and disciplinary practice. Specific topics will vary from year to year but may include participant observation, fieldnotes, documentary research and the ethics and politics of anthropological research.

Assessment: participation on the course.

THIRD TERM:

AT5910: Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)Course co-ordinator: Dr Tanya Argounova-Low

Teaching: One-to-one meetings with supervisors, averaging at least one hour per fortnight during teaching terms.

Assessment: Written dissertation 12,000 - 15,000 words including bibliography, footnotes or endnotes.

The dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research and writing. In it, students will demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the critical learning outcomes from their year of research training.

For students intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation will take the form of a proposal for their forthcoming research. It should include the following components: a non-technical summary of no more than 1,000 words; a review of the literature, both theoretical and empirical, in the student’s chosen field of inquiry; an outline of the specific questions to be addressed, methods to be employed, and the expected contribution of the study to anthropological understanding; a discussion of the practical, political and ethical issues affecting the conduct of the research; a presentation of the schedule for the research, and its estimated budget.

Students are additionally required to discuss any potential health and safety risks they may face specifically in relation to their proposed fieldwork, and how they would seek to address these risks. In those cases where there are significant health and safety risks arising from the fieldwork, students may be required to produce written records of the risk reduction measures which they will implement and agree these with their supervisor(s), before work commences.For students who are not intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation should report on a completed piece of original research.

The deadline for the submission of the dissertation is Monday 17 August 2020.11

TWO bound copies should be submitted to the School Office and a PDF should be uploaded to Turnitin, through MyAberdeen.

Other Level 5 courses Students may wish to audit an appropriate Level 5 course outwith the core MRes programme, subject to the approval of their supervisor and the relevant Course Coordinator. There are a number of options taught by members of the Anthropology department, as well as by staff in other areas of the University. In Anthropology, these options include:

Students who may be interested in these courses should consult the online course catalogue at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/pgcourses/

4. Ethical guidelines for research

The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before work commences. The School Ethics policy and procedure is designed to meet the requirements of the various funders of arts, humanities and social science research, and addresses guidance from relevant professional associations as well as conforming to University policy and guidelines. Please consult with your research supervisor for assistance with completing and submitting your forms. In particular difficult cases the School Ethics Officer (Dr Gearoid Millar, g.millar@ abdn.ac.uk) who can provide further advice on the process of submitting an application for ethical review.

Postgraduate students in the Department of Anthropology are required to complete an ethics approval form for their research (see Appendix). The form will be submitted to and reviewed initially by the students’ supervisors and if necessary will be forwarded to the School Ethics

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AT5027 Anthropological Theory for Msc 30 Dr Arnar ArnasonAT5035 Understanding People and Environment (Extended) 30 Dr Andrew WhitehouseAT5040 Anthropological Theory for Msc (Short Version) 15 Dr Arnar ArnasonAT5047 The Museum Idea 30 Prof Alison BrownAT5509 Reading Environmental Ethnography 15 Dr Andrew WhitehouseAT5513 Work Placement for Msc in People and Environment 30 Dr Andrew WhitehouseAT5533 Culture and Society in Latin America 15 Dr Maggie BoltonAT5534 Culture and Society in Latin America (Extended) 30 Dr Maggie BoltonAT5535 Field Trips for People and Environment 30 Dr Andrew WhitehouseAT5539 Roads: Mobility, Movement, Migration (Extended) 30 Dr Tatiana Argounova-LowAT5542 Roads: Mobility, Movement, Migration 15 Dr Tatiana Argounova-LowAT5545 Museums and the Digital World 30 Dr Jen Walklate

Officer for additional consideration.

The Arts, Social Sciences, and Business Research Ethics Guidance is appended to the end of this Handbook for information.

5. Skills training and research support

Postgraduate research students are offered training opportunities in generic skills and other forms of research support, with the aim of helping them complete their projects successfully and on time, and enhancing their employability once they graduate. For further information, and news of courses for 2017-18, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/develop

6. Assessment

6.1 Methods of assessment

Assessment takes place for each course in the MRes according the means listed in section 3.

6.2 Course weightings

Marks for the constituent courses of the programme are weighted in proportion to the credits available for each course. Courses are worth either 15, 30, or in the case of the Dissertation, 60 credits.

6.3 The Common Grading Scale

The University’s Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables students to compare their performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment.

The Common Grading Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors, is available at 13

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/common-grading-scale-2840.php

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6.4 PGT Progression and AwardProgression from Stage 1 to Stage 2, and then from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the Programme, should normally be based on marks at D3 higher in all courses for each of the respective stages.

Achievement of a Postgraduate Award is based on achievement of credit. The award of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s Degree with Commendation or Distinction is determined by the calculation of an aggregate Grade Point Average (GPA). The grade obtained at the first attempt will be used and not the reassessment grade.

The criteria for progression and award are as follows:

Award of Postgraduate Certificate Normally achievement of 60 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Postgraduate Diploma Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Postgraduate Certificate with Commendation*

Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 15 or above

Award of Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction**

Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 18 or above

Award of Master’s Degree Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Master’s Degree with Commendation*

Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 15 or above, and a grade of B3 or above in the project/dissertation

Award of Master’s Degree with Distinction** Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 18 or above, and a grade of A5 or above in the project/dissertation

* Candidates achieving a GPA of 14.1-14.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award of PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Commendation** Candidates achieving a GPA of 17.1-17.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award of PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Distinction

6.5 ResitsStudents who fail, or who fail to attend or complete, a course for whatever reason and who wish to be awarded credit for the relevant course will be required to resit. Grades achieved at resit will be capped at a Grade of D3.

In order to be eligible to take a resit, a candidate must hold a valid class certificate. The validity of a class certificate is limited to the academic year in which it is awarded and to the academic year immediately following. Students holding a valid class certificate are permitted a total of two opportunities of assessment within this period.

PGT dissertation courses (or equivalents) are NOT eligible for resits.

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Where a candidate fails a resit they will not normally be permitted to progress into the next stage of the programme.

7. Supervisory practice

Every applicant to the MRes programme is required to submit with their application a brief statement of their research intentions. This is used, in the first instance, to select appropriate supervisors. All new students are allocated to supervisors from the very start of their study programme and are expected to meet with these supervisors during the first week of the first term to discuss and agree on the overall programme of study, courses to be taken, and the respective roles of the supervisors. Any additional training requirements (such as language learning) are also identified at this time.

It is normal, though not mandatory, for every research student to have two supervisors. This is to ensure continuity of supervision in case one or other supervisor is absent for a period, either on research leave or due to other eventualities. The precise division of functions between supervisors varies from case to case but is normally agreed through discussion between both supervisors and the student at the outset of his/her programme of study. In some cases it is sufficient for a student to have only one supervisor (for example, where the studentship is part of a larger project involving other research staff). Occasionally, where circumstances warrant, a student may be allocated three supervisors.

Supervisors play a key role, formally and informally, in supporting students. They are expected to meet with their students, normally on a one-to-one basis, for at least one hour per fortnight (on average) during teaching terms. Supervisors are further expected to request written work on a regular basis, return such work with constructive criticism within a time period that does not impede the student’s progress, advise on when progress or standards of work are below what are generally expected, and ensure by advice and encouragement that the thesis is submitted within the allotted time. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to identify any further training that the student needs in specific or generic skills. To meet specific training needs, for example in specialised computing skills, foreign languages or bibliographic techniques, several courses and facilities are available from the University’s Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), the Language Centre, and the Library.

Each student will have a supervisory committee that consists of his or her supervisor(s), the Programme Director for the MRes and the student’s Head of Department. The supervision committee takes all decisions regarding transfer (see 8. below). It also advises candidates on submission dates and recommends external examiners.

8. Transfer from MRes to MPhil or PhD registration

All postgraduate research students in Social Anthropology normally register in the first instance for the MRes programme. Those intending to continue to a higher research degree (MPhil or PhD) must achieve the award of the MRes with Commendation or Distinction (see section 6.4 above). However, students who have already received appropriate research training at a postgraduate level may proceed directly to the MPhil or PhD.

In exceptional cases, for example where students have to devote a substantial amount of time during the first year to learning a foreign language in order to be able to write the research proposal, specific components of the MRes may be taken in the second year. In such cases the transfer to MPhil or PhD registration can take place once all components of the MRes have been completed and is backdated to the start of the second year.

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Students admitted directly to the MPhil or PhD programmes may nevertheless be advised to audit particular components of the MRes programme, if this is considered appropriate to their training needs. This is indeed encouraged, since the participation of these more advanced students in the constituent courses and seminars of the MRes is valuable to those at the start of their research training.

Final decisions concerning transfer from MRes to MPhil or PhD. registration are taken by the student’s supervisory committee after the dissertation or research proposal is completed. These decisions are based on the quality of the student’s work to date including the requirement for the achievement of the MRes with Commendation or Distinction, and the committee’s assessment of the student’s future progress. In the event that a student requires an earlier decision (e.g. to facilitate applications for funding), the committee may make a provisional judgement on the basis of drafts. Where the committee expects that a student may not be permitted to transfer, the student will be warned before work on the dissertation commences.

The options available for students finishing the MRes are as follows: Complete the MRes, be awarded that degree, and leave the University. Complete the MRes, be awarded that degree, and apply to resume studies at the

University for an MPhil (normally taking a further two years though earlier submission is possible) or a PhD (normally taking a further three years although completion within a further two years is possible).

At the end of the MRes year, apply for transfer to MPhil or PhD registration. If the application is supported by the student’s supervisory committee and accepted by the University, the new status will be backdated to the start of the MRes year. In such cases the MRes is not formally awarded but an academic transcript will indicate courses taken and grades achieved.

9. Guidance and support

Upon arrival, students receive a copy of the University’s Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students, which describes the responsibilities of the Senatus and its Postgraduate Academic Standards Committee, Schools and supervisors, as well as the parallel responsibilities of students. The Code of Practice may be viewed at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x4.pdf. It requires supervisors to identify and meet training needs at all stages of the student’s work. It is the formal responsibility of the Head of Department to monitor student progress and supervision, and to ensure that supervisors perform their duties as laid down in the Code.

While the University’s services and facilities relating to student guidance and learner support are available to all students, it is hoped that research students will develop a close working relationship with their supervisor(s) in terms of academic guidance and support. To foster this relationship, the University has put in place mechanisms in regard to monitoring the progress of an individual research student and to ensure that, as far as possible, the dissertation is submitted within the student’s registration period. These mechanisms are described below.

9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms

The University requires an assessment form to be submitted every 6 months for all postgraduate research students. The form is completed by the supervisor(s) in the presence of the student, signed by both, and endorsed by the Head of Department. Completed forms are

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monitored by the School Postgraduate Officer who deals with the admission, progress and examination of individual students on behalf of the University’s Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate).

9.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities

In addition to the above, a confidential questionnaire seeking research students’ views on the supervision they received and facilities made available to them during the previous session are available as part of a central mechanism for monitoring the quality of supervision and the adequacy of facilities. Information arising from the questionnaires is collated by the Postgraduate Registry and considered by the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate), which will discuss any areas of concern. The outcome of the survey is then passed to Schools.

9.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee

The Department of Anthropology’s Postgraduate Programmes Committee includes all members of staff involved in the delivery of postgraduate courses and the supervision of research students. The Committee meets once per semester to monitor the progress of all research students, and to advise on issues concerned with supervision arrangements. This ensures that any potential or actual problems or delays are promptly identified, and that remedial actions are collectively agreed. We recognise that circumstances in students’ lives, beyond their or our control, can sometimes delay completion, and that overly strict enforcement of deadlines in such circumstances can exacerbate the stress on students, leading only to further delays rather than more timely completion. Our policy is to handle requests for extensions sympathetically, when circumstances warrant. Formal extensions to submission deadlines require the approval of the supervisor(s), the Head of Department and the School Director of Postgraduate Studies (Dr Andrew McKinnon).

9.4 Problems and difficulties

The University aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for postgraduate research students. Nevertheless students do from time to time encounter academic problems and difficulties. These are raised in the first instance with the supervisor(s), but if this is not appropriate a student may consult the Programme Co-ordinator or the Head of Department. The student may wish to contact the School Director of Postgraduate Studies. When a student’s research interests diverge from what was originally intended it might be appropriate to be allocated to a new supervisor: again the correct approach is to discuss the situation with the current supervisor, then the Programme Co-ordinator and Head of Department if necessary.

9.5 Regulations

General Regulations for Postgraduate Study are outlined in the brochure which is sent on admission. This has information on fees and expenses, regulations for the preparation and submission of theses, and examinations. The information in this brochure is taken from the University Calendar which is available for students to consult in the Library and in all Departmental Offices. It can also be viewed on:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/study/term-dates.php

10. Contact details and sources of further informationAdministrative inquiries about the Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology can be addressed to the Postgraduate Secretary in the School of Social: Mrs Kerry Boyne, Edward Wright Building F17, tel. 01224 272762, email kerry.boyne@abdn.ac.uk

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Programme Director for the MRes in Social Anthropology: Dr Tanya Argounova-Low, Edward Wright Building G15, tel. 01224 273591, email t.argounova-low@abdn.ac.uk

Head of the Department of Anthropology: Dr Jo Vergunst, Edward Wright Building G21, tel. 01224 272738, email j.vergunst@abdn.ac.uk

Department of Anthropology webpage: www.abdn.ac.uk/anthropology

General information for postgraduate applicants including an online application form: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml. The Department’s Postgraduate Admissions Officer is Dr Maggie Bolton, email maggie.bolton@abdn.ac.uk

APPENDIX

Arts, Social Sciences, and Business Research Ethics Guidance

This document is designed to provide research active staff and students across the schools formerly constitutive of the College of Arts and Social Sciences with a quick reference guide to some of the issues that require ethical consideration in advance of the commencement of research. This should not be considered as an exhaustive list and further guidance is available from your School Ethics Officer.

The College’s Research Governance Policy and Procedures for Ethical Review, which are still the guiding policy documents, are designed to ensure that all research carried out by staff and students (especially that involving human participants) is of high quality and maintains high ethical standards. The policy is designed to meet the requirements of various funders of arts, humanities, social science, and business research, and reflects guidance from relevant professional associations whilst conforming to University policy.

Benefits envisaged as a consequence of the Policy are: Strengthening the eligibility and quality of research applications; Providing clear guidance for staff and students; Reducing risks to the University, the Schools, and individual researchers; Demonstrating commitment to high-quality, transparent and accountable research

practices at project level; Codifying the position of the Schools on research governance and research ethics.

This will help legitimise our ethics review procedures and affirm our commitment to high ethical standards;

Ensuring the protection of the dignity, rights, safety and well being of participants; Ensuring that all risks relating to research are considered and steps taken to

minimise them.

The University expects its researchers to adhere to the highest standards of integrity. The University state the standards required from researchers throughout the institution. Check this link prior starting research: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/research/research-ethics-and-governance-2778.php

While respecting the ethical traditions of disciplines, it is recognised that ethics are the common ground on which all disciplines meet. Ethics are about (1) research quality and integrity, to ensure the best possible research; (2) how research is conducted from start to finish;(3) how those involved in research (and those affected by it) are treated; (4)

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communicating research goals, procedures and findings as clearly as possible and recognising that research is supported by, and part of, the wider society.

The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before research commences. All applications for ethical review must demonstrate that the research follows the Good Practice Guidelines and addresses all relevant ethical issues. These include:

Safety and well-being; obtaining consent (including information given to participants); informed consent (including when the research involves vulnerable adults or children, or where it is proposed to use covert observation); payment to participants; principles of anonymity; potential personal gain; the use of artefacts; confidentiality; data protection and dissemination.

When research is carried out, especially that which involves human participants, researchers are expected to consider the ethical implications of their research. Considerations include the nature of the research and the cultural, economic, psychological, physical, political, religious, spiritual and social consequences for all participants.

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This form should be referred to the School Ethics Officer for consideration by the Committee for Research Ethics & Governance in Arts, Social Sciences & Business.

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM:

1. Please do not submit this Ethical Approval form if the research is with the NHS or is NHS-linked. Refer instead to the NHS North of Scotland Research Ethics Service (see www.nhsgrampian.org).

2. Please do not submit this Ethical Approval form if the research involves adults who do not have the capacity to consent. Such projects have to be submitted to the NHS National Research Ethics Service (see www.nhsgrampian.org).

3. Policy and Procedure for the Ethical Review of Research prepared by the Committee for Research Ethics & Governance in Arts, Social Sciences & Business can be found here (cut and paste please) https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/documents/policy-zone-research-and-knowledge-exchange/CREGASSB-Research-Ethics-Policy-Procedure.pdf

4. Information on data management, collecting personal data and data protection act requirements can be accessed via www.abdn.ac.uk/dataprotection

5. Information on Research Ethics can be accessed via the University’s Research Ethics & Governance web pages at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/research/ethical-approval-2780.php

Postgraduate Programme:

Title of Project:

Name of Investigator:

Project Start Date:

Application Date:

Signature of Programme Co-ordinator:

Ethical Approval Form

Committee for Research Ethics & Governance in Arts, Social Sciences & Business

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Recruitment ProceduresYes No N/A

1 Does your project involve human subjects (or their remains)? *

Please give details

2 Are there any other ethical issues within the proposed research? (for example, potential conflicts of interest; the use of artefacts; environmental impact)*

Please give details

3 Does your project involve persons less than 18 years of age?

Please give details

4 Does your project involve people with learning or communication difficulties?

Please give details

5 Is your project likely to involve people involved in illegal activities?

Please give details

6 Does your project involve people belonging to a vulnerable group, other than those listed above?

Please give details

7 Does your project involve people who are, or are likely to become your clients or clients of the section in which you work?

Please give details

8 Does your project provide for people for whom English is not their first language?

Please give details

9 Does your project require access to personal information about participants from other parties (e.g. teachers, employers), databanks or files?

Please give details

10 Do you plan to conceal your own identity during the course of the research?

Please give details

* If the answers to Q1 and Q2 are ‘No’, please do not complete the rest of the questionnaire

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Consent ProceduresYes No N/A

11 Do you have set procedures that you intend to use for obtaining informed consent from all participants, including parental consent for children?

Please give details

12 Will you tell participants that their participation is voluntary?Please give details

13 Will you obtain written consent for participation?Please give details

14 If the research is observational, will you ask participants for their consent to be observed?

Please give details

15 Will you tell participants that they may withdraw from the research at any time and for any reason?

Please give details

16 Will you give potential participants a significant period of time to consider participation?

Please give details

Possible Harm to ParticipantsYes No N/A

17 Is there any realistic risk of any participants experiencing either physical or psychological discomfort or distress?

Please give details

18 Is there any realistic risk of any participants experiencing a detriment to their interests as a result of participation?

Please give details

Data ProtectionYes No N/A

19 Will any non-anonymised and/or personalised data be generated and/or stored?

Please give details

20 Will you have access to documents containing sensitive data about living individuals that is not publicly available elsewhere?

If ‘Yes’, will you gain the consent of the individuals concerned?

Please give details

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Please attach the following with this form: Full proposal of relevant research project/course elements. In order to speed up the process of review,

applicants are advised to pay particular attention to those areas for which a ‘Yes’ has been ticked in the form, either by providing an account of the procedures or training to be employed to ensure ethical practice, or an academic justification for the research strategy employed (or both).

Participant information form and consent form (if available) To attach, please locate the documents on your computer and right click on the document thumbnail. Select

‘copy’ and return to this form. Underneath this text box, right-click your mouse button and select ‘paste.’ The text of the relevant documents should now be displayed below your completed ethical review application.

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