C/4.7 Development and approval of research degree programs

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4.7.1 Professional doctorates
Modification History

A University-wide Doctor of Philosophy degree is in existence, as is a generic research masters degree in each faculty (with one exception, where there are two). It is not considered that any further developments will need to be made in these two areas.

The policy in section C/4.7.1 therefore concerns new research degrees in specific disciplines or professions. These are expected principally to be professional doctorates.

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4.7.1 Professional doctorates

A faculty wishing to offer such a course submits course proposal documentation in accordance with University course development procedures (see C/4.1 ). In preparing the documentation, the faculty must consult with the Chair of Research Degrees Committee in addition to other stakeholders.

In addition to the matters covered in Appendix 10(a) (ie the proforma for the Course Plan), a set of regulations for the degree must be written and attached to the proposal.

When the course documentation is considered by the University committees described in C/4.1 , the Chair of Research Degrees Committee will sit on Courses and Quality Working Party in addition to the normal members.

In considering research degree proposals, in addition to the matters for consideration covered by the guidelines for course development (see Office of Teaching Quality website), Courses and Quality Working Party will consider the following:

• the level of scholarship required for the award should be broadly comparable with that of the PhD
• the program should elaborate the method by which the entry requirement for qualifying professional experience is to be determined.
• the program should ensure that candidates attain competence in research methodology relevant to the field of professional practice
• the program should ensure that candidates attain an understanding of the broad context in which practice is applied.

Proposals should address whether the course of study will include interdisciplinary studies and research of a collaborative nature and how these will contribute to the attainment of the above principles. In particular, proposals should indicate how faculties will provide for

• the training of industry supervisors
• the development of advanced postgraduate coursework
• adequate library and other infrastructure.

The title of any professional doctorate shall not be Doctor of Philosophy. Titles should use internationally accepted nomenclature where appropriate.

Further information regarding the Professional doctorate regulations can be found at C/3.2 and on the Office of Teaching Quality website .

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Modification History

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