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POSTGRADUATERESEARCHSTUDENTHANDBOOK 2019/20The Graduate School

CONTENTSIntroduction 1Postgraduate Research at Kent 21 Research supervision 22 Progression monitoring 33 Submission and examination 54 Teaching and demonstrating 55 Providing feedback on your research experience 5Graduate School Support 6With passion and focus you can achieve anything 7Researcher Development 8Meet the team 10Student Services 11Student Support and Wellbeing 13Funding 15Regulatory Information 161 Postgraduate researcher responsibilities 162 How is postgraduate research managed at Kent? 163 Plagiarism and duplication of material 174 Ethics 175 Intellectual Property Rights 176 Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 17Appendix A: Postgraduate Researcher Responsibilities 18Appendix B: Main Supervisor Responsibilities 19Appendix C: Quality Management Structure 20Appendix D: University Code Of Practice 21

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INTRODUCTION

For some, research is an opportunity to pursue aresearch question that they have been considering fora long period of time; for others it is the opportunityto develop research skills whilst being supervised by a leading academic engaged in a state-of-the-artresearch programme. For all, whether you arestudying for a PhD, Professional Doctorate or aMaster’s by Research, it is a very challenging andrewarding period which will end with a higher degree.

During this time, you will require considerablemotivation and dedication; there will be great dayswhen your programme of research leaps ahead andnot so good days when you might wonder why onearth you decided to undertake such a challenge.Your supervisory team is key to guiding yourresearch, celebrating success and progress andproviding support when things do not go so well.

The University’s progression monitoring proceduresare there to ensure that you have an opportunity toreflect on your progress and get feedback from yoursupervisors. Please do spend a little time readingthem in order to ensure you know what is expectedof you, your supervisors and your school. It’s best to be prepared for what lies ahead.

While undertaking your research you will also havemany opportunities to develop as a researcher. Thereis formal training from the Researcher DevelopmentProgramme as well as more informal opportunities to develop skills and enhance your time at Kent by,for example, participating in the PostgraduateCommunity Experience Awards, the KentResearchers’ Showcase, the Research Café andthe production of the GradPost.

You should also try to make the most of being partof the dynamic intellectual life of the University. Everyschool holds regular research seminars and otherevents, which are open to everyone across theUniversity, regardless of their discipline. There arealso many ‘Open Lectures’ at Faculty and Universitylevel which feature leading academics and publicfigures. This is a fabulous opportunity to become a specialist in your field whilst also gaining anappreciation of a much broader range of disciplinesand current affairs.

Do make the most of it, but also make sure to knowwhere help is if it’s needed – don’t be afraid to ask.The Graduate School and countless other universitystaff are on hand to assist and to ensure all yourendeavors are successful.

I wish you all the best for your research.

Professor Paul AllainDean of the Graduate School

Welcome to the University of Kent Postgraduate Handbook! We hope that yourtime as a graduate student here will be rewarding and something you cherish formany years to come. The Handbook is a guide through all the policies andprocedures that support your research and contains information about thedifferent types of support that are available to you. We hope it will be helpful.*

* We have aimed to provide general regulatory information that is relevantacross all our campuses and European centres. Your own School may alsoprovide additional information that is relevant to your particular disciplineor research area. Postgraduate students studying at our European centreswill receive additional centre-specific information.

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1 Research supervision1.1 Initial meetingUpon arrival at Kent you should make arrangementsto meet with your main supervisor and othermembers of your supervisory team as soon aspossible. You may well have been in contact withyour supervisors prior to arriving at Kent, but it isimportant to set up an initial meeting to discuss yourresearch project and plan future meetings which willsuit your research topic and individualcircumstances. All postgraduate research studentsat Kent are appointed a supervisory team, whichmeans that you have more than one supervisor toassist you with your research project. Initialdiscussions should include an agreement of howyou will liaise with and make use of the expertise ofeach of the members of your supervisory team.

1.2 The role of your main supervisorYour main supervisor is the person responsible foryou and to the University for your academicprogress. This is also the person you should firstconsult about any problems relating to your work orgeneral circumstances. The responsibilities of yourmain supervisor are detailed in Section 4.2 of AnnexH (Supervision) of the University’s Code of Practicefor Quality Assurance for Research Programmes ofStudy (this section is provided in Appendix D at theend of this handbook for information).

1.3 Supervisory meetingsAt Kent, you are required to make a record of yoursupervisory discussions at least every four weeksduring the year if you are a full time student and atleast every eight weeks as a part time student.This may be a record of a meeting, a telephoneconversation or emails you have exchanged withyour supervisor. It will be your responsibility tocomplete the record and the responsibility of yourmain supervisor to provide any clarification and tosign it off. The record will cover the following areas:• Progress since the last meeting• Points discussed at the meeting• Work agreed

Records of supervisory meetings are important asthey provide a useful aide-memoire for you and yoursupervisory team. These records also provide anevidence trail of your supervision to date, which canbe used at progression reviews. Supervisorymeetings are recorded on the Student Data Systemand postgraduate researchers are sent reminders tocomplete this record on a monthly basis (bi-monthlyfor part-time students). These monthly records are away of ensuring that you and your supervisor areclear about your progress and the steps that shouldbe taken to progress your research.

They do not need to be in perfect prose, nor shouldthey take very long to complete. You are simplyasked to keep a record of what has been discussedand what needs to be done next. These briefrecords provide an opportunity for clarification thatmight not arise during conversation and help todemonstrate the progress you are making.

You will need to login to the Student Data Systemusing your Kent username and password:

POSTGRADUATERESEARCH AT KENT

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To record your supervision meeting, go to MySupervisions. Enter the date of the meeting and typein your meeting record:

1.4 The supervisory relationship1.4.1 Your supervisory team will provide you withspecific details about how supervision will workwithin your academic school. There may bedifferences in supervisory styles between academicschools depending on the nature and requirementsof the subject area.

1.4.2 An effective relationship with your mainsupervisor is essential for ensuring that you makegood progress with your research. One model ofsupervision does not fit all research candidates, so itis advisable to use your first few meetings with yourmain supervisor to discuss: (i) your expectations ofhow the supervisory relationship will work and (ii)review whether the current level of supervisorysupport you are receiving is helping you to progress.If you have concerns or consider that you requiremore guidance in certain areas, raise this with yourmain supervisor as soon as possible. Supervisorswill not be aware that there is a problem unless youraise this with them and having done so they will bekeen to help you to identify a solution.

Your main supervisor is there to help you to identifyparts of your research and development where yourequire further training or support so you should beready to discuss skills areas where you feel lessconfident. Identifying areas for development at anearly stage and taking action to improve your skillswill set you in excellent stead for the remainder ofyour PhD journey. New PhD students will assess theirskills at a ‘Kickstart your PhD: Guidance, Skills, andthe Researcher Development Assessment’ workshop(provided through the Graduate School’s ResearcherDevelopment Programme). MPhil, MSc and MA byresearch students may also attend this workshop butit is only obligatory for PhD students.

The Graduate School also provides workshops whichwill assist you with your supervisory relationshipssuch as ‘Getting the most from your AcademicRelationships’ (see the Researcher DevelopmentProgramme Handbook or online booking system forfurther details).

1.4.3 Supervisors and students are expected to treatone another with courtesy and discuss any problemsat the earliest opportunity to allow any issues to beresolved quickly and effectively. In cases where thereis a more serious breakdown in the mainsupervisor/student relationship, the matter should bebrought to the attention of the School’s Director ofGraduate Studies (with responsibility for researchprogrammes of study) who will review the situation.In cases where there is an irreparable breakdown inthe student/supervisor relationship, an alternativemain supervisor may be provided.

1.5 Preparing for a supervisory meetingPostgraduate researchers need to be very wellorganised when managing their research projects.This includes being well prepared for supervisorymeetings. You should ensure that you bring yournotes from any earlier supervisory meetings, yourresearch project plan and any drafts of your thesisalong to the meeting for discussion.

It is important that you record details of everymeeting with your supervisor online as soon aspossible. In order that a clear progression is agreedin a timely manner, students are expected tocomplete their report within one week of the meetingand supervisors are expected to provide writtenfeedback within two weeks. Further information isprovided in Annex H (Supervision) of the Code ofPractice for Quality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Studywww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html?tab=research-programmes

Your school’s Postgraduate Administrator will be ableto assist you in using the Student Data System torecord these meetings.

The value of producing early drafts of your thesiscannot be emphasised too strongly, even if the exacttiming of when you start to produce written work willdepend largely on the nature of your research topicand other individual circumstances.

A piece of written work allows both you and yoursupervisor to see how your ideas are developing,constitutes a good basis for discussion and criticismand provides your supervisor with hard evidence ofprogress made or difficulties encountered.

It also provides your supervisor with a valuableopportunity to give you some advice on youracademic writing. The Graduate School providesworkshops and one-to-one sessions on academicwriting as part of its Researcher DevelopmentProgramme (please see the ResearcherDevelopment Programme Handbook and onlinebooking system for further details).

In order to give you considered feedback,supervisors require written work to be handed inseveral days in advance of scheduled supervisionmeetings; (if you are handing in a substantial pieceof work such as a full chapter, it is advisable that yousubmit it a week in advance of the meeting).Supervisors will expect any work submitted for theirconsideration to be word processed. Please ensurethat your work is backed up properly to avoid anyloss through computer failure.

2 Progression monitoringIn order to ensure that your research project is ontrack and that you have all the necessary supportand resources required to successfully complete it,there will be a series of review stages during yourperiod of registration. These reviews includeinduction, probation, end of year reviews andsubmission reviews. In cases where there areconcerns about progress, your supervisors mayschedule a mid-year review. Annex K (Progressionand Examination) of the University’s Code ofPractice for Quality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Study provides detailed informationabout each of these review stages (please seeAnnex K at: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexknew.html). The timing of thesereviews is dependent on your particular researchdegree and mode of study.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

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Type of student Review stages

FT PhD student 1 Induction Review (6 weeks)2 Probation Review (10 months)3 End of Year 2 Review (24 months)4 Submission Review (33 months)5 Continuation Year Review 1 (41 months)6 Continuation Year Review 2 (46 months)

PT PhD student 1 Induction Review (6 weeks)2 Probation Review (12 months)3 End of Year 2 Review (24 months)4 End of Year 3 Review (36 months)5 End of year 4 Review (48 months)6 Submission Review (57 months)7 Continuation Year Review 1 (65 months)8 Continuation Year Review 2 (70 months)

FT MPhil student 1 Induction Review (6 weeks)2 Probation Review (10 months)3 Submission Review (21 months)

PT MPhil student 1 Induction Review (6 weeks)2 Probation Review (12 months)3 End of Year 2 Review (24 months)4 Submission Review (33 months)

FT Master’s student 1 Induction Review (3 weeks)2 Probation Review (4 months)3 Submission Review (10 months)

PT Master’s student 1 Induction Review (6 weeks)2 Probation Review (9 months)3 Submission Review (18 months)

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHAT KENT (CONT)

2.1 Progression Review StagesAs detailed in Annex K of the University’s Code of Practice for Quality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Study – available at: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexknew.html

Note: In cases where a research student intermits from his/her period of research for a set period, the timings above would need to be adjusted accordingly.

The outcome of progression monitoring reviews is recorded online using the Student Data System. Your progression monitoring can be viewed by logging into the Student Data System and going to the My Progression page.

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3 Submission and examination3.1 Thesis submissionFull information about the submission of your thesisis available in the Instructions to Candidates for theExamination of Research Degreeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/research/pgdipresc.html

You will have a Submission Review meeting with areview panel (which normally takes place a fewmonths prior to the end of the minimum period ofregistration) to discuss your readiness to submit yourthesis for examination.

3.2 Submitting your thesis for examinationCandidates must give at least two months’ notice oftheir intention to submit a thesis for examination.

The forms you need to notify your intention to submitand for submission of your thesis for examination canbe found at your School office.

3.3 Examination guidanceFull information about the examination of your thesisis available in the Instructions to Candidates for theExamination of Research Degreeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/documents/quality-assurance/regulations/research/pgdipresc.pdf

The viva voce or oral examination is an importantstage in the process of being awarded a PhD orMaster’s by Research. For most, the opportunity todefend your thesis in front of a panel of examiners isthe end of the doctoral journey.

More detailed information of what to expect duringyour oral examination is available on the GraduateSchool website:www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/skills/onlinetrg/vivaguidance.html

Doctoral and Master’s theses are examinedaccording to the University’s Academic Regulationsfor Research Programmes of Studywww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/research/regs_research.html

On successful completion of a Master’s degree byResearch programme you will have:i met the Framework for Higher EducationQualifications (FHEQ) level descriptor for aMaster’s degree;

ii met any subject specific assessment criteriaoutlined in the programme specification (ifapplicable);

iii shown appropriate ability in the organisation andpresentation of their material in the thesis;

iv shown in the thesis ability to conduct anindependent study and to understand itsrelationship to a wider field of knowledge.

On successful completion of a PhD or DClinSci youwill have:i met the Framework for Higher EducationQualification (FHEQ) level descriptor for adoctorate degree;

ii met any subject specific assessment criteriaoutlined in the programme specification (ifapplicable);

iii shown appropriate ability in the organisation andpresentation of your material in the thesis.

You will be examined by two or more examiners ofwhom at least one shall be an external examiner. Theexaminers may, at their discretion and subject to youragreement, invite your supervisor to attend as asilent observer.

3.4 Final thesis submissionAfter examination, successful theses must besubmitted electronically to the University Library.www.kent.ac.uk/library/research/thesis-deposit

4 Teaching and demonstratingMost postgraduate researchers will have theopportunity to teach or demonstrate in theiracademic schools. Some research students may beemployed as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs).

Each academic school will have a designatedmember of staff who is responsible for overseeingthe arrangements for postgraduate researchers whoteach or demonstrate within the school.

The Graduate School liaises with academic schoolsprior to the beginning of each academic year toidentify new postgraduate teachers anddemonstrators. These students will be contacted andinvited to an ‘Introduction to University Teaching’session which are scheduled to take place at thebeginning of each academic year. Further teaching-related training sessions may also be available withinyour academic school and the Graduate Schoolincorporates teaching-related sessions into itsResearcher Development Programme (please keepan eye on the online booking system for details).Postgraduate researchers may also apply for a placeon the Associate Fellowship Scheme via a teachingor learning support route. The scheme comprises oftwo 15 credit core modules of the PostgraduateCertificate for Higher Education, and the opportunityto apply for the Associate Fellowship of the HigherEducation Academy. For some postgraduatestudents, successful completion of this scheme is acondition of contract. The AFS is run by the Centrefor the Study for Higher Education in the Unit for theEnhancement of Teaching and Learning. For moreinformation please contactheprogsadmin@kent.ac.uk

Annex Q (Research Student Teachers andDemonstrators) of the University’s Code of Practicefor Quality Assurance for Research Programmes ofStudy outlines the responsibilities of academicschools in relation to postgraduate researchers whoteach and demonstrate.

Please note that students on a Tier 4 visa haverestrictions placed on their work activities. Please seethe University website for more information:www.kent.ac.uk/human-resources/immigration/students/Students%20Working%20on%20a%20Tier%204%20visa%20(website).pdf

Should you have any queries about your teachingcontracts, you can email gta@kent.ac.uk or visitwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexq.html

5 Providing feedback on yourresearch experience

Postgraduate researchers have a number ofmechanisms which they can use to provide feedbackon their research experience. You can providefeedback to your academic school via yoursupervisory team and postgraduate research studentrepresentatives. The annual Postgraduate ResearchExperience Survey (circulated in spring/summer)provides you with an excellent opportunity to providefeedback on a range of different areas. The resultsof this are anonymous and the information is usedby your academic schools and the wider Universityto make improvements to the postgraduateexperience at Kent.

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Kent Graduate SchoolOverviewThe mission of the Kent Graduate School is to leadand champion the strategic development ofprovision for graduate education and research at theUniversity of Kent. The Graduate School is located ina central location on the Canterbury campus(Cornwallis East, third floor), with offices for its staffand a dedicated training room.

The Graduate School works in partnership withacademic schools, faculties, central servicedepartments and Kent Union to enhance the qualityof the postgraduate student experience across allcampuses and create a vibrant postgraduatecommunity at Kent.

We aim to ensure that the academic and socialinterests of postgraduate students, both taught andresearch, are appropriately provided for within theUniversity by developing:• Dedicated postgraduate facilities• A supportive environment for the intellectualinterests of our postgraduates

• Student-led initiatives such as social events,conferences and workshops

• An excellent Researcher Development Programme• A strong framework of specialist support for ourpostgraduates across the University

• Internationally distinctive, exciting and innovativeprogrammes of study that combine academicexcellence with an exceptional student experienceand appropriate learning resources

• Further funding and study opportunities throughcultivation of external links with ResearchCouncils, graduate schools and otherorganisations, both nationally and internationally

Professor Paul Allain (Dean of the Graduate School)works closely with the Master of Woolf College(Postgraduate College) and the President of the KentGraduate Student Association to ensure a cohesiveapproach to the provision of support and activitiesfor postgraduates at Kent.

“The Graduate School offers an extensive range of services to support Postgraduatestudents throughout the course of their studies. My own research experience has beenenhanced by the workshops available – particularly those that focus on publishingresearch, boosting public engagement, and preparing for the Viva. Additional skillstraining has also been a real advantage to both my academic and professionaldevelopment. Events such as the Research Café and the annual Postgraduate Festivalprovide a great opportunity to network with postgraduate students from other researchdisciplines. The Graduate School team are friendly, welcoming, and always preparedto offer individual advice and support.”

Hannah HuxleyAmerican Studies

“The Graduate School’s annual two-day writing retreat has proven to be vital in writingup my thesis. Being compelled to sit down and simply write for two days, as well ashaving the opportunity to discuss writing strategies with the trainer and otherparticipants, has helped me to overcome daunting obstacles in the writing process andeven to change the way that I approach the composition of my thesis.”

Jon-Mark GrussenmeyerMedieval and Early Modern Studies

“The Graduate School has been extremely supportive; from the friendly and helpful staff tothe amazing range of workshops and networking opportunities they offer. The workshopsin particular have given me skills and advice that are invaluable to my research journeyand are delivered by experienced trainers. Plus they have been a great way to meetstudents from different disciplines who have since become colleagues, friends and agonyaunts! Activities like the 3MT challenge, the poster competition and the PostgraduateFestival are vital learning experiences for both my current studies and for a future careerin academia. The team in the School are so committed to supporting you as an individualand there’s a real focus on your wellbeing as well as career and skills development. It’sbeen an absolute vital resource and I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve had so far.”

Kasia SenyszynDrama

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GRADUATE SCHOOLSUPPORT

Championing your interestsAs your Dean, Paul chairs a board that isresponsible for all aspects of PG education atKent. This board includes postgraduate studentrepresentatives. The Graduate School works toensure that student views on all aspects of thestudy experience are listened to and acted uponwithin the institution.

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WITH PASSION AND FOCUSYOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING

Academic, social and networking opportunitiesThe Graduate School provides many opportunities for postgraduate students to meet and socialise. It is also especiallykeen to support student-driven initiatives such as workshops and conferences. Please keep an eye on the GraduateSchool events calendar for further information at: www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news

Graduate School PrizesThese annual prizes recognise theexcellence of postgraduate researchersand outstanding work carried out byour academic and administrative staff.For more information visitwww.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/celebrating-success#gs-prizes

The GradPostThe GradPost is a quarterly newsletterwritten by postgraduates forpostgraduates and is supported by theGraduate School. The GradPost editorialteam welcome article contributions forpublication. For more information visit:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news

Postgraduate Research CaféThe café provides postgraduateresearchers an opportunity to network,showcase their research, or discuss aspecific postgraduate topic in an informalsetting. Keep an eye on the GraduateSchool events calendarwww.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news

Kent Graduate StudentAssociation (KGSA) A committee of students who volunteerto make sure postgraduates get themost out of their time at Kent, have a voice among the Universitycommunity and have fun! @kentgsa

Kent Researchers’ Showcase The annual Showcase is a chance torecognise and celebrate the excellenceof research at Kent. It brings together all disciplines and enhances thepostgraduate community. Forinformation on how to get involved visit:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/postgraduate-researchers-showcase

Researcher DevelopmentProgrammeThe RDP is designed to equipresearch students and postdoctoralresearchers with a full range of skillswhich will improve their effectivenessas researchers and enhance theiremployability. See pages 8/9 for more information.

Postgraduate VoiceThere are many opportunities to makeyour voice heard and give feedback onyour experience. One of the ways to dothis is through the annual PostgraduateResearch Experience Survey. www.kent.ac.uk/student/experience/feedback.html

3MTThe 3MT® celebrates the excitingresearch conducted by PhD students.The competition supports their capacityto effectively explain their research inthree minutes, in a language appropriateto a non-specialist audience. See page8 for more information.

Community ExperienceAwardsPostgraduate students have theopportunity to bid for funding to co-ordinate their own event/projectaimed at enhancing the postgraduateexperience. For more information, visit:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/celebrating-success#experience-awards

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RESEARCHERDEVELOPMENT

Further information about the ResearcherDevelopment Programme is available on theGraduate School Website at:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/skills-training/researcher-development-programme

Other training and developmentopportunities3MT®Developed by The University of Queensland, theexercise cultivates students’ academic, presentationand research communication skills. The competitionsupports the student’s capacity to effectively explaintheir research in three minutes, in a languageappropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The Graduate School organises a competition atKent. All competitors are invited to a 3MT trainingday and to use online resources. The winner will goon to represent Kent in the UK semi-final in July,competing against researchers from otherparticipating universities.

For more information visit: www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/about/celebrating-success#three-minute-thesis

SeNSS online trainingThe South East Network for Social Sciences run anonline series of seminars that can be accessed byKent students. For more information see:www.uea.ac.uk/social-sciences/graduate-school/pgr-training-in-the-faculty-of-social-science/upcoming-training-events

Researcher Development Framework The national Researcher Development Framework is a tool for supporting the personal, professionaland career development of Researchers in HigherEducation. Developed by Vitae, this frameworkidentifies the knowledge, intellectual abilities,behaviours and skills of effective researchers; areaswhich are transferable to a wide range of careers.This tool, alongside your Researcher DevelopmentAssessment, can be used to identify your skills andareas of further development.

The Graduate School’s Researcher DevelopmentProgramme maps its training onto the nationalResearcher Development Framework. See page 9 for some example workshops we offer.

For more details about the RDF, visit: www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development/about-the-vitae-researcher-development-framework

Special requirements Should you require any assistance from the GraduateSchool to engage with our workshops, please contactskills@kent.ac.uk and we will do our best toaccommodate your needs. Please note that trainersdo not have access to Individual Learning Plans(ILPs) so should you wish them to be made aware ofany information, or support you require, please let usknow in advance.

“The programme has been exceptionally highquality and really impressive. All of theworkshops attended have been beneficial.”

Part time PhD student

“The workshops run by the Graduate Schoolare of excellent quality and cover a lot ofsubjects and skills. It’s also been good to meetother PGR students at them.”

PhD student

“The workshops run by the Graduate Schoolare very helpful and provide opportunities todiscuss research with other students.Entering the 3MT competition has also beenstimulating.”

PhD student

Researcher development is thepersonal development and trainingyou undertake to help you manageyour PhD project. This developmentcan help you capitalise onopportunities during your PhD, equipyou for the challenges of the researchprocess, as well as prepare you foremployment after the PhD.

Research Skills trainingAcademic Schools are responsible for ensuring thatresearch students are provided with the researchskills required to complete their research projects.Your main supervisor will be able to provide you withindividual help on subject-specific researchtechniques, and will advise you of any taughtcourses you should follow to develop these skills.

Researcher Development ProgrammeThe Graduate School coordinates the ResearcherDevelopment Programme of over 200 workshops forresearchers. Our Researcher DevelopmentProgramme is designed to equip research andpostdoctoral researchers with a full range of skillswhich will improve their effectiveness as researchers,and ensure that they are not only highly qualified, butalso employable in a variety of careers by the end oftheir research project.

Hello Kent

Early stage

Mid stage

Late stage

Graduation

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Finding andmanagingreferences

Research methodsand data analysis

Career planningfor after your PhD

Effective reading and rapid reading

Kickstart your PhD

Managing yourtime effectively

Managing your academicrelationships

Finishing your PhD

Writing Retreat Editing yourthesis

Preparing for your Viva

Copyright, openaccess and yourthesis Mindfulness

Publishing inpeer-reviewedjournals

Example of Graduate School workshops available at each stage of your PhD journey

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MEET THE TEAM

Graduate School staff

For further details about Graduate School staff, please see the website at www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/contact-us

Associate Deans (Graduate Studies)Associate Deans (Graduate Studies) are responsiblefor the oversight and development of researchprogrammes of study across their faculties. Thecurrent Faculty Directors of Graduate Studies are:

Abigail Stravroulakis-McMahonGraduate School AssistantT: +44 (0)1227 824785E: graduateschool@kent.ac.uk

Professor Paul Allain Dean of the Graduate School E: graddean@kent.ac.uk

Grace GrussenmeyerGCRF OfficerT: +44 (0)1227 816420E: g.grussenmeyer@kent.ac.uk

Carla O’Mara Postgraduate DevelopmentOfficerT: +44 (0)1227 824896E: skills@kent.ac.uk

Dr Jo CollinsPostgraduate DevelopmentAdvisor T: +44 (0)1227 816133E: j.p.collins@kent.ac.uk

Rosalind BeechingHead of Graduate SchoolAdministration T: +44 (0)1227 827838E: c.r.beeching@kent.ac.uk

Felicity CliffordPostgraduate ExperienceOfficer T: +44 (0)1227 816420E: f.clifford-254@kent.ac.uk

Professor FragkiskosFilippaiosSocial Sciences Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) and Readerin International BusinessT: +44 (0)1227 824222E: f.filippaios@kent.ac.uk

Professor Gordana Fontana-Giusti Humanities Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) andProfessor of RegionalRegenerationT: +44 (0)1227 824700E: g.fontana-giusti@kent.ac.uk

Dr Gurprit Lall Sciences Associate Dean(Graduate Studies) and SeniorLecturer in PharmacologyT: +44 (0)1634 202964E: g.lall@kent.ac.uk

Kent Graduate Student AssociationThe Kent Graduate Student Association (KGSA) isavailable to postgraduate students across all ofour campuses at the University of Kent. Thecommittee represents both taught and researchpostgraduates in the areas of welfare andeducation. Its members also provideextracurricular opportunities for postgraduatestudents through activities, events and sports.

The committee works together with the GraduateSchool and the Master of Woolf College (ourpostgraduate college) to make sure university life isa rewarding experience for postgraduatestudents. More information about the KGSA isavailable at: www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/community/kgsa.html

The KGSA can also be emailed at:kgsa@kent.ac.uk

Postgraduate StudentRepresentationPostgraduate Representatives are studentvolunteers who act as a voice for PostgraduateStudents within their school or faculty.

There are so many benefits to becoming aPostgraduate Rep in Kent Union’s Student Repsprogramme, including the opportunity to:• Develop new skills• Liaise with the University on postgraduatestudent issues

• Meet new people• Become familiar with University structures,perfect for the budding academics among you!

• Be rewarded through Kent Union’s KASR (KentAward for Student Representatives) system

• Enhance your CV

If you like the sound of allthat, and are interested inbecoming a PostgraduateRep for your School orFaculty, please contact your VP PostgraduateExperience, Laura Carlin, at l.j.carlin@kent.ac.uk

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CollegesThe Masters’ offices at Canterbury and Medwaysupport and assist graduate students in all mattersof welfare and guidance. If you have a concern,query or problem, you should not hesitate to contactthe Master, or call in to their office for further help orassistance. The Masters’ offices are part of StudentServices and as such have close links with all otherstudent support services on campus.

Canterbury postgraduatesWoolf College is the University’s postgraduatecollege at Canterbury. The Master of Woolf College,Dr Jonathan Friday, has normal office hours in termtime, Monday – Friday, 09.00-17.00 (with 1 hourclosure for lunch). The Woolf College Master’scontact details are as follows: Room B3-22 in DarwinCollege, Ext 7650 and Email:woolfmastersoffice@kent.ac.uk

Woolf Academic Building is open to postgraduatestudents during weekday evenings in Terms 1 and 2for socialising and study from 18.00-23.00.

Medway postgraduatesPostgraduates based at Medway are affiliated toMedway College. Jane Glew is the College Masterfor Medway and is based in room M2-25 in theMedway Building. She can also be contacted byemail MedwayMastersOffice@kent.ac.uk

Information ServicesIT ServicesIf you have no formal training in IT we urge you totake advantage of the opportunities at Kent.Improving your IT skills may speed up your work andincrease your chances of employment when youhave finished your degree. Information Services runcourses just before the start of the academic year tointroduce new students to the facilities at Kent andthere are short courses on topics of interest toresearchers. An advisory service is available at:www.kent.ac.uk/itservices/training

Library Services and ResourcesResources for PostgraduatesPostgraduate researchers should find outinformation about the library resources available tothem as soon as possible following their arrival at:www.kent.ac.uk/library. There is also a specific on-line guide about the library for postgraduatestudents available at:www.kent.ac.uk/library/students/postgraduate.htmlMedway students can use the Universities atMedway Drill Hall Library on the Medway campus:http://campus.medway.ac.uk

Liaison Librarians and Academic Support LibrariansIn order to make the best use of the Library and itsservices it is also important for you to contact theLiaison Librarian (Canterbury) or Academic SupportLibrarian (Medway) responsible for the area ofresearch you are pursuing as soon as possible.Liaison Librarians can give you one to one helpthroughout your course, by phone, email or inperson. For Liaison Librarians at the TemplemanLibrary on the Canterbury campus see:www.kent.ac.uk/library/subject-support). ForAcademic Support Librarians at the Drill Hall Libraryon the Medway campus please see:http://campus.medway.ac.uk/study-resources/librarians.html

Subject guides are also available at:www.kent.ac.uk/library/subjects (Canterbury) and at:http://campus.medway.ac.uk/study-resources/guides.html (Medway).

On-line ResourcesThe Library makes available a substantial numberof electronic resources, including e-journals, journaland thesis indexes, e-books, online newspapers,online theses and e-reference works. Please see:www.kent.ac.uk/library/resources

If you need to use material not held by this Library,there are two options; you can request the materialvia the document delivery servicewww.kent.ac.uk/library/borrow/document-delivery.html or visit other libraries throughout the UKusing SCONUL access www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access. For further information, please contact yourLiaison Librarian.

Postgraduate Work SpaceIf you need somewhere to study and you don’t needto use Library books, try one of the study hubs, PCrooms or extra vision spaces across campus. Thereis a dedicated postgraduate study hub located in theSenate building on the Canterbury campus. You willneed your KentOne card to access the hub. Fulldetails can be found at:www.kent.ac.uk/student/studying/pcrooms

Careers and Employability ServicesCareer Planning The University’s award-winning Careers andEmployability Service (CES) aims to support you inmaking a successful transition from yourpostgraduate degree to the next stage of your career.

Qualified and experienced Careers Advisers andEmployability Advisers are available for personalcareers advice and guidance and for support withyour job-hunting. This may include help withdeveloping interview skills and making successfulapplications for both academic posts and graduatepositions in other sectors.

There is an extensive careers website, which includesa section dedicated to postgraduate students and anonline database of graduate vacancies. The CES hasalso produced a booklet which covers career optionsfor postgraduates, the transferable skills gainedthrough your studies, finding job opportunities andmaking successful applications.

Although you can make use of the CES at any stageof your studies, and even after you graduate, wewould recommend that you start to use it early inorder to gain the maximum benefit from the supportit offers.

For more information, see the CES websitewww.kent.ac.uk/ces

Employability PointsThe Employability Points Scheme rewards studentsfor their active involvement with co-curricularactivities. Through undertaking co-curricularactivities, including volunteering, part-time work,attending workshops, joining societies, and muchmore, students are actively making themselves moreattractive to prospective employers. TheEmployability Points Scheme allocates points tostudents for completing such activities and towardsthe end of the academic year, these points can beredeemed for rewards. In 2018-19, the EmployabilityPoints Scheme offered over 860 rewards toparticipating students, ranging from paid internshipsand project placements, to work experience,bespoke training and vouchers.

For more details visit:www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints

Planning your careerIn addition to the support provided by the Careersand Employability Service, the Graduate Schoolprovides workshops on career planning as part of itsResearcher Development Programme including:• Career Training• Routes into Academia• Employment outside Academia• Progressing in your Academic Career

Please visit the online booking system for workshopdates at: https://bloom.kent.ac.uk

Study Plus Study Plus offers a diverse range of non-creditbearing courses on a wide variety of topics whichare completely free and are open to all registeredKent students. Study Plus workshops give you anopportunity to learn something different from yourmain area of study, build key transferrable andemployment skills and enhance your CV. You will alsobe eligible for employability points.

STUDENT SERVICES

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

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Examples of courses include Creative arts anddigital photography; Microsoft Office; Studentmentoring at University; Language Express Bitesize:Arabic, Dutch, French, Japanese, Mandarin, ModernGreek and Spanish; Gaining work experience andemployability skills; Business start-up workshops;and many more. For details see:www.kent.ac.uk/studyplus

Medway Student Advisory ServicesAdvice and Support Services at Medway are locatedin the Gillingham Building and are available to allpostgraduate students based at the Medwaycampus: www.kent.ac.uk/studentservices/medway

Student Union Advice Kent Union Advice CentreThe Student Advice Centre is able to provide adviceon a wide variety of problems that students may facewhilst they are studying. The service is free,confidential and available to all students studying atthe University of Kent. The Centre is based in theMandela Building on the Canterbury campus. Youcan access the service by making an appointment,attending a drop-in session or phoning the AdviceHelp Line at 01227 827 724 (10.00-16.00, Monday –Friday). You can also email (advice@kent.ac.uk) orvisit the website at:https://kentunion.co.uk/welfare/advice

The Greenwich and Kent Students’ UnionsTogether Advice CentreThe Greenwich and Kent Students’ Unions Togetherprovides an Advice Centre based in the PilkingtonBuilding on the Medway campus and offers pre-booked appointments, drop-in sessions, emailadvice and a dedicated telephone advice line.

For more information please see their website at:www.gkunions.co.uk/advice/aboutus

International Partnerships The International Partnerships directorate isresponsible for increasing the University’s globalpresence by developing a range of internationalpartnership activity including research, educationand mobility opportunities for both students and staff.The team manages and initiates partnerships withinstitutions worldwide, it manages staff and studentmobility through study/work abroad and Erasmusexchange arrangements, and enhancesengagement with international training, capacitybuilding and funding projects such as Erasmus+.

For further information visitwww.kent.ac.uk/global/partnerships

Centre for English and WorldLanguages (CEWL)The Centre for English and World Languages(CEWL) specialises in the delivery ofinternationally-focused programmes, modules andcourses in English and other World languages.CEWL’s provision is driven by both the University’sInternationalisation Strategy and our institution’sposition in the sector as ‘The UK’s Europeanuniversity’. CEWL offers international learningopportunities which are designed to appeal to thefull breadth of the University community andbeyond.

Supporting employability through offeringopportunities for language learning and teachertraining:• World language modules (credit bearing):Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, Danish, Russian

• CEWL’s Language Express evening classesavailable at Canterbury and Medway campuses.Choose from a wide variety of 11 modernforeign languages at a number of different abilitylevels including Arabic, Dutch, French, German,Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, ModernGreek, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish

• Teacher training in the form of CELTA coursescourses – CELTA is an internationally recognisedqualification which provides participants with theminimum entry level for the English languageteaching profession (www.kent.ac.uk/cewl)

• We also offer a level 1 British Sign Languagecourse over 20 week.

English language and academic skills aimed atencouraging current international students to reachtheir full academic potential:• In-sessional English language modules (creditbearing, available to international students at alllevels as wild modules)

• Free English Language and Academic Skillsworkshops (ELAS) (non-credit bearing, open toall students whose first language is not English).The workshops cover a range of skills including:Essay Writing; Grammar; Presentation Skills;Listening Comprehension and Note-taking;Academic Reading; Pronunciation and GoodAcademic Practice; Referencing Workshops

• Individual and Group Writing Tutorials at alllevels, including postgraduate

• Bespoke English language and academic skillsenhancement sessions

• Cambridge English Exam Preparation coursesfor the Cambridge Advanced (CAE) andProficiency (CPE) tests

• International English Language Testing System(IELTS) Preparation courses. Demonstrate yourEnglish skills and prepare for an IELTS test witha course at the Canterbury campus.

Please contact us on cewl@kent.ac.uk or seewebsite: www.kent.ac.uk/cewl

Student Learning Advisory Service(SLAS) We are a free academic guidance service for all students (from foundation to PhD), covering all aspects of effective learning strategies andstudy skills.

Support for postgraduate studentsWe provide one-to-one guidance (face-to-face,phone or skype), bookable workshops and onlineresources and study guides. Our teaching coversa wide range of topics, such as:• Getting the most from supervision • Academic reading and criticality • Using research to develop and support ideas• Referencing • Planning and developing a written assignmenteg research or project proposal, report,academic paper, literature review, thesis

• Understanding specific principles of maths andstatistics, from basic to advanced

• Presenting ideas, both visual and verbalapproaches

• Research methods eg developingquestionnaires, surveys and interview schedules

• Linguistic development for different purposesand audiences

• Managing multiple projects and responsibilities … and much more

For more information on our services, resourcesand booking systems go to:www.kent.ac.uk/learning

You can also visit us Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00

Medway campusRoom G0-09, Gillingham Building E: learningmedway@kent.ac.uk T: 01634 888884

Canterbury campusSLAS offices in UELT Building(entrance next to Santander Bank)E: learning@kent.ac.uk T: 01227 824016

STUDENT SERVICES(CONT)

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Students with mobility difficulties,specific learning difficulties (egdyslexia), medical and sensoryimpairments or mental health issues,can receive guidance and personalsupport from Student Support andWellbeing.

Depending on your specific needs, we may be ableto assist with the following:• Arranging signers, note takers and other supportworkers for you

• Helping you to find out if you have dyslexia• Talking to your lecturers about any particular helpyou may need in lectures and seminars

• Discussing any special arrangement you need forexaminations

• Contacting other departments about any specificadjustments you may require via InclusiveLearning Plans (ILPs)

• Applying for funding to pay for specialistequipment and support (eg Study Skills Tutors,Mentors and assistive technology)

Student Support and Wellbeing can providecounselling and support for all students experiencingdistress arising from psychological, emotional ormental health issues. In addition a range of groupworkshops are arranged throughout the year.

Students who require additional support shouldmake contact with Student Support and Wellbeingand complete a registration form.

Further informationStudent Support and Wellbeing T: +44 (0)1227 823158E: accessibility@kent.ac.ukwww.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport

DiversityKent has a diverse and inclusive community. Weare committed to a working and learning culturethat encompasses dignity, courtesy, respect andconsideration for all.

There are a number of support avenues at theUniversity to help you if you are confused, lookingfor friends or just want someone to talk to incomplete confidence. For more details visit:www.kent.ac.uk/student/support-and-wellbeing/diversity.html

Medical CentreCanterburyThe University Medical Centre is an NHS generalpractice based on the University of KentCanterbury campus. Students who live within a sixmile radius may register with the UniversityMedical Centre. Appointments can be booked bytelephone or in person.

For information about the University MedicalCentre please go to: www.kent.ac.uk/medical

Medway Students are advised to register with the SunlightMedical Centre in Gillinghamwww.sunlightsurgery.co.uk

PG MindsYou will be using your brains extensively duringpostgraduate study, but it’s important to keep‘mind and body’ as healthy as possible too. PG Minds has been put together by the GraduateSchool in conjunction with Kent’s Wellbeing Teamto deliver wellbeing workshops tailed forpostgraduates. For details of upcoming eventsvisit www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/news

ChildcareCanterburyThe Oaks Day Nursery is run by Kent Union and issituated on the Canterbury campus. It offersnursery care and education for children aged fromthree months to five years. The nursery operatesfrom 08.00-18.00, Monday – Friday for 50 weeks ofthe year, closing for two weeks over the Christmasperiod and on bank holidays. More information isavailable at http://oaksnurserykent.co.uk

MedwayBusyBees Nursery is an independent nurserylocated opposite the Medway campuswww.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/chatham

ChaplaincyThe University Chaplaincy supports the manyreligious groups, societies and congregations onthe campuses; it has links to faith groups in thelocal community (where there are volunteeringopportunities) and also runs social events and daytrips which are popular with international andpostgraduate students. Chaplains are alwaysavailable for one-to-one pastoral support, or toanswer and discuss specific questions about thefaith traditions they represent.

Contact us at chaplaincy@kent.ac.ukChaplaincy: www.kent.ac.uk/chaplaincy

Big White WallBig White Wall is an online mental health andwellbeing service. They offer 24/7 online andanonymous support free to all University of Kentstudents. Contact the Wellbeing Team atwellbeing@kent.ac.uk for more information andhow you can access this support.

STUDENT SUPPORTAND WELLBEING

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Funding your research degreePostgraduate researchers fund their researchdegrees through a variety of different routes (eg self-funded, employer-sponsored, Research CouncilStudentship, Graduate Teaching Assistantship andCareer Development Loans). Should you experiencefinancial difficulties during your degree, there are anumber of support mechanisms available to you.Please see: www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student/student-finance-guide/financial_difficulties.html. In additionto this, our University website provides informationabout postgraduate scholarship opportunities at:www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding offersadvice on alternative sources of funding for yourdegree and its online guide contains a hugedatabase of funding opportunities, comprehensiveguidance, and numerous tools to help you preparea winning grant application. Please see:www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/skills-training

As part of these partnerships, PhD studentships areawarded through annual studentship competitions.Our Doctoral Training Partnerships are:i EnvEast funded by the Natural EnvironmentResearch Council (www.enveast.ac.uk)

ii Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) funded by the Arts andHumanities Research Council (www.chase.ac.uk)

iii Southeast Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS)funded by the Economic and Social ResearchCouncil (http://senss-dtp.ac.uk)

iv Kent also receives an Engineering and PhysicalSciences Research Council (EPSRC) DoctoralTraining Partnership grant for PhD studentships(https://epsrc.ukri.org)

The Graduate School will keep you updated on anyopportunities available to you through ourcollaborative Doctoral Training partnerships as theacademic year progresses.

Research Support FundingYour academic school will provide you with access to some funding to support your research to enableyou to attend training events or conferences. Pleaseinvestigate the level of funding available to youby speaking to your postgraduate administrator.Faculty Top-Up Funds provide an additional sourceof funding to support your research.

Please see:Humanities Top-up Fund:www.kent.ac.uk/humanities/postgraduateSocial Sciences Top-up Fund:www.kent.ac.uk/socsci/studying/postgrad

Doctoral Training PartnershipsThe University is proud to be part of threeprestigious RCUK funded collaborative DoctoralTraining partnerships in which Kent is working withother UK partners to create strong inter-institutionalresearch collaborations and an increasing range ofinterdisciplinary training and developmentopportunities for our postgraduate researchersacross the South and East of England.

FUNDING

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REGULATORYINFORMATION

1 Postgraduate researcherresponsibilities

Undertaking a research degree is both an excitingand challenging experience. In order to ensure thateverything goes as smoothly as possible during yourtime as a postgraduate researcher at Kent, you havea range of specific responsibilities which are outlinedin Section 5 of Annex H (Supervision) of theUniversity’s Code of Practice for the QualityAssurance for Research Programmes of Study.

2 How is postgraduate researchmanaged at Kent?

There is a network of staff members and committeesat Kent dedicated to the management ofpostgraduate education within the University and thesafeguarding of the interests of our postgraduateresearchers. All the committees include electedpostgraduate student members.

Each academic school has a Director of GraduateStudies who will be responsible for researchprogrammes of study within that school. In largerschools, there may be two Directors of GraduateStudies, one with responsibility for taughtpostgraduate courses and one with responsibility for research programmes of study.

Each school will have a Graduate Studies Committeewhich is responsible for the quality management ofresearch programmes of study and monitoring theprogress of research students within each school, asessential platforms for feedback and support. Moreinformation about the role of the School Director ofGraduate Studies and School Graduate StudiesCommittees can be found in Annex I of theUniversity’s Code of Practice for Quality Assurancefor Research Programmes of Study at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexi.html

The School Graduate Studies Committee reports to aFaculty Graduate Studies Committee which ischaired by the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).There are three faculties at Kent. More informationabout the role of the Associate Dean (GraduateStudies) and Faculty Graduate Studies Committeecan be found in Annex J of the University’s Code ofPractice for Quality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Study at: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexj.html

The current Associate Deans (Graduate Studies) are:• Dr Gurprit Lall (Sciences Associate Dean)• Professor Fragkiskos Filippaios (Social SciencesAssociate Dean)

• Professor Gordana Fontana-Giusti (HumanitiesAssociate Dean)

The Faculty Graduate Studies Committees report viaFaculty Boards to the University-level GraduateSchool Board which is chaired by the Dean of theGraduate School.

The University Code of Practice for the QualityAssurance for Research Programmes of Studyprovides a framework for the quality managementof research programmes of study at Kent. See:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html?tab=research-programmes. Appendix D provides youwith a full list of the annexes contained within theCode of Practice for Research Programmes ofStudy Annexes.

2.1 Intermission, transfer of registration,change of status and withdrawal from theUniversityIf you are considering intermitting, transferring yourregistration to another programme of study,changing from full-time to part-time (or vice-versa)or withdrawing from the University, you should firstdiscuss this with your supervisor who will be able toprovide you with advice. Postgraduateadministrators within your academic schools will beable to direct and advise you on the administrativeprocedures involved with such changes. Theprocedures are available for consideration at:www.kent.ac.uk/fso/procedures/pg/pg-research

2.2 Fieldwork and absence from theUniversityPermission to be absent from the University forfieldwork should be sought from the School Directorof Graduate Studies (Research Programmes), whoshould be satisfied that the appropriate facilities forresearch are available and arrangements forsupervision are satisfactory. Requests for a reductionin fees for periods spent away from the Universitymust gain the approval of the University FinanceCommittee. Information on procedures is available at:www.kent.ac.uk/fso/procedures/pg/pg-research

Please check with your school about arrangementswhich should be put in place prior to a period offieldwork. Information on student fieldwork insurancecover can be found at:www.kent.ac.uk/fso/procedures/pg/pg-research/registration.html?tab=fieldwork-and-off-campus-study

2.3 Thesis completion, submission andexaminationInformation about the procedures surrounding thecompletion, submission and examination of yourresearch thesis is available in:• Regulations for Research Programmes of Study(please see section 8 (examination) at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/research/regs_research.html)

• Instructions to Candidates for the Examination ofResearch Degreeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/documents/quality-assurance/regulations/research/pgdipresc.pdf

2.4 External Examiners’ ReportsIt is now a QAA requirement that institutions makeexternal examiners’ annual reports available in full toall students. In order to address this the QualityAssurance Office has made reports accessible atwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/extexaminers/eers.External examiners’ reports for the most recent yearwill be available to all Kent-registered students, whoneed a Kent login to access the information.

2.5 Academic complaints and appealsAn academic complaint is any specific concernabout the provision of a programme of study orrelated academic service. An academic appeal is arequest for a review of a decision of an academicbody charged with making decisions on studentprogression, assessment and awards.

2.5.1 Academic complaintsAll postgraduate researchers at Kent are entitled toreceive satisfactory academic supervision andsupport. Should you have any problems during thecourse of your research, you will in most cases beable to sort these out straightaway and easily withmembers of your supervisory team.

However, it does occasionally happen that there aremore serious grounds for dissatisfaction which canbe dealt with only by someone other than thesupervisory staff concerned. If an individual orgroup of students feels that the basic requirementsof good supervision are not being met, or that thereare other issues relating to postgraduate supportwhich they feel give grounds for complaint, thematter should be raised immediately with yourSchool Director of Graduate Studies or postgraduateresearch student representative.

If students remain dissatisfied, having raised thematter informally with the supervisory staff,postgraduate research student representative andSchool Director of Graduate Studies, they may wishto make a formal complaint.

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The complaints procedure is outlined in thedocument Complaints Procedures for Students,found on the Regulations website atwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/guidance/appeals.html.Students are advised to refer to this prior to lodging aformal complaint. For a formal academic complaint,students should complete a Complaints Form(available on the Regulations website and in theComplaints Procedures document), which willensure that the complaint is investigated thoroughly.In the event that students are not satisfied with theoutcome of the formal complaint, they can request aformal review by the Dean of the Faculty.

2.5.2 Academic appealsThe procedures for appeals brought bypostgraduate research students are outlined in theStanding Orders Governing Research Appealsavailable at: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/research/soga.html. Postgraduate research studentsshould read these procedures carefully to find out inwhat circumstances and on what grounds they maysubmit an appeal. If they wish to pursue an appeal,they should complete a research appeal form toaccompany their letter of appeal and submit this tothe Faculties Support Office in the Marlowe Building.The research appeal form is available under appealsprocedures at: www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/regulations/?tab=research-programmes

Postgraduate researchers should note that they maynot submit an academic appeal:• Against academic judgement or;• On the grounds of poor or inadequate researchsupervision. Such a matter would be the subjectof an academic complaint, which should havebeen raised and resolved at the earliestopportunity through the academic complaintsprocedure .

3 Plagiarism and duplication ofmaterial

Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas ordiscoveries of another as one’s own. To copysentences, phrases or even striking expressionswithout acknowledgment in a manner which maydeceive the reader as to the source, is plagiarism;to paraphrase in a manner which deceives thereader is likewise plagiarism.

A student must not reproduce any work previouslysubmitted for assessment (for example, examinationanswers, essays, project reports, dissertations ortheses) or any material derived from work authoredby another without clearly acknowledging the source.

Duplication of material means the inclusion incoursework (including extended essays, projectsand dissertations) of a significant amount of materialwhich is identical or substantially similar to materialwhich has already been submitted for the same orany other course at this University or elsewhere,without acknowledging that such work has been sosubmitted.

The University does not accept plagiarism orduplication of material and imposes severe penaltiesif it occurs in coursework, dissertations, projects,examinations and theses. If you need guidance onthe correct use and presentation of quotations andsource material, you should consult your supervisor.

Further university guidance on plagiarism, academicintegrity and good practice is available at:www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/ai

4 EthicsThe University of Kent expects that all researchcarried out by postgraduate researchers isconducted to the highest level of ethical standardsand in accordance with current legislation andpolicy requirements. The University’s Code ofEthical Practice for Research(www.kent.ac.uk/researchservices/docs/ethics-governance/code-of-ethical-practice-for-research.pdf) sets out the required standards ofresearcher integrity and also explains theappropriate routes for ethical review for differenttypes of research. Advice and guidance in allaspects of research integrity and governance isavailable from the University’s Research Ethics andGovernance Officer (N.R.Palmer@kent.ac.uk).

The Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2012)emphasises the importance of training in the workuniversities must do to embed their commitment toresearch integrity within institutional processes andthe conduct of their researchers. The GraduateSchool supports this training by providing workshopscovering research integrity in the humanities, socialsciences, and sciences as part of the ResearcherDevelopment Programme (seewww.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school/skills-training/researcher-development-programme).

5 Intellectual Property RightsAll ideas, material, or work produced and submittedas part of the requirements of a programme of studyor research, and all Intellectual Property (IP) within,belongs to the University, who may pass these on tothird parties, such as, for example, funders. Pleaserefer to section 8 (Intellectual Property Rights) of theGeneral Regulations atwww.kent.ac.uk/regulations/general.html

Student contributions are acknowledged and, aspart of the IP Policy, students are entitled to a shareof the financial benefits that the University mayreceive arising from the exploitation of this IP.

In order to familiarise yourself with IP and theUniversity’s approach to IP, you are encouraged toread the University’s IP policy, which is available atwww.kent.ac.uk/enterprise/university-staff/files/policy-and-procedure/ipr-policy-2013.pdf

Kent Innovation and Enterprise (KIE) provides adviceand manages the IP protection and exploitation. KIEalso holds a number of IP sessions in Schools.

If you have any queries regarding your IP rights,please email enterprise@kent.ac.uk

6 Anti-Bribery and Corruption PolicyThe University’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policyapplies to all students in their activities as students ofthe University and to the full range of the University’sactivities, both in the UK and overseas. TheUniversity is committed to conducting its businessfairly, honestly and openly, to the highest standardsof integrity and in accordance with all legalrequirements. The Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policyprovides a clear statement that the Univeristy will notpermit any form of bribery and outlines theprocedures to prevent employees or students fromengaging with bribery. The full policy can be foundon the University’s Governance website atwww.kent.ac.uk/governance/policies-and-procedures/bribery.html

APPENDIX A: POSTGRADUATERESEARCHER RESPONSIBILITIES

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This following is an extract fromAnnex H (Supervision) of theUniversity’s Code of Practice forQuality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Study. Annex H isavailable for consideration in full at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexh.html

Research students are responsible for:1 The content, completion and submission for

examination of their theses under thesupervision of academic staff members. Thestudent should take ultimate responsibility for hisor her research.

2 Ensuring that they are familiar with and complywith University regulations, school guidelines andany other procedures relating to their degree.

3 Attending a Researcher DevelopmentAssessment workshop prior to the probationreview (if studying for a PhD).

4 Completing a Researcher DevelopmentAssessment and discussing this and theirtraining needs with their supervisors on aregular basis.

5 Providing a formal annual report on progress.6 Preparing adequately for formal progress

reviews and supervisory meetings.

7 Ensuring work progresses in accordance withthe stages agreed with their supervisor(s).

8 Advising their supervisor(s) of any illness,holidays or other occasions when they will beabsent from the University.

9 Seeking advice from their supervisor(s) in anactive manner and taking the initiative in raisingproblems or difficulties (including illness orother exceptional circumstances) with theirsupervisors.

10 Agreeing a programme of work with theirsupervisor(s) at the beginning of their first-yearand to review this at appropriate intervals ineach academic year in consultation with thesupervisors ensuring that any deviation fromthe programme is reported to supervisors assoon as possible.

11 Agreeing a schedule of meetings with theirsupervisor(s).

12 Devoting appropriate time and effort to theirstudies.

13 Taking note of the guidance and feedbackprovided on their work by their supervisor(s).

14 Keeping records of supervisory meetings.15 Complying with health and safety requirements.16 Complying with ethical requirements.17 Ensuring that they complete registration and

make payment of fees at the appropriate time.

18 Assisting the University in keeping their recordsup to date by cooperating fully withadministrative procedures.

19 Contributing to the research environment of theacademic school, wider university communityand externally (as appropriate) by taking upopportunities to present work at seminars andby networking with other researchers.

20 Providing feedback on their student experiencethrough annual reports, postgraduate surveys,postgraduate representatives and Staff-StudentLiaison Committees (as appropriate).

21 Reporting any concerns about their supervisionto the School Director of Graduate Studieswithout delay. If the School Director of GraduateStudies is a member of the supervisory team,concerns should be reported to the AssociateDean (Graduate Studies).

APPENDIX B: MAIN SUPERVISORRESPONSIBILITIES

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This following is an extract fromAnnex H (Supervision) of theUniversity’s Code of Practice forQuality Assurance for ResearchProgrammes of Study. Annex H isavailable for consideration in full at:www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexh.html

Main Supervisors are responsible for:1 Offering guidance on the student’s research

project (in consultation with other members ofthe supervisory team).

2 Advising the student of the respective roles andresponsibilities of each of the members of thesupervisory team.

3 Ensuring that the student is aware of his/herresponsibilities during the period of research.

4 Scheduling regular meetings with the studentand setting aside adequate time to discussprogress and future work. The minimumrequirement is one formal meeting per monthfor full-time students (bi-monthly for part-timestudents).

5 Ensuring that students are introduced to allSchool, Faculty and University facilities whichare relevant to their research.

6 Making sure that students’ training needs (bothsubject-specific and transferable) are reviewedregularly through consideration of the researcherdevelopment assessment and encouraging themto take up training opportunities.

7 Ensuring that the particular needs of overseasstudents are taken fully into account during theearly stages of research and to give help andadvice on language problems and trainingwhere necessary.

8 Advising students on academic mattersincluding expected attendance, researchstandards, methodologies, academic writing,plagiarism, progression and examination.

9 Approving a timetable of work and overseeingthis to completion. Timely completion ofresearch projects is expected by the University.

10 Keeping the School Director of GraduateStudies informed of any absences likely toimpact upon time available for supervisoryduties.

11 Ensuring that students are made aware ofinadequacy of progress or standards of workbelow that generally expected. This should berecorded formally in notes of supervisorymeetings and progress reviews.

12 Taking action to bring to the attention of theSupervisory Chair (where this is a differentmember of staff) and School Director ofGraduate Studies (with responsibility forresearch programmes) any concerns about astudent’s unsatisfactory progress.

13 Ensuring that there are clear records ofsupervisory meetings and interactions withtheir students.

14 Requesting written work as appropriate andreturning such work with constructive feedbackwithin an agreed timetable.

15 Participating in and preparing for studentprogress reviews as required by the faculty andby the Code of Practice (see Annex K:Progression and Examination).

16 Advising students on the ethical implications oftheir research and appropriate routes for ethicalapproval where appropriate.

17 Arranging, where appropriate, for students tomake oral presentations about their work withinthe University and at conferences and to publishmaterial from their research (ensuring propercredit is given for joint research).

18 Recommending examiners for the student’sthesis to the school in good time.

19 In conjunction with the examiners whereappropriate, providing advice to the studentconcerning the corrections and/or revisionsrequired to the thesis following examination.

20 Remaining familiar with and understanding therequirements of the Regulations for ResearchProgrammes of Study and the Code of Practicefor Quality Assurance for Research Programmesof Study.

21 Considering the safety implications of theirstudents’ research.

20

APPENDIX C: QUALITYMANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school

Senate

Vice-Chancellor

Graduate School Board

Dean of the Graduate School

Faculty Boards

Deans

Associate Deans (Graduate Studies)

Associate Deans (Graduate Studies)

School Graduate Studies Committees

School Directors of Graduate Studies

Supervisor/Supervisory Team

Programme Approval Sub-Committee

Staff/Student Liaison Committees

21www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school

APPENDIX D: UNIVERSITYCODE OF PRACTICE

Annexes University Code of Practice for Quality Assurancefor Research Programmes of Study

Annex A University Curriculum Policywww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexa.html

Annex B Approval and Withdrawal of Research Programmeswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexb.html

Annex C Approval of Research Candidates and Projectswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexc.html

Annex D Information to studentswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexd.html

Annex E Annual Monitoringwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexe.html

Annex F Periodic Reviewwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexf.html

Annex G Personal Academic Support Systemwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexg.html

Annex H Supervisionwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexh.html

Annex I School Directors of Graduate Studieswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexi.html

Annex J Associate Deans (Graduate Studies)www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexj.html

Annex K Progression and Examinationwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexknew.html

Annex L External and Internal Examinerswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexl.html

Annex M Student Evaluationwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexm.html

Annex N Practice as Researchwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexn.html

Annex O QA Arrangements for Validated Programmes of Researchwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexo.html

Annex P Researcher Development Programmewww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexp.html

Annex Q Research Student Teachers and Demonstratorswww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexq.html

Annex R Student Engagement in Quality Assurance and Enhancementwww.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/research/annexr.html

The Graduate School, Cornwallis East, University of KentCanterbury, Kent CT2 7NF www.kent.ac.uk/graduate-school

DPC 129166 07/19