Regulations for awards (research degrees): Section D

Section D: Regulations for the Award of Professional Doctorate, Incorporating the Master in Research (MRes) Award

The following regulations govern the specific rules for award of the degree of Professional Doctorate and Master in Research.

A Professional Doctorate candidate will be governed by the University’s taught regulations during the completion of the taught phase, until their module marks have been ratified by a Course Assessment Board. The following regulations will then be applicable during the research phase.

As such, these regulations should be read simultaneously with both the Regulations for Taught Students and the Regulations for Postgraduate Research Students.

A full list of Professional Doctorate awards can be found in Section A1. Available awards.

D1. Learning outcomes

D1.1.1 Professional Doctorates are rooted in an academic discipline as well as in a profession. Doctoral degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

The creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication.
A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.
The general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and, where necessary, to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems.
A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

D1.1.2 Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

Make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches.

D1.2 The Professional Doctorate award

D1.2.1 A Professional Doctorate is awarded to a candidate who has:

Successfully completed an approved taught programme of study.
Critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic, resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge in a relevant professional discipline.
Demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field.
Presented and defended work by viva examination, to the satisfaction of the examiners.

D2. Thesis length

D2.1 The text of the thesis for these awards should not normally exceed 50,000 words (excluding references and appendices). Confirmation of what is included and excluded from the word count of the thesis can be found in the PGR Handbook.

D2.2 This word count is the maximum allowable length for theses, not necessarily the preferred length. In many instances supervisors may wish to recommend a shorter length.

D2.3 Supervisors should be able to advise on the usual length of theses in their subject area or topic.

D2.4 In cases where a Professional Doctorate candidate requires an increase in the word limit owing to the nature of their research, they may use their second Progression Monitoring assessment to make a request for up to an additional 20,000 words. Details of the procedure that needs to be followed can be found in the PGR Handbook.

D3. Admission criteria

D3.1 In addition to the general criteria, normally the minimum level of attainment required for entry is:

A Master’s degree from a UK university (or equivalent), normally with a classification of merit or distinction, in a discipline appropriate to the proposed programme to be followed; and
A recognised professional qualification or equivalent for the title award (not applicable for the DBA/DPA); and
A minimum of three years’ postgraduate professional experience directly relevant to the named professional Doctorate degree for which enrolment is sought; OR for the DBA/DPA a minimum of three years’ senior management experience relevant to the named professional Doctorate degree for which enrolment is sought.

D4. Period of Enrolment

D4.1 The standard, minimum and maximum periods of enrolment, including the taught element, are as follows. This does not include any periods of approved interruption that the candidate had been granted:

Mode of Study	Minimum Length	Standard Length	Maximum Length
Full-time	24 months	36 months	60 months
Part-time	48 months	72 months	96 months

D4.2 A Professional Doctorate candidate cannot submit their thesis for examination until the minimum period of enrolment specified above has been reached.

D4.3 The standard period of enrolment reflects the amount of time that a candidate will ordinarily spend in the taught phase and the research phase.

D4.4 No later than three months before the end of the active research period, candidates may:

Apply for additional time to complete the research; or
Apply to enrol for the writing-up period, which allows candidates additional time to complete the writing of the thesis.

D4.5 Where a candidate fails to secure approval to enrol for the writing-up period or additional time, the candidate must submit work for examination no later than the end of the standard period for the award. Failure to do so will lead to a termination of the candidate’s registration on the grounds of non-submission.

D4.6 The maximum period of enrolment is the total amount of time a candidate is permitted to have before they submit their thesis for examination. This includes the time spent in the taught and active research phases (standard period of enrolment), any writing-up period and an additional 12 months that could either consist of a period of additional time or an end extension owing to extenuating circumstances.

D4.7 In very exceptional extenuating circumstances, we may permit a candidate to exceed this maximum period of enrolment. This will be an evidence-based decision, determined on a case-by-case basis.

D5. Programme timeline and milestones

D5.1.1 The programme handbook for specific Professional Doctorates outlines the modules that candidates will follow during the taught-phase of their programme. The taught phase will typically cover the first year of the programme (or two years for part time), though this may vary between programmes.

D5.1.2 Candidates may only progress to the research phase when they have successfully completed the taught element.

D5.1.3 At the end of the taught phase, candidates may:

Progress to the Doctoral research phase of the programme; or
Request to transfer from the DBA to DPA, or vice versa and progress to the Doctoral research phase of the programme; or
Progress to complete a shorter research project and submit for the Master of Research (MRes) award; or
Withdraw from the doctoral programme and accept the interim award appropriate to the completed taught element (PGDip / PGCert), where available.

D5.1.4 The relevant programme handbook will detail specific progression requirements for candidates from the taught element to the research element. The timeline for the research phase of Professional Doctorate degrees is also outlined in the programme handbook.

D5.1.5 During the research phase of all Professional Doctorates, candidates will be required to successfully complete at least one progression monitoring assessment. Specific programme handbooks may stipulate additional compulsory progression assessments, and where they do, candidates must successfully complete these to be allowed to progress.

D5.1.6 In addition to progression monitoring assessments, the following deadlines apply:

At least 3 months before thesis submission an ‘on track to submit’ meeting must take place between the student and the supervisory team
Part-time
End of month 69	Apply for writing-up period or Apply for additional time.
End of month 72	Submit thesis or Enter writing-up or Continue active research during additional time.

D5.1.7 Part-time candidates will have a minimum of one formal supervision meeting every two months and must complete an online supervision log (currently SkillsForge).

Full-time
By end of month 33	Apply for writing-up period or Apply for additional time.
By end of month 36	Submit thesis or Enter writing-up or Continue active research during additional time.
At least 3 months before thesis submission an ‘on track to submit’ meeting must take place between the student and the supervisory team

Full-time

By end of month 33

Apply for writing-up period

Apply for additional time.

By end of month 36

Submit thesis

Enter writing-up

Continue active research during additional time.

At least 3 months before thesis submission an ‘on track to submit’ meeting must take place between the student and the supervisory team

D5.1.8 Full-time candidates will have a minimum of one monthly formal supervision meeting and must complete and online supervision log (currently SkillsForge).

D5.1.9 Candidates registered for a Professional Doctorate may register for a maximum of 60 credits of Master’s level modules during the research-phase of their degree.

D5.2 Change of programme

D5.2.1 If a Professional Doctorate candidate is unable to complete the approved programme of work they may apply for the enrolment to be changed to that for the degree of MPhil.

D5.2.2 Candidates enrolled on a Professional Doctorate are not permitted to transfer enrolment to submit for PhD.

D5.3 Transferring out of the University

D5.3.1 If you decide to transfer out of the University, you will normally be entitled to any credit you have passed as part of your taught phase before you transfer. Where your total credit achieved meets the requirements for the interim award of PGCert/ PGDip, you will be awarded this at the next available Course Assessment Board. You may be able to use this credit as part of your transfer to another institution’s Professional Doctorate if they operate a Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Please note that this is not always possible and you should check with the specific institution upon your application.

D5.4 Progression monitoring

D5.4.1 Candidates will have a minimum of one progression monitoring assessment during the research phase of their programme. Individual Professional Doctorates may specify additional compulsory progression points. Candidates should refer to the relevant programme handbook.

D5.4.2 Progression is a formal process to monitor and assess the progress the candidate is making on the research project and their skills training. Candidates will be required to submit a report and review and update the skills audit. One referral is permitted at each progression assessment. The progression assessment will determine the suitability of the candidate to remain registered on a research award. Failure to complete progression monitoring satisfactorily will lead to the termination of the candidate’s registration. Where a candidate’s studies are terminated following a progression assessment, they are not be permitted to re-enrol for the same degree to undertake the same topic of research.

D5.4.3 Candidates may also be required to complete formal English language assessment and training in advance of, or as an outcome of, progression monitoring.

D5.4.4 Normally at least one member of the supervisory team will be present at the viva examination, but supervisors must withdraw prior to the deliberations of the progression monitoring panel on the outcome.

D5.4.5 Candidates who fail to submit progress reports on the required schedule will be administratively withdrawn, subject to consideration of any extenuating circumstances.

D5.5 Assessment of progression

D5.5.1 Progression assessments must be sufficiently rigorous to adequately test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the research project, of progress made to date and future plans for the remainder of the programme.

D5.5.2 Satisfactory completion of progression monitoring is demonstrated by:

A progress report completed by the candidate and submitted for assessment by a progression monitoring panel.
Completion of training and development identified in the skills audit.
Satisfactory engagement with the research support plan.
Consideration of any security sensitive research.
Confirmation of ethical approval.
The defence of the progress report by viva examination in front of the progression monitoring panel.
Confirmation by the progression monitoring panel that the candidate is able to proceed to the subsequent year of study.

D5.6 The progression panel

D5.6.1 The panel will comprise two members that have not had previous close association with the student's research project.

D5.6.2 Where the candidate is a member of staff, the progress report (at both initial consideration and following any amendments) must also be submitted for assessment to an external examiner, who satisfies the published criteria for appointment. The same external may be used for the final thesis examination.

D5.6.3 The external examiner will complete a preliminary written report for consideration by the progression monitoring panel. If deemed necessary by the School or the external examiner, the external examiner may join the progression monitoring viva examination via video link or in person.

D5.6.4 Following progression, the candidate will be provided with written feedback and if necessary guidance on actions to be taken to support the progress of their candidature.

D5.7 The progression report

D5.7.1 Supervisors should be able to advise on the usual format of progression reports in their subject area, but the progress report should typically be equivalent to 3,000 to 6,000 words in length. As a minimum the report should include:

A review and discussion of the work already undertaken.
Defines the aims and objectives of the research project.
Progress made since the last report; if progression has previously taken place.
Any particular problems encountered by the candidate (e.g. access to resources / facilities or issues relating to language or disability support requirements).
A brief statement of the intended further work, including an indication of the original contribution to knowledge which is likely to emerge.
The report should include confirmation that Research Integrity training has taken place (first progression only).

D5.8 Available outcomes following initial assessment (progression stage)

D5.8.1 Following the completion of the progression monitoring exercise, including a viva examination, the outcomes available are as follows:

That the candidate be permitted to progress.
That the candidate be required to make amendments and resubmit the progress report no later than six weeks (12 weeks for part-time candidates) from the date of notification of the outcome of the examination.
That the candidate be required to complete further work and submit for the award of MA / MSc by Research (following first progression monitoring only) or MPhil (following second progression monitoring only).
That the candidate is not permitted to proceed.

D5.8.2 The requirement for a further viva examination of the work is at the discretion of the examiners.

D5.9 Available outcomes following amendments (progression stage)

D5.9.1 Where a candidate has been required to complete amendments, the outcomes available following the completion of the examination, including a viva examination where required, are as follows:

That the candidate be permitted to progress.
That the candidate be required to complete further work and submit for the award of MA / MSc by Research (following first progression monitoring) or MPhil (following second progression monitoring only).
That the candidate is not permitted to proceed.

D.5.9.2 After amendments have been made, the requirement for a further viva examination is at the discretion of the examiners, unless their recommendation is a fail. In this case a second viva must be held.

D5.9.3 Candidates who do not receive permission to proceed or transfer will be deemed to have failed and their registration will be withdrawn. Any interim award for which the candidate is eligible, based on credits previously achieved as part of the taught element, will be conferred at this point.

D5.10 Final thesis examination

D5.10.1 The examination for Professional Doctorate has two stages:

The submission and preliminary assessment of the written thesis.
Defence of the work by viva examination.

D5.10.2 The examiners may not recommend that a candidate fail outright without holding a viva examination.

D5.10.3 On referral, the requirement for a viva examination is at the discretion of the examiners. However, following receipt of the resubmitted work, the examiners may not recommended that a candidate fail without holding a second viva examination.

D5.11 Recommendations following examination:

Following examination, including a viva examination, the examiners may recommend:

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made. Any further editorial corrections, given as an outcome of the revised resubmission, must be completed within 2 weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination.
Award subject to minor amendments. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, within three months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made. If the internal examiner is not satisfied that all corrections have been made, the examiner reserves the right to award an MPhil.
Referral to complete major amendments. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of all examiners within six months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. On receipt of the resubmitted work the examiners reserve the right to require a further viva examination.
Referral to re-write the submission. The resubmission must be completed to the satisfaction of all examiners within one year from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. On receipt of the resubmitted work, the examiners reserve the right to require a further viva examination.
Referral to complete major amendments and re-submit for the award of MPhil. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of all examiners within six months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. On receipt of the resubmitted work, the examiners reserve the right to require a further viva examination.
Award the degree of MPhil subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

D5.12 Recommendations following the submission of minor amendments:

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made. Any further editorial corrections, given as an outcome of the revised resubmission, must be completed within 2 weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination.
Award the degree of MPhil subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

D5.12.1 Where a candidate has been required to complete minor amendments and resubmits work that is not to the satisfaction of the internal examiner, the work must be presented for consideration by all examiners before a recommendation can be made.

D5.13 Recommendations following the submission of referred work:

D5.13.1 No further opportunity will be permitted for referral to complete major amendments or for referral to re-write the submission or for referral to complete major amendments to the submission and to re-submit for the award of MPhil.

D5.13.2 Following the examination of referred work (including a viva examination where required), the examiners may recommend:

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made. Any further editorial corrections, given as an outcome of the revised resubmission, must be completed within 2 weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination.
Award subject to minor amendments. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only within three months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Referral to complete minor amendments to the submission and to re-submit for the award of MPhil. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, within three months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. This outcome is not available if there has been a previous referral to resubmit for MPhil. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Award the degree of MPhil subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner only, normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

Any interim award for which the candidate is eligible, based on credits previously achieved as part of the taught element, will be conferred at this point.

D5.13.3 Upon their initial assessment of the referred work, if the examiners are of the view that the candidate’s work should be failed or downgraded to an MPhil, then they are required to invoke a viva examination before deciding the outcome.

D6. MRes Regulations

D6.1.1 The MRes is only available as an exit route from a Professional Doctorate degree.

D6.1.2 The MRes may be awarded to a candidate who, having successfully completed the compulsory taught element of a Professional Doctorate degree, has additionally presented a thesis to the satisfaction of the examiners.

D6.1.3 The requirement for a viva examination of the thesis is at the discretion of the examiners.

D6.1.4 The text of the thesis should not normally exceed 15,000 words (excluding ancillary data).

D6.2 Learning outcomes (MRes)

D6.2.1 Master's degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.
A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship.
Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

D6.2.2 Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements, often in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

D6.3 Period of enrolment (MRes)

D6.3.1 The maximum programme length following the successful completion of the compulsory taught element, are as follows. This does not include any periods of approved interruption that the candidate had been granted:

Mode of Study	Standard Enrolment
Full-time	8 months
Part-time	16 months

D6.3.2 No later than three months before the end of the active research period, candidates may:

Apply for additional time to complete the research; or
Apply to enrol for the writing-up period, which allows candidates additional time to complete the writing of the thesis.

D6.4 Final Examination (MRes)

D6.4.1 The examination for the MRes usually consists of the assessment of the written thesis alone.

D6.4.2 The requirement for a viva examination of the work is at the discretion of the examiners.

D6.5 Recommendations following examination (MRes):

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Award subject to minor amendments. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within six weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Referral to complete major amendments. The resubmission addressing all amendments must be completed to the satisfaction of all examiners within four months from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. On receipt of the resubmitted work the examiners reserve the right to require a further viva examination.
Referral to re-write the submission. The resubmission must be completed to the satisfaction of all examiners within six months. On receipt of the resubmitted work the requirement for a viva examination is at the discretion of the examiners.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

D6.6 Recommendations following the submission of minor amendments (MRes):

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

D6.6.1 Where a candidate has been required to complete minor amendments and resubmits work that is not to the satisfaction of the internal examiner, the work must be presented for consideration by all examiners before a recommendation can be made.

D6.7 Recommendations following the submission of referred work (MRes):

D6.7.1 No further opportunity will be permitted for referral to complete major amendments or for referral to re-write the submission.

D6.7.2 Following the examination of referred work (including a viva examination where required), the examiners may recommend:

Award (without amendments).
Award subject to the completion of editorial, presentational and minor corrections. The revised submission must be presented to the satisfaction of the internal examiner normally within one month from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made. Any further editorial corrections, given as an outcome of the revised resubmission, must be completed within 2 weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination.
Award subject to minor amendments. The resubmission, addressing all amendments, must be completed to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within six weeks from the date of the notification of the outcome of the examination. No award will be conferred unless the internal examiner is satisfied that all corrections have been made.
Fail so that the candidate is not awarded a degree.

D6.7.3 Any interim award for which the candidate is eligible, based on credits previously achieved as part of the taught element, will be conferred at this point.

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