This introductory section provides an overview of the purpose of the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and of the University senior roles related to its operation.
1. The Code of Practice provides the institutional framework for all postgraduate research (PGR) degrees delivered by the University of Bristol. Its purpose is to define the rules covering PGR study and to maintain the academic standards of research degrees.
2. The Code of Practice is updated annually and only the current version has regulatory status and supersedes all previous versions.
3. The Code of Practice forms part of the Academic Regulations prescribed by Senate. It is also cited in the Student Agreement and forms part of the terms of that agreement for PGR students.
4. The Code of Practice covers the academic aspects of PGR study. Other regulations, rules, and policies outside of this Code of Practice also apply to PGR students where necessary.
5. The Code of Practice aligns with the relevant expectations in the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Quality Code and research degrees are aligned with the Framework for higher education qualifications of UK degree-awarding bodies (PDF). As such, University of Bristol research degrees are recognised as having Europe-wide equivalence (see the "Framework for qualifications of the European higher education area").
6. The Code of Practice comprises regulations and policies covering the academic aspects of PGR study and the awarding of research degrees. It also includes links to related guidance, as well as references to other Codes of Practice and to other policies where this is relevant.
7. Regulations in this Code of Practice provide general rules covering the minimum requirements and responsibilities in relation to the academic aspects of PGR study and to the awarding of research degrees. These regulations must be followed.
8. Policies in this Code of Practice mandate how specified areas of activity linked to the academic aspects of PGR study are managed.
9. The Code of Practice is for use by:
a. Faculty and School PGR Directors,
b. Supervisors of PGR students,
c. PGR students,
d. Examiners of PGR students, and
e. Other University staff who are involved in PGR provision.
10. There are a range of senior role holders who have responsibilities in relation to the Code of Practice. These role holders can delegate part of their function on an individual basis where there is, for example, a potential conflict of interest. They can also delegate their authority, in whole or in part, for an extended period.
11. The Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (PGR) has academic leadership of the PGR environment across the University and reports to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research).
12. The Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education Quality and Standards) has academic leadership of the quality and standards of education, including for PGR provision, across the University and reports to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students).
13. A Faculty PGR Director is appointed for each faculty. They are directly responsible to the Dean of the faculty and accountable to the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (PGR) for providing academic leadership in their faculty on PGR matters.
14. A School PGR Director (or Co-Directors) is appointed for each school. They are directly responsible to the Head of School and accountable to the Faculty PGR Director for providing academic leadership in their school on PGR matters. The functions of this role may be assigned to several individuals within the school, but a formal School PGR Director (or Co-Directors) is required to provide direction on school-level PGR activities.
