This consultation invites comments on Chapter B11: Research degrees of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.
You can view the questions that make up the survey before you submit your response.
Why we are consulting
This new Chapter is a revised version of the Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education (the Code of practice), Section 1: Postgraduate research programmes.
A revision of the Code of practice, Section 1: Postgraduate research programmes was undertaken in order to:
- update the content to take account of changes and developments that have taken place since the last edition was published in 2004
- bring the format and content in line with the model for the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, which was officially launched in December 2011.
Through this consultation, we are therefore aiming to find out whether:
- the Chapter adequately reflects the current context for research degrees
- the Chapter sets out clearly what all UK higher education providers can expect of each other in terms of their research degree provision, and what students and the general public can therefore expect of providers
- the Chapter takes account of the full range of higher education providers and research students in the UK.
Who should respond?
We welcome contributions to this consultation from anyone with an interest in UK research degrees - including representatives from all four countries; prospective, current and past students; and staff from the full range of higher education providers.
What is the scope of the consultation?
We are consulting on:
- your overall impressions of the Chapter
- the Chapter Expectation
- the Indicators of sound practice.
What is the deadline for responses?
The consultation will close on Friday 23 March 2012. We would encourage and welcome responses prior to that date, via our online survey.
To facilitate responses, we are running two consultation events, one in London and one in Glasgow. Further details about these events and how to book is available on the events page.
When will Chapter B11: Research degrees be completed?
We intend to publish the final version of this Chapter by the end of June 2012.
Further informationWork on the development of this Chapter has been supported by an advisory group made up of experts in research degrees from across UK higher education, including student representatives. This advisory group will consider all feedback gathered through this consultation process, before the final version of this Chapter is produced.
Contact detailsPlease send all enquiries to qualitycode@qaa.ac.uk