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Introduction |
This programme contains the full Regulations for
all categories of postgraduate study in the University of Edinburgh.
Please consult the Table of Contents for details. Postgraduate
students should read these regulations together with the approved
Assessment Regulations for the current academic session (which
form part of these Regulations) and either the Code of Practice
for Supervisors and Research Students or the Code of Practice
for Taught Postgraduate Programmes. In the case of any appeal,
a student will be deemed to have read the Regulations and the relevant
Code of Practice. These documents can be found at the following
URL:
www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/policies-regulations |
Where relevant, the University’s awards and degree programmes are consistent with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/). Any exemptions need to be approved by the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee. |
|
| Powers of delegation |
Acting under the delegated authority of the
Senatus Academicus, Heads of Colleges have the authority
to admit, examine and withdraw students and to grant permissions,
concessions and exemptions. This authority is often delegated
by the Heads of College to appropriate nominees or committees
in the Colleges or Schools. |
| (For the MD, DDS and DVM&S, see Section E, Postgraduate Regulations) |
| 1. |
General Regulations DD, DLitt, LLD, DSc, DMus |
| 1.1 |
Candidates for these higher degrees of the University
must:
(a) be graduates
of The University of Edinburgh of not less than seven years standing, or
(b) be graduates
of other approved Universities of not less than seven years standing
who
(i) have served as members of staff (ordinary or honorary)
of the University of Edinburgh for a continuous period of not less
than four years, or
(ii) in the case of the DMus have been awarded the
degree of MMus by The University of Edinburgh, or
(c) have
been for four years Postdoctoral Fellows of the University. |
| 1.2 |
Candidates must apply to the Higher Degrees
Committee of the relevant College for approval of their candidature
before submitting themselves to examination. The appropriate
form of application for approval may be obtained from the
Secretary to the relevant College Higher Degrees Committee. |
|
| 1.3 |
Candidates, save those submitting compositions for
the DMus, must submit published work in support of their candidature.
Since the contents of a submission are liable to vary considerably,
the format of submissions is not prescribed. Books should be
submitted as published. Submissions comprising published papers
and similar items should, as far as is practicable in the circumstances,
be bound together in a manner that conforms to the Regulatory
Standards for the Format and Binding of Theses and Portfolios
of Musical Compositions (see the Research Degree Assessment Regulations).
The submission must be accompanied by (a) a typed list of its
contents, (b) the declaration required in Regulation 1.4 and
(c) six copies of an abstract (see the Research Degree Assessment
Regulations). The form for the abstract is obtainable from the
College Office. The list of contents, declaration and text of
the abstract must be incorporated at the beginning of each copy
of a bound submission.
Candidates for the DMus may submit work as musicologists
or composers. Compositions submitted for the DMus may be published
or unpublished works. Unpublished compositions must conform to
requirements as detailed in the Research Degree Assessment Regulations for
Portfolios of Musical Compositions. |
| 1.4 |
All works submitted must be accompanied by a statement,
signed by the candidate:
giving full
details of any other degree or postgraduate diploma for which the works, in
whole or in part, may have been submitted. Work submitted for another
degree will not, in itself, contribute to the award. Earlier work may be
submitted only when subsequent work develops from it, and assists the
examiners in their overall assessment.
-
certifying,
for each piece of work submitted, either that the work is the candidate's
own or, if he/she had been a member of a research group, the precise
contribution made by the candidate to each of the works in terms of
initiating or leading the research and in writing up the material.
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| 1.5 |
Submissions (three copies) should normally be lodged 12 months
before the expected announcement of the award and must be submitted
within 12 months of the acceptance of candidature. Two copies of
successful submissions will remain the property of the University
and one will be returned to the candidate. |
| 1.6 |
At the time of lodging a submission, the examination fee must be
paid. Candidates must also matriculate, but no matriculation fee
is charged. When they are not already graduates of the University
of Edinburgh, they must also, before graduating, pay the Registration
Fee for membership of the General Council. |
| 1.7 |
The University shall, in the case of each submission, appoint one
internal, and, with the agreement of the University Court, two external
examiners. Each external examiner should be of recognised eminence
in the subject of the submission. For each submission there shall
be at least three examiners of recognised eminence in the subject
of the submission. |
| 1.8 |
The degree shall be awarded only if the relevant committee of Senatus,
on the recommendation of the examiners, is satisfied that the submission
represents both an original and a substantial contribution to advancement
of knowledge of the subject and that it constitutes work of high
distinction in scholarship and/or research in respect of qualities
such as erudition, insight, imagination, innovation and critical
balance, such that it has established or confirmed the candidate
as a recognised authority in the relevant field. In the case of candidates
submitting compositions for the DMus, the degree shall be awarded
only if the relevant committee of Senatus, on the recommendation
of the examiners, is satisfied that the submission constitutes both
an original and a substantial contribution of high distinction. |
| 1.9 |
A candidate whose work has not been considered worthy of the degree
may not again offer himself/herself for the degree within five years
of his/her first candidature unless the period is specially reduced
by the relevant committee of Senatus on the recommendation of
the examiners. |
| 1.10 |
Candidates for higher degrees may, at the discretion of the University,
be permitted to graduate in absentia. |
| Regulations: Postgraduate Degrees |
| 2. |
Application and Registration of Postgraduate Students |
| 2.1 |
Application may be made for registration in one of the following
categories:
(a) as a candidate for the PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol, DPsychotherapy, EdD
or EngD in SLI (see Regulation 2.2)
(b) as a candidate for a postgraduate masters degree (MArch, MArch (Studies), LLM,
LLM by Research, MBA, MCouns, MEd, MMus, MSc, MSW, MTeach, MTh, Master of Chinese Studies, Master of Clinical Dentistry, MSc by
Research, MTh by Research, MMedSci by Research or MVetSci by Research), Master of Fine Art, Master of Art (eca), Master of Landscape Architecture
(c) as a candidate for a University postgraduate diploma
(d) as a candidate for a University postgraduate certificate
(e) as a visiting postgraduate student
(f) as a special course postgraduate student working for
a period of at least three months attending a University course
unrelated to a specific University qualification. |
| 2.2 |
Registration |
| 2.2.1 |
All candidates applying for registration for the PhD,
MPhil, DClinPsychol, DPsychotherapy, EdD or EngD in SLI will be registered for
the degree of their choice. |
| 2.2.2 |
Re-registration as a candidate for a particular degree will depend on satisfactory progress and on meeting any conditions specified at the time of admission or subsequently. |
| 2.2.3 |
University Staff
Members of the University staff and candidates holding a research appointment under the auspices of the University may only be registered for part-time study. |
| 2.3 |
Except in the case of registered special course postgraduate students
(see Regs. 2.9 and 2.10), applications for registration as a postgraduate
student must be made on a form approved by the University. |
| 2.4 |
All applicants must be graduates of the University of Edinburgh
or graduates of another approved University, or must hold academic
or professional qualifications, or their equivalent, accepted by
the Senatus Academicus as equivalent. |
| 2.5 |
Conditions of Offer
The College may impose appropriate
conditions before agreeing to register an applicant. These conditions
may include, amongst others: |
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(a) study of languages
(b) study in any special field pertinent to the work that
will be carried out
(c) examinations, written, practical or oral
(d) the preparation of a critical survey of relevant literature
(e) the extension of the normal minimum period of study,
and
(f) restrictions on authorised leave of absence from Edinburgh
(see Regulation 4).
In the case of candidates registered for part-time study, the
College will normally impose such conditions as to ensure adequate
academic contact between the student and the appropriate University
School. |
| 2.6 |
Conflicting Studies |
| 2.6.1 |
With the exception of those to whom special permission has been
granted by both the College and the relevant committee of Senatus
to pursue studies with a view to obtaining a professional qualification,
candidates must not, during the period of their registration, take
courses or pursue studies in this or in any other institution with
a view to obtaining any degree, diploma or professional qualification
other than the one for which they are registered in this University. |
| 2.6.2 |
Candidates who have been registered for a postgraduate degree
immediately prior to their proposed period of study at the University
of Edinburgh may be admitted on the assumption that all written
work for that postgraduate degree will be submitted for examination
before the start of Week 0 in the year of entry to the Edinburgh
degree. Candidates admitted on this basis who do not provide evidence
of such completion by the end of Week 4 of Semester 1 will be formally
withdrawn from their studies at the University of Edinburgh. |
| 2.7 |
No candidate may be awarded more than one
qualification for the same work. |
|
| 2.8 |
Transfers in Candidature
The College may permit the following transfers in candidature from
MPhil to PhD or to a postgraduate degree, or from postgraduate
diploma or postgraduate degree to MPhil, or from postgraduate diploma or postgraduate degree to PhD. When
such permission is granted, the candidate shall, in addition to satisfying
the requirements for the degree to which transfer is made, pursue
such further course of study as the College may require. Candidates
transferring from registration for a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate
degree to MPhil or to PhD will be required to remain in Edinburgh
for such further period of study as the College deems necessary.
Save in exceptional circumstances, this further period of study shall
be not less than 12 months for the MPhil and 24 months for the PhD. |
| 2.9 |
Special course postgraduate students are admitted by the School
or organisation responsible for running the special course concerned.
It is the duty of the Head of School or director of the organisation
to notify the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee
of the names of those who have been admitted. |
| 2.10 |
The Head of School or director of the organisation
concerned will ensure, on behalf of the College, that all
special course postgraduate students satisfy Regulations
2.1-2.7 and 3-4. |
|
| 3. |
Admission, Matriculation and Payment of Fees |
| 3.1 |
Students must matriculate at the beginning of their period of study
and thereafter on their attendance anniversary each year of their registration or until
graduation and must on the occasion of each matriculation pay the
fee due, at the date of payment, for the session concerned. If fees
are not paid within one month of the effective date of admission
or of the letter of admission, whichever shall be the later, and
annually thereafter within one month of the due date, then registration
will lapse. It will be restored if payment of a late fee is made
within three months of the due date; thereafter it will be restored
only with the express consent of the College. |
| 3.2 |
Alteration in the effective date of admission may be made only
with the permission of the College. |
| 4. |
Residence Regulation |
| 4.1 |
Residence In Edinburgh
All candidates, with the exception of candidates registered for
the Master of Chinese Studies or for recognised distance learning
programmes, must remain in residence in Edinburgh throughout the
period of study prescribed unless authorised leave of absence has
been granted. Residence in Edinburgh is taken to mean (a) residence
in, or in the immediate environs of, the city, or (b) a candidate's
proximity to Edinburgh so as readily to allow face-to-face supervision
and study as directed by the supervisor and approved by the College.
Leave of absence is not normally permitted in the case of candidates
for most postgraduate diplomas and taught masters degrees. |
| 4.2 |
Residence elsewhere
PhD and MPhil candidates, with the written approval of the Head
of School, may be absent in order to carry out fieldwork and necessary
academic research for periods not exceeding 15 months in total.
Such periods of absence may not fall in the first three months
of study, and all candidates must be resident in Edinburgh for
at least nine months of their prescribed period of study distributed
throughout the prescribed period as directed by the candidate's
supervisor so that regular and frequent contact is maintained.
Authorised leave of absence, for reasons other than carrying out
fieldwork, in the first three months of study or for a longer period
than 15 months may only be granted, in exceptional circumstances,
by the College. |
| 4.3 |
Reduction In Residence Requirements |
| 4.3.1 |
Part-time PhD and MPhil candidates who are not resident in or near Edinburgh may be registered on the basis that (a) they spend an initial period at the University of not less than three months; (b) they spend a total period of not less than nine months at the University over the period of study; (c) there is a maximum period of nine months between visits to the University for supervision; (d) there is demonstrable evidence of suitable facilities where they are normally resident and/or employed; and (e) there are appropriate reliable means of communication through which the candidate can maintain regular and frequent contact with his/her Edinburgh supervisor(s). |
| 4.3.2 |
In exceptional circumstances, and when strongly supported by
a particular School, the College may reduce the residence requirements
for part-time candidates for the PhD degree to a total period of
not less than two months, provided:
(a) it is demonstrated that the subject of study fits particularly
well with the research interests of the Edinburgh School and supervisor(s)
(b) it is clearly demonstrated that a suitable research
project has been devised without the need to spend several months
residence in Edinburgh
(c) there is demonstrable evidence of suitable research
facilities where the candidate is normally resident and/or employed
(d) there are appropriate and reliable means of communication
through which the candidate can maintain regular and frequent contact
with the supervisor(s) in Edinburgh, and
(e) the candidate already meets any requirements for doctoral
training normally required of a PhD candidate in that subject. |
| Regulations: Degrees by Research |
| 5. |
PhD and MPhil |
| 5.1 |
All registered postgraduate students must satisfy the Regulations
2-4. |
| 5.2 |
Supervision |
| 5.2.1 |
Each candidate will work under the guidance of at least one University supervisor appointed by the College. The University supervisor must be either (a) a salaried member of the academic staff of the University or (b) a member of staff employed by the University, not being one of the academic staff, who has appropriate expertise in research or (c) an honorary member of staff. The nomination of individuals in categories (b) or (c) to act as University supervisor for a stated period must be specifically approved by the College. In appropriate cases one or more other supervisor(s), who need not be members of the staff of the University, may be appointed by the College. |
| 5.2.2 |
Candidates, including those studying on a part-time basis and those registered as continuing students, must report in person to their supervisors as and when required and at least twice in each three month period; candidates who are absent from the University must report to their supervisors in writing. |
| 5.3 |
Annual Reports
The supervisors report to the College on the work of the candidate
each academic year. For full-time students, the University supervisor
in consultation with any other supervisor(s) makes a special report
to the College not later than 9 months after the date of the candidate's
registration. For part-time students, the report is submitted not
less than 12 months and not more than 18 months after the initial
registration. For practice-led PhD students in ECA these reports are made not later than 18 months after the date of the candidate's registration (and equivalent for part-time students). |
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These reports are used as the basis, amongst other
things, for:
(a) confirming that any conditions of registration (see
Regulation 2.5) have been met
(b) confirming registration as a candidate for one particular
degree or transferring registration as a candidate for a (different)
degree
(c) discontinuing registration. When discontinuation is
recommended by a supervisor, he/she must obtain the comments of
the Head of School, who is responsible for notifying the candidate
that discontinuation has been recommended. The candidate is then
given an opportunity to submit his/her views to the College before
it reaches a decision as to whether or not the candidate’s
studies should be discontinued.
(d) confirming or proposing the precise area in which a
student’s work is developing. |
| 5.4 |
The Prescribed Period of Study
The College shall prescribe the
duration of each candidate's minimum period of full-time or part-time
study at the time of the candidate's admission. |
| 5.4.1 |
Prescribed Period of Study: PhD
The normal period of study prescribed for full-time PhD candidates is
36 months. Full-time PhD programmes which are designed to be longer than 36 months require the approval of the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee.
The period of study prescribed for part-time PhD candidates is
72 months.
Part-time PhD programmes which are designed to be longer than 72 months require the approval of the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee.
Members of the University staff and candidates
holding a research appointment under the auspices of the University
may be registered for a minimum period of 36 months part-time. Members
of staff of Associated Institutions who can devote the whole of their
period of study to research and who have regular and adequate involvement
in the work of the University School may also be registered for a
minimum period of 36 months part-time.
Reductions to the prescribed period In the case of a specific
recommendation in the first-year report (Regulation 5.3), or subsequently,
the College may reduce the prescribed period by up to 36 months for
part-time PhD candidates. Reductions to the prescribed period are
not available to those members of staff who are registered for the
minimum period of 36 months. |
| 5.4.2 |
Prescribed Period of Study: MPhil
The period of study prescribed for full-time MPhil candidates is
24 months.
The period of study prescribed for part-time MPhil candidates is
48 months.
Members of the University staff and candidates
holding a research appointment under the auspices of the University
may be registered for a minimum period of 24 months part-time. Members
of staff of Associated Institutions who can devote the whole of their
period of study to research and who have regular and adequate involvement
in the work of the University School may also be registered for a
minimum period of 24 months part-time.
Reductions to the prescribed period In the case of a specific
recommendation in the first-year report (Regulation 5.3), or subsequently,
the College may reduce the prescribed period by up to 24 months for
part-time MPhil candidates. Reductions to the prescribed period are
not available to those members of staff who are registered for the
minimum period of 24 months.. |
| 5.4.3 |
Transfers from another Institution
The research studies
of candidates who apply to transfer from another institution in order
to study for the PhD or MPhil degree of this University may be counted
towards the prescribed period of study for the degree. In such cases
the prescribed period of study at this University shall be not less
than 12 months. Candidates whose prescribed period of study has concluded
shall thereafter be registered as continuing students during the
remainder of their permitted period of study. |
| 5.5 |
Authorised Interruption of Study
Registration
during the prescribed period of study may be interrupted by the College for a specified period, if good cause is shown. The total period of authorised interruption of study for any candidate may not exceed five years. No fees are payable during any full year in which authorised interruption of study has been continuous. |
| 5.6 |
Submission of Thesis
Candidates must submit their thesis as soon as possible after the end of their prescribed period of study (typically 3 years for full-time PhD and 2 years for full-time MPhil, excluding any periods of authorised interruption of studies). The thesis must be submitted within a maximum period of 12 months after the completion of their prescribed period of study unless, in exceptional circumstances, an extension is granted by the College. |
| 5.7 |
Failure to Submit a Thesis |
| 5.7.1 |
Students who fail to submit a thesis
and/or other materials as specified in the relevant assessment regulations by the deadline specified in the Regulations will be deemed to have withdrawn and will have their registration recorded as lapsed. Prior to lapsing a student the College will write to the student to inform them of the proposed course of action and to invite them to provide any comment on the lapsing of their studies. |
| 5.7.2 |
Lapsed Registration
A student whose registration has lapsed
in this way will be entitled to ask the College to reinstate his/her
registration at a later date to permit examination of a completed
thesis. A decision as to whether or not a candidate should be reinstated
will be taken by the College, and factors such as the passage of
time and its implications for the topic of study will be taken into
account. If, exceptionally, reinstatement is approved, the candidate's
thesis will be examined in the normal way, subject to payment of
a reinstatement and examination fee. |
| 5.7.3 |
During the period between lapse of registration as a student and
reinstatement, the candidate ceases to be a student and is accordingly
not entitled to any supervision or access to University facilities. |
| 5.8 |
The grounds for award of the degree of PhD by Research are: |
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(a) The candidate must have demonstrated by the presentation
of a thesis and by performance at an oral examination (unless, due
to exceptional circumstances, this is waived) that the candidate
is capable of pursuing original research in the field of study, relating
particular research projects to the general body of knowledge in
the field, and presenting the results of the research in a critical
and scholarly way. |
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(b) The thesis must be an original work making a significant
contribution to knowledge in or understanding of the field of study
and containing material worthy of publication; show adequate knowledge
of the field of study and relevant literature; show the exercise
of critical judgement with regard to both the candidate's work and
that of other scholars in the same general field; contain material
which presents a unified body of work such as could reasonably be
achieved on the basis of three years postgraduate study and research;
be satisfactory in its literary presentation; give full and adequate
references and have a coherent structure understandable to a scholar
in the same general field with regard to intentions, background,
methods and conclusions. |
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(c) Length of Thesis
Within the Colleges of Humanities
and Social Science and Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the PhD
thesis must not exceed 100,000 words. The thesis for the PhD in Fine
Art must not exceed 50,000 words. The thesis for the PhD in Design
must not exceed 50,000 words. Within the College of Science and Engineering
the PhD thesis must not exceed 70,000 words. In exceptional circumstances,
on the recommendation of the supervisor, permission may be granted
by the College to exceed the stated length on the ground that such
extension is required for adequate treatment of the thesis topic. The thesis must include a lay summary, which is not counted in the word-count. |
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(d) For the award of PhD in Fine Art, in addition to the
above, the candidate will be required to submit
other material(s) as specified in the relevant assessment regulations. |
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(e) For the award of PhD in Design, in addition to the
above, the candidate will be required to submit
other material(s) as specified in the relevant assessment regulations.
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| 5.9 |
The grounds for the award of Doctor of Education (EdD)
The general regulations for Taught Professional Doctorates (Regulation 8, Section B) will also apply. |
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(a) The degree of EdD is awarded in the Moray House School of Education. |
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(b) The degree of EdD may be awarded on the basis of successful completion of assessed essays, a research project and a thesis. |
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(c) The prescribed period of study is normally 48 months part-time. The maximum period of study is 72 months part-time, unless, exceptionally, an extension is granted by the College. |
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(d) The thesis will normally be between 45,000 and 75,000 words in length; students are encouraged to aim for a total of 60,000 to 65,000 words. The thesis must deal with one or more of the subjects of study of the curriculum of the taught stages of the degree or with subjects arising directly from contemporary practices and policies in education. |
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(e) Candidates should normally be resident in or near Edinburgh during the taught elements of the degree. In exceptional circumstances and when strongly supported by a School, the College Postgraduate Studies Committee and the relevant committee of Senatus may reduce the residence requirement for part-time candidates for the degree to a total period of two and a half months, provided that the conditions set out in Section B, Regulation 4 are met. |
| 5.10 |
The grounds for award of the degree
of PhD in Composition in Music are: |
|
|
(a) The candidate must have demonstrated
by the presentation of a portfolio of compositions and by interview
at an oral examination (unless, in exceptional circumstances, this
is waived) that the candidate is capable of original composition
to a high creative level. |
|
|
(b) The portfolio of compositions must
comprise original work suitable for professional performance
and worthy of publication; must show competence in the ancillary
technical skills appropriate to the chosen style; must contain
material which presents a body of work such as could reasonably
be achieved on the basis of three years postgraduate study;
must be satisfactory in its presentation and intelligible to
any musician who might have to use it. |
|
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(c) The portfolio of compositions should
normally include at least one major and extended work. A shorter
submission may be accepted in the case of electronic compositions. |
|
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(d) The portfolio of compositions should be the result of
work done mainly while the candidate is registered for this degree.
If a substantial part of the portfolio was completed before registration
for the degree, the candidate should indicate this in the declaration
(see the Research Degree Assessment Regulations) and identify the
part of the portfolio so completed. |
| 5.11 |
The grounds for award of the degree of MPhil by research are: |
|
(a) The candidate must have demonstrated by the presentation
of a thesis and by written and/or oral examination that the candidate
has acquired an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in
the field of study, is capable of relating knowledge of particular
topics to the broader field of study involved and of presenting such
knowledge in a critical and scholarly way. |
|
(b) The thesis must be a significant work comprising a satisfactory
record of research undertaken by the candidate, or a satisfactory
critical survey of knowledge in the approved field of study; show
competence in the appropriate method of research and/or an adequate
knowledge of the field of study; exhibit independence of approach
or presentation; be satisfactory in literary presentation and include
adequate references. |
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(c) Within the Colleges of Humanities and Social Science
and Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the thesis must not exceed
60,000 words. Within the College of Science and Engineering the thesis
must not exceed 50,000 words. In exceptional circumstances, on the
recommendation of the supervisor, permission may be granted by the
College to exceed the stated length on the ground that such extension
is required for adequate treatment of the thesis topic. The thesis
for the MPhil in Fine Art must not exceed 30,000 words |
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(d) For the award of MPhil in Fine Art, in addition to the
above, the candidate will be required to submit
other material(s) as specified in the relevant assessment regulations. |
| 5.12 |
The grounds for award of the degree of MPhil for Musical Composition in
the School of Arts, Culture and the Environment are: |
|
(a) The candidate must have demonstrated by the presentation
of a portfolio of compositions and by oral examination that he or
she is capable of original composition to a high level. |
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(b) The portfolio of compositions must comprise original
work suitable for professional performance; must show competence
in the ancillary technical skills appropriate to the chosen style;
must be satisfactory and intelligible in its presentation. |
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(c) The portfolio of compositions should include at least
one extended work. A shorter submission may be accepted in the case
of electronic compositions. |
| 6. |
PhD (by Research Publications) |
| 6.1 |
Applicants who are graduates of the University of Edinburgh or
who are current members of staff of the University of Edinburgh,
or of one of the University's Associated Institutions, may, at the
discretion of the College, be allowed to apply for the award of the
degree of PhD (by Research Publications). |
| 6.2 |
Applicants must be either graduates of the University of Edinburgh
of at least five years' standing; or members of staff of the University
of Edinburgh or of an Associated Institution of not less than three
years' standing. |
| 6.3 |
Applicants should have been active postgraduate researchers in
their field of expertise for a minimum of five years before seeking
permission to register for this degree, and they should not submit
material published more than ten years prior to the date when they
are given permission to register for the degree. |
| 6.4 |
Permission to register will not normally be granted to applicants
who are in a position to submit for the PhD by dissertation or who
already possess a PhD. |
| 6.5 |
Applicants must first apply to the appropriate College to seek
approval for their candidature before they can submit their work
for formal examination. At the same time as lodging their application,
applicants will be expected to submit their published work and a
500-word synopsis outlining the extent, range, quality and coherence
of their submission. |
| 6.6 |
When an applicant has notified a College of a desire to register
for this degree, it will appoint a suitably qualified member of staff
to advise it on whether there is a prima facie case for registration
to be approved. |
| 6.7 |
On registration, an adviser will be appointed to advise the candidate
on the selection, coherence and quality of the portfolio of research
work to be submitted and on the nature of the accompanying abstract
and critical review. |
| 6.8 |
The grounds for the award of PhD (by Research Publications) are |
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(a) The submission of a portfolio of published work judged
satisfactory by the examiners and a satisfactory performance at an
oral examination. |
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(b) The submitted portfolio of published research must add
up to a substantial and coherent body of work which would have taken
a diligent student the equivalent of three years of full-time study
to accomplish, which makes a significant contribution to knowledge
in or understanding of the candidate's field of study, and which
is of a scholarly standard normally expected of a candidate who submits
a PhD dissertation. |
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(c) The portfolio of published work must consist of either
one or two books or at least six refereed journal articles or research
papers, which are already in the public domain. The total submission,
including the critical review (see the Research Degree Assessment
Regulations) should not normally exceed 100,000 words. |
|
(d) Candidates must either be the sole author of the portfolio
of published work or must be able to demonstrate in the critical
review of the submitted work that they have made a major contribution
to all of the work that has been produced by more than one author. |
| Regulations: Postgraduate Degrees
(involving Coursework and Thesis) |
| 7 |
Taught Professional Doctorates |
| 7.1 |
All registered candidates must satisfy Regulations 2.1-2.7 and
3-4, and 5.2-5.8 |
| 7.2 |
The College will impose such conditions on part-time candidates
as to ensure regular and frequent academic contact between the candidate
and his or her supervisor. |
| 7.3 |
The University supervisor in consultation with other supervisor(s)
must make annual reports in terms of Regulation 5.3. |
| 7.4 |
The grounds for the award of degree are: |
| |
(a) The candidate must have demonstrated by the presentation
of a thesis and by written and/oral examination that the candidate
has acquired an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in
the field of study, is capable of relating knowledge of particular
topics to the broader field of study involved and of presenting such
knowledge in a critical and scholarly way; |
| |
(b) The thesis must be a significant work comprising a satisfactory
record of original research undertaken by the candidate, or a satisfactory
critical survey of knowledge in the approved field of study; show
competence in the appropriate method of research and/or an adequate
knowledge of the field of study; exhibit independence of approach
or presentation; be satisfactory in literary presentation and include
adequate references. |
| 7.5 |
Additional entrance requirements, curriculum and examination arrangements
will be held in relevant Degree Programme Tables and programme handbooks. |
| Regulations: Postgraduate Masters
Degrees |
| 8. |
One year full-time Postgraduate Degrees General Regulations
MEd, MMus, MSc, MTh, LLM, LLM by Research, MBA by full-time study,
MCouns, MSc by Research, MTeach, MTh by Research,
MMedSci by Research and MVetSci by Research (For MBA in International
Business see Section
C, Regulation 11, for MSc in System Level Integration see Section
D, Regulation 16, for Master of Clinical Dentistry see Section
E, Regulation 8, for Master of Teaching see Section C, Regulation
14, for Master in Counselling, see Section C, Regulation
17.)
|
| |
These regulations govern all one-year full-time (and equivalent
part-time) postgraduate masters degrees. They may, however, be
superseded by certain programme-specific regulations for degrees
offered in collaboration with other institutions. |
| 8.1 |
Part-time study
Some postgraduate degree programmes may
be pursued by part-time study on either a continuous or intermittent
basis. Requirements for progression through individual programmes
of study are shown in the relevant Degree Programme Table and/or
programme handbook. |
| 8.2 |
Admission and Registration |
| 8.2.1 |
All registered candidates for postgraduate degrees must satisfy
Regulations 2.1-2.7 and 3-4. |
| 8.2.2 |
Concurrent registration
Where a postgraduate degree,
diploma and certificate have common coursework candidates may initially
be registered concurrently for this shared postgraduate degree/diploma/
certificate programme. Candidates who after the common coursework
examination are invited to submit the independent work will continue
with concurrent registration until the assessment of the independent
work. After this assessment the candidates will be registered either
for the postgraduate degree or for the postgraduate diploma as appropriate.
Candidates who after the common coursework examination proceed to
graduate for the postgraduate diploma or who are invited to resit
postgraduate diploma examinations will be registered for the postgraduate
diploma. |
| 8.2.3 |
Consecutive Registration
Masters by Research candidates may, on the recommendation
of their School and at the point of offer of admission to the University
and/or by the point of first matriculation on the Masters by Research,
be registered (either full-time or part-time) for consecutive Masters
by Research, followed by PhD, study within the same School. Progress
is assessed by the end of semester two of the Masters by Research
and, depending on the outcome, the student will be invited to follow
one of three routes: |
| |
(a) submission of a dissertation for the Masters
by Research at the end of the first year followed, if successful
in the Masters by Research, by registration in the next academic
session on the first year of the PhD programme;
(b) no submission
of a dissertation for the Masters by Research at the end of the first
year but transfer of candidature to the PhD such that the next academic
session will constitute the second year of the PhD programme;
(c)
submission of a dissertation for the Masters by Research at the end
of the first year and permanent withdrawal. |
| |
Candidates following route (a) above, may, subject to exceptional
academic performance, with the recommendation of the supervisor and
the approval of the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee,
submit their PhD thesis up to 12 months before the end date of the
PhD prescribed period of study. Any such candidate who is subsequently
successful in the PhD examination and who is not in receipt of funding
(including tuition fees) for the four years of study (including the
Masters by Research year), is eligible for a tuition fee refund equivalent
to one twelfth of the annual tuition fee for each whole calendar
month between the date of thesis submission and the end date of the
PhD prescribed period. |
| |
This fee concession cannot be applied retrospectively. Candidates
who are not registered for consecutive Masters by Research/PhD study
at the point of being made an offer of admission to the University
and/or by the point of first matriculation on the Masters by Research,
but who register solely for the Masters by Research, will not be
eligible for this concession. Such students, if undertaking PhD study
following their Masters by Research study, continue to be liable
for the full 4 years of tuition fees. Given that candidates must
be recommended for consecutive registration by their School, this
option may not be available in all Schools. |
| 8.2.4 |
The period of study is 12 months, full-time. This period may not
be reduced, and may be extended only in exceptional circumstances.
No candidate will be admitted to a postgraduate degree or diploma
programme after the date of opening without the express permission
of the relevant College Dean acting on the advice of the programme
director. |
| |
The period of study for degrees studied on a part-time continuous
basis should be 36 months. The College may reduce this period by
up to 12 months. For those degrees available on a part-time intermittent
basis, the maximum period of study is 72 months. |
| |
Registration for part-time study will be permitted only to suitably
qualified candidates who can show to the satisfaction of the College
that they will be able to attend the prescribed courses, and devote
adequate time to the necessary study. Registration will date from September except in the cases of the MBA part-time,
where registration will start during late September, and specified
MSc or MEd programmes by part-time intermittent study, where registration
will date from the start date of the first course. Registration for
masters by research programmes which consist primarily of a single
dissertation or thesis may commence in any agreed month. No candidate
will be admitted to a postgraduate degree, diploma or certificate
programme after the date of opening without the express permission
of the relevant College Dean acting on the advice of the programme
director.
|
| |
Candidates must work in a School of the University, or in an institution
in or near Edinburgh specifically approved by the College, unless
granted leave of absence in terms of Regulation 4. |
| |
Candidates following degrees on a part-time basis must be resident
in or near Edinburgh (see Regulation 4). Candidates following degrees
which are available on a basis which does not require them to be
at the University continuously throughout the period of study must
be present in the University for the periods specified and according
to the periodic basis specified. |
| 8.3 |
Authorised Leave of Absence, Authorised Interruption of Study
or Discontinuation |
| |
Authorised leave of absence is not normally permitted, but may
be granted on special application to the College by the candidate's
University supervisor (See Regulation 4). |
| |
Registration may be interrupted by the College, if good cause is
shown, for not more than 12 months. No fees are payable during any
full year in which authorised interruption of study has been continuous. |
| |
On the recommendation of the supervisor and Head of School, and
after seeking the views of the candidate, the College may discontinue
a candidate's studies. |
| 8.4 |
Examination |
| 8.4.1 |
All Masters Degrees |
|
Regulations relating to examination and assessment (including progression
and awards) are detailed in the Postgraduate Assessment regulations
which are available via:- www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/policies-regulations/regulations/assessment |
|
Candidates will be formally examined on the course of study laid
down (see relevant Degree Programme Table). An oral examination may
be required. Candidates, in addition to being examined on coursework,
will be required to submit their independent work for examination
by a date to be announced. Submission dates for all assessed work,
including the dissertation, will be specified in the relevant programme
handbook. Extension will be granted by the College in exceptional
circumstances only. The submission of independent work may consist
of a dissertation
and/or other material(s) as specified in the relevant assessment regulations (Two typewritten copies
of each dissertation must be submitted).
|
|
For those degrees studied on a part-time continuous basis, coursework
should be completed within 24 months of first registration before
progression to the dissertation. Registration may be interrupted
by the College, if good cause is shown, for not more than 24 months.
No fees are payable during any full year in which authorised interruption
of study has been continuous. |
|
The assignment of independent work will take place before 31 March
in the year in which it is to be examined, except for those candidates
studying on a part-time intermittent basis.
|
|
Candidates will pursue their dissertation studies under the direction
of University supervisors nominated by the Head of School and appointed
by the College. The College may appoint additional supervisors from
outwith the University. |
|
Candidates who are required to resubmit any components may exit,
if successful, with a postgraduate diploma. |
|
A candidate who fails to reach the standard required for the degree
may be permitted, on the recommendation of the examiners, to transfer
to antedated candidature for an appropriate postgraduate diploma
or certificate, where one exists, in terms of the Regulations for
that postgraduate diploma or certificate. |
|
The General Postgraduate Certificate may be attained by students
who do not fulfil the requirements for a specific diploma or certificate
award but who have attained a minimum of 60 credit points gained
from passes in University courses which count towards graduation.
At least 40 of the credits attained must be at level 11. |
|
The degrees may be awarded with distinction. |
| 8.4.2 |
Masters by Research degrees only
In addition to any requirements as detailed in the relevant
Degree Programme Table the following grounds for award will apply
to all Masters by Research Degrees:- |
|
(a) The certified completion of research training plus
other designated projects and/or assignments and/or course work,
and the completion of a dissertation. The assessed work, including
the dissertation, should be equivalent to but not exceeding 30,000
words. The dissertation, which may comprise the total of the assessed
material, or a part only, in which case that part must be worth
at least 60 points out of the total 180 points required for the
award of the degree. Assessments of the various elements may be
made separately or together at the end of the programme.
(b) The completion of any required research training and
demonstration by the presentation of work specified above that
he/she has acquired an advanced level of knowledge and understanding
in the field of study and is capable of undertaking independent
research.
(c) The portfolio of projects or dissertation submitted
should comprise either a satisfactory record of research undertaken
by the candidate, or a satisfactory critical survey of knowledge
in the field of study, or both combined with a satisfactory plan
for a more advanced research project; and show competence in the
appropriate method of research and an adequate knowledge of the
field of study. The work must be satisfactory in its literary presentation
and include adequate references. |
| 8.5 |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (For specified MBA,
MCouns, MSc and MEd programmes (see relevant Degree Programme Table/programme
handbook))
|
| |
The College shall have power to recognise attendance and examinations passed at this and other universities or institutions of comparable standing recognised for this purpose by the University Court. If credit-bearing courses, for example, from continuing professional development, contribute to the learning outcomes in core or optional courses, they can contribute to subsequent postgraduate qualifications. Decisions on this are made by the relevant Programme Director and the convener of the relevant Board of Studies. |
| |
All applications for RPL must be supported by evidence that
the applicant’s prior learning:
-
is
closely similar in content to the course(s) from which exemption
is sought.
-
is at the same SCQF academic level as the course(s) from
which exemption is sought.
-
is sufficiently recent that the student’s knowledge remains
active and up to date. Normally the time elapsed since completing
the prior learning should not exceed five years.
-
has been undertaken at other universities or institutions of
comparable standing recognised for this purpose by the University
Court.
|
| |
For programmes owned by the College of Humanities and Social Science,
the maximum number of credits for which RPL may be granted is one-third
of the amount necessary to complete the programme applied for. Thus
students applying for a certificate programme may apply for up to
20 credits’ worth of recognition; for a diploma programme,
40 credits; for a master’s programme, 60 credits. For programmes
owned by the College of Science and Engineering, students applying
for a master’s programme may apply for up to 40 credits’ worth
of recognition; no RPL credits will be granted for programmes below
master’s level. For programmes within the College of Medicine
and Veterinary Medicine, a maximum of 60 credits’ worth of
RPL may be granted. |
| |
Applications for RPL must conform to the guidelines above and must
be approved by the relevant Programme Director and the convener of
the relevant Board of Studies. Written confirmation of this support
must accompany the application submitted by the School for approval
at College level. College approval will normally be forthcoming on
such applications. |
| 9. |
Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate
Regulations |
| |
(For Postgraduate Diploma in System Level Integration see Section
D, Regulation 16; for the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership
and Management see Section C, Regulation 17)
|
| 9.1 |
These Regulations apply to postgraduate diplomas and certificates
in all Colleges. Additional requirements and course descriptions
are given in the relevant Degree Programme Table/programme handbook. |
| 9.2 |
Admission and Registration
Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for registration of postgraduate
students, numbers 2.1-2.7 and 3-4. |
|
Where a postgraduate diploma/certificate and a postgraduate degree
have common coursework Regulation 8.2 will apply. |
|
With the exception of the Diploma in Legal Practice, the minimum
period of study for a diploma is one year full-time. No
candidate may take longer than two academic years full-time to complete
a postgraduate diploma. The period of study for postgraduate diplomas
studied on a part-time continuous basis should be three years. The
College may reduce this period by up to 12 months. For those postgraduate
diplomas available on a part-time intermittent basis, the maximum
period of registration is four years. |
|
The minimum period of study for a certificate is one semester full-time.
Where part-time study is available, the minimum period of study is
one academic year. No full-time candidate may take longer than one
year, or, in the case of a part-time candidate, three years to complete
a certificate. |
|
Any exceptions are given in the relevant Degree Programme Table/programme
handbook. |
| 9.3 |
Curriculum
Candidates must satisfactorily fulfil the requirements
of the curriculum for the postgraduate diploma or certificate as
approved by the College |
| 9.4 |
Authorised Interruption of Study or Discontinuation
On the
recommendation of the supervisor and Head of School, and after seeking
the views of the candidate, the College may interrupt or discontinue
a candidate's studies. |
|
Examination |
|
Regulations relating to examination and assessment (including progression
and awards) are detailed in the Postgraduate Assessment regulations
which are available via:- www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/policies-regulations/regulations/assessment |
|
Candidates will be examined by written papers on the subjects in
the curriculum and may be required to submit a dissertation. Oral
and practical examinations may be required. |
|
Candidates must satisfy the assessment requirements of each course.
Resit requirements for candidates who fail courses are set out in the assessment regulations. |
|
All postgraduate diplomas may be awarded with distinction with
the exception of those in the School of Law. |
| 10. |
Registration of Postdoctoral Fellows |
| 10.1 |
Registration of Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows are graduates who already hold the PhD degree,
or who have qualifications and experience accepted by the University
as equivalent in seniority. Registered candidates and University
diploma students are not eligible for registration in this way. |
| Posthumous Degrees and Diplomas |
| 11. |
The Senatus may authorise the conferment of posthumous degrees and diplomas. Each such conferment requires a positive proposal from the College concerned and the Senatus Curriculum and Student Progression Committee. Normally a posthumous degree is conferred only where the student was qualified to receive the degree at the time of death. |
| Aegrotat Degrees and Diplomas |
| 12. |
In special circumstances the Senatus may authorise the conferment of aegrotat degrees and diplomas to taught postgraduate students. Each such conferment requires a positive proposal from the College concerned and the Senatus Curriculum and Student Progression Committee. Normally an aegrotat degree or diploma is conferred only where the student was nearly qualified to receive the degree and on the grounds of ill health was unable to complete it. Before any proposal is referred to the Senatus, the College must check that the student is willing to receive the degree aegrotat. |
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