Introduction to the Degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) Programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants

The PhD Graduate Teaching Assistants pursue a PhD in a chosen subject area and will spend the equivalent of 12 months on additional training and practical experience in the area of teaching in the chosen subject area.

Academic Regulations for the Degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) Programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants

These academic regulations should be read in conjunction with the following Swansea University Guides:

• Guide to Research Student Admissions
• Guide to Research Degree Candidature
• Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students
• Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students
• Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students
• Guide to the Employment of Research Students
• Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students
• Guide to the Examination of Research Students
• Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision

1. Introduction

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, extends the forefront of the discipline and merits 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 the ability to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
• A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

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.

And holders will have:

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments. In addition, for the Teaching part, the programme will support the initial and continuing development of Graduate Teaching Assistant PhD students who are engaged in teaching.

At the end of the programme, students will:

• Have gained Associate Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy) ((AFHEA) recognition);
• Have demonstrated: an understanding of and experience in specific aspects of effective teaching, learning support methods and student learning;
• Be able to support large class teaching, teaching in laboratories, and small group tutorials;
• Be able to give constructive advice and feedback to students as required and, from an inclusivity point of view, will be able to assist with learning problems and give advice on study skills.

2. Entry Conditions

A candidate for the degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants must hold an initial degree of a UK university or another university approved by Senate and normally hold, or be studying for, a Master's degree of a UK university or another university approved by Senate.

All candidates whose native language is not English must provide evidence of competence in English language sufficient for research study, and after admission to the University may be required to take additional instruction in English language.

The decision whether an applicant should be admitted to a proposed programme of research shall rest with the relevant Executive Dean or nominee. Decisions should be based on the following factors:

• Whether the Faculty/School is satisfied that the applicant is of the required academic standard to complete the programme of research proposed, irrespective of the candidate's qualification;
• Whether the applicant's chosen research topic is appropriate for study in the depth required for the degree;
• Whether adequate supervision could be provided by an appropriate member of staff in accordance with paragraph 7;
• Whether there are appropriate resources and facilities in place to support the proposed programme of research;
• Whether it appears reasonable that the proposed programme could be completed in the prescribed minimum period.

3. Structure of Programme

A candidate may study for the degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants by Method A, as a full-time student, by pursuing research at the University.

The degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants may not be conferred as an honorary degree.

A candidate shall follow a programme of directed study, including periods of approved training (training element) approved by the appropriate programme director, together with a programme of research (research element) for the duration prescribed.

The training element shall consist of teaching experience and support to apply to be an Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA).

The research element of the programme shall consist of the production of a research thesis.

4. Candidature Period

A candidate must pursue a programme of supervised study, including research and generic skills' development as a full-time student. The minimum periods of supervised study from the date of enrolment are four years with a maximum of five years.

The regulation governing reduction in candidature period is not relevant to this degree.

Candidates for the degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants will be expected to study the whole programme at Swansea University and will not normally be permitted to transfer credits for the training element from other institutions or from other programmes within Swansea University.

Candidates may in some cases apply to, or be required by the Student Cases Board to transfer programme of study. In such cases the University will determine a revised minimum period of study.

Candidates shall be prohibited from transferring their candidature to another institution after the minimum period of candidature has been completed at this University.

5. Submission Date

All candidates are required to submit a thesis by the maximum submission date as set out in paragraph 1 of the University's Guide to Research Degree Candidature, current at the time of admission and as stated in the formal Offer Letter.

Where a candidate fails to submit a thesis by the maximum submission date the University may require the candidature to be terminated.

6. Suspensions and Extensions of Candidature

Under exceptional circumstances and in accordance with the University's Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students a candidate may be required to undertake a suspension of candidature due to academic, disciplinary, financial or health reasons.

Under exceptional circumstances candidates may request a suspension of candidature or an extension to candidature. All requests for suspensions of candidature and extensions to candidature should be made in accordance with paragraph 2 of the University's Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students.

Where a candidate undertakes a suspension of candidature, as outlined in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 above, a return to study date must be specified at the time of suspension.

Where a candidate fails to resume study by the return to study date, the candidate will be considered to have withdrawn from the programme as set out in paragraph 7 of the University's Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students.

Established research students that have completed a year or more of their full-time research study but have exceeded the maximum suspension time allowed, would usually be required to withdraw by Student Cases Board; however, in exceptional circumstances, these students may be permitted to subsequently re-apply to be re-enrolled at the same stage of the previous research (within a maximum time period of two years from the date of withdrawal). Only under these circumstances may a student be allowed a reduced candidature period.

7. Supervision

Candidates shall be supervised, on a regular and continuing basis in accordance with the procedures for postgraduate supervision as set out in the University's Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision.

Every candidate will have a supervisory team appointed by the candidate's Executive Dean or nominee. The supervisory team shall consist of at least two internal supervisors who are eligible for appointment as set out in the University's Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision. One supervisor will be designated as the first/primary supervisor. Candidates will also be supported to achieve AFHEA fellowship.

The internal supervisors must be members of staff at Swansea University as set out in the University's Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision. The first/primary supervisor will have main responsibility for reporting progress to the Faculty/School and Progression and Awards Board, as set out in paragraph 8.

8. Monitoring of Progress

The Faculty/School is required to confirm the candidature of each candidate within three months of the initial enrolment of the candidate as set out in paragraph 2 of the University's Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students.

If a Faculty/School is unable to confirm the candidature of a candidate within three months of initial enrolment of the candidature, the candidate may be required to suspend or withdraw from the programme.

A candidate's progress in minimum candidature shall be monitored on a regular basis by the Progression and Awards Board in order to decide whether the candidate be permitted to progress.

Both the research and teaching performance will be reviewed yearly. Satisfactory performance in both is needed to remain on the (GTA PhD) programme. Specifically, with regard to teaching the first six months are monitored by probation: the other years will be handled by yearly Professional Development Reviews (PDRs). Students must have submitted/and ideally passed their AFHEA after two years.

Borderline cases:

1. Research not satisfactory. Failure of research progression would result in the University reserving the right to terminate employment as it is a condition of employment that the individual is and remains a registered student for the duration of the contract and is effectively progressing in their studies. The condition of being enrolled (and remaining to be enrolled) as a PhD student, is a requirement for the GTA employment.
2. Teaching part not satisfactory. The student will not pass probation if the teaching part is unsatisfactory during the first year. This would lead to an end of the employment and the loss of PhD funding. The student would be allowed to continue with a normal PhD programme if the research performance is good, and, other funding is available. After the first year the (unsatisfactory) teaching progress would be monitored by the PDR/capability process, and a negative outcome would lead to an end of employment and end of PhD funding. It may be possible for the student to transfer to the standard PhD programme, subject to sufficient remaining maximal candidature and funding.

9. Employment of Postgraduate Research Degree Candidates

In addition to the research part of the degree, candidates will gain teaching experience and support to be an Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA).

10. Assessment of Degree

Candidates for the degree of PhD (Period of Extended Study) programmes for Graduate Teaching Assistants shall be examined as follows:

• Teaching Part: The AFHEA application requires submission at a specific point in Year 2. Resubmission later in Year 3 is possible. For resubmission, several entry points are available.
• Journal of Activity: Students are expected to write a journal of their teaching activity that demonstrates their progress towards meeting the teaching learning outcomes (other than the AFHEA). Completion of the AFHEA and satisfactory completion of the journal of Activity are necessary requirements for both the yearly PDR review for the teaching employment and the PhD.
• A thesis embodying the methods and results of the research project. All theses should be presented in accordance with the University's Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students.
• An oral examination (viva voce) as detailed in paragraph 15 below.

11. Training Element/Teaching Experience

In addition to the research part, candidates will gain teaching experience and support to be an Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA) thereby studying for a PhD and gaining teaching experience at the same time.

12. Submission of Thesis

Candidates shall notify of their intention to submit a thesis for examination, at least three months prior to the expected date of submission.

On completion of the minimum candidature period, a candidate shall submit an electronic copy of a thesis for examination in accordance with the University's Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students. Should an examiner request a paper copy of the thesis, this will be provided by the candidate via the Postgraduate Research support team.

All candidates must submit an updated electronic copy of the thesis after examination, if any corrections or amendments have been made.

Any candidate who is following a programme of research at the University may choose to submit a thesis or other work in either English or Welsh. A candidate who wishes to be assessed in a language which is not the main language of tuition/assessment for the programme concerned is required to notify the Student Cases Board before the end of the minimum period of candidature. Arrangements will be put in place as outlined in the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students. Also, requests to be assessed in Welsh must be submitted via the Faculty/School before the end of the minimum period of candidature to enable translation arrangements to be undertaken.

In cases where it may be considered appropriate for a thesis to be submitted in a language other than English/Welsh for academic reasons or where submission of the thesis in another language is a requirement of the specific programme, permission may be given by the Student Cases Board where a reasoned case has been submitted for approval. The Student Cases Board shall not, however, give approval to requests based upon the candidate's lack of ability to produce work for submission in either English or Welsh.

On notification of intention to submit, the Executive Dean or nominee shall nominate members of the Examining Board which shall be constituted in accordance with paragraph 14 below and as set out in the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students. The candidate shall be informed of the names of the proposed members of the Examining Board. The appointment of members of the Examining Board shall be confirmed by the Postgraduate Research Committee.

Candidates who are resubmitting a thesis which has previously failed to satisfy the Examiners shall be required to submit the modified thesis in accordance with the University's Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students. The candidate may also be required to pay an additional resubmission fee.

13. Availability of Thesis

A thesis submitted for a higher degree of the University shall normally be openly available and subject to no security classification or restriction of access.

Notwithstanding paragraph 13.1, the University may be permitted, on a special recommendation approved by the Executive Dean or nominee, to place a bar on access to a candidate's work for a period of up to five years. An application for a bar on access should be made to the Executive Dean or nominee prior to the examination of the thesis.

14. Constitution of the Examining Board

All Examining Boards for candidates shall consist of the following individuals:

• An independent Chair, who will be the Executive Dean or a member of staff with appropriate experience nominated by the Executive Dean. The Chair of the Examining Board is required to chair the oral examination and any meeting of the examiners;
• An external examiner or examiners appointed in accordance with the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students;
• An internal examiner appointed in accordance with the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

The Chair of the Examining Board shall be independent in the examining process and shall be responsible to the Postgraduate Research Committee for the conduct of the examination.

The candidate's supervisors, or any member of staff involved in the supervision of the candidate, shall not be permitted to be part of the Examining Board, but may be invited by the Chair of the Examining Board, with the express prior written permission of the candidate, to attend the oral examination in an advisory role. An adviser may speak only when invited to do so by the Chair.

In the case of a candidate who is a member of staff of the University at the time of the examination, the Examining Board shall consist of the following individuals:

• A Chair, as described in paragraph 14.1 a) above;
• Two external examiners appointed in accordance with the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

The Chair of the Examining Board shall be responsible for ensuring that the internal examiner(s) and the external examiner(s) receive copies of the thesis to be examined as well as any other relevant documents as set out in the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

15. Oral Examination (viva voce)

The Examining Board shall be required to conduct an oral examination of candidates for research degrees in all cases. In the case of a student who is allowed to re-submit within 12 months, a second viva would normally be expected. However, in exceptional cases, the requirement for a second oral examination may be waived where a detailed case for waiving the oral examination has been provided in the written report by the Chair of the Examining Board. The written report will have to be agreed and be counter-signed by all members of the Examining Board.

All oral examinations would normally take place at Swansea University within six months of the date of submission of the thesis. Any exceptions would either have to be agreed as an exception or agreed to reflect the nature of the degree.

A candidate requiring special provision for the oral examination is required to notify the Progression and Awards Board prior to the submission of the thesis. Arrangements will be put in place as outlined in the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

A candidate's supervisors shall have the right to convey to the Chair of the Examining Board any concerns relevant to a candidate's research project, the resulting thesis or its examination which the supervisors consider the Board should take into account prior to reaching its decision. The supervisors shall convey these concerns, in writing, both to the Chair and to the candidate as soon as practicable after the presentation of the thesis to the Examining Board and, in any event, early enough to allow the candidate sufficient time prior to the examination of the thesis (including any oral examination) to consider the points made and prepare a response.

The oral examination shall be conducted in accordance with the University's Guide to the Examination of Research Students. The recommendation of the Examining Board shall be presented to the Progression and Awards Board for confirmation.

16. University/Other Awards

A candidate who is enrolled on a PhD (Period of Extended Study) but is subsequently unable or is not permitted to progress to completion may, depending on the level of study achieved, qualify for one of the following awards of the University:

• PhD (without teaching recognition)
• MPhil (after 3 years of study)

17. Aegrotat and Posthumous Awards

For Aegrotat guidance regulations refer to the Aegrotat Degree Regulations. For Posthumous guidance regulations refer to the Posthumous Degree Regulations.

18. Academic Appeals

Candidates who are not recommended by the Examining Board for the award of the degree in respect of which they submitted their thesis may appeal against the decision reached and request an academic appeal. All appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the Swansea University Accuracy of Published Marks procedures or Academic Appeals procedures.

19. Academic Misconduct

Allegations of academic misconduct shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Academic Misconduct procedures and regulations. Allegations of academic misconduct received by the University after the degree has been conferred upon the candidate shall be considered by the degree awarding institution.

20. Fitness to Practise

Allegations of fitness to practise shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Fitness to Practise regulations.

21. Complaints

Students who feel dissatisfied with the teaching and learning, facilities or services provided by the University, or with the way the University, its students or its staff have acted or omitted to act, should follow the procedures set out in the Swansea University Complaints Procedure.

22. International Students and Visa Requirements

International students who need a visa to study at the University should be aware that their continued study at the University is dependent upon them meeting the conditions of their visa and the time-limits set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information, please refer to Study in the UK - GOV.UK.

Decisions taken by the University with regard to a candidate's enrolment status, academic performance, progression and award shall be made in accordance with the University's academic and financial regulations and shall not be informed by visa restrictions set by the UKVI. However, continued study is conditional upon meeting the University's requirements and holding a valid visa. Students who have any concerns or queries regarding their visa should contact VISA Advice.

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