Accessibility statement

3. The research environment

3.1 The University of York is a leading research-intensive institution, with national and international recognition, and an excellent track record in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework. The University aims to build on its previous success through its Research Strategy, which is overseen by the University’s Research Committee.

3.2 The University is committed to the highest standards of research integrity within its research community, maintained with reference to a framework of University policies (including the Code of practice and principles for good ethical governance, the Code of Practice on Research Integrity and the Research Data Management Policy) as well as legal and funder frameworks.

3.3 PGRs are provided with an appropriate research environment, that is: (i) where excellent research, recognised by the relevant subject community, is occurring and, (ii) where appropriate support is provided for engaging in, and learning about, research. 

3.4 The University assures itself that departments are providing an appropriate research environment by: (i) YGRS’s consideration of Annual Review reports and URC’s consideration of Annual Departmental Research Review reports from departments, and, (ii) monitoring, by YGRS, of the PGR experience. The University will take action to address any identified weaknesses. 

3.5 A department, through its Graduate School Board, should assure itself that it can provide an appropriate research environment by considering whether for an individual PGR:

  • appropriate supervision of the proposed research topic can be provided by existing members of staff.
  • there are sufficient numbers of PGRs and high calibre research-active staff in the PGR’s chosen field and related areas.
  • there is an active, collegial research community to support the PGR, for example in terms of the provision of regular research seminars etc. 
  • the necessary facilities and training etc. to support the PGR can be provided.

Equality and diversity in appointments

3.6 Where possible (recognising the challenges associated with the small number of individuals involved, particularly with respect to supervision and the examination process), departments should consider issues of equality, diversity and inclusion when considering the composition of admissions panels, supervisory teams, thesis advisory panels, progression panels and the appointment of examiners.

Facilities and resources

3.7 Departments (working in conjunction with the relevant central services, eg Student Administration and Academic Affairs, Humanities Research Centre and Research Centre for Social Sciences) are responsible for ensuring that PGRs have the facilities and resources they need to pursue their approved research. Guidance on the facilities and resources provided should be included in the department’s PGR handbook. Departments are also responsible for ensuring that PGRs undertaking work away from the University (eg fieldwork and research visits) have the facilities and resources they need.  

3.8 Facilities and resources should normally include: (i) access to photocopying, and printing, (ii) library resources (including training and relevant electronic resources), (iii) appropriate computing provision for their research project (hardware, software, training and support), and (iv) where relevant (eg for laboratory-based subjects), access to specialist facilities and materials and/or technical support. Departments should also ensure that there is a well-publicised, equitable and transparent procedure for allocating funding for conference attendance. 

Policy sections

1. Introduction

2. The criteria for the award of PGR degrees

3. The research environment

4. Selection, admission and induction of PGRs

5. Supervision

6. Responsibilities of PGRs and supervisors

7. Periods of enrolment, changes to PGRs' status and personal circumstances (including illness), working hours and holidays

8. Progress and review arrangements

9. Development of research and other skills

10. Evaluation of PGR programmes

11. Responsible research and academic integrity

12. Assessment

13. Dissemination of research results, intellectual property rights and responsibilities

14. PGR complaints and appeals

15. Research away from York (excluding PGRs on distance learning PGR programmes)

16. Arrangements for non-York PGRs

Appendices