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:
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.
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
4. Selection, admission and induction of PGRs
5. Supervision
6. Responsibilities of PGRs and supervisors
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
- Appendix 1: Policy on the recording of second progress review meetings and oral examinations for research degrees
- Appendix 2: Policy on PhD/EngD and MPhil PGR progression
- Appendix 3: PGR Academic Misconduct policy
- Appendix 4: Paid parental leave policy
- Appendix 5: Policy framework for distance learning PGR programmes
- Appendix 6: Policy framework for collaborative off-site and collaborative split-site PGR programmes
- Appendix 7: Policy framework for integrated PhD programmes
- Appendix 8: Policy and process for the appointment of examiners for research degrees
- Appendix 9: Guidance for Examiners on Degree Outcomes
- Appendix 10: Policy on Transparency of Authorship in PGR Programmes, including generative AI, proofreading and translation
- Appendix 11: Policy on Granting PGR Programme Extensions in Exceptional Circumstances