THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2005/2006
- ARCHIVE for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
Home : Regulations : General Postgraduate Degree Regulations
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 appropriate Assesment 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.
The University reserves the right to exclude from studies forthwith any student who wilfully and persistently neglects his/her academic work to such an extent that there is no possibility of him/her being regarded as having duly performed the work required as part of their degree programme.

Definition

In all the following Regulations, "the Committee" means the Senatus Postgraduate Studies Committee.

Powers of delegation

The Committee may from time to time delegate to College Postgraduate Studies Committees those of its functions which it deems to be more appropriately performed at College level.
Higher Degrees
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 Senatus Academicus for approval of their candidature before submitting themselves to examination. The appropriate form of application for approval may be obtained from the Postgraduate Office or the Secretary to the relevant College Postgraduate Studies 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 Part B of the Regulatory Standards (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.
1.5 Submissions (three copies) should normally be lodged twelve 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 Senatus 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 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 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 Senatus on the recommendation of the examiners.
1.10 Candidates for higher degrees may, at the discretion of the Senatus, 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, EdD or EngD in SLI (see Regulation 2.2)

(b) as a candidate for the MSc by Research, MTh by Research or Master of Research

(c) as a candidate for a postgraduate degree involving coursework (LLM, MBA, MEd, MMus, MSc, MSW, MTeach, MTh, Master of Chinese Studies, Master of Clinical Dentistry)

(d) as a candidate for a University postgraduate diploma

(e) as a candidate for a University postgraduate certificate

(f) as a visiting postgraduate student

(g) 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

All candidates applying for registration for the PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol, EdD or EngD in SLI will be registered for the degree of their choice.

Re-registrationas a candidate for a particular degree will depend on satisfactory progress and on meeting any conditions specified at the time of admission or subsequently. University StaffMembers 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. 2.10 and 2.11), applications for registration as a postgraduate student must be made on a form obtainable from the University.
2.4 All applicants must be graduates of Edinburgh University 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 An application is considered first by the Head of School in which the work will be carried out. The Head of School's recommendation is made to the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee which reports through the Committee to the Senatus. The Committee may authorise conveners of College Postgraduate Studies Committees to reject applications or to approve the admission of certain graduate applicants in circumstances specifically defined by the Committee.
2.6

Conditions of Offer The Committee may impose appropriate conditions before agreeing to register an applicant. These conditions may include, amongst others:

(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 Committee will normally impose such conditions as to ensure adequate academic contact between the student and the appropriate University School.

2.7 Conflicting Studies

With the exception of those to whom special permission has been granted by both the College and the Senatus Postgraduate Studies Committees 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.

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 no later than 30 September in the year of entry to the Edinburgh degree. Candidates admitted on this basis who do not provide evidence of such completion by 31 October will be formally withdrawn from their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

2.8 No candidate may be awarded more than one qualification for the same work.
2.9 Transfers in candidature
The Committee may permit the following transfers in candidature (a) from MPhil to PhD or to a postgraduate degree, or) from postgraduate diploma or postgraduate degree to MPhil, or (d) 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 Committee 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 Committee deems necessary. Save in exceptional circumstances, this further period of study shall be not less than twelve months for the MPhil and twenty four months for the PhD.
2.10 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.
2.11 The Head of School or director of the organisation concerned will ensure, on behalf of the Committee, that all special course postgraduate students satisfy Regulations 2.1-2.8 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 in September 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 Committee.
3.2 Alteration in the effective date of admission may be made only with the permission of the Committee.
4. Residence Regulation

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 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 Committee. Leave of absence is not normally permitted in the case of candidates for most postgraduate diplomas and taught masters degrees.

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 Committee.

Reduction In Residence

Requirements 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).

In exceptional circumstances, and when strongly supported by a particular School and College Postgraduate Studies Committee, the Committee 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 monthsí 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 Postgraduate Studies: General Regulations.
5.2

Supervision

Each candidate will work under the guidance of at least one University supervisor appointed by the Committee. 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 an honorary member of staff. The nomination of individuals in category (b) to act as University supervisor for a stated period must be specifically approved by the Committee. 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 Committee. For the PhD in Fine Art, additional supervision will be provided by Edinburgh College of Art.

5.3

Annual

The supervisors report to the Committee 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 Committee 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. These reports are used as the basis, amongst other things, for:

(a) confirming that any conditions of registration (see Regulation 2.6) 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 Committee before it reaches a decision as to whether or not the candidateís studies should be discontinued.

(d) confirming or proposing the precise area in which a studentís work is developing.

5.4 Supervision 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.
5.5 The Prescribed Period of Study The Committee 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.
5.6 Authorised interruption of study is not permitted during the first nine months of registration. Thereafter registration may be interrupted by the Committee for a specified period, if good cause is shown. The total period of authorised interruption of study of studies 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.
5.7 Prescribed Period of Study
The period of study prescribed for full-time PhD candidates is 36 months.
The period of study prescribed for part-time PhD candidates is 72 months. 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 Committee may reduce the prescribed period by up to 36 months for part-time PhD candidates.
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 Committee may reduce the prescribed period by up to 24 months for part-time MPhil candidates.
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.
5.8 Submission of Thesis Candidates must submit their theses within 12 months of the completion of their prescribed period of study (excluding any periods of authorised interruption of study) unless, in exceptional circumstances, an extension is granted by the Committee.
5.9 Failure to Submit a Thesis Students who fail to submit a thesis or, in the case of candidates In Fine Art, a thesis and exhibit or, in the case of candidates In Musical Composition, a portfolio of compositions by the deadline specified in the Regulations will be deemed to have withdrawn and will have their registration recorded as lapsed.
Lapsed Registration A student whose registration has lapsed in this way will be entitled to ask the committee 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 Committee, 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.
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.
5.10 The grounds for award of the degree of PhD by Research are:
(a) The candidate must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and by performance at an oral examination (unless this is exceptionally 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 researches in a critical and scholarly way.
(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.
(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. 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 Committee to exceed the stated length on the ground that such extension is required for adequate treatment of the thesis topic.
(d) For the award of PhD in Fine Art, in addition to the above, the candidate will be required to submit an exhibit in accordance with the requirements laid down by the Edinburgh College of Art.
5.11 The grounds for award of the degree of PhD for Musical 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 this is exceptionally 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.
(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.
(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.
5.12 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.
(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 Committee to exceed the stated length on the ground that such extension is required for adequate treatment of the thesis topic.
(d) The award of MLitt in Fine Art will only be made for the thesis and exhibit in Fine Art where the examiners deem that the thesis and exhibit do not meet the criteria for the award of PhD, but that they are sufficiently close to meeting those criteria for an MLitt in Fine Art to be awarded.
5.13 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 the candidate is capable of original composition to a high level.
(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.
(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 Senatus Postgraduate Studies Committee, 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 will be allowed to register for the degree only with the permission of the Senatus Postgraduate Studies Committee, after they have been recommended by the relevant College Postgraduate Studies Committee. Applicants must first apply to the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee 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 Postgraduate Studies Committee of a desire to register for this degree, the Committee will appoint a suitably qualified member of staff to advise it on whether there is a prima facie case for submitting the proposal to the Senatus Postgraduate Studies Committee.
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
(a) The submission of a portfolio of published work judged satisfactory by the examiners and a satisfactory performance at an oral examination.
(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.
(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.
7. MSc by Research, MTh by Research and Master of Research (MRes)
7.1 Candidates may, at the discretion of the Committee, be registered for the general degree of MSc by Research in any College, for a specified MSc by Research or Master of Research (MRes) (See relevant Degree Programme Table entry), or for the MTh by Research in Divinity.
7.2 All registered candidates for the MSc by Research, the MTh by Research and MRes must satisfy the Postgraduate Study: General Regulations. Registration for a specified MSc by Research or for the MTh by Research involving coursework or for the MRes will normally date from the start of the first semester; other candidates may commence study at any agreed time. No candidate will be admitted to any degree programme after the date of opening without the express permission of the Dean of Postgraduate Studies acting on the advice of the programme director.
7.3 The period of study is 12 months full-time. The degrees may also be taken over a period of 36 months part-time. For those candidates studying on a part-time basis this period may be reduced by up to 12 months. These periods may only be extended in exceptional circumstances.
7.4 Candidates will pursue their studies under the direction of University supervisors nominated by the Head of School and appointed by the Committee. The Committee may appoint additional supervisors outwith the University.
7.5 After the first six months of study, registration may be interrupted by the Committee, 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.
7.6 Candidates for the general degree of MSc by Research and for the MTh by Research will be required to undertake independent work which must be approved at the time of admission by the Head of School in which the studies are to be pursued and by the relevant College Postgraduate Studies Committee. Candidates will be required to undertake research training plus (i) projects and/or assignments and/or course work, and (ii) the preparation of a dissertation. Candidates for a specified MSc by Research or MRes or for the MTh by Research involving coursework will be required to follow the programme of study as laid out In the relevant Degree Programme Table or as specified by the relevant School.
7.7 Candidates will be formally examined on the course of study and/or programme of research laid down. Any required course and the method and times of assessment will be specified at the start of the session. An oral or practical examination may be required. In addition to any coursework which may be required, candidates will be required to submit their independent work for examination by a date specified by the School. Extension will be granted by the Committee in exceptional circumstances only.
7.8 The grounds for the award of the general degrees of MSc by Research and MTh by Research are
(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 any required research training and have demonstrated 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.
7.9 The grounds for the award of a specified MSc by Research, MRes or MTh by Research, and the recommended length of the dissertation, will either be laid out In the relevant Degree Programme Tables or will be specified by the relevant School.
7.10 Any candidate who fails to reach the standard required for the award of MSc by Research or MTh by Research but who satisfies the requirements for the award of a postgraduate diploma may, on the recommendation of the examiners be awarded the postgraduate diploma.
7.12 The degree may be awarded with distinction.
7.13 On the recommendation of the supervisor and Head of School, and after seeking the views of the candidate, the Committee may interrupt or discontinue a candidate's studies.
Regulations: Postgraduate Degrees (involving Coursework and Thesis)
8. Taught Professional Doctorates
8.1 All registered candidates must satisfy Regulations 2.1-2.8 and 3-4, 5.2-5.10
8.2 The Committee will impose such conditions on part-time candidates as to ensure regular and frequent academic contact between the candidate and his or her supervisor.
8.3 The University supervisor in consultation with other supervisor(s) must make annual reports to the Committee in terms of Regulation 5.3.
8.4 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.
8.5 Additional entrance requirements, curriculum and examination arrangements are will be held In relevant Degree Programme Tables and programme handbooks.
Regulations: Postgraduate Degrees (by Coursework)
9. One Year Postgraduate Degrees General Regulations MEd, MMus, MSc, MTh, LLM and MBA by full-time study (For MBA in International Business see Section C, Regulation 13, for MSc in System Level Integration see Section C, Regulation 14, for Master of Clinical Dentistry see Section E, Regulation 7, for Master of Teaching see Section C, Regulation 15, for Modular Master's Scheme in the Moray House School of Education see Section C, Regulation 16.)
These regulations govern all one-year full-time (and equivalent part-time) postgraduate degrees by coursework. They may, however, be superseded by certain programme-specific regulations for degrees offered in collaboration with other institutions.
9.1 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.
9.2 Admission and Registration
All registered candidates for postgraduate degrees must satisfy Regulations 2.1-2.8 and 3-4.
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.
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 Dean of Postgraduate Studies 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 Committee may reduce this period by up to 12 months. For those degrees available on a part-time intermittent basis, the maximum period of registration is 72 months.
Registration for part-time study will be permitted only to suitably qualified candidates who can show to the satisfaction of the Committee that they will be able to attend the prescribed courses, and devote adequate time to the necessary study. Registration will date from 15 September (for 2004) except in the cases of the MBA part-time, where registration starts 1 January, and specified MSc or MEd programmes by part-time intermittent study, where registration will date from the start date of the first module. No candidate will be admitted to a postgraduate degree, diploma or certificate programme after the date of opening without the express permission of the Dean of Postgraduate Studies Committee acting on the advice of the course director.
Candidates must work in a School of the University, or in an institution in or near Edinburgh specifically approved by the Committee, 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.
9.3 Leave of Absence, Authorised interruption of studies or Discontinuation
Leave of absence is not normally permitted, but may be granted on special application to the Committee by the candidate's University supervisor (See Regulation 4).
After the first six months of study, registration may be interrupted by the Committee, 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 Committee discontinue a candidate's studies.
9.4 Examination
Regulations relating to examination and assessment (including progression and awards) are detailed in the Postgraduate Assessment regulations which are available via:-
http://www.aaps.ed.ac.uk/regulations/exam.htm
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 in September to be announced. For part-time candidates, this will be the Friday before the start of semester 1 in the third year of study. For part-time MBA candidates this will be by a date in April to be announced. For candidates for the MSc in Economics (Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics) this will be the first Friday in September. For all other postgraduate degree candidates, it will be a specified Friday before the start of the new semester (i.e. in 2005 Friday 25 August 2006). Extension will be granted by the Committee in exceptional circumstances only. The submission of independent work may consist of a dissertation or, alternatively, for the MMus, of compositions or a repertoire of works for performance. (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. After the first nine months of study, registration may be interrupted by the Committee, 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 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, where one exists, in terms of the Regulations for that postgraduate diploma.
The degrees may be awarded with distinction.
9.5 Recognition of Prior Learning (For specified MBA, MSc and MEd programmes (see relevant Degree Programme Table/programme handbook))
(a) The Senatus shall have power to recognise attendance and examinations passed at other universities or institutions of comparable standing recognised for this purpose by the University Court. Such recognition shall only be given where the Senatus is satisfied that the course or examination pass to be recognised is of a sufficiently high standard and that the content of the course attended or examination passed at another university is equivalent to that of corresponding course or examination prescribed for the degree in these regulations.
(b) Students being granted exemption must have been enrolled or be enrolled on a similar programme at another university or institution of comparable standing. The maximum number of courses in the Edinburgh MBA part-time programme from which students can be exempted is six, and students must attend the Edinburgh programme for a minimum of five academic terms.
The maximum number of courses in the Edinburgh MBA part-time programme from which students registered for the Employment Services MBA may be exempt is eight, provided they take appropriate courses from the MBA programme at Heriot-Watt University. Students registered for the Employment Services MBA are not required to attend the Edinburgh programme for a minimum of five academic terms.
The maximum numbers of courses in the MEd which a student can be exempted from is six, from MSc part-time programmes in the Moray House School of Education, it is two.
Candidates who began study for the degrees of MA in Dance, MA in Leisure Policy and Practice, MA in Sport, Leisure and Physical Education and MA in TESOL at Moray House Institute of Education prior to 1 August 1998 on a part-time basis will be eligible to be awarded the corresponding postgraduate degree of MA from the University of Edinburgh.
10. 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)
10.1 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.
10.2 Admission and Registration
Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for registration of postgraduate students, numbers 2.1-2.8 and 3-4.
Where a postgraduate diploma/certificate and a postgraduate degree have common coursework Regulation 9.2 will apply.
With the exception of the Diploma in Legal Practice, the minimum period of study for a diploma is one academic 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 Committee 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 term 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.
10.3 Curriculum Candidates must satisfactorily fulfil the requirements of the curriculum for the postgraduate diploma or certificate as approved by the Committee.
10.4 Authorised interruption of studies or Discontinuation On the recommendation of the supervisor and Head of School, and after seeking the views of the candidate, the Committee may interrupt or discontinue a candidate's studies.
10.5 Examination
Regulations relating to examination and assessment (including progression and awards) are detailed in the Postgraduate Assessment regulations which are available via:-
http://www.aaps.ed.ac.uk/regulations/exam.htm
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. Candidates who fail a course will be permitted one further attempt to pass the assessment of that course within two months of the result being made known
All postgraduate diplomas may be awarded with distinction with the exception of those in the School of Law.
11. Registration of Postdoctoral Fellows and Postgraduate Workers
11.1 Registration of Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows are graduates who already hold the PhD degree, or who have qualifications and experience accepted by the Senatus as equivalent in seniority. Registered candidates and University diploma students are not eligible for registration in this way.
It is the duty of each Head of School to notify, on the prescribed form, the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee of the arrival of any research worker, who is attached to the School for a period of one term or more, and whom he/she recommends for registration as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
If the recommendation is accepted, then registration will follow and no fee is exigible. A contribution to research expenses may however be required.
11.2 Registration of Postgraduate Workers
Postgraduate Workers are graduates or holders of approved professional qualifications, who do not hold the PhD degree and do not have qualifications and experience accepted by the Senatus as equivalent in seniority to the PhD degree and are not either registered postgraduate students (see Regulation 2), or members of the University staff.
(Postgraduate Workers are normally in receipt of a stipend from a source other than the University of Edinburgh, e.g. foreign University, Research Council or research grant.)
It is the duty of each Head of School to notify on the prescribed form the appropriate College Postgraduate Studies Committee of the arrival of any graduate or professionally qualified worker, who is attached to the School for a period of one term or more, and who is not recommended by him/her for registration as a Postdoctoral Fellow or as a Postgraduate Student, so that the person may be registered as a Postgraduate Worker.
If the recommendation is accepted, then registration will follow and no fee is exigible. A contribution to research expenses may however be required.
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Prospectuses
Important Information
Timetab
 
copyright 2005 The University of Edinburgh