THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014
- ARCHIVE as at 1 September 2013 for reference only
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Home : Regulations : Postgraduate Degree Programme Regulations 2013/14

Introduction

1-3 Compliance
4 Codes of Practice
5 SCQF Consistency
6 Authority Delegated to Colleges
7 Fitness to Practise
8 Disclosure
9 Postgraduate Awards and Degree Programmes

A

General Postgraduate Degree Regulations

10 Late Admission
11 Part-time Study
12 Registration for University Staff
13 Conflicting Studies
14-15 Applicants Awaiting Results
16 Consecutive Registration
17-19 Recognition of Prior Learning
20-21 Permissible Credit Loads
22-23 Credit Award
24 Transfer to another Programme
25-26 Attendance and Participation
27 The Prescribed Period of Study
28 Request for Reinstatement
29 Leave of Absence
30 Interruptions of Study
31 Extensions of Study
32 Withdrawal and Exclusion
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR DOCTORAL AND MPHIL DEGREES BY RESEARCH
33

Supervision

34 Transfers from Another Institution
35 Collaborative Degrees
GROUNDS FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTORAL AND MPHIL RESEARCH DEGREES
36 Demonstration by Thesis and Oral Exam for the Award of PhD
37

Thesis Length - Word Count

38

Additional Thesis Considerations

39

MPhil by Research

40-43 PhD (by Research Publications)
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT DEGREES AND MASTERS BY RESEARCH, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATES
44

Programme-specific Regulations

45 Period of Study
46 Assessment
47 Masters by Research Degrees only
48 Application for Associated Postgraduate Diploma or Masters
POSTHUMOUS AWARDS
49

Posthumous Awards

AEGROTAT AWARDS
50

Aegrotat Awards

B

College of Humanities and Social Sciences Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

51 Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol)
52 Doctor of Psychotherapy (DPsychotherapy)
53 Doctor of Education (EdD)
54-55 PhD in Composition in Music
56 PhD(eca) - submission by Portfolio
57 MPhil(eca) - submission by Portfolio
58 Master of Fine Art
59 Master of Social Work/Diploma in Social Work (MSW/DipSW)
60 Master of Chinese Studies (MCS)
61 Master of Teaching
62 Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management/Scottish Qualification for Headship Programme
63 Master of Counselling/Diploma in Counselling (MCouns/DipCouns)
64 MSc/Dip in Arab World Studies
65 Postgraduate Certificate in Democracy and Public Policy (Edinburgh Hansard Research Scholars Programme)
66 MSc in Architectural Project Management
67 MSc in Advanced Sustainable Design (mixed mode)
68 PhD in Creative Music Practice
69 PhD in Trans-Disciplinary Documentary Film
70 PhD in Architecture by Design
71 Master of Architecture
72 Master of Public Policy (MPP/DipPP), PG Dip and PG Cert of Public Policy
73 Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
C

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

74 Master of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics/ Paediatric Dentistry/ Prosthodontics/ Oral Surgery)
75 Masters in Surgical Sciences
76 Master of Surgery (ChM)
77 Masters in Transfusion, Transplantation and Tissue Banking (MSc)
  Professional Higher Degrees:
78-91 Doctor of Medicine (MD)
92-104 Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
105-115 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (DVM&S)
D

College of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

116 Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
117 Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in System Level Integration
118 Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in Offshore Renewable Engineering
 

Introduction

Compliance

1.

The degree programme regulations define the types of award, their key characteristics, and their grounds for award. These regulations apply to all categories of postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh, except for those qualified by a Senatus approved Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding for joint or collaborative awards. Students must comply with any requirements specific to their degree programme as set out in the Degree Programme Tables, the relevant College Regulations and the University’s Taught Assessment Regulations for the current academic session: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/staff/assessment/assessment-regulations

2. Every student must comply with the detailed requirements of the curriculum for the degree as set out in the appropriate Degree Programme Table, the programme handbook, the courses of study, the order in which courses are attended and the assessment for the programme, which are published in the University Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study.
3. When selecting courses, students must comply with the pre-requisite, co-requisite and prohibited combination requirements shown in the Degree Programme Table, unless a concession is approved by the relevant Head of College.
Codes of Practice
4.

The degree regulations are supported by the following Codes of Practice:

These Codes of Practice, although not regulatory, provide essential information for staff and students.

SCQF Consistency
5. The University’s postgraduate awards and degree programmes are consistent with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) unless an exemption has been approved by the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee or the award is not included in the SCQF.
Authority Delegated to Colleges
6. In exceptional circumstances a concession to allow relaxation of a specific regulation may be granted by the appropriate Head of College.  Where the Head of College does not have authority to award a particular concession then the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee may award the concession. Where the Head of College has the authority to grant permissions and concessions, this authority may be delegated to appropriate nominees in the College or Schools. Students must consult their Schools as to the appropriate point of contact, and must not approach the Head of College direct.
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Fitness to Practise
7. The relevant College’s Fitness to Practise Committee must be satisfied at all times that in respect of health, conduct and any other matters which the Committee may reasonably deem relevant, whether such matters relate to the student’s University programme or are unrelated to it, the student will not constitute a risk to the public, vulnerable children or adults or to patients and is a suitable person to become a registered member of the relevant professional body. Students are subject to the Fitness to Practise regulations both while actively studying and while on an interruption of study.  Any student who fails to satisfy the relevant College’s Fitness to Practise Committee, irrespective of his/her performance in assessment, will be reported to the Head of College who has power to recommend exclusion from further studies and assessments or Professional Examinations, or to recommend the award of the degree be withheld.  An appeal against this decision may be submitted to the University’s Fitness to Practise Appeal Committee: http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Guidance/Fitness_to_Practise.pdf
Disclosure
8. Students must comply with the University’s Student Disclosure Assessment process to ensure that students do not pose a risk to those with whom they interact during their students, in particular, vulnerable groups. http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.7201!/fileManager/Code%2Bof%2BPractice%2Bfor%2BStudent%2BCriminal%2BConvictions%2Band%2BDisclosure%2BAssessment%2B2011%2B(3).pdf
Postgraduate Awards and Degree Programmes
9

The University awards the following types of postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates, with the credit points required as listed below.  The University’s postgraduate awards and degree programmes are consistent with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) unless an exemption has been approved by the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee.The credit levels required for each programme are specified within the appropriate Degree Programme Table.

General Postgraduate Certificate

Postgraduate Certificate in a named subject discipline

60 credits

General Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Diploma in a named subject discipline

120 credits

Masters in a named subject discipline

Master of a named discipline

180 credits

Masters in a named subject discipline

Master of a named discipline

240 credits

Masters by research

180 credits

MPhil, MLitt, MMus, ChM

240 credits

Doctorate

540 credits

EngD

720 credits

MD,DDS,DVM&S*

Doctor of a named discipline

*Note: these awards are not included in the SCQF therefore a credit value has not been included here

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A

General Postgraduate Degree Regulations

Late Admission

10. No student will be admitted to a postgraduate degree, diploma or certificate programme or a course that is part of their programme more than two weeks after their given start date without the permission of the Head of College. A student who leaves a course after six weeks will be deemed to have withdrawn and the course enrolment remains on the student’s record.
Part-time Study
11. 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. For students registered for part-time study, the College will impose such conditions as it requires ensuring adequate academic contact between the student and the appropriate School within the University.
Registration for University Staff
12. Members of the University staff may only be registered for part-time study.

Conflicting Studies

13. Students at this University must not, except in exceptional cases and with the permission of the Head of College, undertake any concurrent credit bearing studies in this (or in any other) institution other than the one for which they are registered in this University.
Applicants Awaiting Results
14. Applicants for postgraduate study may be studying at this or another institution just prior to the start of their postgraduate studies.  Such applicants must have finished these studies before the start of the programme to which they have an offer.
15. If successful completion of this prior study is a requirement of admission, applicants are expected to provide evidence of achievement before the start of the programme.   
Consecutive Registration
16.

At the time of application, Masters by Research applicants may be invited to be registered for consecutive Masters by Research, followed by PhD study within the same School. This option may not be available in all Schools. Depending on the outcome of assessment the student will be invited to follow one of three routes:

  1. Start First Year of Doctoral Programme.  If successful in the Masters by Research programme, the student graduates and also registers in the next academic session on the first year of the doctoral programme; or
  2. Start Second year of Doctoral Programme.  Prior to the completion of the masters dissertation, the School is content that the quality of the student’s work merits treating the masters year as the first year of doctoral study.  No dissertation is submitted, no masters degree is awarded, and the student registers in the next academic session on the second year of the doctoral programme; or
  3. Graduate with Masters by Research Degree and Exit.   If successful in the Masters by Research programme, the student graduates and permanently withdraws.
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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
17.

The College has power to recognise a student’s prior learning. Before approval is granted the College must be satisfied that the learning to be recognised provides an adequate basis for the programme or courses as set out in the appropriate Degree Programme Table.  Colleges can approve RPL for research programmes up to a maximum of 360 credits. The maximum number of credits that the Colleges will grant RPL for taught programmes is:

  • College of Humanities and Social Science: one-third of the total credits for the award for which the student is applying, i.e. 20 credits for a certificate; 40 credits for a diploma; and 60 credits for a masters;
  • College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine: one-third of the total credits for the award for which the student is applying, i.e. 20 credits for a certificate; 40 credits for a diploma; and 60 credits for a masters;  and
  • College of Science and Engineering: a maximum of 40 credits for a masters; no RPL credit are awarded for certificate or diplomas.
18.

Before approval is granted the College must be satisfied that the learning to be recognised provides an adequate basis for the programme or courses as set out in the appropriate Degree Programme Table.  See also, the University’s Admissions Policy: http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.50158!/fileManager/UoE%20Admissions%20PolicyFINAL20120813.pdf

19. University of Edinburgh courses which have a substantial curriculum overlap with any of the courses that contributed to a student’s admission on the basis of RPL will not count towards the student’s degree programme. 
Permissible Credit Loads
20. Exceptionally, with College approval, students may take up to 20 credits of additional study at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) levels 7-11 during each year of study.
21. Students may attend courses on a class-only basis (i.e. not for credit), with the approval of the Programme Director and, where relevant, the supervisor and/or Personal Tutor. Decisions will be based on the overall load (credit and non-credit bearing) on the student in the year.  The additional credits must not be more than one-third of the scheduled number of credits for the year.
Credit Award
22. A student who has previously submitted work for one course or programme at the University must not submit the same work to attempt to achieve academic credit through another course or programme.
23. A student cannot, except under recognition of prior learning or application for associated postgraduate diploma or masters, achieve an award comprising academic credit that contributed (or will contribute) to another award.
Transfer to another Programme
24. College may permit programme transfer in appropriate circumstances.  When such permission is granted, the student shall, in addition to satisfying the requirements for the degree to which transfer is made, pursue such further courses of study as the College may require.
Attendance and Participation
25. Students must attend and participate as required in all aspects of their programme of study. This includes being available for assessment, meeting programme directors and supervisors face-to-face, and examination. The Degree Programme Table sets out programme requirements for on-campus study, placements and distance learning.
26. During a period of study, including authorised interruptions of study and leave of absence, it is a student’s responsibility to provide a current postal contact address and to ensure that any legal requirements, including those imposed by his or her funding or grant authority, are met. Current students must check their MyEd and University email account frequently for communications from the University.
The Prescribed Period of Study
27.

The University defines the prescribed period of study for each authorised programme.  These are as follows, unless the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee (CSPC) has approved a different prescribed period of study for the programme. The prescribed period of study for each programme is recorded in the offer of admission.

  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • The period of study prescribed for full-time students is 4 months. This period may not be reduced.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time continuous students is 12 months. The College may reduce this by up to 4 months.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time intermittent students is 24 months. The College may reduce this by up to 8 months.
  • Postgraduate Diploma:
    • The period of study prescribed for full-time students is 9 months. This period may not be reduced.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time continuous students is 24 months. The College may reduce this by up to 8 months.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time intermittent students 48 months. The College may reduce this by up to 16 months.
  • Postgraduate Masters:
    • The period of study prescribed for full-time students is 12 months. This period may not be reduced.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time continuous students is 36 months. The College may reduce this by up to 12 months.
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time intermittent students is 72 months. The College may reduce this by up to 24 months.
  • Postgraduate Doctoral and MPhil:
    • The period of study prescribed for full-time PhD students is 36 months (MPhil 24 months).
    • The period of study prescribed for part-time PhD students is 72 months (MPhil 48 months).
    • Members of the University staff and students holding a PhD research appointment under the auspices of the University may be registered for a minimum period of 36 months part-time (MPhil 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 36 months part-time (MPhil 24 months part time).
    • For full-time students the College may reduce the prescribed period by up to three months (two months for MPhil). The College may reduce the prescribed period by up to 36 months for part-time PhD students (24 months for part-time MPhil). Reductions to the prescribed period are not available to those members of staff who are registered for the minimum period of 36 months (24 months part-time MPhil).
Request for Reinstatement
28. A student who has been excluded for lapse of time may ask the College to reinstate his/her registration at a later date to permit examination of a completed thesis. The College will decide whether or not a student should be reinstated, and factors such as the passage of time and its implications for the topic of study will be taken into account. The student must provide good reason for the previous failure to complete. If, exceptionally, reinstatement is approved, the student's thesis will be examined in accordance with the Postgraduate Assessment Regulations for Research Degrees, subject to payment of a reinstatement and examination fee.
Leave of Absence
29. For students not on distance learning programmes, leave of absence to undertake study away from Edinburgh requires College approval after consideration of an application by the student’s supervisor or programme director. The College will define how all absences will be approved and recorded.
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Interruptions of Study
30. A student may apply for an Interruption of Study, and it may be authorised by the Head of College if there is a good reason.  Students must provide evidence to support their applications. Interruptions of study may not be applied retrospectively.  Any one period of authorised interruption of study will not exceed one year and the total period of authorised interruption of study will not exceed 100% of the prescribed period of study, unless authorised by the Head of College.
Extensions of Study
31. A student must complete the requirements of the degree programme within the maximum period of study.  In exceptional circumstances, a student may apply through the supervisor and school postgraduate director to the college for an extension and it may be authorised by the Head of College if there is good reason. The student must provide evidence to support their application. The College may extend a student's period of registration by up to two years. Extensions beyond this time are not permitted.
Withdrawal and Exclusion
32. Any student may withdraw permanently from his/her programme of study at any point in the year. Students may be excluded for reasons outlined within the  procedure for Withdrawal and Exclusion from Studies: http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Guidance/Withdrawal_Exclusion_from_Study.pdf
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ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR DOCTORAL AND MPHIL DEGREES BY RESEARCH

Supervision

33.

Each student will work under the guidance of at least two supervisors appointed by the College. There are two types of supervisory arrangement:  Principal Supervisor plus Assistant Supervisor (or supervisors if more than one), and Co-Supervisors, one of whom is designated the Lead Supervisor.   The former option is the usual arrangement, but the latter option may be chosen when it is clear that the student’s work involves interdisciplinary research.

  1. At least one supervisor (the Principal/Lead Supervisor) must be appointed prior to registration, and the other should be appointed within two months of the programme start date.
  2. The Principal/Lead Supervisor is responsible to the School’s Postgraduate Director for the duties set out in the Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students, and must be:
    • a salaried member of the academic staff of the University; or
    • a non-academic member of staff employed by the University who has appropriate expertise in research; or
    • an honorary member of staff
  3. The nomination of non-academic or honorary members of staff to act as Principal/Lead Supervisor for a stated period must be specifically approved by the College. In appropriate cases the other supervisor(s) may not need to be a member of the staff of the University, provided s/he assumes his/her supervisory duties in accordance with university regulations and requirements.

  4. Supervisors must maintain regular contact with their students who, in turn, have a responsibility to make themselves available at times agreed with their supervisors.
  5. In certain circumstances when the student is working full time in an Associated Institution the Principal/Lead Supervisor may, if the College Committee with responsibility for postgraduate research matters approves, be a full-time employee of the Associated Institution. In such a case the assistant supervisor(s) must be a University employee. A Principal/Lead Supervisor who is a member of an Associated Institution has exactly the same responsibilities as one working within the university.
  6. Students, including those on leave of absence, must maintain frequent contact with their supervisor as and when required and at least twice in each three month period.
Transfers from Another Institution
34. The research studies of students who apply to transfer from another institution in order to study for the doctoral or MPhil degree of the University of Edinburgh may be counted towards the prescribed period of study for the degree. In such cases the prescribed period of study at the University of Edinburgh must be at least 12 months.
Collaborative Degrees
35. The University of Edinburgh and one or more partner universities can collaboratively offer a research degree programme.  This can be awarded jointly. The University maintains a repository of approved collaborative degrees.
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GROUNDS FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTORAL AND MPHIL RESEARCH DEGREES
Demonstration by Thesis and Oral Exam for the Award of PhD
36.

The student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and/or portfolio and by performance at an oral examination that the student is capable of pursuing original research making a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding 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. Orals for re-submission may be waived by the Head of College.

Thesis Length - Word Count

37.

The thesis must not exceed a maximum word count.  There is no minimum word count.

  • The PhD thesis must not exceed 100,000 words in CHSS and CMVM.
  • The PhD thesis must not exceed 70,000 words in SCE.

The word count of the thesis includes the main text, preface material, footnotes and references but does not include material in the appendices, bibliography, abstract or lay summary.  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.
Additional Thesis Considerations
38.

Taught professional doctorates will have additional entrance, curriculum and examination requirements.  Information is provided in relevant Degree Programme Tables and programme handbooks. Students will be required to successfully complete the taught component, submit the thesis and/or portfolio and fulfil any placement requirements.

MPhil by Research
39.

The student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and/or portfolio and by performance at an oral examination (unless, due to exceptional circumstances, this is waived) that the student is capable of pursuing original research making a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding   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.

  • The thesis must not exceed a maximum word count. There is no minimum word count.
  • The thesis must not exceed 60,000 words in CHSS and CMVM. The thesis must not exceed 50,000 words in SCE.
  • The word count of the thesis includes the main text, preface material, footnotes and references but does not include material in the appendices, bibliography, abstract or lay summary. 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.
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PhD (by Research Publications)

40. 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. Permission to register will not be granted to applicants who are in a position to submit for the PhD by dissertation or who already possess a PhD. Applicants must have been active postgraduate researchers in their field of expertise for a minimum of five years, and they must not submit material published more than ten years prior to the date of registration.
41. The portfolio submitted for the PhD by Research Publications must demonstrate a substantial and coherent body of work which would have taken the equivalent of three years of full-time study to accomplish. The portfolio must demonstrate original research and make a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding in the field of study, and is presented in a critical and scholarly way.
42. Applicants must apply to the relevant College for approval of their candidature. Applicants are required to submit their published work, together with a 500-word abstract, their CV and a general critical review of all their submitted work.  If College approves registration, it will appoint an adviser to assist the applicant with the format of his/her submission and to guide him/her on the selection, coherence and quality of the portfolio of research work, the abstract and critical review.
43.

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 should not exceed 100,000 words.

  • The critical review must summarise the aims, objectives, methodology, results and conclusions covered by the work submitted in the portfolio.  It must also indicate how the publications form a coherent body of work, what contribution the student has made to this work, and how the work contributes significantly to the expansion of knowledge.  The critical review must be at least 10,000 words, but not more than 25,000 words in length.
  • Students 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.
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ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT DEGREES AND MASTERS BY RESEARCH, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATES

44.

These regulations may be supplemented by certain programme-specific regulations for degrees offered in collaboration with other institutions.

Period of Study
45. The prescribed period of study is defined in the Degree Programme Table. This period may not be reduced, and may be extended only in exceptional circumstances.
Assessment
46. Students must comply with any assessment requirements specific to their degree programme and the University’s taught or research (as appropriate) assessment regulations for the current academic session: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/staff/assessment/assessment-regulations
Masters by Research Degrees only
47. In addition to any requirements as detailed in the relevant Degree Programme Table, the student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a dissertation and/or portfolio that they are capable of pursuing  research, or a critical survey of knowledge in the field of study, or both combined with a satisfactory plan for a more advanced research project.  The research must demonstrate competence, knowledge and be presented in a critical and scholarly way. The assessed work, including the dissertation must not exceed 30,000 words. The dissertation must be at least 60 credits out of the total 180 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) level 11 credits required for the award of the degree.
Application for Associated Postgraduate Diploma or Masters
48. A candidate who already holds a postgraduate certificate or diploma from the University of Edinburgh may be permitted by the appropriate Head of College to apply for the associated postgraduate diploma or masters degree, provided that not more than five years have elapsed between his or her first graduation and acceptance as a candidate for the subsequent award. Such a candidate will be required to achieve further credit points, as deemed appropriate by the Head of College.
POSTHUMOUS AWARDS
49. Senatus may authorise the conferment of posthumous degrees, diplomas and certificates if proposed by the College and approved by the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee.  A posthumous award is conferred where the student has significantly completed the relevant year of study at the time of death.
AEGROTAT AWARDS
50. In exceptional circumstances Senatus may authorise the conferment of aegrotat degrees to taught postgraduate students. Each such conferment requires a proposal from the relevant College to be approved by the Curriculum and Student Progression Committee.  An aegrotat degree is conferred only where the student was nearly qualified to receive the degree and was unable to complete it due to circumstances beyond his or her control. Before any proposal is referred to Senatus, the College must check that the student is willing to receive the degree aegrotat.
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B

College of Humanities and Social Sciences Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol)
51.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Awarded on successful completion of supervised clinical practice, written examination, assessed essay and research portfolio, including thesis, small-scale research projects and experimental case reports.
  2. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study.  The programme can be taken on a full-time or mixed full-time/part-time basis, but the first year is taken on a full-time basis only. The prescribed period of study is 36 months full-time, or between 48 and 60 months on a mixed full-time/part-time basis.
  3. Thesis Length.  The thesis must not exceed 30,000 words unless, in exceptional cases, the college has given permission for a longer thesis.
Doctor of Psychotherapy (DPsychotherapy)
52.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Placement.  Students will undertake a practice placement, consisting of 300 hours of supervised counselling practice and 60 hours of counselling supervision.
  2. Thesis Length The thesis will be between 35,000 and 45,000 words in length unless in exceptional cases the college has given permission for a longer thesis.
  3. Resits.  A student who fails the practice placement may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, be offered a second opportunity to undertake the placement if in the opinion of the Board the failure was attributable to illness, hardship or other relevant circumstances beyond the student’s control. A repeat placement is to be completed within a further 24 months.
  4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  In the case of formal, certificated study, up to 60 credits of prior learning at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) level 11 may be recognised. In the case of non-certificated study, up to 20 credits of prior learning may be recognised.
Doctor of Eductation (EdD)
53.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  The degree of EdD may be awarded on the basis of successful completion of assessed essays, a research project and a thesis.
  2. Prescribed Period of Study.  The prescribed period of study is 60 months part-time, but this may be increased to a maximum of 72 months.
  3. Thesis Length. The thesis length should be no more than 75,000 words.

PHD in Composition in Music

54.

Grounds for Award.  The student must compose to a high creative level as demonstrated both by the student presenting a portfolio of compositions as well as attendance at an oral examination.  The portfolio of compositions must comprise original work which:

  1. is suitable for professional performance and worthy of publication;
  2. shows competence in the ancillary technical skills appropriate to the chosen style;
  3. contains material which presents a body of work such as could reasonably be achieved on the basis of three years postgraduate study;
  4. is presentationally satisfactory & intelligible to any musician who might have to use it.
55. The portfolio of compositions should include at least one major and extended work, except where a shorter submission may be accepted in the case of electronic compositions. If a substantial part of the portfolio was completed before registration for the degree, the student should indicate this and identify the part of the portfolio so completed.
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PhD(eca) - Submission by Portfolio
56.

The degree specific regulations, when a student is submitting for award of PhD(eca) by means of a portfolio of artefacts, artworks and other practice-based outputs, are:

  1. The portfolio of artifacts or artworks must comprise original work of a high creative level which is worthy of public exhibition and also an integral part of the original contribution to knowledge made by the overall work of the candidate submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the PhD. It must show competence in the appropriate ancillary technical skills; 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 and intelligible in its presentation. There should also be a permanent record of the work; and
  2. The portfolio of artifacts and artworks will be accompanied by a thesis of not more than 40,000 words (including bibliography and footnotes but excluding appendices).
MPhil(eca) - Submission by Portfolio
57.

The degree specific regulations, when a student is submitting for award of MPhil(eca) by means of a portfolio of artifacts, artworks and other practice-based outputs, are:

  1. The portfolio of artifacts or artworks must comprise original work of a high creative level worthy of public exhibition. It must show competence in the appropriate ancillary technical skills; must contain material which presents a body of work such as could reasonably be achieved on the basis of two years postgraduate study; must be satisfactory and intelligible in its presentation. There should also be a permanent record of the work; and
  2. The portfolio of artifacts or artworks should normally be accompanied by a thesis of not more than 20,000 words (including bibliography and footnotes but excluding appendices).
Master of Fine Art
58.

The Master of Fine Art is gained upon the successful completion of 240 Credits at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) Level 11. The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students will be assessed by a combination of practical studio work with theoretical and written studies, including professional practice elements.
  2. Prescribed Period of Study.  The period of study will be 21 months full-time.
Master of Social Work/Diploma in Social Work (MSW/DipSW)
59.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students will undertake two practice placements
  2. Prescribed Period of Study. The period of study will be 21 months full-time.
  3. Re-Sit Options.  A student who fails a unit of academic assessment other than the dissertation on the first occasion may be allowed one further attempt to complete the assessment requirements. A student who fails a practice placement may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, be offered a second opportunity to undertake the placement.
Master of Chinese Studies (MCS)
60.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students will be assessed by essays, examinations, a placement report and a dissertation. An oral examination will be required in the Chinese language and may be required for other courses.  Provided that the dissertation reaches a postgraduate diploma standard, it may be revised in order to reach the masters level within a further maximum period of three months. Students must work in the University of Edinburgh and in a Chinese institution approved by the Programme Director.
  2. Prescribed Period of Study. The period of study will be between 24 and 36 months, full-time.
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Master of Teaching
61.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study. The period of study is between 36 and 60 months part time.
  2. Recognition of Prior Learning. The total number of exemptions which may be granted for any student is 90 credits.
  3. Grounds for Award.  Students will be assessed directly or synoptically on each course taken. In accordance with the national guidelines, courses are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Students who fail a course will be permitted a further attempt to pass the assessment of that course within three months of the result being made known to the student.
Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management/Scottish Qualification for Headship Programme
62.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students will be assessed on each course through coursework (assignments, portfolios, reports and oral assessments) and through school visits by SQH field assessors in the case of course 5. In accordance with the national agreement all courses are assessed only on a pass/fail basis. Students who fail a course will be permitted one further attempt to pass the assessment of that course within six weeks of the result being made known to the student.
  2. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study. The programme is available by part-time study only, and the period of study is between 27 and 60 months.
Master of Counselling/Diploma in Counselling (MCouns/DipCouns)
63.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students will undertake a practice placement, consisting of at least 150 hours of supervised counselling practice and 30 hours of counselling supervision.
  2. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study.  The period of study will be 24 months full time or 48 months part-time. Each student must complete the requirements of the degree before the expiry of a further 12 months.
  3. Re-Sits.  Students who fail a unit of academic assessment other than the dissertation on the first occasion may be allowed one further attempt to complete the assessment.  A student who fails the practice placement may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, be offered a second opportunity to undertake the placement. A repeat placement must be completed within a further 24 months.
MSc/Dip in Arab World Studies
64.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Collaboration. The 2-year programme is collaborative, between the universities of Edinburgh, Durham and Manchester, and is funded through the ESRC. The first year of study for all students is taken at Edinburgh. An intensive course is taken in an Arab country during the summer, followed by year two at the primary institution.
  2. Progression. Progression from Year 1 to Year 2 will be decided by the University of Edinburgh’s Board of Examiners, after completion of the taught element, and before the students commence their summer placement in an Arab country. Decisions on progression to Year 2 will be conditional on each student’s satisfactory completion of the period of residence abroad.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Democracy and Public Policy (Edinburgh Hansard Research Scholars Programme)
65.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study.  The period of study is 13 weeks full time.
  2. Assessment Type.   Students will be assessed on each unit through coursework, examination and a research project linked to a placement. All units are assessed only on a pass/fail basis. Students who fail a unit will be permitted one further attempt to pass the assessment of that unit within six weeks of the result being made known to the student.
MSc in Architectural Project Management
66. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study.  The programme is delivered by distance learning over a period of 48 to 84 months. Each institution will provide 60 credits of teaching material in addition to a dissertation of 60 credits.
MSc in Advanced Sustainable Design (mixed mode)
67. Mode of Study and Prescribed Period of Study.  The programme is delivered on campus and by distance learning over a period of 24 months (mixed mode).
PhD in Creative Music Practice
68. Grounds for Award. The degree is assessed on a single output that consists of two components:
  1. A text of not more than 50,000 words; and
  2. A portfolio, performance(s), recording(s), and/or other musical output containing original or interpreted pre-existing works such as composition, installation, sound design, interactive music software etc. Such work would be supported by documentation of the process (e.g. video, photographs, recordings, sketches, studies, web pages) by which it was made.
PhD in Trans-Disciplinary Documentary Film
69.

Grounds for Award. There are three possible variations for final submission, which combine the submission of audio-visual material and a thesis:

  1. audio-visual material to a maximum of 1 hour documentary film or 100 photographs, plus an extended critical essay of 25,000 - 30,000 words; or
  2. audio-visual material to a maximum of 40 minutes documentary film or 70 photographs, plus an extended critical essay of 45,000 - 50,000 words; or
  3. audio-visual material to a maximum of 20 minutes documentary film or 40 photographs, plus an extended critical essay of 65,000 - 70,000 words.
PhD in Architecture by Design
70. The thesis for the PhD in Architecture by Design must not exceed 50,000 words. In addition to the thesis the student will be required to submit a body of design work including studies, sketches and maquettes, which will be fully integrated with the text and presented in a format which can be archived.
Master of Architecture
71.

Grounds for Award.  The programme will be delivered by a series of advanced level design exercises and projects, engaging with structural, environmental, cultural, theoretical and aesthetic questions. Students must pass the Academic Portfolio for exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2.

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Master of Public Policy (MPP/DipPP), PG Dip and PG Cert of Public Policy
72.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Prescribed Period of Study - Masters.  The period of study is 15 months.
  2. Prescribed Period of Study – PG Dip and PG Cert.  Students on the PG Certificate in Public Policy may complete this full-time over 4 months or part-time over a two year period. On successful completion of the PG Certificate, students may transfer to the PG Diploma in Public Policy (within a three year time period). Students on the PG Diploma in Public Policy may complete this full-time over 9 months or part-time over a four year period. On successful completion of the PG Diploma, students may transfer to the Master Public Policy programme (within a three year time period).
  3. Grounds for Award.  Students will complete a compulsory programme of courses in the first and second semesters, comprising eight 15-credit courses, and a three-month placement in a policy organisation on which the Capstone Project/dissertation will be based. Students who decide not to complete the Capstone Project may, at the discretion of the College, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy. 
  4. Resits.  Students who fail a unit of academic assessment other than the Capstone Project on the first occasion may be allowed one further attempt to complete the assessment.
  5. Placement.  A student who fails the placement component of the Capstone Project may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, be offered a second opportunity to undertake the placement. A repeat placement must be completed within a further 12 months.
Diploma in Professional Legal Practice
73.

The degree specific regulations are:

  1. Grounds for Award.  Students must pass all of the core courses and three elective courses to be awarded the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.  Attaining a mark of 50% or more in the assignments, participation and attendance gives exemption from sitting the examination in Company and Commercial, Financial Services and Related Skills and Professional Responsibility.
  2. Assessment Type.  Students will be assessed in writing in each course of the curriculum. Students may only present themselves for examination in a course if they have been certified as having given regular attendance and having successfully completed the requisite work of the class in that course. Students may be permitted a single re-sit examination for each course of the curriculum in which they have failed.
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C

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

Professional Masters
Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClin Dent) (orthodontics/Paediatric Dentistry/Prosthodontics/Oral Surgery)
74. Students will pursue an integrated programme of teaching and taught clinical practice. Work for an independent research dissertation will commence during the first year and will be spread over the duration of the programme. Students may be given the opportunity of one resit attempt for the theoretical and practical components. Students who, after resit examinations, have an aggregate mark of less than 40% for the first year will be excluded. The independent research component will be assessed by examination of the written dissertation and subsequent oral examination. The opportunity to resit does not apply to the dissertation.
Masters in Surgical Sciences (MSc)
75. Students may be given the opportunity of one resit attempt for their final written examinations at the end of their year 1 and /or year 2, if they have failed their first attempt. If they pass the resit they will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate (Year 1) or Postgraduate Diploma (Year 2); they will not progress into Year 3 (Masters Year).
Master of Surgery (ChM)
76.

The ChM suite of programmes are two year Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF, http://www.scqf.org.uk/) level 12 programmes worth 120 credits. In order to be awarded the ChM students must:

  1. pass at least 60 credits at SCQF level 12 with a mark of at least 50% in each of the courses which make up these credits; and
  2. attain an average of at least 50% for the 120 credits of study;
  3. satisfy any other specific requirements for the ChM degree programme, that are clearly stated in respective handbooks.

If the student has achived pass marks (40%) in at least 40 credits and has an overall average of 50% or more over the full 120 credits, then they will be awarded credits on aggregate for the failed courses, up to a maxiumum of 20 credits.
Masters in Transfusion, Transplantation and Tissue Banking (MSc)
77. Students may be given the opportunity of one resit attempt for their final written examinations at the end of their year 2, if they have failed their first attempt.
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Professional Higher Degrees
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
78. An applicant for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) must hold a qualification which is registrable with the General Medical Council and must have been engaged since graduation for at least one year either in scientific work bearing directly on the applicant’s profession, or in the practice of Medicine or Surgery, and will perform their work in the South East of Scotland, either employed as a member of staff of the University of Edinburgh; or as an NHS employee or as a research worker employed or self-financed or grant-funded, in the University of Edinburgh or an Associated Institution or an NHS establishment.
79.

The grounds for the award of the degree of MD are:

  1. A student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and by performance in an oral examination (unless this is exceptionally waived by the College) that the student is capable of pursuing original research in the field of study, relating particular researches to the general body of knowledge in the field, and presenting the results of the researches in a critical and scholarly way.
  2. the thesis must deal with one or more of the subjects of study in the curriculum for the degrees of MB ChB of the University or with subjects arising directly from contemporary medical practice. It must be an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in or understanding of the field of study; contain material worthy of publication; show a comprehensive knowledge and a critical appreciation of the field of study and related literature; show that the student’s observations have been carefully made; show the exercise of independent critical judgment with regard to both the student’s work and that of other scholars in the same general field; contain material which presents a unified body of work; be satisfactory in its literary and general 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. A concise and informative summary should be included with the thesis.
80.

To apply an applicant must complete an application form and submit it to the College. This will include:

  1. a suggested topic and description of the work on which the thesis will be based.
  2. agreement to undertake the responsibilities of primary and secondary supervisor from at least two supervisors who can demonstrate that they have received up-to-date training in postgraduate student supervision and who are either members of the academic staff of the University or honorary members of staff or employees of the University who have appropriate expertise in research. The supervisors also undertake that they will accommodate the candidate and the project within their research facilities, and obtain permission from line managers as required. Supervisors will be located in the University of Edinburgh or in NHS facilities within the supervision of the NHS Education for Scotland South East Scotland postgraduate deanery.
  3. details of any bench fees to be charged to the student or their financial sponsor in support of the research.
  4. references and certificates as detailed in the postgraduate studies application form.

The College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee must approve the application before the applicant can be registered as a student.  This process should be completed within one month. The applicant will then matriculate and pay tuition fees on commencement of the research project.
81.

Registration may be full-time or part-time.

  1. Full-time registration will apply to students who will spend >80% full-time equivalent devoted to research related to the MD project. They may be either not in employment for >20% full-time equivalent, or employed in a post in which at least 80% full time equivalent time is available for research related to their MD project rather than for clinical training or practice or other duties. Full time students have a prescribed period of two years in which they will conduct the research (during which annual tuition fees and bench fees, if applicable, are due), with up to two years to write up the thesis thereafter (during which matriculation fees only are due). Thesis submission is permitted at two years at the earliest and within four years.
  2. Part-time registration will apply to students who are in employment unrelated to their MD project for >20% full-time equivalent, or who elect not to devote as much as 80% of their time to the MD research project. Students may opt to study either at 40% full-time equivalent, for which they will have a prescribed period of research of four years, or at 60% equivalent, for which the prescribed period is 3 years. In either case, annual tuition fees will be charge at a rate reduced pro rata from the full-time fees, and students will have two years to write up the thesis at the end of the prescribed period. Thesis submission is permitted at the end of the prescribed period of study at the earliest.
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82.

Progress will be monitored as follows:

  1. Students must be in regular contact with their supervisors. They should meet at least once a month to review progress, for example in research group meetings. 
  2. A thesis panel will be convened comprising of the supervisors and at least one other member of academic staff with expertise in the research field but who is not involved directly with the research. The panel will be convened by the primary supervisor and meet within 3 months of the start of the project and at the end of the first year. It may meet during subsequent years if appropriate. On each occasion, a student will submit a written report of progress in the form of a scientific paper containing a future plan, and will give a 10 minute oral presentation. They will have the opportunity for private discussion with the non-supervising panel member. The panel will review not only progress in the research project, but also training received in transferable research skills. Students are expected to attend research training available as appropriate through the Transkills programme of the University, the education programme of the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and other training opportunities. They should also document their participation in internal and external research seminars and meetings.
  3. A progress report will be prepared annually and submitted through the relevant local route to the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee. Where significant difficulties are identified, the committee may consider alterations to the student’s registration.
83.  A student who is registered for a MD may apply to the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee for conversion to an alternative degree, including abbreviating the prescribed period to 1 year full time equivalent in order to complete a MSc by Research, completing a 2 year full time equivalent prescribed period to complete a MPhil, or extending the prescribed to 3 years full time equivalent in order to complete a PhD. Conversion can only be considered prospectively, in advance of completing the necessary prescribed period of research, and will incur tuition fees applicable for the new degree and any bench fees as agreed with the supervisors.
84. A student must submit a thesis specially written for the degree concerned and must not have submitted it in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification. Material to be included in a thesis may be published before the thesis is submitted. The thesis must record the fact of such publication. The thesis must conform to the Postgraduate Research Degree Assessment Regulations.
85.

A student must incorporate in the thesis a signed declaration:

  1. that the thesis has been composed by the student, and
  2. either that the work is the student’s own or, if the student has been a member of a research group, that the student has made a substantial contribution to the work, such contribution being clearly indicated in the declaration, and
  3. that the student has not submitted the thesis in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification .
86. Two copies of the thesis, three if you are/have been a member of staff, must be submitted to the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee for examination. Copies of the thesis shall remain the property of the University.
87. While author’s copyright subsists in the thesis and in the abstract of the thesis, each student will be asked to grant the University the right to publish the abstract of the thesis approved and/or to authorise its publication for any scholarly purpose with proper acknowledgement of authorship.
88. The College will appoint one internal examiner, who shall not have been the student’s supervisor, and one external examiner of the thesis. External examiners shall be a recognised authority in the subject matter of the thesis and their appointment shall be subject to the approval of the College. In special circumstances more than one internal or external examiner may be appointed.
89. The examiners report to the College. They may judge a thesis satisfactory subject to specified modifications. In such circumstances the student will be permitted to graduate only after the College has received a statement, signed by the internal examiner, that the modifications have been made.
90. If in the opinion of the examiners the thesis is not of sufficient merit to justify the award of the degree, the student may be given the opportunity to resubmit the thesis provided that effect is given to any recommendation the examiners and the College may make regarding further studies or the format or content of the thesis.
91.

If the thesis is deemed to be sufficiently worthy the College may award the Degree of MD be conferred either with Distinction or with Distinction and the award of a Gold Medal.

  1. The award of Distinction indicates that the thesis contains original research which is of international significance in the field of study. This will usually be confirmed by publication in the leading international journals in the candidate's discipline. In addition, the presentation of the thesis and its defence at the oral examination will be of high quality, at least in the top decile of those submitting MD theses.
  2. The award of a Gold Medal indicates that the thesis contains original research which is of ground breaking significance in the field of study. This will usually be confirmed by publication in leading generalist international journals. In addition, the presentation of the thesis and its defence at the oral examination will be of high quality, at least in the top decile of those submitting MD theses.
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Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
92.

An applicant for the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) must:

  1. be a graduate in Dental Surgery (BDS) of the University of Edinburgh and must have been engaged since graduation for at least one year either in scientific work bearing directly on the student’s profession, or in the practice of Dentistry, or
  2. hold a qualification which is registrable with the General Dental Council and must have been engaged since graduation for at least one year either in scientific work bearing directly on the student’s profession, or in the practice of Dentistry, and will perform their work in the South East of Scotland, either employed as a member of staff of the University of Edinburgh; or as an NHS employee or as a research worker employed or self-financed or grant-funded, in the University of Edinburgh, or an Associated Institution or an NHS establishment.
93. A thesis for the degree of DDS must deal with one or more subjects of study in the curriculum for the degree of BDS of the University or with subjects arising directly from contemporary dental practice.
94.

The grounds for the award of the DDS are:

  1. the student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and by performance in an oral examination (unless this is exceptionally waived by the College) that the student is capable of pursuing original research in the field of study, relating particular researches to the general body of knowledge in the field, and presenting the results of the researches in a critical and scholarly way. An oral examination will be mandatory for students who do not hold the degree BDS, as appropriate, of the University of Edinburgh.
  2. the thesis must be an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in or understanding of the field of study; contain material worthy of publication; show a comprehensive knowledge and a critical appreciation of the field of study and related literature; show that the student’s observations have been carefully made; show the exercise of independent critical judgment with regard to both the student’s work and that of other scholars in the same general field; contain material which presents a unified body of work; be satisfactory in its literary and general 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. A concise and informative summary should be included with the thesis.
95.

Thesis topic and description.

  1. An intending student shall submit to the College a suggested topic and description of the work on which the thesis will be based. Students who do not hold the degree BDS, from the University of Edinburgh should submit applications through their identified adviser(s), and receive the approval of the head of an appropriate University School. The College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee must approve the thesis proposal before the application is accepted. Where the research proposal involves work on human subjects or animals, proof must be submitted that study protocols have been approved by the appropriate ethical committee or regulatory body. Additionally, in the case of studies involving laboratory animals, the student should confirm that animal care, welfare and procedures will be conducted under an appropriate Home Office Licence. Students will become matriculated students. A fee to cover registration and matriculation is payable when the suggested topic and description of the work have been accepted by the College. A registration fee is paid upon initial registration, an annual advisory fee is paid at the beginning of each year of study (Including the first year) and an examination fee is paid at the time of thesis submission. An annual progress report will be submitted jointly by the adviser, the student and the Head of School or his/her nominee. After formal acceptance of the suggested topic and description normally a period of at least 18 months must elapse before a student may submit a thesis for the degree concerned. It is expected that the thesis would normally be submitted within a period of five years following registration. Late submissions will require approval from the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee.
  2. A period of two years must have elapsed since obtaining the primary degrees or registrable qualifications referred to above before an intending student may submit a suggested topic and description.
96. When the College accepts a student, an adviser, who will be a member of the academic staff of the University or an honorary member of staff, will normally be appointed from whom the prospective student should seek advice. Students performing work outwith the University would normally have project approval from and an additional adviser in the host institute. These appointments will be subject to ratification by the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee.
97. A student must submit a thesis specially written for the degree concerned and must not have submitted it in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification. Material to be included in a thesis may be published before the thesis is submitted. The thesis must record the fact of such publication. The thesis must conform to the Postgraduate Research Degree Assessment Regulations.
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98.

A student must incorporate in the thesis a signed declaration:

  1. that the thesis has been composed by the student, and
  2. either that the work is the student’s own or, if the student has been a member of a research group, that the student has made a substantial contribution to the work, such contribution being clearly indicated in the declaration, and
  3. that a student who does not hold the degree of BDS, as appropriate, from the University of Edinburgh has undertaken a substantial proportion of the work (greater than 75%) contributing to the thesis while in post in South-East Scotland *, and
  4. that the student has not submitted the thesis in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification.

* For this purpose, South-East Scotland is the areas covered by the Borders, Fife and Lothian Health Boards.
99. Two copies of the thesis, three if you are/have been a member of staff, must be submitted to the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee for examination. Copies of the thesis shall remain the property of the University.
100. While author’s copyright subsists in the thesis and in the abstract of the thesis, each student will be asked to grant the University the right to publish the abstract of the thesis approved and/or to authorise its publication for any scholarly purpose with proper acknowledgement of authorship.
101. The College shall appoint one internal examiner, who shall not have been the student’s adviser, and one external examiner of the thesis. External examiners shall be of recognised eminence in the subject matter of the thesis and their appointment shall be subject to the approval of the College. In special circumstances more than one internal or external examiner may be appointed.
102. The examiners report to the College. They may judge a thesis satisfactory subject to specified modifications. In such circumstances the student will be permitted to graduate only after the College has received a statement, signed by the internal examiner, that the modifications have been made.
103. If in the opinion of the examiners the thesis is not of sufficient merit to justify the award of the degree, the student may be given the opportunity to resubmit the thesis provided that effect is given to any recommendation the examiners and the College may make regarding further studies or the format or content of the thesis.
104. If the thesis is deemed to be sufficiently worthy the College may award the Degree of DDS be conferred either with Distinction or with Distinction and the award of a Gold Medal.
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (DVM&S)
105.

An applicant for the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (DVM&S) must normally be:

  1. a graduate of the University of Edinburgh of at least two years’ standing, or a graduate of another approved University of at least three years’ standing who has served as a member of staff (ordinary or honorary) of the University of Edinburgh for a continuous period of not less than two years, and
  2. registered to practise Veterinary Medicine within the United Kingdom, and
  3. have been engaged since graduation for at least one year either in scientific work bearing directly upon the student’s profession or in the practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

 

106. A thesis for the degree of DVM&S must deal with one or more of the subjects of study in the curriculum for the degree of BVM&S of the University or with subjects arising directly from contemporary veterinary practice.
107.

The grounds for the award of the degree of DVM&S are:

  1. the student must have demonstrated by the presentation of a thesis and by performance in an oral examination (unless this is exceptionally waived by College) that the student is capable of pursuing original research in the field of study relating particular researches to the general body of knowledge in the field, and presenting the results of the researches in a critical and scholarly way.
  2. the thesis must be an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in or understanding of the field of study; contain material worthy of publication; show a comprehensive knowledge and a critical appreciation of the field of study and related literature; show that the student’s observations have been carefully made; show the exercise of independent critical judgement with regard to both the student’s work and that of other scholars in the same general field; contain material which presents a unified body of work; be satisfactory in its literary and general 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.
108. An intending student shall submit to the College a suggested topic and description of the work on which the thesis will be based. A registration fee is paid upon initial registration, an annual advisory fee is paid at the beginning of each year of study (Including the first year) and an examination fee is paid at the time of thesis submission. The student must also matriculate. After formal acceptance of the suggested topic and description, a period of normally at least 18 months must elapse before the thesis is submitted.
109. When the College accepts a student, an adviser, who will be a member of the academic staff or an honorary member of staff, will normally be appointed from whom the prospective student should seek advice.
110. A student must submit a thesis specially written for the degree and must not have submitted it in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification. Material to be included in a thesis may be published before the thesis is submitted. The thesis must record the fact of such publication or take the form of bound publications with appropriate introduction and discussion. The thesis must conform to the Postgraduate Research Degree Assessment Regulations.
111.

A student must incorporate in the thesis a signed declaration:

  1. that the thesis has been composed by the student and
  2. either that the work is the student’s own or, if the student has been a member of a research group, that the student has made a substantial contribution to the work, such contribution being clearly indicated in the declaration, and
  3. that the student has not submitted the thesis in candidature for any other degree, postgraduate diploma or professional qualification.
112. Two copies of the thesis, three if you are/have been a member of staff, must be submitted to the College Postgraduate Researcher Experience Committee for examination. Copies of the thesis shall remain the property of the University.  While author’s copyright subsists in the thesis and in the abstract of the thesis, each student will be asked to grant the University the right to publish the abstract of the thesis approved and/or to authorise its publication for any scholarly purpose with proper acknowledgement of authorship.
113. The College shall appoint one internal examiner, who shall not have been the student’s adviser, and one external examiner of the thesis. External examiners shall be of recognised eminence in the subject matter of the thesis and their appointment shall be subject to the approval of the University Court. In special circumstances more than one internal or external examiner may be appointed.
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114. The examiners report to the College. They may judge a thesis satisfactory subject to specified modifications. In such circumstances the student will be permitted to graduate only after the College has received a statement, signed by the internal examiner, that the modifications have been made.
115. If in the opinion of the examiners the thesis is not of sufficient merit to justify the award of the degree, the student may be given the opportunity to resubmit the thesis provided that effect is given to any recommendation the examiners and the College may make regarding further studies or the format or content of the thesis.
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D

College of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Degree Regulations: Degree Specific Regulations

Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
116.

The EngD is a four-year doctoral level research and training programme worth 720 credits which leads to the award of an EngD degree. The EngD degree is equivalent in academic standing to a conventional PhD but is achieved through research which is much more industrially focused and which is designed to produce graduates who have a sound understanding of the business implications of industrial research activity.

Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in System Level Integration
117.

The Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in System Level Integration is offered jointly by the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde, and the awards are made jointly in the names of all four universities. The University of Glasgow is currently the Administering University and programme regulations will be found under the regulations of that University: http://www.gla.ac.uk/

Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in Offshore Renewable Engineering

118. The Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in Offshore Renewable Engineering is offered jointly by the University of Edinburgh, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Exeter and the awards are made jointly in the names of all three universities. The University of Edinburgh is currently the Administering University and programme regulations and further information about the programme is available on the website of the Industrial Doctoral centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE) http://www.idcore.ac.uk/
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