Section 5 - Responsibilities of the student

The University expects the student to accept his or her obligation to act as a responsible member of the University’s academic community. The student is also expected to take ultimate responsibility for his or her research programme and to develop an appropriate working relationship with his or her supervisor(s).

In relation to the research programme, it is important for the student:

• to programme and undertake work according to an agreed timetable, and to keep relevant records of all aspects of the work in such a way that they can be accessed and understood by anyone with a legitimate need to see them
• to take responsibility for the development of subject-specific research training and personal and professional skills, and to make positive use of the University’s teaching and learning facilities, and opportunities for this development
• to seek out and follow the regulations applying to the research programme, and to seek clarification, where necessary, and to be familiar with other regulations and policies relating to him or her, including health and safety, intellectual property, data handling and research integrity
• to raise problems or difficulties with the relevant authority so that appropriate guidance may be offered
• to carry out research with proper regard to good health and safety practices, and to be aware of the need for adequate health insurance and health precautions when travelling abroad
• to understand the demands of a research degree and to devote sufficient time to study to make satisfactory progress and to complete each stage of the degree by the deadlines set out in the Examination Regulations
• to work towards a suitable standard of written and spoken English for transfer and confirmation and for the final submission of the thesis

It is for the student to ensure that competing demands on his or her time are minimised and to ensure that his or her supervisor is aware of, and approves, commitments (e.g. paid work, conferences) or time away that might impinge on the student’s work.

In order to make the most effective use of supervision, the student should endeavour to develop an appropriate working pattern, including an agreed and professional relationship with the supervisor(s). To facilitate this, the student should discuss with the supervisor the type of guidance and comment which he or she finds most helpful, and agree a schedule of meetings. The student should also be aware of his or her joint responsibility with the supervisor to ensure that regular and frequent contact is maintained, and to be encouraged to take the initiative to maintain contact when necessary

In working with supervisors or other academic staff, students should also:

• recognise the demands made on a supervisor’s time and the need to prepare adequately for meetings and to observe deadlines
• accept the importance of constructive criticism within the supervisory relationship, and seek a full assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of any work
• give full weight to any suggested guidance and corrective action proposed by the supervisor in the event of problems
• co-operate with the supervisor to produce detailed parallel reports on progress at the end of each term via the Graduate Supervision System.
• discuss their skills training needs with the supervisor, both informally during regular supervisory contacts and formally at particular times as detailed in subject handbooks
• make appropriate use of any guidance available relating to the student’s career after successful completion of a research degree, for example, the Careers Service
• inform the supervisor as soon as possible of any circumstance which might lead to interruption of study
• where the student feels that there are good grounds for contemplating a change of supervision arrangements, discuss this with the existing supervisor, or, if this presents a difficulty, discuss this with the DGS or other appropriate officer or adviser, or with a college adviser