MIRIAD Research Degree Handbook 14-15

MIRIAD research degrees
handbook 2014 - 2015
www.miriad.mmu.ac.uk
Contents
1.
Orientation
2. Inductions
(including ID cards and email accounts)
3.
Key contacts
4.
Facilities
5.
Research Environment
6.
Enrolment and Registration
7.
Research Degree Options and Timescales
8.
Forms Required for Registration
9.
Working with your Supervisory Team
10. Updating your Contact Details

11. Other Forms Explained
(including transfer, extension, suspension, etc.)
12. University and Faculty Support for Study
Welcome to the research community at

the Manchester Institute of Research
and Innovation in Art and Design
(MIRIAD) in the Manchester School of
Art at MMU.
This Handbook is a source of information on
matters specific to research degrees within this
art and design Faculty. It contains advice about
the essential regulations, forms and procedures
that you will encounter during the course of
your degree. It also contains some guidance on
orientation to the All Saints South Campus, and
the research environment that it offers.
As this is a faculty handbook, it is designed to be read
alongside the University Handbook provided at enrolment,
and the web-based information accessible through the
Universitys Graduate School web site: www2.mmu.ac.uk/
graduate-school/. While studying at MMU, you are covered
by the Universitys Institutional Code of Practice and the
Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes.
A printed copy of these documents is available at
enrolment, but they are easily accessed from the Graduate
School web site. Follow the link from the Graduate School
Intranet to Regulations, Code of Practice & Supporting
Material. The code and regulations that apply to new
students are dated 2013-14.
We hope that you will have a positive and productive time
in MIRIAD. MIRIADs staff team are interested in ensuring
the high quality of your experience here, and will welcome
your comments and suggestions throughout your period
of study.
13. International Students

14. Submitting your Thesis
15. Viva Voce Examination and Afterward
16. Acronym Buster and Glossary
MIRIAD research degrees handbook 2014 - 2015
Town Hall is Mabel Tylecote Building [12] where

the Capitol Theatre is found. Behind this, to the
south is the Geoffrey Manton Building [8], the
site of Humanities and Social Sciences that
also houses the Research Administration Office
and Student Information Point. To the west of
Attached to Grosvenor by the classical faade of the
this is Chorlton
Chatham
Building
housing
the Building
former
Town
Hall is Mabel
Tylecote
Manchester
School
of
Architecture
and thethis, to
[12] where the Capitol Theatre is found. Behind
Faculty
administration,
[7]
now
linked
tothe
thesite
the south is the Geoffrey Manton Building [8],
new
Art Building
[7] that
provides
to
of
Humanities
and Social
Sciences
that entrance
also houses
the
Research Administration Office. To the west of this
both.
If new to Manchester, or to MMU, here are some

basic points of reference the locations and
functions of relevant university buildings, and places
to meet other research students and staff.
(i) 1.
AllOrientation
Saints South Campus. The campus is
clustered around All Saints Park which borders
If new to Manchester, or to MMU, here are some basic points
on Oxford Road. Some of the buildings are
of reference the locations and functions of relevant university
named after
formerto Vice-Chancellors
otherand staff.
buildings,
and places
meet other researchand
students
worthies. Beginning at the northernmost corner
of the
is theSouth
All Saints
BuildingAlongside
[1] housing
(i)
Allpark
Saints
Campus.
Oxford
Student
and
Academic
Services
(SAS)
Road, the campus is clustered around Allincluding
Saints Park;
MMU
Proceeding
countertheInternational.
park was named
after the church
that formerly
occupied
theSir
site.
Some ofGreen
the buildings
clockwise,
the
Kenneth
Libraryare
[1]named
is after
former
Vice-Chancellors
worthies.
in the
same
block; next is and
the other
entrance
to Beginning
at the
northernmost
corner
of the
parkhouses
is the Allthe
Saints
Sandra
Burslem
Building
[15]
which
Building
[1]
housing
Student
and
Academic
Services
Law School. Adjoining this is the glass-fronted
(SAS) including MMU International. Proceeding counterBusiness
School and Student Hub Building [3].
clockwise, the Sir Kenneth Green Library [1] is in the
Proceeding southward on Ormond Street past
same block. Adjoining this is the glass-fronted Business
the church
is the Ormond Building which
School and Student Hub Building [3]. The Business
houses
thealso
Research
Knowledge
Exchange
School
providesand
access
to the Burslem
Building [15]
unit which
[13]; the
entrance
is
on
Cavendish
Street
houses the Law School. Proceeding
southward on
through
the Street
Cavendish
North
building
Ormond
past the
Catholic
church[5].
is the Ormond
Opposite
this
is
Cavendish
South
[5]and
where
the
Building which houses the Research
Knowledge
Hollings
Faculty
currently
in course
of the Cavendish
Exchange
unitis
[13];
this is entered
through
North building
Cavendishon
Street
[5]. Opposite this
installation.
Goingoneastward
Cavendish
is Cavendish
South
home ofstyle
the Hollings
Faculty.
Street,
next is the
Art [5]
Nouveau
Righton
Going[14],
eastward
Cavendish
next door is the Art
homeonfor
MIRIADStreet,
and the
Building
Nouveau style
Rightonprogramme.
Building [14],Crossing
home for MIRIAD
postgraduate
research
and the postgraduate research programme. Crossing
Ormond Street is Grosvenor Building [9]
Ormond Street is Grosvenor Building [9] purpose-built in
purpose-built in 1880 for the Art School; this
1880 as the School of Art. This is still part of the School,
houses
the John Holden Gallery, the Universitys
and contains the Holden Gallery exhibition space.
primary exhibition space. Attached to Grosvenor
(iv)) Books and stationery: The Precinct Centre,
south of the Geoffrey Manton Building, past the Royal

Northern College of Music (RNCM) on Oxford Road,
houses Blackwells Bookshop serving the Universities of
Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan. The Precinct
Centre also contains a stationery shop. An occasional
street stall near the Old Union offers second-hand books.
is Chatham Building housing the Manchester School of

and the
Faculty
administration,
[7] now linked
(ii) Architecture
Campus food
and
drink.
Several refectories
to
the
new
Benzie
Building
[7]
that
provides
entrance
and cafes are provided on the All Saints Southto
both.
Campus: All Saints Snack Bar, Art School Caf,
the Hub Kitchen and Hub Caf (Business
(ii) C
ampus food and drink. Several refectories and
School Hub), Holden Caf (Grosvenor Building),
cafes are provided on the All Saints South Campus: All
and Geoffrey Manton Bistro. In addition, there
Saints Snack Bar, Art School Caf, the Hub Kitchen and
are vending
machines
in some
buildings.
A
Hub
Caf (Business
School),
and Atrium
Caf (Geoffrey
complete
list
can
be
found
at:
www.
Manton). In addition, there are vending machines in most
mmu2.ac.uk
/food
buildings,
including
our own Holden Caf in the gallery. A
(v)
(vi)
complete list can be found at: www. mmu2.ac.uk /food/
(iii) The All Saints environs. On the pavement,

(iii) T
outside
he All All
Saints
On the
pavement,
Saintsenvirons.
Park, private
concessions
outside
Park,vegetable
private concessions
a
fruit and
stand andoperate
a
operateAllaSaints
fruit
and
vegetable
stand
and
a
burger
van
during
term
burger van during term time. Across Oxford
time.
Oxford
Road
the Student
Old UnionUnion
Building will
RoadAcross
from the
Park
is the
be vacated by the move to the New Students Union
Building with its shop. Neighbouring this is On
[F]. Neighbouring this is On the Eighth Day [A], a shop
the Eighth Day [A], a shop and caf offering
and caf offering wholefoods. There is also a range of
wholefoods. There is also a range of coffee
coffee bars, pubs and eateries. The key postgraduate
bars, pubs
andarea
eateries.
The
keyBar
postgraduate
hangouts
in this
are The
Sand
[B] and Trof [C],
hangouts
in
this
area
are
The
Sand
Bar[D],
[B]and
andThe
both on Grosvenor Street; the Marriot Pantry
Troff
[C],
both
on
Grosvenor
Street;
the
Marriot
Salutation [E].
Pantry [D], and The Salutation [E].
Cambridge Street
5
7
Church
14
13
15
Ormond Street
Cavendish Street
Sir Kenneth
Green
Library
All Saints Park
12
10
Sidney St
Oxford Road
Grosvenor St
Oxford Road
Manchester
Aquatics
Centre
Chester Street
Students
Union
up from the Student Hub in Geoffrey Manton Building, open

weekdays 8.30-18.30. The card is important as it acts as your
library card and needs to be swiped for entry to MMU libraries
and other buildings. It also serves as a payment card that can
be topped up to pay for printing and materials (see: GPAS). If
your card is lost, report this as soon as possible at any Student
Hub.
Student email accounts. On enrolment, your student
email account becomes activated. This is accessed using your

student ID number and a default password based on your date
of birth. You can then change the default password. Using
your student email address protects the privacy and security
of your private e-mail accounts, and it is the address to which
official university notices will be sent. Therefore, even if you
use a private email account for day-to-day correspondence,
you should check your student email at least on a weekly
basis. A weekly circular notifying relevant exhibitions, event,
conferences goes out on the student email. All official
communications with your supervisory team, research degrees
administrator, and the university will come through your student
email address or your postal address. It is possible to set up
your student emails to be forwarded to a private e-mail address;
this is done by using the Tools> Options> Organise emails
selections and set the forwarding through the Inbox Rules.
Two separate inductions are offered. The first is a one-day

induction provided by the MMU Graduate School at the start
of each academic term. One attendance at this induction is
required in order to complete the registration for your degree,
and students will not be permitted to re-enrol until participation
in an Induction Day has been recorded. Inductions are
scheduled for the 22nd and 29th September 2014. For more
information, check the Graduate School website:
www.mmu2.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the link from
For Research Students to Research Students Development to
the workshop descriptions and booking form.
11
A57M Mancunian Way
Rosamond Street West
Chatham Street
University is Paintpots Nursery on Charles Street

north of the campus. This is a licensed nursery that is
Ofsted approved, so it is able to accept babies of three
months through to children aged five. E-mail: info@
paintpotsmanchester.co.uk
has proved the best way to impart essential information to

new students and to answer their immediate questions. The
induction process also offers an opportunity to meet other
postgraduate researchers, to be introduced to the Director
of MIRAD, the Faculty Research Degrees Coordinator, the
administrative team, and MIRIAD staff researchers.
4
Business
School &
Student Hub
C
hild care: The closest child-care facility to the
Induction is a formal introduction to the university. This
Cambridge Street
is in the Students Union. The closest Post Office (0.5

miles) is located in a shop at 170 Stretford Road, Hulme,
M15 5TL. A larger office with full facilities is at 26 Spring
Gardens, M2 1BB in the city centre (1 mile).
2. Induction
F
4
B
anks and post office: The nearest cash machine
Issuing of student ID cards. ID cards can be picked
The second induction is faculty-specific, and is offered at the

beginning of each academic year. It usually runs over the
course of two days that combine social and informational
sessions: 24th and 26th September 2014. These are designed
to provide an introduction to the nature of research, an outline
of the research training available through MIRIAD, guidance on
the managing your research, and an overview of some research
resources available at MMU. This induction is also a chance
to get to know key MIRIAD staff, to meet other postgraduate
students, and to find out about student support services on
offer. Successful applicants for postgraduate degrees will
receive a schedule for the MIRIAD induction in an August
mailing, and it will also be posted on the Faculty website at that
time.
Sidney Street
2 MIRIAD 2Research
MIRIADDegrees
researchHandbook
degrees handbook 2014 - 2015
3. Key Contacts
Faculty Research Degrees Co-ordinator:
Professor Jim Aulich
Righton Building, Room 111
email: j.aulich@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 1928
Faculty Research Administrator (Art & Design):

Adele Dunne
Geoffrey Manton Building, Room 212
email: adhlss research degrees@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 4609
Student Research Methods Support Officer:
Research Training Co-ordinator:
4. Facilities
Tuesday Talks Programme Co-ordinator:
MIRIAD is located on the first floor of Righton Building, built as

a dress warehouse for William Righton in 1905 and preserving
many original features. As with other areas of the All Saints
campus, WiFi is available throughout the building.
Dr Myna Trustram
Righton Building, Room 111, email: m.trustram@mmu.ac.uk
Professor Pavel Bchler

Righton Building, Room G17
e-mail: p.buchler@mmu.ac.uk Tel: 0161 247 1911
Dr Philip Sykas, Research Associate

email: p.sykas@mmu.ac.uk
Tel. 0161 247 3530
Dr Barbara Rawlings, Honorary Fellow,

Department of Sociology, University of Manchester
Use postgraduate noticeboard in MIRIAD Open Space to sign
up for weekly sessions.
email: barbara.rawlings@talk21.com
Research Fellow for Practice as Research:
Health and Safety Advisor
Amanda Ravetz
email: a.ravetz@mmu.ac.uk
4th Floor, All Saints Building

e-mail: safety@mmu.ac.uk
Tel. 0161 247 3317
Faculty Student Support Officer:
Credit Control
Rochelle Morris
Chatham Building, Room 201,
email: rochelle.morris@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 1711
Financial Office, Cavendish South Room CG02

e-mail: creditcontrol@mmu.ac.uk
Tel. 0161 247 1852
For more information, see www.finance.mmu.ac.uk/students
Postgraduate Student Representatives:
Immigration and Welfare Team:
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:
to study on campus will depend on your own preferences

and requirements. Several useful study and social spaces
are provided specifically for our postgraduate students
in Righton Building. The building is entered through the
door on Cavendish Street. At the back, there is a lift that
can give disabled access to the first floor but assistance is
required. The building is open from 8.30 to 20.00,
Monday to Thursday (closing at 19.00 on Friday) during
term time, with reduced hours during term breaks; it is
closed weekends and public holidays. After 16.30, access
is by swiping your ID card.
Postgraduate Student Handbook Editor:
Workshop Access:
Victoria Haire and Mary Stark

Righton Building, Rooms 114-115
email: victoria.j.haire@stu.mmu.ac.uk
email: mary.stark2@stu.mmu.ac.uk
(i) P
ostgraduate student space: Where you choose
Marion Poulton, Technical Group Manager

Chatham Building
e-mail: m.poulton@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 1113
Nicola Ross and Rebecca Bradley

Business School
e-mail: visaextension@mmu.ac.uk
Tel. 0161 247 1022 (option 3). Drop-in hours: Tuesday and
Thursday 9.15-11.15am and 13.15-15.15pm. Sign in first at the
Business School Student Hub
M
IRIAD Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) have the use
of two en-suite secure office spaces in Righton Building
(Rooms 114 and 115). There are pigeon-holes outside this
room where postgraduates can receive post; these are
arranged alphabetically by surname. The MIRIAD Open
Space has tables and chairs that can be arranged for
workshops, meetings, study or socialising. You are asked
to keep conversation within these spaces within reasonable
volumes, recognising the needs of others. It is normal
etiquette to leave study areas when using mobile phones.
There are small lockers available for the personal use of
postgraduate students on a first-come first-served basis,
bookable for the academic year. These are mainly located
on the ground floor of Righton in the corridor leading to the
postroom and back entrance. See the Faculty Research
Administrator for booking and keys.

R
ighton has a small communal kitchen on the ground floor
near the staircase. There is a refrigerator, microwave,
kettle, coffee-maker and cupboard space to keep your
coffee and tea. Please respect others by keeping the
kitchen tidy, ensuring that perishable foods are cleared
away promptly, and washing-up your cups, plates and
cutlery.
The 5th floor of Chatham Building is available for the use of

all postgraduate students, both taught MA/MFA and
research students. This space can be used for any
learning activities, but unlike the MIRIAD space, it is also
suitable for practice-based making activity. Note however
that work must be cleared away after each use. There is
also a cross-disciplinary space provided by the Graduate
School for all research students in The Shed, Chester
Street, Manchester M1 5GD.
Director of MIRIAD:
Professor John Hyatt

Righton Building, Room 113a
e-mail: j.hyatt@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 1900
Research and Knowledge Exchange:

Clare Holdcroft, Graduate School Manager
Ormond Building, 2nd floor
e-mail: c.holdcroft@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 247 1062
(ii) Bookable Rooms and Spaces. Room 103 is
a meeting and viewing space with a sign-up diary that

can be booked on your behalf by any member of your
supervisory team. The MIRIAD Open Space can be used
as an exhibition space; MIRIADs Director holds the diary
for this space. If it is free for the dates you want, you
will then need to contact Lorna Callander (Planning &
Management Information) email:
l.callander@mmu.ac.uk Tel: 0161 247 1753. She will
check the overall availability of the space, and if there are
no conflicts, will log your booking on the web-based room
booking system.
(iii) P
hotocopying, scanning and printing: There
are two multifunctional printer/ scanner/ photocopiers in

the MIRIAD Open Space operated on the ID card swipe
system . Payment is handled electronically through credit
that can be loaded onto your University ID card at pink
kiosks located in All Saints Library foyer, and on the
ground floor of Chatham Building outside the A4 and More
Store (see below). But perhaps the easiest way to top
up your account is on line, see: https://my.mmu.ac.uk.
Scanning to your student email is free but you must have
credit in your account to use the service. There are also
multi-functional machines in All Saints Library and other
buildings; some machines print black & white only and
are clearly labelled. Large format printing can be done
self-service on machines in Benzie Building. Printing can
also be done by IT Print Services (Reprographics) located
in the John Dalton Workshop (No. 11 on the map); several
days are usually required for completion. Prices are
based on the size of print, type of paper and ink coverage.
Contact repro@mmu.ac.uk or telephone 0161 247 3423
for more information.
(iv) Faculty shops: Many stationery items and art
materials can be obtained on campus through various

shops that are managed centrally, but have varying
locations and opening times. The A4 and More Store
(Chatham Room 14, ground floor) sells paper and
computer consumables, as well as providing binding
services. It also sells tokens that allow the purchase
of materials from the Wood workshop and the Metal
workshop. The Fabric Store (in the same location)
offers a wide range of fabrics, haberdashery and sewing
requisites. Opening hours are 9.00-18.00, but the
Fabric Store is closed for an hour over lunchtime. See:
www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/stores for more
information. The Students Union shop carries a range of
basic art supplies for drawing and painting.
(v) Workshops: The faculty workshops are centralised
within the Benzie Building and the adjoining Chatham

Building. The workshops are a particularly important part
of taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,
and there are times when these will have priority.
Postgraduate researchers should discuss workshop
needs with their supervisors and make appropriate
arrangements for workshop inductions and access. For
more information about the workshop facilities that are
available, see: www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources
(vi) Exhibition spaces: There are a number of
exhibition spaces at the All Saints South campus

with varying availability and regulatory control. A
comprehensive list has not yet been compiled. You
should discuss your exhibition needs with your
supervisors, and assistance can be given with contacts
and timetabling. Within the Righton Building is the
MIRIAD Open Space (see above). The Vertical Gallery
in the Benzie Building offers a wide range of spaces for
exhibition that are shown in an information pack at:
www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/galleries/
(vii) Visual Resources Centre and Downing

Collection: The Visual Resources Centre is located
on the main floor of Grosvenor Building, Room G22,

and open 9.00-16.30 Monday - Thursday, and 9.0012.00 on Friday. The Centre provides image-related
support services to students and staff. It can help with
photography, digitisation, and transfer of media. The
Centre also provides access to several important image
collections: the Design Council Slide Collection, and
Manchester School of Art images and videos built up
through decades of teaching and research at MMU.
You can see a selection of images from the collection on
Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/mmuvisualresources
For further information, see: www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/
visualresources/. Contact: Visual Resources Curator,
John Davis, e-mail: j.davis@mmu.ac.uk Tel. 0161 247
1929. The Downing Collection, located in Righton Room
101, comprises a small but important group of
museum-quality textiles and textile designs, mainly
sourced from Manchesters industrial past. Access is by
appointment. Contact: Dr Philip Sykas, email:
p.sykas@mmu.ac.uk Tel. 0161 247 3530.
(viii) MMU Library Special Collections. Located on
the 3rd floor of the main library building, these collections

include historical works from the Manchester School
of Art, important groups of artists books and childrens
books, Victorian paper ephemera, and the renowned
Schmoller Collection of decorated papers. It is open
weekdays between 10 and 4pm, with a late night
Thursday and Saturday afternoon opening during term
time. Contact: e-mail lib-spec-coll@mmu.ac.uk
Tel. 0161 247 6107.
(ix) University Catering Outlets:
All Saints Snack Bar: on the ground floor of the All Saints
Building.
Art School Caf:
on the ground floor of the Benzie Building.
Holden Caf:
Grosvenor Building, is a faculty-run self-service caf in the

historic setting of the original School of Art Building (erected
1880); it offers drinks and snacks from vending machines.
The Hub Kitchen:
on the ground floor of the Business School Student Hub

Building.
Atrium Caf:
on the ground floor of Geoffrey Manton at the far end of the

Atrium.
See: www.mmu2.ac.uk/food for a full list with opening hours.
5. Research Environment
MMU is among the leading new universities in art and design,
and the Manchester School of Art provides an environment
conducive to a broad range of study. The Faculty is known
for being receptive to practice-based and multidisciplinary
research, alongside theoretical, historical and visual research
fields. A research degree can be taken in any of the wide range
of subjects in which the faculty offers qualified supervision. As
a MIRIAD research student, you are part of a diverse research
community exploring broad themes in the fields of art and
design that are structured under six discipline-based research
centres: Architecture, Art, Craft, Design, Media, and Visual
Culture.
The nationwide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) of
2008 ranked our research, on a quality to quantity ratio, sixth
among other universities having art and design programmes.
Our research training was designated close to excellence.
Naturally, the activities of our post-graduate researchers
contributed to these successes. The Faculty has also been
successful in securing Block Grant Partnership funding for
postgraduate study from the Arts and Humanities Research
Council (AHRC) winning Doctoral, Research Preparation and
Professional Preparation Masters scholarships for its students
over the course of five years (2009-2013). We are one of only
five new universities to be awarded this national funding. The
faculty recruits students for these funded studentships annually,
within the AHRC criteria, and nominates them for the award.
Posts are advertised on the MMU website.
The Faculty also participates in cross-faculty partnerships within
and outside the University. In 2009, MIRIAD secured an AHRC
grant to develop research training for staff and students in the
broad conceptual framework of the creative arts and industries.
The success of the scheme has led to its continuance in a
legacy body known as PARC North West. Participants include
researchers in music, art and design, creative writing and
critical aesthetics from across the North West region. This
brings together MMU Art and Design, Architecture, Creative
Writing, and Fashion Business & Technology, alongside ten
other regional universities: Royal Northern College of Music,
Glyndwr (Wrexham) Art & Design, Liverpool John Moores
Art & Design, University of Central Lancashire Art & Design,
University of Chester Art & Design, University of Salford Art &
Design/Media, University of Bolton Art & Design, University of
Cumbria Art & Design, University of Lancaster Creative Writing,
and Edge Hill University Art & Design .
Not the least part of our research environment is due to our
situation in the City of Manchester, with its sister universities,
excellent museums and galleries, the North West Film Archive,
and a thriving culture of music, theatre, architecture and street
fashion.
(i) Research Libraries
MMUs Library system incorporates one of the best art

libraries in the UK, with a wide range of subscriptions
(paper and electronic), a far-ranging exhibition catalogue
collection, and rare holdings of art and design books going
back to our nineteenth century origins. The electronic
resources of the Library include many text and image
databases. The special collections area holds significant
collections of artists books, bookbindings, childrens books,
paper ephemera, decorated paper, and decorative arts of
the Arts & Crafts era. Changing exhibitions highlighting this
material take place in the Library Foyer and the 3rd Floor
Gallery.
The large holdings of the John Rylands Library of the
University of Manchester, the historic Rylands Library
in Deansgate (rare books and manuscripts), the Joule
Library (technology), the Chetham Library (local history),
and other academic libraries are also open to MMU
postgraduates upon application. Ask for a SCONUL card
from MMU Library to facilitate entry. These bibliographic
riches are extended by the wide-ranging collections of the
citys Central Library, one of the oldest free libraries in the
country. The citys Central Reference Library has recently
been completely refurbished and reopened with new
archive facilities, including the North West Film Archive.
(ii) M
IRIAD Researcher Development
Programme
MIRIADs Researcher Development Programme is

concerned with helping postgraduate research students
to acquire the skills needed not only to manage their
research, but also their subsequent careers. There are
four strands to the programme: research training, skills
development, research support and external training
opportunities.
The Research Training Programme is delivered in
lectures, seminars and workshop sessions taking place
on Wednesdays 13.30-15.00 during term time. These
are designed to assist students with key stages in their
research, and to provide examples of good practice. This
is a lively programme that continues to develop each year
in response to needs expressed by students.
Skills development includes work on creative academic
writing, residencies and student-led projects. For
the complete programme, look for the booklet entitled
Researcher Development Programme 2014-2015.
(iii) M
IRIAD Research Centres
Postgraduate researchers are Associate Members of

MIRIAD, and are encouraged to be active in at least one
of the six MIRIAD Research Centres most appropriate to
their study: Architecture, Art, Crafts, Design, Media, and
Visual Culture. Research centres usually meet about six
times a year. They are the grass roots base for much of
the development of MIRIADs programmes. They also
provide peer review of grant applications, and mutual
advice and support on research issues. It is a chance to
meet on the same level with senior researchers, early
career researchers, teaching staff undertaking research
degrees, and fellow postgraduates, and make your
contribution to our research environment.
(iv) Researchers Weekly Bulletin
During term time, an electronic bulletin is provided

highlighting new developments in electronic resources
for research. Often there are trial subscriptions to new
electronic databases, and there are also announcements
of training opportunities. For example, the Library
promotes the use of the bibliographic software tool,
End Note, and provides regular training sessions in
its use. Send a request by e-mail to Mary Pickstone
m.pickstone@mmu.ac.uk for the bulletin to be sent
to your electronic address. A blog and archive of past
bulletins is found at www.library.mmu.ac.uk/rwbb/
(v) VITAE
Vitae is a national organisation championing the personal,

professional and career development of postgraduate
researchers and research staff in higher education and
research institutes. Its web site www.vitae.ac.uk is
a thriving site with national news, research advice, and
online community forums. It has regular threads on the
issues facing research students in UK institutions and
hosts several useful training seminars. The site offers
research tips aimed at different stages of research student
work, and the Researcher Development Framework to
assist personal development and monitor progress.
(vi) Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE)

MMU Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) offers
an important support to our postgraduate researchers.
Its offices are located in the Ormond Building reached
by the Cavendish North entrance. RKE administers the
MMU Graduate School, and deals with University-wide
postgraduate research issues that require referral from
the Faculties. It provides an induction for new students,
runs the generic Research Skills programme mandated
by the research councils, and hosts an annual
University-wide postgraduate research conference.
RKE also develops and monitors the Code of Practice and

Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes at
MMU. This is available on the Graduate School website
under Graduate School Intranet:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/regulationscop-supporting-material New students will use the most
current Code which is 2013-14.
S
ome aspects of the new Code also apply retrospectively to
prior students, such as regulations to do with appointment
of examiners. Also on the website is the Research Student
Handbook which provides advice applicable Universitywide (see under the tab: Supporting Materials). You can
use all these documents in conjunction with this Handbook
for further guidance. The Code is the ultimate authority
on all procedures from registration to submission, and
from misconduct to complaints. It is a good idea to scan
the table of contents so that you are familiar with what it
contains in case you need to consult the Code in detail. All
the necessary forms covering your study at MMU can be
viewed and downloaded from the Graduate School web site,
conveniently grouped under the heading Online Forms.
Under For Research Students, the website also provides
a link to the online student community with access to the
research student Moodle area, and the Graduate School
student Facebook page, and the latest Tweets.
RKE offers a support framework for postgraduate research
students at MMU, partly entailed in the Graduate School
Workshops which run throughout the academic year, giving
advice on aspects of study from planning, through time
management to presentation skills and building CVs. For
more information on the Programme for the current academic
year, see the Graduate School intranet under Research
Students Development.
RKEs Graduate School Manager is Clare Holdcroft
c.holdcroft@mmu.ac.uk Tel: 0161 247 1062. Amongst
her duties, she helps to plan and run the Annual Research
Student Conference at MMU. This conference gives
postgraduates from across the University the opportunity to
meet each other and discuss research experiences, as well
as presenting papers on their research topics to a supportive
audience of peers. The next conference is Making an Impact
in Research, 4 November 2014.
(vii) P
ostgraduate Network in Art, Design and
Media (taught MA/ MFA programmes):
The taught MA/ MFA programmes expand the

postgraduate population at MMU, adding to the lively
atmosphere of exhibitions, discussion and debate.
The Art and Design Faculty offers taught MA and/or
MFA degrees in Animation, Architecture, Architecture
and Urbanism, Collaborative Practice, Contemporary
Curating, Contemporary Visual Culture, Design Cultures,
Design (Ceramics/ Furniture/ Glass/ Jewellery/ Lab),
Drawing, Embroidery, Fashion (Graphics/ Knitwear/
Menswear/ Womenswear), Film and Media Studies,
Filmmaking, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Art Direction,
Illustration, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture,
Media Arts, Photography, Product Design, Textile
Practice, and Textiles for Fashion.
The MA Design LAB connects to the design industry
through a college of sponsors. Students work on live
projects alongside designers and design consultancies
to gain experience of pitching ideas to industry
professionals. Link placements and projects with up to
25 of the regions key arts and media organisations are a
key strength of the programme. Master classes also form
part of the teaching, together with tutorials, seminars and
technical workshops.
See: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/postgraduate for current

information about taught MA programmes.
RKE offers a conference funding programme to assist

PGRs to present their work at national or international
conferences. Check the website for the application timetable.
The impact of research beyond the confines of academia is
strongly emphasised by the national research councils. RKE
supports the view that research and knowledge exchange
are not separate activities, but part of a continuum that
involves promoting the usefulness of research through
public engagement, and the dissemination of research to a
wider public. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a
formalised way of carrying out research with direct relevance
to other sectors, see www.ktponline.org.uk for more
information. Sam Gray, who forming headed the Beacons
for Public Engagement programme can assist in developing
community links and the communication skills needed in
working outside academia. Contact Sam Gray:
s.gray@mmu.ac.uk Tel: 0161 247 1664.
6. Enrolment and Registration

For Postgraduate Research Degree students, an important
distinction is made between enrolment and registration. At first
sight, this may appear confusing, but it is usual for universities
to distinguish between the mere procedural matter of enrolment
and the stage at which a research proposal is accepted.
Enrolment: This process is required to begin study, and
enrolment must be annually renewed up to the point of
conferment of the degree. Enrolment takes place during
the first two weeks of each term; and re-enrolment during
the first two weeks of the autumn term: 22 September to 3
October 2014. It is at enrolment that personal details held by
the University are updated, and fees become due (although
no further tuition fees are required after submission of the
thesis unless you are required to resubmit after examination).
Enrolment entitles you to a student identity card that enables
you to access University resources, and to meet with your
supervisory team. At the first enrolment, you will need to
complete a Pre-registration Form (RDPre-reg). See: www2.
mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the links: Online
Forms/ Research Degrees Forms. PLEASE NOTE: It is your
responsibility to re-enrol on an annual basis at the start of each
academic year. If a candidate should fail to re-enrol by 15th
October in any year, they will be deemed to have withdrawn
themselves and their registration will be cancelled.
Registration: This is the procedure for gaining approval
of your research proposal. Current regulations require you to

submit your proposal within 3 months of your first enrolment
(or 6 months for part-time students). The precise time for
submitting will depend on the MMU Academic Board Research
Degrees Committee (RDC) meetings, held on a monthly
basis, but submission is normally four weeks in advance of the
intended meeting date. In order to register for your research
degree, your proposal which outlines your subject, the research
question(s) to be addressed, the methodology to be used in
addressing those questions, and the aims and objectives of the
project, must be approved by the RDC. Because of the time
limit, it is important that you contact your Director of Studies
promptly after enrolment to discuss how to proceed with your
proposal. Usually your first supervisory meetings will be
centred on preparation of the proposal.
Proposals for Registration are submitted on a University RD1
form that can be downloaded from the Graduate School web
site. See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the
links: Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Registration.
Most students will register for MPhil/PhD which is the standard
route for the PhD which involves a transfer stage after the first
year. Your will find the proposal commonly referred to as your
RD1. Please read the guidance notes specific to your proposed
degree before embarking on writing your proposal. You will
also have to submit an Ethics Check form with your proposal,
having discussed the ethical implications of your research
with your Director of Studies. This form is available from the
Art and Design Research Administrator. The health and safety
implications of your research also need to be considered, and
will require a risk assessment to be carried out with respect to
any substances, processes or situations that pose a significant
10
risk. See: Section 16 under Ethics and Consent Forms for

more details.
Registration forms are first submitted to the Postgraduate
Research Degrees Co-ordinator for scrutiny. All registration
forms must be accompanied by the Confirmation of Scrutiny
form (RD1a) that will be completed by the Research Degrees
Co-ordinator. Download this from the same location as the
RD1. The curriculum vitae of each of your supervisors needs
to be held by the University, so you may need to send RDCV
forms to any supervisors not yet on file. See:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/ and follow the links:
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Approval of
Examiners. See Section 8 of this handbook for a full checklist
of possible needs.
Once you have written your research proposal, completed
the registration form appropriate to your proposed research
degree, checked the ethical implications of your research with
your Director of Studies, and have had the Faculty Research
Degrees Co-ordinator scrutinise your submission to agree that
all is in order, you are ready to submit the whole package to the
Faculty Research Administrator for consideration at the next
Research Degrees Committee (RDC) meeting. It is required
that your proposal package is submitted four weeks prior to the
monthly meeting dates of the RDC. (See below for more about
the pre-meeting procedure).
What happens to your submission from here?
The Administrator will pass your forms to two Faculty

scrutineers who will then read your proposal, and report on
it. Both your submission and the scrutineers reports will then
be passed to the Faculty Research Degrees Co-ordinator for
adjudication. If there are weaknesses, the proposal may be
referred back at this stage, but if judged academically sound
and viable, a recommendation will be forwarded to the RDC.
The recommendation, along with the proposal and reports will
be presented to the RDC where they can be discussed, and a
prevailing decision taken. In most cases, faculty-level scrutiny
of the proposal should ensure the appropriate standard for
Committee approval. Students will be notified of the resulting
decisions as soon as possible following the meeting at which
their application for registration is considered.
What happens if my proposal for registration

is referred?
Referral, in this context, means referring back to you and your

Supervisory Team for necessary amendments or further work. If
your proposal is referred, the Faculty Research Degrees
Co-ordinator (or, if necessary, the Research Degrees
Committee) will provide comments stating what the
weaknesses are, advice on how to improve the submission and,
if appropriate, relevant comments from the scrutineers reports.
This should be sufficient to guide you toward improving your
submission to achieve the required standard that demonstrates
your readiness to commence the research. In the event of a
referral, it is important that you arrange promptly to meet with
your Director of Studies to discuss how to proceed with your
re-submission. It is in your interest to make the amendments in
a timely way, and resubmit so that your proposal can make the
next Committee meeting. Re-submissions will not necessarily
go through the full scrutiny process again.
Please note that it is not uncommon for RD1s to be referred,

but these are usually successful on resubmission. A referral
should not be seen in any way as a failure, but rather as an
opportunity to improve your research aims and objectives so
that you will be able to progress your research more effectively.
What happens in relation to the three-month

time limit (six-months part-time) if Im ill, or
there are other extenuating circumstances?
If there are genuine circumstances which prevent you from

submitting a successful application for registration within
the stipulated three-month period from enrolment, you may
apply to the RDC to temporarily suspend your studies or seek
an extension. In such a case, a supporting statement from
your Director of Studies is required, so you must discuss the
matter with your DoS as soon as you are able. When the time
eventually comes to submit the application for registration,
exceptional backdating must be requested in respect of the
period of suspension or extension.
Timing: for the academic year 2014-2015, the scheduled meetings of the RDC are as follows:
RDC meetings to consider submissions
Completed forms must be submitted to

Faculty Research Degrees Administrator
no later than:
Wednesday 8 October 2014
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Wednesday 12 November 2014
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Wednesday 10 December 2014
Wednesday 12 November 2014
Wednesday 21 January 2015
Wednesday 17 December 2014
Wednesday 25 February 2015
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Wednesday 25 February 2015
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Wednesday 27 May 2015
Wednesday 1 July 2015
Wednesday 3 June 2015
Please note that although meetings average five weeks apart, they vary between four and seven
weeks apart due to holidays and term breaks.
11
7. Research Degrees: Options and

Timescales
Postgraduate study
Doctorates are awarded for creating, interpreting and

communicating knowledge that extends the forefront of a
discipline or an area of professional practice, usually through
original research and critical thinking. To achieve the award, the
candidate will have demonstrated extensive scholarship in their
discipline or area of practice, and shown mastery of subjectspecific intellectual skills. Recipients of doctorates will have
the skills necessary for a research career, or for employment
in a leading capacity in a relevant area of professional
practice. Transferable skills will include the ability to make
informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields,
independence in formulating and evaluating ideas, and the
ability to communicate with professional colleagues on current
issues and scholarship in their discipline. Holders of doctorates
will be able to conceptualize, design and implement projects for
the generation of new knowledge or understanding.
Masters degrees entail a similar range of learning outcomes,
but the emphasis is on interpreting and communicating
knowledge rather than its discovery or creation. The
recipient of a masters degree is not expected to work with
the same level of independence as the PhD. Holders of the
masters degree will have the skills required to undertake
research at a higher level, and to continue their professional
development toward a research career, or for employment in an
intermediate capacity in a relevant area of professional practice.
Transferable skills will include the ability to evaluate the work
of others, to make effective decisions in complex situations,
and to critically engage in a contribution to their discipline or
professional practice.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is normally taken
by candidates with a Masters degree or equivalent. Students
wishing to undertake study at doctoral level will normally
register for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) with a view to
transferring to PhD following successful approval of a transfer
report after 12 months full-time or 18 months part-time study.
Traditionally, the PhD study was evaluated solely through
a written thesis, but now the thesis can also include the
candidates creative work. In addition, there are a number of
alternative routes to the degree available at MMU: PhD by
Published Work (Routes 1 & 2) and PhD by Practice (Route
3). A candidate for routes 1, 2 or 3 should already possess
research training to a masters level.
PhD by thesis (Traditional route)
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is taken by candidates

who have completed an appropriate programme of research
during at least thirty-three months of full-time study. This route
requires submission of a written thesis. The study can consist
entirely of text-based research, or it can include practicebased work. Text based research is presented in a thesis up
to 80,000 words (excluding ancillary matter such as footnotes,
bibliographies, diagrams and references).
Practice-based theses will include creative work alongside a
written component in the range of 30,000 to 40,000 words. The
new Code of Practice requires that the text must be written
and examined in English. The thesis must be presented in the
designated format.
There is a period of 12 months maximum between submission
of the thesis and conferment of the degree to allow for
revisions, corrections, etc.

full-time
part-time
Submission
36 months
72 months
Conferment
48 months
84 months
PhD by Published Work (Route 1)
This route to a PhD is for candidates who have acquired

considerable experience of research and
who have produced one or more substantial research
publications. During the period of enrolment, the candidate
will produce additional publications under the guidance of a
supervisory team.
The publications submitted as part of a PhD by Published
Work must provide evidence of the candidates capacity to
pursue further research, represent an original and significant
contribution to knowledge in a given field, and demonstrate
depth of scholarship, and critical capacity in keeping with
national levels.
Publications may include a variety of outputs, such as:
books where the candidate is a substantial or sole contributor,
chapters in books,
articles in refereed journals,
conference papers published in proceedings or otherwise,
patent applications or granted patents,
exhibitions or performances of which a permanent record has
been made, and is publicly available.
Academic, industrial or governmental documents produced
for internal purposes are not eligible. At least 60% of the
publications the candidate wishes to submit as part of the PhD
should have been published within two years prior to application
for the degree. Candidates need to ensure that the number and
range of publications is sufficient to demonstrate that their work
is of doctoral standing.
12
The submission must include an analytical commentary (which

forms the equivalent of a thesis), between 10,000 and 15,000
words and which critically explores the relationship between the
submitted publications and the current body of knowledge in the
field.
This commentary should contain:
1) An abstract (300 words).
2) An introductory section presenting the current state of the
field, comprising a critical overview, a literature review/
appraisal, and an indication of how the publications relate to
the existing body of knowledge and research methods.
3) A list of the submitted publications and, where appropriate,
evidence of publication (where publications are in press,
letters of acceptance from the editor or a copy of the
publishing contract must be included), and a statement
providing a clear indication of the candidates contribution to
each publication.
4) A critical account of how the publications make a coherent
and significant contribution to knowledge and scholarship.
5) A demonstration of critical reflection on methodological
issues and an indication of the future direction of research
to be carried out by the candidate in the field.
The thesis submission dates and the conferment of award
dates are as follows:

Submission
Conferment
full-time
24 months

36 months
part-time
48 months
60 months
PhD by Published work (Route 2)
This route is for candidates either with a strong academic

career as evidenced by publication; or who have produced a
significant body of work outside a traditional academic context.
This body of work must principally be the candidates own work.
Candidates must be graduates (or equivalent) of at least five
years standing, and have already obtained a Masters degree,
or be able to show evidence of having received equivalent
research training or experience in their working environment.
As no formal supervision or additional research is required by
this route it is also expected that the candidates submission
will demonstrate that, through the course of their research
they have considerable professional knowledge in their field.
The material submitted for the PhD shall provide convincing
evidence that the research constitutes a coherent and
significant contribution to knowledge or scholarship of at least
national standing.
The publications must all be available and accessible in the
public domain, must represent a coherent and significant
contribution to research in a given field and demonstrate
a depth of scholarship and originality comparable with
that required in a traditional PhD. The PhD by publication
must, through the selection of the papers/works, and the
accompanying analytical commentary, demonstrate a
contribution to knowledge, and evidence of the development of
research skills appropriate to the focus of the research and the
knowledge domains within which the research was conducted.
The submission must contain an analytical commentary

(thesis), normally between 10,000 and 15,000 words, that
critically explores the relationship between the published work
submitted and the current body of knowledge in the field. The
arrangement and content of the analytical commentary (thesis)
is the same as for Route 1: PhD by Published Work. The format
of the submitted work may vary and include original material in
a range of media: book(s), articles, performance or exhibition.
full-time
part-time
Submission
6 months
12 months
Conferment
18 months
24 months
PhD by Practice (Route 3)
This route is suitable for candidates who are established

professionals as well as suitably experienced recent
postgraduates who are engaged in professional practice in
an arts or design field. The research may be carried out in
any context of practice: art, design, architecture, media, and
craft. The PhD by practice must, through a portfolio of work
and an accompanying analytical commentary, demonstrate a
contribution to knowledge, and evidence of the development of
research skills appropriate to the focus of the research and the
knowledge domains within which the research was conducted.
The submission is in two parts: a) the portfolio of work; and b)
an analytical commentary (thesis).
The portfolio should contain work suitable for professional
consumption and/or suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
The body of work would be what can be reasonably achieved
within three years of postgraduate full-time study or part-time
equivalent. The portfolio should contain at least one major
extended work or group of works, and should be substantially
achieved during the enrolment period. Where the submission
involves a performance or exhibition, etc., an archival record of
the work should be submitted in the form of photographs, film,
video, digital storage medium, or paper record along with the
analytical commentary.
The analytical commentary provides evidence for the
contribution of the practice to the field (i.e. the level of
intellectual engagement, context and originality), and can be
constituted in a number of different discursive forms. These
might be process-based, personal narratives or traditional
academic writing. The analytical commentary should provide
a critical reflection on the approaches, methods and theories
deployed, an explanation of the technical procedures employed,
and may also discuss the works aesthetic premises in their
relevant historical, theoretical or critical contexts.
13
It should normally be between 10,000 and 30,000 words, and

critically explore the relationship between the portfolio of work
submitted and the current body of knowledge in the field.

full-time
part-time
Submission
36 months
72 months
Conferment
48 months
84 months
MASTERS LEVEL STUDIES

Study undertaken at masters level explores aspects of
knowledge at the forefront of an academic or professional
discipline. Students are expected to demonstrate originality
in the application of knowledge, and to gain understanding
of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through
research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, and they will show originality
in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities
needed for enterprise and employment in circumstances
requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and
initiativethese while working in complex and unpredictable
professional environments.
Masters by Research (MA)
MA degrees gained by research are taken by candidates with

Honours degrees (or equivalent) and run for at least one year
(if taken full-time).
The text of the MA thesis should normally not exceed
30,000 words (excluding ancillary matter such as footnotes,
bibliographies, diagrams and references). Where the
submission is accompanied by material in other than written
form the written component should normally be within the range
of 10,000 - 15,000 words. The MA research can be continued
into MPhil study, or exceptionally to PhD, through submission of
a transfer report demonstrating that it is capable of development
to the higher level (see Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees,
para. 10 and 11 for further information).

full-time
part-time
Submission
12 months
24 months
Conferment
24 months
36 months
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The degree of Master of Philosophy entails a longer research

programme than the MA degree. It is taken by candidates with
good Honours degrees and continues for at least eighteen
months of full-time study. The MPhil degree can be continued
into doctoral study through the acceptance of a Transfer Report.
The text of the MPhil thesis should normally not exceed
40,000 words (excluding ancillary matter such as footnotes,
bibliographies, diagrams and references). Where the
submission is accompanied by material in other than written
form the written component should normally be within the range
of 15,000 - 20,000 words.

full-time
part-time
Submission
18 months
36 months
Conferment
30 months
48 months
8. Forms Required for Registration:
Registration is the process of submitting a research proposal

for formal approval by the University. A full-time student should
complete registration for the degree to which they are enrolled
no later than 3 months after enrolment (6 months part-time).
There is one common registration form for all research degrees.
Below is a summary checklist of required forms and procedures
needed for registration.
Doctor of Philosophy
(Traditional route or PhD by Practice Route 3)
RD1: Application to register for the degree
of [fill in the blank]. See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-
school and follow the links: Online Forms/ Research Degrees

Forms/ Registration.
Section 2 of the RD1 PhD comprises an outline of your
proposal in 1000 words ( 100). This will include the academic
aims of the investigation, a description of the research to
be undertaken, the methods to be used and up to six key
references.
You must audit your skills using the Vitae Researcher
Development Framework, and reach a mutual decision with
your supervisory team about a supporting programme to meet
any training needs (or exemption from such a programme).
Section 3 of the RD1 PhD form asks for confirmation of this.
Section 5 of the RD1 PhD gives details of your supervisory
team. In order to complete this, you will need to know the
proposed members, as each supervisor or advisor (including
your Director of Studies) is required to fill out their record
of supervision and sign the form. You will need to make
arrangements to collect the above signatures, but in cases of
difficulty, the DoS can sign for the others.
The signature of the Head of Department (Director of
MIRIAD) is also required to confirm that the necessary
resources and facilities are in place to support the proposed
research (Section 7).
In addition, if a named supervisors outline CV is not held on
record in the Faculty (check with Faculty Research Degrees
Administrator), they will need to submit an RDCV. It is your
responsibility to inform the supervisor that a CV is required and
to ensure that the supervisor has access to the RDCV form
on which it is to be submitted. This form does not require a
signature and can be accessed and sent on-line. See:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the links:
Examiners.
MIRIAD Ethics Check Form
The Faculty Ethics Check form is used to raise ethical

awareness and to help determine if specific Ethics Approval
is required. The Ethics Check is expected for every research
project, and must be signed by a member of your Supervisory
Team. Any research using human participants, their tissues,
data or images requires ethical consideration. Request the
form from the Faculty Research Administrator for Art and
Design. Supporting documents may be needed to accompany
the form, such as an information sheet and consent form for
any participants in your research, and copies of any proposed
advertisements or questionnaires. In such documents, your
proposed research should be described in a way which would
enable a layperson to understand the aims and methods.
MMU Application for Ethical Approval form

(only if Ethics Check indicates this is needed)
If ethical issues with your research have been identified, and

cannot be resolved on a faculty level, you will need to complete
a University Ethical Approval form to be submitted to the
University Academic Ethics Committee. See:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/ and follow the links:
Online Forms/ Ethics/ Ethics Forms and Guidance. Other
guidance documents are available from the same location on
the Graduate School web site. Your plans for addressing the
ethical issues raised by your research will then be referred to
the Academic Ethics Committee for further consideration.
RD1a: Confirmation of Scrutiny
This form is found in the same location as the RD1. It is a

checklist that must be certified and signed by the Faculty
Research Degrees Co-ordinator. Some of the items listed are
particular to individual students depending on the proposed
research. These may occasionally include some of the items
below:
When creative work is part of the thesis, an agreement of the
form of submission and proposed methods of assessment for
this work.
Details of research to be done outside the UK. And If
overseas research is substantial, a statement explaining the
circumstances at the site(s) of the proposed research.
A letter confirming approval from any outside body to which
access is required for the proposed research.
Evidence of appropriate risk assessment(s) having been
undertaken.
Evidence of qualifications if not by the usual academic route.
If your research requires the use of facilities in a collaborating

institution, a signature on behalf of the collaborating
establishment must be obtained confirming these facilities will
be provided (Section 6).
14
15
Doctor of Philosophy by Published work

(Route 1)
RD1:
Application to register for the degree of

[fill in the blank].
See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the links:

Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Registration. Please
note that in order to complete the application, you will need to
know the proposed membership of your Supervisory Team, as
each of your supervisors (including your Director of Studies)
are required to fill out their record of supervision and sign the
form. The signature of the Director of MIRIAD is also required to
confirm that the necessary resources and facilities are in place
to support the proposed research.
You will need to make arrangements to collect the above
signatures.
Examiners.
proposal in 1000 words (100). This will include the academic
references.
RDPUB
(Route 1 and 2) PhD by published

work (route 1/2): Contribution to publications
This form is found in the same location as the RD1. It is used to

declare the publications submitted with the research proposal. A
separate form should be completed for each publication.
Copies of each existing publication (or supporting evidence
of published status of creative works) should be provided to
your Director of Studies, who must sign the form(s) to confirm
the reading and approval of each publication.
Doctor of Philosophy by published work

(Route 2)
In this case, enrolment follows approval of the application

for registration by the Research Degrees Committee, and
registration is backdated to begin from the date when the
completed registration forms were submitted.
RD1 (PUB2): Prima-facie application to register for the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy by published work (Route 2)
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Registration.
16
Please note that under this route, your PhD is supervised by

a single Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor is required
to fill out their record of supervision and sign the form. The
form must also be signed by your Head of Department in order
to confirm their support and that the necessary resources are
available to support your programme of study.
In addition, if the advisors outline CV is not held on
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/Approval of
Examiners.
The RD1 (PUB2) requires a proposal (2000-3000 words) of
the work on which the thesis is to be based, illustrating clearly
the contribution made to knowledge.
RDPUB (Route 1 and 2) PhD by published work (route 1/2):
Contribution to publications. This form is found at the same
location as the RD1. It is used to declare the publications
submitted with the research proposal. A separate form should
be completed for each publication.
Copies of each publication (or supporting evidence of
published status of creative works) should be provided to your
Academic Advisor, who must sign the form(s) to confirm the
reading and approval of each publication.
Master of Philosophy (with the possibility of

transfer to Doctor of Philosophy)
RD1: Application to register for the degree of [fill in the blank].

Graduate School Intranet/ Online Forms/ Research Degrees
Forms/ Registration.
proposal in 1000 words (100). This will include the academic
references. If you plan to transfer to PhD, one of your aims
should be to establish the potential for developing the work at
PhD level.

Examiners.
If your research requires the use of facilities in a collaborating
institution, a signature on behalf of the collaborating
establishment must be obtained confirming these facilities will
be provided (Section 6).



University Academic Ethics Committee. See:
Online Forms/ Ethics/ Ethics Forms and Guidance. Other

research. These may occasionally include some of the
items below:
When creative work is part of the thesis, an agreement of the
form of submission and proposed methods of assessment for
this work.
undertaken.
Master of Arts by Research

RD1: Application to register for the degree of [fill in the blank].

Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Registration.
proposal in 1000 words ( 100) presented in font size 12. This
will include the academic aims of the investigation, a description
of the research to be undertaken, the methods to be used and
up to six key references.

17
In addition, if a named supervisors outline CV is not held

on record in the Faculty (check with Faculty Research Degrees
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/Approval of
Examiners.
If your research requires the use of facilities in a
collaborating institution, a signature on behalf of the
collaborating establishment must be obtained confirming these
facilities will be provided (Section 6).




University Academic Ethics Committee.
See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow the
links: Online Forms/ Ethics/ Ethics Forms and Guidance. Other

research. These may occasionally include some of the items
below:
When creative work is part of the thesis, an agreement of
the form of submission and proposed methods of assessment
for this work.
undertaken.
9. Working with your Supervisory Team

Research Degrees students at MMU are supervised by a small
team of academic staff, known as the Supervisory Team. Teams
are headed by a Director of Studies (DoS), who has overall
responsibility for directing the research. The DoS is responsible
for ensuring that the research project can be supported by the
available resources, can be completed within the prescribed
period of study, is suited to the degree undertaken, and
complies with University Codes of Practice. The DoS also
undertakes monitoring and evaluation of your progress in an
annual report, and co-ordinates the forms associated with the
administrative progress of your degree. Persons qualified to act
as DoS will have experience in supervising doctoral degrees,
and a confident overview of the academic research process.
In addition to the DoS, the supervisory team normally includes
two additional academic staff each of whom may have
specialist knowledge in different aspects of the research project.
A research student may have some idea of who they wish to
study with before enrolment, and can indicate preferences for
their supervisory team. However, the DoS is responsible for the
composition of the supervisory team, ensuring that appropriate
areas of expertise are represented, that team members have
appropriate supervisory experience, and that they do not have
a close personal or professional relationship with each other or
with the student. The composition of the supervisory team is
confirmed when the Research Degrees Committee approves a
students application for registration.
The frequency and variety of contact of the student with
supervisors will vary depending on the stage of study, usually
being more frequent in the early and later stages of the degree.
Supervisory time would normally be about 150 hours per year
per team, which allows for an average of two supervisory
meetings per term across the period of study of a full-time
student (including attendant reading and preparation). Teams
are expected to meet on a regular basis to review progress and
plan future actions. Team meetings are most productive when
the student submits a piece of work to all team members for
consideration, and meetings are often timed in accordance with
such submissions. It is the students responsibility to arrange
the meetings. Please note that the student is expected to make
some form of contact every 3 months as a minimum.
For research of a specialised nature, an external advisor may

be brought into the supervisory team. Communication with
the external advisor is normally less often and for specific
needs. As there is a monetary obligation on the part of the
University for external advisors, there must be a strong reason
for their inclusion on your team, usually where this provides an
institutional or industrial link that is important to the research.
Your first meeting
At the beginning of your first year, it is expected that you

will have an initial meeting with your Director of Studies and
supervisory team in order to establish several preliminary
aspects of your study. These will include discussion of the
subject content and aims of your research, the requirements for
your registration, and such things as the expected format of the
final submission and, if appropriate, the element of practice in
your final submission. This meeting or a following one should
also include a review of your research skills training plan made
with reference to the Researcher Development Framework. We
recommend that you draw up a schedule of work and include
key stages for achieving specific aspects of the research
necessary in order to complete on time. One method is to
work backwards from the expected final date of registration, in
order to gain a notional idea of what must be achieved, and by
when, in order for submission to take place. To help you get
started, see: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow
the links: For Research Students/Starting a Research Degree/
Your Research Student Journey. You can also find in the same
section of the website how to create a Gantt chart (bar chart to
illustrate a project schedule).
Record of supervisory meetings
You must keep a record of supervisory meetings that you attend

using theRD9 form. See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school
and follow the links: Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/
Other Forms. This is to be completed by the student at formal
supervisory meetings and signed at the end of the meeting by
the student and all supervisors who are present. The Record of
Supervision helps you to remember the advice you are given,
and provides a summary of the discussion and reasons for the
advice given. This can assist when reviewing the course of
research at later stages of the project. Additionally, the record
serves to help set goals and timescales for your work between
meetings. A copy should be sent to the Research Administrator;
this is a requirement for international students.
The team provides you with different types of input as

your research unfolds, and if one member of your team is
unavailable (through illness or their own research leave) you
have others to consult who are familiar with your work and your
ideas, as well as to assist with any difficulties or issues that
have arisen in the course of the work. One meeting each year
may be timed to handle preparation necessary for the Annual
Review (RDAR). You may feel free to consult with any members
of your team whenever the need arises outside of scheduled
meetings. If you feel the advice given to you by different team
members is contradictory, you are advised to seek resolution
through your Director of Studies. If necessary, a meeting may
be called to clarify the direction you are advised to take.
18
19
Annual Review
This process is required for all registered research degree

candidates. In advance of the review, your Director of Studies
will discuss with you your skills development plan made with
reference to the Researcher Development Framework, career
development (if appropriate) and general progress. The DoS
will then complete a report on your progress and evaluate
whether it is satisfactory or not. The form can be found at:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school by following the links:
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Annual Review.
It is a good idea to have a look at all parts of the form which will
give you an idea of areas that may be discussed at the review
meeting. The review will be conducted by an independent
internal reviewer who will examine the evidence of your
progress and discuss with you your student experience and any
issues of concern that may affect your study. You should bring
your PDP file to the meeting. The meeting should take about an
hour. The reviewer will complete a report and provide you with
any advice or guidance that is felt necessary.
The review process is an important opportunity for you and
your DoS to provide feedback about your progress, skills
development and educational experience to a reviewer
uninvolved with your research. The Faculty Research Degrees
Committee will consider the review and take action if necessary.
This could mean additional support if a lack of such support is
holding back your progress. The review process also helps
the Committee to monitor postgraduate research provision in
general, ultimately leading to enhancement in the quality of
educational experience at MMU.
10. Updating your contact details and other

relevant information
It is vital that you keep the University informed of your current

contact details at all times. This includes notifying any changes
in your postal address, e-mail address(es), and telephone
number(s) to the Faculty Research Administrator who will
update the University database, and inform the Supervisory
Team. This is especially important in case it is necessary to
contact you in an emergency. Failure to keep addresses up to
date could also result in your missing important mailings from
the University. You can update information yourself on:
www.mmu.ac.uk/enrol
11. Other Forms Explained
During the course of your study, you may be faced by a number

of circumstances that necessitate the use of official forms:
transferring registration, changing your mode of attendance
(full-time/part-time) or changing your supervisory team. There
might also occur circumstances that require the extension of
your period of registration, or suspension of registration. And
finally, if for some reason you wish to terminate your studies,
you will need to notify the University formally of your intention to
withdraw. What follows is a brief guide to the forms that you will
need to submit in such circumstances.
Transfer of Registration
Under normal circumstances, transfer of registration is related

to the Masters level research degrees, and can be applied to a
switch from Master of Arts by Research to Master of Philosophy
(MA to MPhil), or from Master of Philosophy to Doctor of
Philosophy (MPhil to PhD).
The application for transfer must be made before the final
submission date for the thesis, but is usually submitted after
6 months (12 months part-time) for MA to MPhil, and after 12
months (18 months part-time) for MPhil to PhD.
Application for transfer of registration from Master of Arts
to Master of Philosophy (to be used for transfer from MA by
Research to MPhil)
Transfer from MA by Research to MPhil requires the RD2 form:
Application for transfer of registration from [select to fill blank].
See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/ and follow the links:
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Transfer.
This form requests updated details of your research project.
You need to notify any change in the Supervisory Team
which may be considered necessary at this stage, and attach a
CV on an RDCV form for any new supervisor.
Details of your supporting programme must be provided
in the form of a brief summary of the workshops, seminars
and conferences attended (both internal and external to the
University).
You must confirm that there are no issues that change the
ethical status of the research, or else attach an approval letter
in respect of such changes.
Along with the form must be submitted the Transfer Report of
3,000 6,000 words in length . For transfer from MA to MPhil,
the main criterion is usually to do with the scale of the research
undertaking, rather than the nature of the research. Therefore,
this report sets out:
a) the aims of your research as given in your original application
for registration (RD1) and alterations, if any;
b) a
summary of the results of your critical literature review of
practices, theories, or histories;
c) a summary of the chosen methods or methodology;
d) a
summary of work already undertaken, mapping the results
against the original aims or any altered aims; and
20
e) a
description of the widening scale of work that warrants
research at MPhil level.
A Progression Portfolio normally accompanies the Transfer
Report. This portfolio contains work you have completed that
provides evidence of your ability to produce research outputs of
the appropriate academic standard. This can include a literature
review or other chapter, a conference presentation or published
paper, exhibition documentation, and art or design work related
to the aims of the research. Texts should amount to no more
than 8,000 words, or 4,000 words when combined with practicebased work.
An abstract (up to one side of A4) is required, giving the main
conclusions of the Transfer Report. The abstract should make
evident your progress thus far, and the expanded undertaking
that takes the research to MPhil level.
Your Director of Studies will look through your transfer
documentation, and sign the form to confirm their satisfaction
with your progress as set out in the report, and to verify that
you are expected to develop to Master of Philosophy level. This
means that you must keep in close contact with your Director of
Studies and allow sufficient time for the DoS to complete their
work and sign the form.
At this stage, the Faculty Research Degrees Coordinator will
scrutinise the Transfer Report and sign the form accordingly;
and it is then ready for submission.
The next stage in the process is an oral examination. For a
full description of the examination procedure (the same as for
MPhil to PhD), see below: The Transfer Stage Viva under
Transfer from MPhil to PhD.
Application for transfer of registration from Master of
Philosophy to Doctor of Philosophy (also used in the exceptional
cases of transfer from MA by Research directly to PhD)
Transfer from MPhil to PhD requires the RD2 form: Application
for transfer of registration from [select to fill blank for type of
transfer]. See: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school and follow
the links: Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Transfer.
This form requests updated details of your research project.
You need to notify any change in the Supervisory Team
which may be considered necessary at this stage, and attach a
CV on an RDCV form for any new supervisor.
Details of your supporting programme must be provided
in the form of a brief summary of the workshops, seminars
and conferences attended (both internal and external to the
University).
in respect of changes.
21
Along with the form must be submitted a Transfer Report of

5,000 6,000 words in length. For transfer from MPhil to PhD,
the criteria usually include not just an increased scale but also a
widening brief. Therefore, the report sets out:
a) the aims of your research as given in your original application
for registration (RD1) and any alterations or additional aims
that will lead to the PhD;
b) a summary of your critical literature review of practices,
theories, and/or histories (as appropriate to your field of
enquiry);
c) a description of the methods/methodology in use and to be
used;
d) a summary of work already undertaken, mapping the results
against the original aims and any subsequent alterations;
e) your conclusions at this stage; and
f) a description of the widening brief that is to take the research
to PhD level. This should make clear the changes in the
nature of the research that warrant the transfer of degree
status. This will usually be a contribution to knowledge at the
forefront of a discipline.
A Progression Portfolio normally accompanies the Transfer
Report. This portfolio contains work you have completed that
provides evidence of your ability to produce research outputs of
the appropriate academic standard. This can include a literature
review or other chapter, a conference presentation or published
paper, exhibition documentation, and art or design work related
to the aims of the research. Texts should amount to no more
than 8,000 words, or 4,000 words when combined with practicebased work.
An abstract (up to one side of A4) is required, laying out
the main conclusions of the Transfer Report. The abstract
should make evident your progress thus far, and the expanded
undertaking that takes the research to PhD level (the
contribution to knowledge in your discipline).
Your Director of Studies will look through your transfer
documentation, and sign the form to confirm their satisfaction
with your progress as set out in the report, and to verify that
the research is expected to lead to a significant contribution to
knowledge. This means that you must keep in close contact
with your Director of Studies and allow sufficient time for the
DoS to complete their work and sign the form.
The Faculty Research Degrees Coordinator will then
scrutinise the Transfer Report and sign the form accordingly;
and it is then ready for submission.
The next stage in the process is an oral

examination (viva).
The transfer stage viva. The examiners for the transfer stage
viva will be normally be two members of MMU staff who are
not part of your Supervisory Team. They will be selected under
the authority of the Faculty Research Degrees Coordinator
with advice from the Director of Studies. Each will read and
scrutinise the Abstract, Report, and Portfolio and submit their
preliminary recommendations. If these differ significantly, a
Chairperson may be appointed to manage the oral examination
to ensure that it is robust and fair.
22
Based on their reading or viewing of the submitted material,

the examiners will prepare questions for discussion at the viva.
The whole session will last about an hour. After a break for the
examiners to write their report, you will be invited to return and
receive the outcome.
After the viva, there are four possible outcomes to the transfer
request:
(1) The transfer may be recommended without any further
requirements.
(2) The transfer may be conditionally recommended subject
to minor revisions that address any issues that have been
identified by the examiners. You will normally be expected
to complete these revisions in two weeks (four weeks parttime).
(3) The transfer may require major revisions and re-submission
for assessment by the examiners, but without a viva. This
should be completed in four weeks (eight weeks part-time).
(4) The transfer may be unsuccessful. In the case where
transfer is not granted, there is no opportunity for
resubmission. However, you will have three months (six
months part-time) or the remainder of your registration
period, to complete the thesis for the lesser degree.
In the unusual case where examiners cannot agree, the Faculty
Research Degrees Coordinator will be able to arbitrate. Finally,
the examination results will be forwarded to the Research
Degrees Committee for validation.
Transfers from MPhil to MA by Research, or PhD

to MPhil
There may be personal circumstances that make it impossible

for a student to complete the degree originally registered for. In
such cases, it is possible to apply to transfer to a lesser degree
level. It could also happen that your supervisory team does
not feel that your work is of sufficient standard to achieve the
degree originally registered for, and they will advise transferring
to a lesser degree. In either case, there is not a form to fill in,
but it is necessary to apply in writing to the Research Degrees
Committee stating the reasons for requesting the transfer. This
letter needs either to be written by your Director of Studies, or to
be accompanied by the DoSs written statement of support.
Notification of change in approved mode of study
(Changing from full to part-time study, or vice versa)
Changing your mode of study requires the RDMS form. See:
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/ Other Forms.
This form is required in order to apply to change from fulltime study to part-time or vice-versa. The form asks mainly
straightforward information about your registration.
You must also state the reasons for the requested change.
The form must be signed by your Director of Studies. Thus it
is expected that you will have discussed your reasons with the
DoS.
Please note: This is a notification procedure only, and does

not require Research Degrees Committee approval. It takes
immediate effect once submitted to the Faculty Research
Degrees Administrator.
Application for change in approved arrangements for

supervision (adding to, or changing, your supervisory team)
Changes in supervisory arrangements require the RD3 form.
This form is required in order to register a departure, or apply
for an addition or replacement of a member of the supervisory
team.
The form asks for the current composition of your
Supervisory Team and the proposed change. In the case of
a new supervisor, a CV on the RDCV form must be attached
unless already held on file.
You must also give a brief reason for the requested change.
The form must be signed by your Director of Studies.
Application for extension to thesis submission deadline
Requesting an extension requires the RD4 form. See:
This form should be used to request an extension to your
submission date if some exceptional circumstance will prevent
you from completing on time. Your submission date is that date
confirmed to you on your approval of registration, or revised
on acceptance of your transfer application. You should only
consider making use of an extension if you are certain to
complete within the period of time requested. If there is any
uncertainty on this, then you would best be advised to request a
suspension of study, or, if appropriate, to change your mode of
study from full to part-time. It must also be noted that students
are only allowed two extensions of 12 months maximum
duration each during their degree. Thus, when considering the
need for additional time of any sort, you are strongly advised to
discuss the matter with your Director of Studies before taking
action.
Please note: If you are funded for study, either by an
external body or internal scholarship, you should check the

terms and conditions of that funding prior to considering
an extension of the approved period of registration. If the
conditions allow an extension, then you must first obtain
approval from the funding body, and then submit the relevant
documentation with the application for extension.
A 500-word summary of your progress thus far, and of the

work still to be completed is also required.
You may attach completed chapters of the thesis with the
form as evidence of progress.
Upon consideration of your progress, and the summary
provided, your Director of Studies must confirm her/his
recommendation of the extension by signature.
Application for suspension of registration
Suspending your studies requires the RD5 form. See:

This form is used to suspend your registration for a specified
period of time. This stops the clock of your registration period
until such time as you are able to resume your study. This
means that you are not liable for fees while on suspension.
However, suspension should be used only where the candidate
is prevented from making progress with the research through
exceptional factors, such as ill health, or other serious or
unpreventable matters. You should read page 6 of the Code
of Practice to see what factors qualify and do not qualify as
exceptional. All health-based suspension requests must include
documented evidence from a British Medical Association
practitioner. Applications for suspension will not normally
be permitted retrospectively or backdated by more than
one month. International students on Tier 4 visas would be
expected to return home during a suspension period.
Suspension is undertaken only if other avenues of extending
your period of registration have been explored. It may, for
example, be preferable to request an extension (see above)
or to change the mode of study from full to part time mode. It
must also be noted that students are allowed a total duration of
24 months suspension with a maximum period of one year at a
time. For students on the 2009 regulations, the rules are slightly
different: only two suspensions of 12 months maximum duration
each are allowed during the degree. When considering the
need for additional time of any sort, you are strongly advised to
discuss the matter with your Director of Studies before taking
action.
The form asks for the requested period of suspension in
months, the starting date of this period, and the reasons for the
suspension.
Supporting documentation, such as a letter from your doctor,
MUST be provided or the application will not be considered.
Your Director of Studies must sign the form to confirm that
they support your request for the reasons given.
The form asks for the length of extension in months,

the starting date of this period, and the exceptional factors
necessitating the extension. You should read page 6 of the
Code of Practice to see what factors qualify and do not qualify
as exceptional.
Documentation of the factors applying in your case should be
appended to the form.
23
Notification of withdrawal of registration
(to be used to register your intention to withdraw from your

study altogether)
The intention to withdraw is registered on the RDW form.
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/Other Forms.
You must use this form to notify the University if it is your
intention to withdraw. This formally signals your decision
to leave your programme of study at MMU. If you do not
notify the University by this means, you will continue to be
billed for your fees, and required to undergo the annual AME
review. Notification of withdrawal can also be initiated by your
Director of Studies if, for example, your work is academically
unsatisfactory or you have not maintained contact.
The form asks the reason for withdrawal (under a number of
headings), and the date this will commence.
It must be signed by your Director of Studies to confirm that
the situation has been discussed with you, and that you have
accepted withdrawal (except in the case of loss of contact or
death).
Notification of change in approved programme of study
(to be used register a change in the subject or direction of your
approved thesis)
The form used to notify any substantial change to the subject
matter of your approved programme of study is the RDCP.
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/Other Forms.
Notification of change to your subject of study is necessary or
you may encounter problems in submitting your thesis (if, for
example, your title has changed to reflect a new direction of
research, or your subject is not that for which registration was
approved).
The form requests your change of title (if applicable), and
brief reasons for change in project direction.
A short statement giving a description of the change in
direction of your research (no more than one page of A4) must
be attached to the form
in respect of changes.
The form must be signed by your Director of Studies to
confirm approval.
24
12. University and Faculty Support for Study

A great deal of what we have to offer our postgraduate research
students at MMU, and specifically within the Manchester School
of Art, is described throughout this Handbook, particularly in the
section headed Research Environment above.
In addition to these specific resources, MMU offers to all of its
students services that support their well-being and protect their
equality of experience. Specifically, there is a Student Services
web page which can be accessed from the home page of the
MMU website by following the links from Current Students to
Student Services, or directly by:
www.mmu.ac.uk/sasstudentservices. This portal page
gives details of the support for study that can be offered. The
Student Services team also provide advice and support on
the range of issues affecting the student experience such as
accommodation and welfare, equalities and diversity.
There is a faculty-based Student Support Officer for the Faculty
of Art and Design. This is Rochelle Morris. Tel: 0161 2471711,
e-mail: rochelle.morris@mmu.ac.uk She can offer a variety
of help from improving time management to dealing with stress;
and she is familiar with the specific needs of art and design
students. See: www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/studentsupport
The Learner Development Service website contains information
and advice on support for students with disabilities, and on
issues around disclosure of disability. This can be accessed
from the home page of the MMU website by following the links
from Current Students to Disabled & Dyslexic Students, or
directly by:
www.mmu.ac.uk/sas/studentservices/learner-development
Additionally, within the Faculty, we have our own Student
Research Methods Support Officer, Dr Barbara Rawlings. She
is available on a weekly basis for one to one sessions through a
signing-in sheet for appointments kept on the PGR notice board
in the MIRIAD Open Space on the first floor of Righton building.
She will introduce herself at induction and discuss the help she
can offer. Barbara has experience of working with research
students throughout the programme, and regularly contributes
to the MIRIAD Research Training Programme. Likewise, Myna
Trustram and Amanda Ravetz can provide one-on-one peer
support independent of your supervisory team on any research
or academic matters, from the necessary forms to research
planning and writing. See Section 3: Key Contacts.
25
13. International Students

As an international student, you will already have met the
student support team at MMU International. You will have
corresponded with them over applications, visas and fees.
MMU International is a dedicated support team, and can
provide advice on a wide range of issues concerning study in
the UK. They have an Immigration and Welfare Unit, and can
assist international students to find specialised support through
the existing MMU support units, for example, the Learning
Development Service for disability issues.
MMU International organises many activities relevant to
the experience of studying within the UK and specifically in
Manchester. They also host The International Society for
international students, with about 3,000 members representing
150 countries. The Society has a lively programme of social and
cultural activities planned throughout the academic year, and
its a great place to get to know the city as well as the diverse
range of overseas students who study here.
For further information, consult the MMU International
Web site: www.mmu.ac.uk/international or contact the team
at international@mmu.ac.uk
Since 2009, international students have been subject to the
fourth tier of the new points-based UK immigration rules
that replace the old student visa. The University now has
greater responsibilities to ensure that students abide by the
requirements of their course, and to report non-enrolment or
non-attendance. Thus it is important that you maintain contact
with your supervisory team. Should you wish to makes any
changes to the period of your enrolment, it is essential that you
discuss this with an International Welfare Officer (See Section
3: Other Useful Contacts) in conjunction with your DoS to
ensure compliance with academic, legal and visa requirements.
You may need to apply for a visa extension.
English language requirement. International
students will be required to demonstrate a sufficiently high

standard of English language ability. The usual requirement
for postgraduate entry is International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) 7.0, or the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) equivalent. Applicants who do not meet
the English language entry requirements may be able to join
an English language course at MMU before starting their
postgraduate programme. MMUs Centre for Academic English
offers pre-sessional English courses, varying from 8 to 30
weeks depending on students current level of English.
26
MMUs Department of Languages in the Faculty of Humanities,

Law and Social Sciences runs English Language Services for
International Students (ELSIS) available to all faculties at MMU.
ELSIS provides free English short courses for international
students, as well as consultations and one-to-one tutorials to
which students can bring their written work and discuss it with
a qualified English teacher. ELSIS runs annual inductions and
diagnostic tests at the start of the Autumn term. Its language
learning advisor can discuss how students can best improve
their English based on their individual needs and goals.
For more information, see:
www.hlss.mmu.ac.uk/languages/english and click on the
link to English Language Services for International Students, or
contact: Dr Anthony (Tony) Picot, e-mail a.picot@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 2476183
14. Submitting your Thesis

When your research is complete and written up to your
satisfaction, and hopefully that of your Supervisory Team, you
will be ready to submit the thesis for examination. However,
the submission of the thesis for examination is at your sole
discretion. Although it would be unusual to submit without
the approval of your Director of Studies, you do have the
right to do so if you feel it necessary. On the other hand, the
agreement of the Supervisory Team to the submission of the
thesis is no guarantee that it will be considered passable by the
Examiners. This advice is reiterated in the Code of Practice and
Regulations for Postgraduate Research Programmes, and it is
recommended that you consult these prior to your decision to
submit.
You are required to submit your thesis and a separate 300word abstract in BOTH paper and electronic forms. Submit two
paper copies of your thesis temporarily bound with a soft cover,
accompanied by a completed Declaration Form (RDDEC) on or
before the submission date to:
Adele Dunne, Research Degrees Administrator, Geoffrey
Manton Building, Room 212, email: miriad@mmu.ac.uk Tel:
0161 247 4609. The RDDEC form can be found from the
Graduate School website:
Online Forms/Research Degrees Forms/Examination
Submit an identical electronic copy of the same by e-mailing it
in pdf or document format to Adele Dunne at
miriad@mmu.ac.uk You may also submit your electronic
copy on disk or usb flash drive/ memory stick. In which case,
please ensure that it accompanies the paper copy submission,
and label the electronic format clearly. Where creative work
forms part of the submission, an archival record of the work
should accompany the written submission. This will normally be
recorded on a digital storage medium, in a standard retrievable
form that has been agreed with your Director of Studies.
The abstract is to be bound with the thesis. It is to provide
a synopsis of the thesis stating the nature and scope of the
work undertaken, and the features of the contribution made to
knowledge in the subject area.
Should the thesis approach 100,000 words in length, it is a

requirement that the external examiner is informed in advance
in writing. There must be sufficient justification for the extra
length, or you will be asked to revise the thesis.
The declaration (RDDEC) clarifies any issues of concurrent
registration or material submitted for another award, states any
material published in advance of the thesis, and vouches the
professional integrity of your work. It must be signed by yourself
and countersigned by your Director of Studies to confirm that
you have completed a programme of supporting studies and
undertaken annual monitoring and evaluation.
Please note that it is good practice for you to discuss
submission with your Director of Studies at least one month in

advance of anticipated submission. This allows your DoS time
to confirm External and Internal Examiners and for the RDC to
recommend their appointment. Once your work is submitted, it
will take about two months or more for the reading of the thesis
and co-ordinating the Viva Voce examination. Candidates for
MA by research do not normally have an oral examination
unless this is recommended following a resubmission. We
recommend that you use some of your waiting time to consider
material for publication and/or to increase your teaching
experience.
You are also advised to ring Credit Control at this time to ensure
that all your financial debts to the University are cleared, as
debts could lead to delays in organising your viva (See Section
3: Other Useful Contacts).
There are specific formatting requirements of the written thesis.
These prescribe page size, weight of paper, margins, spacing,
page numbering, type font, font size, the contents of the title
page, and the choice of bibliographical referencing system.
There are also requirements for the type of temporary binding
for examination, and permanent binding for conferment of the
degree. These details are given in the current MMU Research
Student Handbook on pages 28-30. See:
Regulations/Supporting Materials/ Research Student
Handbook.
The text of the thesis should not normally exceed 80,000

words for a PhD, 40,000 words for an MPhil, or 30,000 words
for an MA by Research (this does not include ancillary matter
such as footnotes, references, diagrams and appendices).
Where the thesis is accompanied by material in other than
written form, the written thesis should normally be in the range
of 30,000-40,000 words for a PhD, 15,000-20,000 words for
an MPhil, and 10,000-15,000 words for an MA by Research.
For a PhD by Publication the thesis should take the form of
an analytical commentary of 10,000-15,000 words, and for a
PhD by Practice, the analytical commentary should be in the
range of 10,000-30,000 words. The analytical commentary will
be accompanied by copies of published material, permanent
records of a performance or exhibition, or permanent record
of a portfolio of work depending on the individual case, and
established at the time of registration (RD1).
27
The copies of the thesis submitted for examination will remain

the property of the University, but the copyright in the work will
remain with the candidate.
What happens if you do not submit within the

allotted time period?
If you sense that you cannot complete the degree within the
allotted period, you may take advantage of options to extend,
suspend, or change the mode of study from full-time to
part-time, as appropriate, to increase the time available.
However, if you still miss the submission date, there is a
financial penalty. After a short grace period (20 working days),
a first-stage non-submission fee of 250 will be charged. A
further non-submission fee of 500 will be charged (second
stage) if you do not submit within six months of the original
deadline. Then, if it is still necessary for you to return the
following year, 3000 will be charged (although this will be
reduced to one-third if you submit within the first six months of
that year). Any further delays will entail payment of tuition fees.
Please note that for overseas students, the rates are three
times that of home students. For everyone, it is in your best
interest to submit your thesis on time, or as soon as possible
thereafter.
15. Viva Voce Examination

The Viva Voce examination is the culmination of research
degree study at MPhil or PhD level. From the Latin translating
literally as with living voice, it means in this context an oral
examination. Masters by Research candidates will normally be
assessed on the basis of the thesis alone, although examiners
or the student can request an oral examination. All MPhil and
PhD candidates will be examined by viva. Those students who
have transferred from MPhil to PhD (after 2013) will already
have undertaken a transfer viva, so the process will be familiar.
The completion stage viva. For those undertaking
the viva, you will be appointed an Internal Examiner and an

External Examiner (MMU staff members will be examined by
two External Examiners for greater objectivity). The viva is
a discussion and defence of your research, its process and
findings. The thesis will be read by your examiners, and from
their reading they will develop a series of questions about the
research which they will put to you in the viva. For students
submitting a thesis that includes a body of creative work, an
exhibition or other form of viewing may be arranged so that
examiners can consider this work in its original format prior
to the viva. You will not know the examiners questions in
advance, and it would be fair to say that some students find this
a daunting prospect. Most, however, enjoy the experience of
being able to discuss several years of work with someone who
has extensive knowledge of their field, and an interest in the
particular insights the thesis brings to the subject.
The viva is normally held at the University, and usually
takes place within three months of submission of the thesis.
After submission, the thesis is read and given a preliminary
assessment by each of the examiners, provisionally stating
whether it satisfies the requirements of the degree. During
this period, your DoS will liaise with you and the examiners to
agree a mutually convenient date for the viva, and will arrange
the time and location. Assuming the preliminary reports are
satisfactory, the Research Degrees Administrator will write
to you formally to confirm the details of the examination,
normally about three weeks in advance. Should the student
wish examiners to evaluate the original creative work produced
as part of the thesis, arrangements for a viewing or exhibition
should be made by the student. This can take place anytime
from six months before the submission date up until the viva
date, but must be arranged in liaison with your DoS well in
advance in order to arrange the visit of the examiners. On this
occasion, the examiners are allowed to ask questions on points
of information, but the situation cannot be treated as part of the
examination.
The viva is chaired by a suitably qualified member of MMU
staff who has not been involved in the research project. The
chair makes sure things run smoothly and according to the
regulations, taking in hand the paperwork involved. The student
may elect to allow supervisors or others to be present in an
observer capacity, but observers are not allowed to speak or
otherwise participate. You will know who the examiners are
in advance, and you are not allowed to have any contact with
them after submission of the thesis, and you should avoid any
28
significant contact even before submission.

The MIRIAD research training programme usually offers a
session on preparing for the viva. The Graduate School also
offers workshop training on the viva, with tips on what to avoid
and how to handle different types of questions. You will be
examined by viva at the MPhil to PhD transfer stage which
helps to make the viva process more familiar, and allows you to
work through any difficulties at an earlier stage. The Graduate
School workshops may include a mock viva which puts you
into the situation of a real examination without the fear of
actually being examined, so that any such difficulties can be
discussed. We advise attending the Graduate School workshop
as a practice session that will allow you a better understanding
of what to expect. For further details on the Graduate School
programme, go to the intranet site and click on For Research
Students/ Research Students Development/ Workshop
Descriptions.
After the completion stage viva. After the viva,
the examiners will confer and normally agree one of several

recommendations:
1) that the student be awarded the degree without imposing any
conditions.
2) that the student be awarded the degree subject to
corrections/minor amendments (such as typographic,
bibliographic or formatting errors; or small additions or
deletions). In this case, a list is usually provided. Such
corrections should be capable of being completed within two
weeks (full time). These corrections are to be submitted to
your DoS, and will be approved by one examiner, usually the
internal examiner.
3) that the student be awarded the degree subject to revisions/
amendments, not normally more than 10% of the work.
This might involve re-writing a particular section or revising
a chapter. Reasons for the required amendments, and
guidance will be provided. Such revisions will usually be
capable of completion within two months. They are to be
submitted to your DoS, and one or both examiners may
check them for approval.
4) that the student is not awarded the degree, but permitted to
re-submit the thesis in revised form and be re-examined. This
might involve substantial changes that affect more than one
section of the thesis, or where creative work falls short of the
expected standard. Again, reasons for the required revisions,
and specific guidance will be provided. The further work will
not be so extensive that it would be considered a new thesis.
You will be required to submit copies of the revised thesis (in
the same formats as previously) to the Research Degrees
Administrator for re-examination, normally within six months
so that re-examination can take place within the conferment
period.
5) that the student not be awarded the degree applied for, but
rather awarded a lesser degree (MPhil instead of PhD, or MA
by Research instead of MPhil) subject to any amendments
required by the examiners. In this case, the examiners will
explain why they feel the thesis cannot be revised to meet
the criteria for the degree for which it was submitted.
29
6) that the student not be awarded the degree, and not be

permitted to re-submit. In this case, the deficiencies of the
thesis will be clearly stated. Fortunately, this last case is
rare.
The student will be called back to the examination room and
informed of the recommendation. The Chair will write these
out in a report to the RDC, a copy of which will be given to
the student. One examiner will be nominated to receive any
corrections or minor amendments, and that examiner will be
able to report the outcome when these are submitted. It is quite
common to have some corrections and/or minor amendments
to make; revision of a chapter is not uncommon. These should
be completed within the periods specified above.
Re-submission will take longer, but in all cases sufficient time
must be allowed for re-examination within the conferment
period (12 months from submission)
Students subject to the 2013 regulations will pay a pro rata
continuation fee during the period of their resubmission. If
you are re-submitting, the RDC will decide upon the form of
examination; another viva may or may not be required. Only
one re-examination is permitted. Candidates must not attempt
to contact examiners from the time of the examination until
the thesis receives full approval. Candidates who fail to submit
corrections or amendments, or to re-submit by the specified
date may be withdrawn by the University.
Once the thesis is approved, the candidate must submit:
a) written notification from the examiners that any required
corrections or revisions have been approved;
b) one bound copy and an electronic copy of the final thesis
produced according to the Universitys specification;
c) a completed RD Exit form signed by your DoS. See:
Online Forms/ Research Degrees Forms/Conferment of
Award; and, lastly
d) for PhD students, a completed deposit form for the British
Library Electronic Thesis Online Service (EThOS). This form
can be found in the same location as the RD Exit.
If everything is in order, the award of the degree will be
confirmed in writing, usually in two to three weeks, and this
constitutes conferment. Please provide the Research Degrees
Administrator with the address to send your formal notification,
certificate and invitation to the awards ceremony. The degree is
formally presented at the annual University awards ceremony.
Although attendance is optional, if you do attend, you will be
expected to hire and wear robes in accordance with MMUs
prescribed livery.
30
16. Acronym Buster and Glossary

Academic Year: MIRIAD operates according to a 45-week
academic year allowing 35 days leave. Thus postgraduates can
work beyond the limited term timetable of undergraduates.
AEC: Academic Ethics Committee. This committee advises
the Faculty on ethical issues related to research, and judges

the suitability of arrangements for handling issues raised by
particular research proposals. This is carried out in accordance
with the Universitys Academic Ethical Framework, English law
(for example, the Children Act 1989, the Data Protection Act
1998, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000), and relevant
codes of conduct of professional bodies.
AHRC: the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The
AHRC supports research that furthers our understanding of

human culture and creativity. It is the national research council
that includes the subjects within our Faculty. With an annual
budget of 98 million, the AHRC provides funding for research
and research training through a variety of grant programmes
and postgraduate awards. It engages in national debates
about research and aims to foster excellence in research on an
international level. It is worth familiarising yourself with the
AHRCs web pages at www.ahrc.ac.uk (updated frequently).
Completion or conferment: This describes the end
of your research degree process. Contrary to popular belief,

the term completion differs from submission. Completion
designates the point at which the degree is awarded, which is
confirmed in writing (by letter) prior to the annual Graduation
Ceremony. The University regulations state a minimum and
maximum period of registration running from the date of first
registration to completion. This will include the reading and
preliminary examination of your thesis, your viva voce, and time
taken to make any amendments imposed by the examiners.
Normally, you will want to allow at least three months between
submission and viva, and six to eight weeks for amendments.
CV: Curriculum vitae or Curriculum vitarum:
A Latin term (literally translated as course of life) meaning

a brief account of ones education, qualifications and prior
occupations.
DoS: Director of Studies. Your DoS has overall
Electronic payment system: for the use of networked

university printers and scanners, as well as purchases from
stores within the faculty. Your MMU ID and password is used
to top up your account at a payment kiosk or on the internet,
and then your student ID card can be used to order copies
according to the credit you have on your account. To view your
balance, see: www.finance.mmu.ac.uk/payOnline/index.cfm,
log in and follow the links. You can reach this site by clicking on
Current Students on the MMU Home Page, and scrolling down
to the button MMU PayOnline.
Enrolment: This designates the annual process in which you
are required to renew your student status and pay your fees.
There are two week enrolment periods at the start of each term.
Note that enrolment differs from registration (see below) which
takes place when your research proposal has been approved.
Entry requirements: see:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements
For the Master of Arts by Research (MA) or Master of
Philosophy (MPhil), you should have a first or second class
honours Bachelors degree or an equivalent qualification.
Other applicants will be considered on their merits. Ability and
background knowledge in relation to the proposed research,
together with professional experience, publications, written
reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment will be
taken into consideration.
Opportunities exist to transfer from MA by Research to MPhil
after about 6 months (12 months part-time), and students
registered for MPhil have the opportunity to transfer to PhD
after completion of about 12 months (24 months part-time),
along with submission of a transfer report demonstrating
progress that shows that development to the higher degree
level can be achieved.
To apply for a PhD directly, you should have a Masters degree
or equivalent in a discipline that is appropriate to the proposed
research, and includes sufficient training in research methods
and experience in executing a research project. If you do
not meet these criteria but have had appropriate research or
professional experience at postgraduate level that has resulted
in published work, written reports, or other appropriate evidence
of accomplishment, this will be taken into consideration.
responsibility for supervising your research, and for its

monitoring and evaluation. The Director can offer guidance on
procedural matters as well as academic issues, and oversees
the formal paperwork required during your academic progress.
Your DoS also directs the supervisory team, and makes the
practical arrangements for your examination. For further
information, see Section 9. Working with your Supervisory
Team.
31
Ethics and Consent Forms: If you plan to involve
human participants in your study (whether as subjects

for photography or as interviewees), then you will need a
Participant Information Sheet and Participant Consent Form. A
good place for finding more information about research ethics
and consents is the UK Data Archive:
www.data-archive.ac.uk/create-manage/consent-ethics.
This site provides not only clear advice but links to other
university sites with standard forms that you can use to develop
your own. For example, the University of the Arts London,
Oxford Brooks University, and Southampton University have
all published standard forms. You may also wish to consult the
Oral History Society Ethics Guidelines:
www.ohs.org.uk/ethics.php. If your research involves
photographs of human subjects that you may wish to display,
publish or sell at a later date, you will want to employ a Model
Release Form which assigns any interest the subject has
in the copyright, moral rights or intellectual property rights
to the photographer. Standard Forms used by professional
photographers can easily be found on the internet, but special
consideration would need to be given for photography of minors
or for nude photography. If your research involves photography
of buildings not visible from a public place, it would be advisable
to use a Location Release Form.
Ethics Approval: If your proposed research raises ethical
issues, appropriate arrangements for handling these must

be made. If ethics issues raised by your research cannot
be resolved within the Faculty, an application for ethics
approval must then be submitted to the MMU Academic Ethics
Committee. The Ethics Approval form is available from the
Graduate School Intranet. Follow the links from Online Forms
to Ethics Forms where you will see the MMU Application for
Ethical Approval.
Ethics Check: Any research proposal must take due
cognizance of the ethical implications of the subject matter

of the research, its methodologies and the representation of
certain forms of data in the final thesis that could affect the
ability to make the thesis publicly available. When submitting
a research proposal, students must ensure that they have
discussed any ethical implications of their research with their
Director of Studies (DoS) to determine whether approval of
research ethics is required. To assist you, an Ethics Check form
is available from the Faculty Research Degrees Administrator.
This should be completed by you and signed by your DoS as
an essential component of your research proposal. Aspects
of research that have potential ethical risks include: research
requiring the involvement of other participants (especially
children), research involving animals, research entailing moral
or legal obligations, and research with insurance or health and
safety implications.
32
Examiners: Your examination panel will consist one external

examiner (employed outside the University), and one internal
examiner. When MMU staff members are being examined, both
examiners will be external. The examination team is assembled
by the Director of Studies. Students are reminded that any
person who has made significant input into your research will
be disbarred as a potential examiner, so it is a good idea to
establish choices for your external examiner well in advance
in order to avoid contact during the period of study. For further
information, see Section 15. Viva Voce.
Faculty Postgraduate Research Programme:
The Faculty of Art and Design runs its own postgraduate

research programme designed to enhance students subjectspecific experience of postgraduate work. The programme
includes induction, research training seminars, monitoring and
evaluation, and an annual research meeting (See: PARC North
West).
Faculty Postgraduate Student Representatives:
these are elected student representatives who can take any

issues or ideas you have to the Graduate School Forum on
your behalf. They represent the student body on generic issues
common to all faculty research students. Representatives can
talk through issues with you outside of the formal relationships
of departmental subject areas and the academic staff
directly involved in supporting your research. There will be
normally be one full-time and one part-time student acting as
representatives.
Faculty Research Degrees Co-ordinator in

MIRIAD: This is a senior staff member who specialises in
research, coordinates postgraduate research, and oversees

postgraduate research students in the Faculty of Art and
Design. This post has been held by Prof. Jim Aulich since 2004
(Office: 111, Righton Building).
Faculty Research Degrees Administrator in

MIRIAD: The administrator is currently Adele Dunne, whose
office is on the second floor of Geoffrey Manton Building,
Room 212 (tel. 0161 247 4609). All administrative forms you
need to submit should be handed to the Research Degrees
Administrator. In conjunction with the Research Degrees
Co-ordinator, the Administrator will check that all relevant
signatures have been collected and that the forms are duly
submitted.
Faculty Student Support Officer: The Student
Support Officer is available to advise students on a wide range

of issues related to university life. These include study skills,
time management, presentation skills, and writing skills. The
postholder is available to meet students by appointment on a
one-to-one basis, in confidence. Contact information can be
found at Section 3. Key Contacts. For further information,
see: www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/studentsupport
Graduate School: The Graduate School is the overall body

in charge of postgraduate education at MMU. It specifically
engages with PGRs for the following: induction, postgraduate
research student development programme, and the annual
postgraduate research student conference. You might also take
advantage of their support structures for locating funding and
preparing funding bids.
Induction: Induction is the process by which students are
introduced to the University and are given the information vital

to their first steps as research students. Two inductions are
conducted for Art and Design postgraduate research students.
A required general induction is run by the Graduate School.
The other, run by MIRIAD, is tailored to students on the Faculty
Research Programme, and contains subject-specific detail.
Both are described in this handbook. See Section 2.
MIRIAD: Manchester Institute for Research and Innovation
in Art and Design is where you are based as a postgraduate

researcher (PGR). The Institutes function is to manage the
quantity and quality of research undertaken by researchactive staff within the Faculty, and to promote a stimulating
research environment. To this end, MIRIAD is allocated part of
the government funding grant based on the periodic national
assessment of university research. PGRs are Associate
Members of MIRIAD, and are encouraged to be active in an
appropriate Research Centre, thus contributing to the research
environment and to the overall success of research within the
Faculty. MIRIAD Postgraduate Research Degrees website:
www.miriad.mmu.ac.uk/postgraduate
PARC North West: Practice as Research Consortium
North West. This regional body organises an annual series

of free events exploring the cross-fertilisation of practice
and research across the full range of creative practices and
industries. The events take the form a conference with keynote
speakers, post-graduate presentations, poster sessions, and
break-out sessions; and a less traditionally structured carnival
offering exhibitions, performances, posters, and workshops.
All practice-based researchers will find in PARC North West
opportunities for personal development, and social occasions
to meet researchers and practitioners beyond the MIRIAD
network. PARC North West events require advance booking
with the Faculty Research Degrees Administrator.
See: www.miriad.mmu.ac.uk/postgraduate
PDP: Personal Development Portfolio (see below)

Personal Development Portfolio (PDP): The
and Design Faculty is supported by six of the eight MIRIAD

Research Centres: Architecture, Art, Crafts, Design, Media, and
Visual Culture. The other two Centres are within the Hollings
Faculty.
process of assembling data about the activities you undertake

related to your research and training has been formalised in the
contents of a portfolio. A binder is issued to new postgraduate
students during the Graduate School induction day to be used
for this purpose. The portfolio forms a record of your progress
through the research degrees programme: your research
proposal (RD1), a record of your attendance at courses,
seminars, conferences, relevant exhibitions and other activities.
Additionally, your transfer report (RD2), papers or presentations
you have given at conferences, a record of your exhibitions
or performances, and a list of professional or academic
memberships. This information should be updated annually as
a minimum, but it will be less burdensome if you get into the
habit of updating at the end of each term. A current CV will also
be part of the portfolio. The portfolio assists in the annual review
process. The point of all this logging of activity is to help you
assess your current strengths and weaknesses, and to plan the
skills and knowledge you need to develop to reach your goals.
MIRIAD Student/Staff Forum: This forum exists in
PGR: Postgraduate Researcher and/or Postgraduate
MIRIAD Research Centres: Research within the Art
order to promote good relations and enhance the quality of the

postgraduate research student experience within the faculty.
It allows discussion of a broad range of matters relating to
the experience of study and University procedures, and the
communication of issues to the Research Degrees Committee
for resolution. The Forum meets as part of the Research
Training Programme. This supplements the more formal
Graduate School Forum, with one full-time and one-part time
student to represent each faculty. See:
www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/studentrepresentatives/
Research.
Pro forma: In current academic usage, this Latin term
indicates a format or form for providing written information.
RCUK: Research Councils UK. This is the strategic
partnership of the UKs seven research councils: Arts and

Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Engineering
and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Economic
and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research
Council (MRC), Natural Environment Research Council
(NERC), and Science and Technology Facilities Council
(STFC).
33
Research Degree forms (RD numbers): These are

all available for download from the Graduate School Intranet.
Follow the link to Online Forms.
RD1: Used for registration; in other words, for submitting a

research proposal.
RD2: Used for transfer of registration from Master of

Philosophy to PhD.
RD3: Used if a change in your arrangements of supervision

is necessary.
RD4: Application for extension of registration.
RDCV: This is a pro forma for a Curriculum Vitae (CV) to
be filled out by both supervisors and examiners. This CV is

required from all prospective supervisors or examiners. Thus,
the form can be needed at various times: for registration,
when seeking to change supervisors, or when arranging for
approval of examiners. Some CVs, especially those of MMU
staff, will already be held, but you should check with the Faculty
Research Degrees Administrator to be certain. Please note
that while students are encouraged to keep in close touch with
supervisors, regulations strictly forbid contact with examiners
prior to examination.
RDDEC: This is a declaration that clarifies any issues of
RD7: The preliminary report form used by examiners
concurrent registration or material submitted for another

award, states any material published in advance of the thesis,
and vouches the professional integrity of your work. It must
be signed by yourself and countersigned by your Director of
Studies to confirm that you have completed a programme of
supporting studies and undertaken annual monitoring and
evaluation.
RD8: Used for the report on your oral examination (viva voce).
RKE: Research and Knowledge Exchange is a University Unit
RD5: Application for suspension of registration.

RD6: Application for approval of the examination team.
RD9: The form on which you record meetings and actions
agreed with your supervisory team. You and your DoS should
both keep copies.
RDAR: short for Research Degrees Annual

Review. This process is required for all registered research
degree candidates. In advance of the review, your Director

of Studies will have discussed with you your development
as a researcher made with reference to the Researcher
Development Framework, your career plans, and your general
progress. The DoS will then complete a report on your progress
and evaluate whether this as satisfactory or not. See the form
used at: www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school by following the
links: Online Forms/Research Degrees Forms/ Annual Review.
It is a good idea to have a look at it to give you an idea of areas
that may be discussed. Another review will be conducted by an
independent internal reviewer who will examine the evidence
of your progress and meet with you to discuss your student
experience and any issues of concern that may affect your
study. Refer to the Annual Review form for a list of areas that
may be discussed. You can bring your PDP file to the meeting,
but definitely bring the completed Researcher Development
Framework. This meeting should take no more than an hour.
The reviewer will then complete a report and provide you with
any advice or guidance that is felt necessary.
RDC: Research Degrees Committee. The RDC
considers all matters relating to the administration of research

degrees for the University. It is responsible for maintaining
standards, and the quality of research programmes. At
its monthly meetings, it considers student proposals for
registration, and grants these approval or referral. It also
administers the postgraduate student satisfaction surveys, and
works to improve the student experience.
34
that administers Research and Knowledge Exchange for the

University as a whole, as well as running the Graduate School.
As a postgraduate research student, youll find the Graduate
School website especially useful. You may also wish to explore
the RKE website at: www2.mmu.ac.uk/rke
REF 2014: This is the governments Research Excellence
Framework, a nationwide assessment of university research.

The ratings given by the Framework are used by the Higher
Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) to determine
the level of government grant given to the University to support
research.
Researcher Development Framework: Vitae have
developed this framework based on the knowledge behaviours

and attributes of successful researchers. These are divided
amongst four domains, each split into three subdomains
with an average of five descriptors. For example, the domain
knowledge and intellectual abilities contains the sub-domain
Creativity which includes the descriptor Innovation.
Researchers are encouraged to choose areas which they
wish to develop, and to map these onto several professional
development phases. For more information, see
www.vitae.ac.uk
Researchers: Researcher Development Framework.
Registration: This term differs from Enrolment (see above)
in that although you may be enrolled for a research degree,

you are not registered for it until you have submitted a proposal
(RD1) to the FRDC and it has been formally approved by the
University. Proposals are referred by the Committee if it feels
that there is insufficient evidence that you are at the appropriate
stage to begin your research. In the case of a referral, you will
be given advice on what needs amendment or further detail,
and you will need to re-submit the modified proposal. MMU
Postgraduate Student regulations stipulate that a full-time
student should complete Registration for the degree to which
they are enrolled no later than 3 months (6 months part-time)
after enrolment, so you need to work diligently to enable your

proposal to evidence your preparedness for registration within
the time limit.
Research Training: This takes several forms. MIRIAD
runs its own Researcher Development Programme. In a

series of seminars and workshops, training is delivered
directly by subject specialists. Additionally, Dr Steven Gartside
offers a series on theoretical writing in the arts designed
as an introduction to a broad range of themes; and there
is a writing course called Writing Matters. More generic
developmental training is offered by the Graduate School for all
postgraduate students regardless of their subject. The taught
postgraduate programme runs a series of lectures that MIRIAD
postgraduates are welcome to attend. There are further training
opportunities offered through the Library, and self-directed
study such as software tutorials. For training on workshop
equipment, see: Workshop Inductions.
Supervisory Team: A team will usually comprise one or
two supervisors in addition to the Director of Studies, and it

would be usual for those supervisors to have expert knowledge
in one aspect of your project and the work necessary to
complete it satisfactorily. The Director of Studies has overall
responsibility for your academic supervision, and for ensuring
that the team talks and plans together throughout your study.
Tacit: Tacit is a digital journal and blog developed and edited
by MIRIAD students and staff, and welcoming contributions by
postgraduate students. The journal explores emergent
practice-led research, especially as this relates to the ways
digital technologies change the nature of arts research.
See: www.tacitjournal.org
Viva Voce: Abbreviated as viva, this is the Latin for oral
Libraries. SCONUL operates various cooperative schemes to

help users of one library make occasional use of another. Over
170 higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland participate
in the SCONUL Access scheme which allows registered
postgraduate researchers borrowing privileges.
examination. This is your final examination as a research

student in which you are required to defend your thesis under
questioning from an Internal Examiner (MMU) and an External
Examiner (from another University), with a Chairperson present
to lead the session. For PGR students who are also members
of staff at MMU (either on a fractional contract or full-time), two
External Examiners are used in order to aid objectivity. A viva
is also held at the progression stage of transfer from MPhil to
PhD, by two internal staff without a Chairperson.
The defence of your thesis is not quite as draconian as it may
sound. Having spent years researching the minutiae of a
subject, you rapidly become an expert in the field of your thesis.
Your examiners will have an expert knowledge of a related field
or a broader field than you are presenting. So, having read
your thesis, they will be keen to ask questions about how you
went about the research, why you made certain decisions, why
the thesis (or argument) you advance is presented in the way
it is, and whether the conclusions you draw are robust. This
might take the form of an engaged discussion (probably no one
will ever read your work more closely), but it can also take the
form of questions. The examination may expose some flaws
within the thesis, and if this is the case, you will be given the
opportunity to revise your work accordingly, with guidance from
the examiners.
Student Hub. MMU has centralised departmental support
Workshop Inductions: Inductions for postgraduates
RI: Research Institute. MIRIAD is the RI for the Manchester

School of Art (see above).
Righton Building: This is the base for the MIRIAD Research

Degrees programme. It houses a postgraduate student office
(Rooms 114-115), a bookable meeting room (Room 103), a
postgraduate notice board, a communal kitchen for light food
and drink preparation, and a flexible social and exhibition
space. It also houses the offices for the Director of MIRIAD
and the Faculty Research Degrees Co-ordinator, alongside
the offices of Research Fellows based in MIRIAD. The Righton
address can be used for deliveries: MMU, Righton Building,
Cavendish Street, Manchester M15 6BG.
SCONUL: Society of College, National and University
and administration structures. Administrative support for

students is found at the Hub for each campus. At All Saints
South, there are four hubs. These are found on the ground floor
level of the Geoffrey Manton Building, the Business School/
Student Hub Building, the ground floor of Righton Building,
and in the John Dalton Building. They are well sign posted.
Formally the Geoffrey Manton Hub is for School of Art students,
but for most purposes you can use any Hub.
Student Representatives: See Faculty Postgraduate

Student Representatives
Student Union: The Student Union, located at 99 Oxford
Road, offers a wide range of services, including a shop with

discounts above those of ordinary commercial premises. It aims
to represent the interests of the entire student body at MMU.
See: www.mmunion.co.uk There is a link on the website
for the Student Union Advice Centre which provides free,
independent advice.
are organised through your supervisor(s). A message will

be sent to the Technical Group Manager who is in charge
of inductions and a time will be arranged for the induction to
take place. When possible, postgraduates will be inducted to
workshops along with other groups. It is aimed to complete
these inductions before November, so notify your supervisors
early on if you think you will require use of particular workshops.
For more information about the workshop facilities that are
available, see:
www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/workshops
Writing Matters: This is a course offered on Wednesdays

over the period of two terms. Sixteen place are available,
and a commitment to attend the full course is required. The
course develops art-and-design-based writing skills, nurtures
the development of your individual voice, and supports
development of a peer-led writing group. See the Researcher
Development Programme brochure for details.
35
WEBSITE INDEX
RD1 and other RD forms:

www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/online-forms
Arts and Humanities Research Council, see

www.ahrc.ac.uk
Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) web site:

www.mmu.ac.uk/rke
Catering facilities, see

www.mmu2.ac.uk/food
Research Student Handbook (University-wide), see

www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/regulationscop-supporting-material and click on the Supporting Materials
tab.
Code of Practice, see www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/

graduate-school-intranet Follow link to Regulations, Code of
Practice & Supporting Material Contact details updating, see
www.mmu.ac.uk/enrol click on update arrow
Disability disclosure advice, see www.mmu.ac.uk/sas/
studentservices/learner-development
Forms for administrative needs, see www2.mmu.ac.uk/
graduate-school/online-forms Follow link to Online Forms
Researcher Development Framework, see

www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1226/Training-needs-analysis.
html and www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/291411/
Manage-your-career-with-the-Vitae-RDF-Planner.html
Researchers Weekly Bulletin Blog, see
www.library.mmu.ac.uk/rwbb
Guide to UK doctorate, see www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/

InformationAndGuidance/Doctorate Pages/Doctorateguide.aspx
Schedule of research, see

www2.mmu.ac.uk/graduate-school/graduate-schoolintranet Follow link to Regulations and Institutional Code of
Practice, then click on Research Student Journeys
Images from Visual Resources Centre, see

www.flickr.com/photos/mmuvisualresources
Special Collections, see www.specialcollections.mmu.ac.uk
International student MMU website, see

www.mmu.ac.uk/international
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, see
www.ktponline.org.uk
MIRIAD Online, see
www.miriadonline.info
Student Development Programme, see www2.mmu.ac.uk/

graduate-school/graduate-school-intranet Follow link to
Research Students Development, then click on Workshop
Descriptions
Student Services (university-wide), see
www.mmu.ac.uk/sas/studentservices
Support Officer, see www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/studentsupport
MIRIAD, see
Taught MA programmes, see www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/

courses/postgraduate
Oral history ethics guidance, see

www.ohs.org.uk/ethics.php
UK Data Archive (ethics and consents), see

www.data-archive.ac.uk/create-manage/consent-ethics
Print machines,
www.mmu.ac.uk/itservices/mmuprint
Vitae, see
www.vitae.ac.uk
Print services contact

repro@mmu.ac.uk
36
Workshop facilities
www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/workshops
37
The photographs in this handbook are from the doctoral work of Lucy
Wright, artistic researcher and performer. Lucy studied folk performance in
North West England, an activity she sees as dynamic, and with a vital role in
the life of communities. In particular, she explored the contemporary legacy
of the town carnival movement, and the much overlooked performance-sport
of girls morris dancing. She developed her practice around contemporary
folk art as a way of researching with others and co-creating knowledge.
On completion in 2014, Lucy took up a research post on an AHRC-funded
project, while she continues to play with the BBC Folk Award nominated act,
Pilgrims Way.

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MIRIAD research degrees

handbook 2014 - 2015

Enrolment and Registration

Research Degree Options and Timescales

Forms Required for Registration

Working with your Supervisory Team

10. Updating your Contact Details

Welcome to the research community at

13. International Students

MIRIAD research degrees handbook 2014 - 2015

Town Hall is Mabel Tylecote Building [12] where

If new to Manchester, or to MMU, here are some

(iv)) Books and stationery: The Precinct Centre,

south of the Geoffrey Manton Building, past the Royal

is Chatham Building housing the Manchester School of

complete list can be found at: www. mmu2.ac.uk /food/

(iii) The All Saints environs. On the pavement,

All Saints Park

up from the Student Hub in Geoffrey Manton Building, open

Student email accounts. On enrolment, your student

email account becomes activated. This is accessed using your

Two separate inductions are offered. The first is a one-day

Rosamond Street West

University is Paintpots Nursery on Charles Street

has proved the best way to impart essential information to

Induction is a formal introduction to the university. This

is in the Students Union. The closest Post Office (0.5

Issuing of student ID cards. ID cards can be picked

The second induction is faculty-specific, and is offered at the

Faculty Research Administrator (Art & Design):

Student Research Methods Support Officer:

Research Training Co-ordinator:

Tuesday Talks Programme Co-ordinator:

MIRIAD is located on the first floor of Righton Building, built as

Professor Pavel Bchler

Dr Philip Sykas, Research Associate

Dr Barbara Rawlings, Honorary Fellow,

Research Fellow for Practice as Research:

Health and Safety Advisor

4th Floor, All Saints Building

Faculty Student Support Officer:

Financial Office, Cavendish South Room CG02

Postgraduate Student Representatives:

Immigration and Welfare Team:

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:

to study on campus will depend on your own preferences

Postgraduate Student Handbook Editor:

Victoria Haire and Mary Stark

Marion Poulton, Technical Group Manager

Nicola Ross and Rebecca Bradley

The 5th floor of Chatham Building is available for the use of

Professor John Hyatt

Research and Knowledge Exchange:

MIRIAD research degrees handbook 2014 - 2015

(ii) Bookable Rooms and Spaces. Room 103 is

a meeting and viewing space with a sign-up diary that

are two multifunctional printer/ scanner/ photocopiers in

(iv) Faculty shops: Many stationery items and art

materials can be obtained on campus through various

(v) Workshops: The faculty workshops are centralised

within the Benzie Building and the adjoining Chatham

(vi) Exhibition spaces: There are a number of

exhibition spaces at the All Saints South campus

(vii) Visual Resources Centre and Downing

(iv)) Books and stationery: The Precinct Centre,

The 5th floor of Chatham Building is available for the use of

(ii) Bookable Rooms and Spaces. Room 103 is

(iv) Faculty shops: Many stationery items and art

(v) Workshops: The faculty workshops are centralised

(vi) Exhibition spaces: There are a number of

(vii) Visual Resources Centre and Downing

(viii) MMU Library Special Collections. Located on

(ix) University Catering Outlets:

(i) Research Libraries

(iv) Researchers Weekly Bulletin

(vi) Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE)

7. Research Degrees: Options and