DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY
MASTER OF RESEARCH (M.Res)
SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
2014-2015
Contents
1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology ......................................... 2
1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Areas of interest ................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Links ................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series............................................................ 3
1.5 Postgraduate students’ research seminar .......................................................................... 4
1.6 Research facilities ............................................................................................................. 4
2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology .......................................................................... 4
2.1 Qualifications for entry ..................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Application procedure ....................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Selection procedure ........................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Duration ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.5 Term dates and attendance requirements .......................................................................... 5
2.6 Visa regulations ................................................................................................................ 5
2.7 Induction ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.8 Structure of the M.Res. ..................................................................................................... 6
2.9 Exit points ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.10 Aims ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.11 Learning outcomes .......................................................................................................... 7
3. M.Res. courses ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Course outlines................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4. Ethical guidelines for research ............................................................................................. 12
5. Skills training and research support ..................................................................................... 12
6. Assessment ........................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Methods of assessment ................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Course weightings ........................................................................................................... 12
6.3 The Common Grading Scale ........................................................................................... 12
6.4 Progression and Award ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.5 Resits ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7. Supervisory practice ............................................................................................................. 14
8. Transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD registration ............................................................ 15
9. Guidance and support ........................................................................................................... 15
9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms ....................................................................................... 16
9.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities ......................................................................... 16
9.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee ..................................................................... 16
9.4 Problems and difficulties ................................................................................................ 16
9.5 Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 17
10. Contact details and sources of further information ............................................................ 17
Appendix: College of Arts and Social Sciences Research Ethics Guidance............................ 17
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1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology
1.1 Introduction
The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology has its origins in the reestablishment of Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen in 2000. It provides an
innovative and lively forum for staff and postgraduates that is unique to the University of
Aberdeen. The programme draws on the wide range of anthropological experience and
expertise within the Department and also provides access to the library, archival and museum
collections of the University. The distinctive Graduate Programme thus offers an excellent
research environment in which to study for a postgraduate degree.
The Department of Anthropology has four principal academic themes that link together our
activities in teaching and research: Anthropology of the North, Environment and Perception,
Creativity and Knowledge, and Religion Belief and Practice. These themes and specific
research projects that fall under them are detailed on the departmental website. Nearly all staff
have past and present projects that fall under more than one theme, and these themes connect
to strengths elsewhere in the university.
1.2 Areas of interest
We can offer research supervision in most areas of social anthropology, and our particular
strengths are in the areas listed below. Some of these themes are ongoing projects that
members of the Department of Anthropology are carrying out.
Anthropology of the North
Colonial histories and indigenous rights
Paths, roads and mobility
Home, hearth and household in the circumpolar North
Arts practice in the North
Narrative, knowledge, time and memory
Environment
Environmental anthropology and nature conservation
Human-animal relations
Anthropological perspectives on energy
The perception of the environment
Creativity and Knowledge
Anthropology, archaeology, art and architecture
Craft, skill, improvisation and performance
Indigenous media, oral traditions and the making of culture
Knowledge production, creativity and intellectual property
Museums, collections and material histories
Science, technology and medicine
Lines, drawing and inscription
Anthropology and dance
Religion, Politics and Practice
Ritual and politics in the contemporary world
Religion, belief and practice in Islam
Religion, state and landscape in Tibet
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Ritual communication and shamanic cosmologies
Death, monuments and memorials
Social and Cultural Processes
Politics and the state
Post-socialist societies
Morality
Language, society and identity
Evolutionary theory
Phenomenological perspectives on place and landscape
Memory and forgetting
Regional Anthropology
The Circumpolar North
The Andes
North American Plains
Central Asia
Tibet
Scotland, UK and Europe
1.3 Links
The Graduate Programme is closely linked with:

Aberdeen University’s Marischal Museum, offering considerable scope for research
especially in the field of material culture studies. The museum is closed to the public
but its collections are accessible to researchers. King’s Museum on campus displays
items from the collections and hosts changing exhibitions. There are a number of other
University collections which may be of interest to students and other researchers.

The Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, a cross-disciplinary
environmental research centre working in partnership between the University of
Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute. By collaborating with academics and
members of the policy, practitioner and business communities, it works to promote
interest and engagement in interdisciplinary research on issues related to
environmentally sustainability.

A range of other Departments and Schools across the University, such Archaeology,
History, the School of Language and Literature, and the School of Education, as
well as the Department of Anthropology’s home in the School of Social Science.
Many staff across the University have skills and interests relevant to Anthropology,
and often work in collaboration with us.
1.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series
Apart from courses and seminars for students, as detailed below, the Department of
Anthropology organises occasional lectures by distinguished academic visitors as well as a
weekly seminar to which visiting speakers are invited. Full details of the seminar series can be
accessed on the Department’s website. All M.Res. students are required to attend these
events, and all other postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend.
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Additional events are organised by the School of Social Science and the College of Arts and
Social Sciences. For information on these and other events, students should regularly check
their email, the website for the Graduate School (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate/) and
also consult the M.Res. notice board which is located in the corridor of the first floor of the
Edward Wright Building, directly opposite the School of Social Science office.
1.5 Postgraduate students’ writing-up seminar
This research seminar is primarily intended for PhD students who are writing up, though prefieldwork research students may be able to attend, subject to the agreement of the postfieldwork students. The programme of seminars are organised by students and Dr Nancy
Wachowich, the PhD programme coordinator will liaise with students and staff on the
schedule.
1.6 Research facilities
All postgraduate research students are provided with shared office space located, when
possible, within the School of Social Science. They have computer access suitable for the
needs of their research work and are supplied with the appropriate software packages.
Technical training in the use of specific programmes will be provided as necessary. All
students have full access to the Sir Duncan Rice Library and all other appropriate facilities.
The Department of Information Technology provides training and documentation in the use of
library and computing facilities which students are required to attend. Students have access to
telephone, electronic mail and other mail facilities.
Postgraduate research students have an annual allowance for copying and printing of £50.
Students undertaking teaching activities will be allocated up to a further £20 annually to cover
copying costs associated with their teaching. Costs are 2.5p per single-sided A4 and 5p per
double-sided A4 for black and white.
Research students in social anthropology with interests in material culture can benefit from
access to the substantial collections and facilities of the University Museums. The
University’s Special Libraries and Archives also have extensive collections which may be
drawn upon by students with interests in historical anthropology, colonialism, etc. In addition,
the Department has a multimedia work-station with equipment for working with
photographic, audio and video materials.
Any students requiring special assistance with facilities, or having special needs, should
contact the School of Social Science Administrative Officer, Pam Thomson, Edward Wright
Building (F46), phone 2275, email pam.thomson@abdn.ac.uk
2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology
The Programme Director is Dr Alison Brown, alison.brown@abdn.ac.uk
2.1 Qualifications for entry
An Honours degree (upper second class or above), or the equivalent qualification level and
class of qualification for non-UK applicants, in an appropriate subject(s).
A research interest in an area in which we are able to offer adequate supervision. Applicants
should consult the areas of interest of our staff before applying (see section 1.2).
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2.2 Application procedure
Applications should be made to the University’s Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
using the appropriate form (obtained from the University’s website at
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml). Applications are accepted at any time
throughout the year. In order to be accepted to start the programme in the autumn,
applications should be received by the end of the preceding April.
2.3 Selection procedure
Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:
 Evidence of academic excellence, from transcripts and letters of reference
 An area of interest that fits the speciality of our staff and research programmes
 Evidence that the applicant has either secured or applied for funding for their term of
study
If one or more of the above criteria are not fulfilled, we may make a conditional offer of
admission.
2.4 Duration
12 months full-time; 24 months part-time.
Unless exempted by virtue of qualification or experience from the whole programme or from
components of it, part-time students will be expected to complete the same programme as
full-time students.
2.5 Term dates and attendance requirements
The academic year is divided into two half-sessions. The first half-session runs from 9
September 2014 to 19 December 2014, with teaching commencing on 15 September 2014.
The winter break runs from 20 December 2014 to 18 January 2015). The second half-session
runs from 19 January to 22 May 2015 (with a spring break from 3 to 27 April). Barring the
winter and spring breaks, full-time students are normally expected to be in attendance
throughout these periods. Students commencing their studies for the M.Res. must be present
in the University by 9 September 2014. They are strongly advised, however, to arrive one
week prior to the start of the session.
2.6 Visa regulations
Students holding Tier 4 visas (that is, those from outside the European Union) must be aware
of those UK Borders Agency regulations that apply to them, and abide by them. Breach of
these regulations may result in the termination of your studies, deportation and the fining of
the University. While the specifics of UKBA regulations change from time to time, three
overarching principles generally apply, and we would ask you to abide by them carefully:
(i) Tier 4-holding students should co-operate with any class monitoring for your courses and
inform the School should you need to miss any planned classes or meetings with university
representatives – particularly those at the beginning of your studies. You may also be asked to
sign periodically at the School Office.
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(ii) Tier 4-holding students should inform the University (most usually, through the School of
Social Science Office in Edward Wright Building) of their correct term-time address, and of
their planned whereabouts should they leave Aberdeen. In case of departures of more than one
week, please ask the School Office for the relevant form.
(iii) Tier 4-holding students should be aware of their visa conditions regarding work outside
studies (including tutoring) and abide by them.
Should you have any questions regarding the specifics of UKBA regulations, please ask at the
School Office.
2.7 Induction
All new M.Res. students are expected to meet with their prospective supervisors during the
first week of term. The purpose of this meeting is to make an initial assessment of the
student’s training needs, to confirm the courses to be taken, and (where two or more
supervisors are involved) to determine the optimal division of supervisory functions between
them. Our principles of supervisory practice are set out in more detail below (see Section 6).
2.8 Structure of the M.Res.
Candidates for the M.Res. shall be required to attend the following programme of courses,
with the following provisos:
Students must choose at least one of AT5033 Research Skills in Anthropology and AT5532
Research, Design and Practice in Anthropology, and may choose both. Students without
experience of anthropological methods will be expected to take both courses.
Students must take a minimum of 45 credits from AT5031 Research in Social Anthropology
1, AT5032 Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended), AT5530 Research in Social
Anthropology 2 and AT5531 Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended).
Stage 1 (First semester):
Students will choose one of
AT5031
Research in Social Anthropology 1 (15 credit points)
AT5032
Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended version) (30 credit points)
Students will in addition choose from the following:
AT5033
Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credit points)
AT5029
Supervised Reading 1 (15 credit points)
or appropriate Level 5 course(s), to an overall value for Stage 1 of 60 credit points
Stage 2 (Second semester):
AT5906
Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (15 credits)
Students will choose one of
AT5530
Research in Social Anthropology 2 (15 credit points)
AT5531
Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended version) (30 credit points)
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Students will in addition choose from the following:
AT5532
Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credit points)
AT5529
Supervised Reading 2 (15 credit points)
or appropriate Level 5 course(s), to an overall value for Stage 1 of 60 credit points
Stage 3
AT5910 Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)
2.9 Exit points
Students who complete all the coursework components of the programme except Philosophy
and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 60 credit points, may
exit with the award of the Certificate of Social Research.
Students who complete all the coursework components of the Programme, together with
Philosophy and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 120
credit points, may exit with the award of the Diploma of Research in Social Anthropology.
Students who complete all components of the Programme, including the Dissertation,
amounting to 180 credit points, may exit with the award of Master of Research (M.Res.) in
Social Anthropology.
2.10 Aims
The M.Res. programme introduces students to current directions of research in social
anthropology, and fosters awareness and critical reflection on the epistemological, conceptual
and ethical problems entailed in the conduct of research. Students learn how to access and use
key sources of research material and are provided training in ethnographic fieldwork and
related research methods. Students completing the programme should be adequately prepared
either to undertake further research towards the PhD in Social Anthropology or a related
discipline, or to enter employment as researchers in fields outside the academy, such as in
museums and libraries, the media, business, or government and non-governmental
organisations, where the knowledge and skills cultivated by the programme are in demand.
2.11 Learning outcomes
The M.Res. programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate
knowledge and understanding, along with intellectual, practical and transferable skills, in the
following areas:
Knowledge and understanding of
 History and current directions of research in social anthropology
 Basic principles of research design and strategy, including how to relate evidence to
theory, and to select methodology appropriate to the evidence
 The rationale for qualitative research methods, their epistemological implications, and
relations with quantitative methods.
 The use, interpretation and presentation of appropriate techniques of data collection and
analysis
 The ethical, legal and political issues involved in the conduct of research
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Intellectual skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to
 Reason critically
 Apply anthropological concepts to real world situations
 Apply a range of appropriate research methods and tools to research problems
 Embark on research involving the collection of data through participatory fieldwork,
and/or from other sources such as archives and museums
 Understand the theoretical questions that inform anthropological research, and the kinds
of empirical evidence that can be deployed in addressing these questions
 Appreciate the sensitivity of social or cultural knowledge and understanding to context,
and the problems of mediating between different cultural or epistemological frames
Practical skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to
 Identify and use library, web-based and other bibliographic sources
 Employ word-processing and other basic skills including spreadsheets and database
management
 Communicate and disseminate information about the topics and results of their research to
both specialist and lay audiences
 Manage the interpersonal and inter-cultural relations involved in research collaboration
with subjects or organisations
Transferable skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to
 Present work to colleagues and build networks for researching in the same field
 Apply basic survey, interviewing and documentary techniques
 Practise the essential skills of writing, presentation and dissemination
 Tailor written work to the needs of particular audiences
 Manage a project of research, including the definition of targets and the efficient use of
time and resources
 Work collaboratively alongside others, or as a member of a team
 Exercise critical and flexible judgement
 Take responsibility for the management of their own career
3. M.Res. courses
The courses making up the M.Res. in Social Anthropology provide a foundational training for
postgraduate research students, by imparting essential skills that will stand them in good stead
in their future careers as researchers as well as providing a base for completing a successful
programme of research leading to the award of a higher degree. Besides offering training in
methods of data collection and analysis, writing and presentation, these courses are designed
to raise awareness of more general issues relating to theory, methodology, ethics and practice.
AT5029: Supervised Reading 1 (15 credits)
Content: This course comprises a programme of reading and writing to be agreed with the
student’s supervisors.
Assessment: One 3000 word essay on a topic to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.
AT5529: Supervised Reading 2 (15 credits)
Content: This course comprises a programme of reading and writing to be agreed with the
student’s supervisors.
Assessment: One 3000 word essay on a topic to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.
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AT5031: Research in Social Anthropology 1 (15 credits)
AT5032: Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended) (30 credits)
AT5530: Research in Social Anthropology 2 (15 credits)
AT5531: Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended) (30 credits)
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown
Teaching: One 90-minute class and one 90-minute student-led seminar per week.
Content: Research in Social Anthropology consists of two modules, which can be taken as
either 15 credit or 30 credit versions. Students must take a minimum of 45 credits from these
two courses. AT5031 and AT5530 (Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2) run for 6
weeks, whereas AT5032 and AT5531 (Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2 – extended)
run for 12 weeks. Students taking these courses will attend the same classes from University
Teaching Weeks 10-15 inclusive and 28-33 inclusive. Students taking AT5031 and or
AT5530 are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures for the extended versions of these
courses as well.
The course introduces key issues of philosophy, theory and method raised by research in
social anthropology. The first module (AT5031/AT5032 in the first semester) starts with an
introduction to social anthropology and then provides classes on religion, the anthropology of
death, medical anthropology, creativity and knowledge, and the anthropology of the north.
The second module (AT5530/AT5531 in the second semester) will explore museums,
linguistics, religion, ecology and environment, and politics and the state. The overall aims are
to introduce students to some of the key directions of current research in anthropology and
allied disciplines, and to allow students to become familiar with the approaches taken to them
in Aberdeen.
Assessment:
AT5031 and AT5530: One 3,000 word essay for each course, on topics to be agreed with the
student’s supervisors.
AT5032 and AT5531: One 6,000 word essay for each course, on topics to be agreed with the
student’s supervisors.
AT5033: Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credits)
Coordinator: Dr Jo Vergunst
Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.
Content: This course allows students to learn about and practice research skills in social
anthropology through a series of workshops. It will encourage reflexive awareness of the role
of research skill, technique and methodology in the discipline. Topics will include the history
of methods in anthropology, participant observation, writing fieldnotes, interviews, analysis,
and working with media technologies, historical resources and museums. Case studies of
how these skills are combined in practical fieldwork will be held. Students will be expected to
bring any previous experience of anthropological fieldwork to bear on the discussions, and to
develop ideas for their future research practice.
Assessment: One 3000 word coursework assignment (see course guide for further details).
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AT5532: Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credits)
Coordinator: Dr Jo Vergunst
Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.
Content: This course will introduce students to a range of conceptual and philosophical issues
that are relevant to research design in anthropology, and will enable them to write their own
research proposal. Taking its lead from critiques of knowledge production in anthropology, it
will describe how the contemporary discipline has been shaped by the interplay of objectivity
and subjectivity, the representation of the anthropologist and their informants, and new forms
of ethical practice. Students will be enabled to respond to these trends by designing research
in ways that are both theoretically informed and politically aware.
Assessment: One 3000 word research proposal.
AT5906: Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (15 credits)
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown
Teaching: One full time working week, from Monday to Friday.
Content: The Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (STAR) programme was set up
in 2007 as a consortium including departments of anthropology (or their equivalents) at the
universities of Aberdeen, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The programme delivers
courses and workshops which bring together research students, postdoctoral researchers and
staff from all four institutions, creating the critical mass necessary for intense and productive
intellectual exchange. Courses are offered both for research students undergoing initial
training, prior to fieldwork, and for those in the later, post-fieldwork phases of analysis and
writing-up. They make it possible for students get to know one another and share their
experiences both before they leave for fieldwork and following their return, allowing them to
follow the progress of each other’s work throughout its development.
M.Res. Social Anthropology students will take part in the pre-fieldwork STAR event. It will
comprise of a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related to anthropological methods
and disciplinary practice. Specific topics will vary from year to year but may include
participant observation, field notes, documentary research and the ethics and politics of
anthropological research.
Assessment: Full participation at the STAR event, including presentation of group work. This
will be marked on a pass/fail basis only, rather than according to the Common Grading Scale
(see section 5.3).
AT5910: Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)
Course co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown
Teaching: One-to-one meetings with supervisors, averaging at least one hour per fortnight
during teaching terms.
Assessment: Written dissertation of c.12,000 words, excluding bibliography
The dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research and writing. In it, students will
demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the critical learning outcomes from their
year of research training.
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For students intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation will take the form
of a proposal for their forthcoming research. It should include the following components: a
non-technical summary of no more than 1,000 words; a review of the literature, both
theoretical and empirical, in the student’s chosen field of inquiry; an outline of the specific
questions to be addressed, methods to be employed, and the expected contribution of the
study to anthropological understanding; a discussion of the practical, political and ethical
issues affecting the conduct of the research; a presentation of the schedule for the research,
and its estimated budget.
Students are additionally required to discuss any potential health and safety risks they may
face specifically in relation to their proposed fieldwork, and how they would seek to address
these risks. In those cases where there are significant health and safety risks arising from the
fieldwork, students may be required to produce written records of the risk reduction measures
which they will implement and agree these with their supervisor(s), before work commences.
For students who are not intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation
should report on a completed piece of original research.
The deadline for the submission of the dissertation is Monday 31 August 2015.
Two bound copies should be submitted to the School Office and a PDF should be uploaded to
Turnitin, through MyAberdeen.
Other Level 5 courses
Students may wish to take an appropriate Level 5 course outwith the core M.Res. programme,
subject to the approval of their supervisor and the relevant Course Coordinator. There are a
number of options taught by members of the Anthropology department, as well as by staff in
other areas of the University. In Anthropology, these options include:
AT5008: Religion, Power and Belief (30 credit points)
AT5009: Oral Traditions in the Modern World (30 credit points)
AT5013: Understanding People and Environment (30 credit points)
AT5016: Advanced Survey in the Anthropology of Myth (30 credit points)
AT5017: Roads: Mobility, Movement, Migration (30 credit points)
AT5026: The Museum Idea (30 credit points)
AT5030: More than Human (30 credit points)
AT5507: Materials, Technology and Power in the Andean Region (30 credit points)
AT5508: Curating an Exhibition (30 credit points)
AT5509: Reading Environmental Ethnography (15 credit points)
AT5512: Religion and the Secular (30 credit points)
AT5519: Culture and Society in Latin America (30 credit points)
AT5030: More than Human (30 credit points)
Please note that these courses may not run every year. Students who may be interested in
these courses should consult the online course catalogue at:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/pgcourses/
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4. Ethical guidelines for research
The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before work
commences. The College Ethics policy and procedure is designed to meet the requirements of
the various funders of arts, humanities and social science research, and addresses guidance
from relevant professional associations as well as conforming to University policy and
guidelines. Please consult with your research supervisor for assistance with completing and
submitting your forms. The School Ethics Officer is Dr. Andrea Oelsner (a.oelsner@
abdn.ac.uk) who can provide further advice on the process of submitting an application for
ethical review.
Postgraduate students in the Department of Anthropology are required to complete an ethics
approval form for their research. The form will be reviewed initially by the students’
supervisors and where necessary will be forwarded to the School Ethics Officer.
The College of Arts and Social Sciences’ Research Ethics Guidance is appended to the end of
this Handbook for information.
5. Skills training and research support
Postgraduate research students are offered training opportunities in generic skills and other
forms of research support, with the aim of helping them complete their projects successfully
and on time, and enhancing their employability once they graduate. For further information,
and news of courses for 2014-15, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/develop
6. Assessment
6.1 Methods of assessment
Assessment takes place for each course in the M.Res. according the means listed in section
3.1.
6.2 Course weightings
Marks for the constituent courses of the programme are weighted in proportion to the credits
available for each course. Courses are worth either 15, 30, or in the case of the Dissertation,
60 credits.
6.3 The Common Grading Scale
The University’s Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking
scale which is used across the University. This enables students to compare their performance
in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment.
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The Scale comprises 23 discrete Grades grouped into seven Bands with an associated Grade
Point for each grade. These Grade Points are used for the purposes of aggregation to (i)
determine the overall course mark from a number of components (e.g. end of course exam and
essay mark) and (ii) determine overall progression and award within a taught postgraduate
award. Each band has associated Descriptors; in looking at the Grade received, students
should refer to these descriptors to help them understand their Grade. The Common Grading
Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors, is available at
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/common-grading-scale-2840.php
U
6.4 PGT Progression and Award
Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2, and then from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the Programme,
should normally be based on marks at D3 higher in all courses for each of the respective
stages.
Achievement of a Postgraduate Award is based on achievement of credit. The award of a
Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s Degree with Commendation or Distinction is determined
by the calculation of an aggregate Grade Point Average (GPA). The grade obtained at the
first attempt will be used and not the reassessment grade.
The criteria for progression and award are as follows:
Award of Postgraduate Certificate
Normally achievement of 60 credits with a grade
of D3 or better in all
Award of Postgraduate Diploma
Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade
of D3 or better in all
Award of Postgraduate Certificate with
Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade
Commendation*
of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 15 or above
Award of Postgraduate Diploma with
Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade
Distinction**
of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 18 or above
Award of Master’s Degree
Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade
of D3 or better in all
Award of Master’s Degree with Commendation* Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade
of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 15 or above, and a
grade of B3 or above in the project/dissertation
Award of Master’s Degree with Distinction**
Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade
of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 18 or above, and a
grade of A5 or above in the project/dissertation
* Candidates achieving a GPA of 14.1-14.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award of
PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Commendation
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** Candidates achieving a GPA of 17.1-17.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award
of PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Distinction
6.5 Resits
Students who fail, or who fail to attend or complete, a course for whatever reason and who
wish to be awarded credit for the relevant course will be required to resit. Grades achieved at
resit will be capped at a Grade of D3.
In order to be eligible to take a resit, a candidate must hold a valid class certificate. The
validity of a class certificate is limited to the academic year in which it is awarded and to the
academic year immediately following. Students holding a valid class certificate are permitted
a total of two opportunities of assessment within this period.
PGT dissertation courses (or equivalents) are NOT eligible for resits.
Where a candidate fails a resit they will not normally be permitted to progress into the next
stage of the programme.
7. Supervisory practice
Every applicant to the M.Res. programme is required to submit with their application a brief
statement of their research intentions. This is used, in the first instance, to select appropriate
supervisors. All new students are allocated to supervisors from the very start of their study
programme, and are expected to meet with these supervisors during the first week of the first
term to discuss and agree on the overall programme of study, courses to be taken, and the
respective roles of the supervisors. Any additional training requirements (such as language
learning) are also identified at this time.
It is normal, though not mandatory, for every research student to have two supervisors. This is
to ensure continuity of supervision in case one or other supervisor is absent for a period,
either on research leave or due to other eventualities. The precise division of functions
between supervisors varies from case to case, but is normally agreed through discussion
between both supervisors and the student at the outset of his/her programme of study. In some
cases it is sufficient for a student to have only one supervisor (for example, where the
studentship is part of a larger project involving other research staff). Occasionally, where
circumstances warrant, a student may be allocated three supervisors.
Supervisors play a key role, formally and informally, in supporting students. They are
expected to meet with their students, normally on a one-to-one basis, for at least one hour per
fortnight (on average) during teaching terms. Supervisors are further expected to request
written work on a regular basis, return such work with constructive criticism within a time
period that does not impede the student’s progress, advise on when progress or standards of
work are below what are generally expected, and ensure by advice and encouragement that
the thesis is submitted within the allotted time. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to
identify any further training that the student needs in specific or generic skills. To meet
specific training needs, for example in specialised computing skills, foreign languages or
bibliographic techniques, several courses and facilities are available from the University’s
Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), the Language Centre, and the Library.
Each student will have a supervisory committee that consists of his or her supervisor(s), the
Programme Director for the M.Res. and the student’s Head of Department. The supervision
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committee takes all decisions regarding transfer (see 8. below). It also advises candidates on
submission dates and recommends external examiners.
8. Transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD registration
All postgraduate research students in Social Anthropology normally register in the first
instance for the M.Res. programme. Those intending to continue to a higher research degree
(MPhil or PhD) must achieve the award of the M.Res. with Commendation or Distinction (see
section 6.4 above). However students who have already received appropriate research training
at a postgraduate level may proceed directly to the MPhil or PhD.
In exceptional cases, for example where students have to devote a substantial amount of time
during the first year to learning a foreign language in order to be able to write the research
proposal, specific components of the M.Res. may be taken in the second year. In such cases
the transfer to M.Phil. or PhD. registration can take place once all components of the M.Res.
have been completed, and is backdated to the start of the second year.
Students admitted directly to the M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes may nevertheless be advised
to audit particular components of the M.Res. programme, if this is considered appropriate to
their training needs. This is indeed encouraged, since the participation of these more advanced
students in the constituent courses and seminars of the M.Res. is valuable to those at the start
of their research training.
Final decisions concerning transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD. registration are taken by
the student’s supervisory committee after the dissertation or research proposal is completed.
These decisions are based on the quality of the student’s work to date including the
requirement for the achievement of the M.Res. with Commendation or Distinction, and the
committee’s assessment of the student’s future progress. In the event that a student requires
an earlier decision (e.g. to facilitate applications for funding), the committee may make a
provisional judgement on the basis of drafts. Where the committee expects that a student may
not be permitted to transfer, the student will be warned before work on the dissertation
commences.
The options available for students finishing the M.Res. are as follows:
 Complete the M.Res., be awarded that degree, and leave the University.
 Complete the M.Res., be awarded that degree, and apply to resume studies at the
University for an MPhil (normally taking a further two years though earlier
submission is possible) or a PhD (normally taking a further three years although
completion within a further two years is possible).
 At the end of the M.Res. year, apply for transfer to MPhil or PhD registration. If the
application is supported by the student’s supervisory committee and accepted by the
University, the new status will be backdated to the start of the M.Res. year. In such
cases the M.Res. is not formally awarded but an academic transcript will indicate
courses taken and grades achieved.
9. Guidance and support
Upon arrival, students receive a copy of the University’s Code of Practice for Postgraduate
Research Students, which describes the responsibilities of the Senatus and its Postgraduate
Academic Standards Committee, Schools and supervisors, as well as the parallel
responsibilities of students. The Code of Practice may be viewed at
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http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x4.pdf. It requires supervisors to identify
and meet training needs at all stages of the student’s work. It is the formal responsibility of
the Head of Department to monitor student progress and supervision, and to ensure that
supervisors perform their duties as laid down in the Code.
While the University’s services and facilities relating to student guidance and learner support
are available to all students, it is hoped that research students will develop a close working
relationship with their supervisor(s) in terms of academic guidance and support. To foster this
relationship, the University has put in place mechanisms in regard to monitoring the progress
of an individual research student and to ensure that, as far as possible, the dissertation is
submitted within the student’s registration period. These mechanisms are described below.
9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms
The University requires an assessment form to be submitted every 6 months for all
postgraduate research students. The form is completed by the supervisor(s) in the presence of
the student, signed by both, and endorsed by the Head of Department. Completed forms are
monitored by the College Postgraduate Officer who deals with the admission, progress and
examination of individual students on behalf of the University’s Academic Standards
Committee (Postgraduate).
9.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities
In addition to the above, a confidential questionnaire seeking research students’ views on the
supervision they received and facilities made available to them during the previous session
are available as part of a central mechanism for monitoring the quality of supervision and the
adequacy of facilities. Information arising from the questionnaires is collated by the
Postgraduate Registry and considered by the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate),
which will discuss any areas of concern. The outcome of the survey is then passed to Colleges
and Schools.
9.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee
The Department of Anthropology’s Postgraduate Programmes Committee includes all
members of staff involved in the delivery of postgraduate courses and the supervision of
research students. The Committee meets once per semester to monitor the progress of all
research students, and to advise on issues concerned with supervision arrangements. This
ensures that any potential or actual problems or delays are promptly identified, and that
remedial actions are collectively agreed. We recognise that circumstances in students’ lives,
beyond their or our control, can sometimes delay completion, and that overly strict
enforcement of deadlines in such circumstances can exacerbate the stress on students, leading
only to further delays rather than more timely completion. Our policy is to handle requests for
extensions sympathetically, when circumstances warrant. Formal extensions to submission
deadlines require the approval of the supervisor(s), the Head of Department and the College
Postgraduate Officer.
9.4 Problems and difficulties
The University aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for postgraduate
research students. Nevertheless students do from time to time encounter academic problems
and difficulties. These are raised in the first instance with the supervisor(s), but if this is not
appropriate a student may consult the Programme Co-ordinator or the Head of Department.
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The student may wish to contact the College Postgraduate Officer (via the University
Postgraduate Registry). When a student’s research interests diverge from what was originally
intended it might be appropriate to be allocated to a new supervisor: again the correct
approach is to discuss the situation with the current supervisor, then the Programme Coordinator and Head of Department, and then the College Postgraduate Officer if necessary.
9.5 Regulations
General Regulations for Postgraduate Study are outlined in the brochure which is sent on
admission. This has information on fees and expenses, regulations for the preparation and
submission of theses, and examinations. The information in this brochure is taken from the
University Calendar which is available for students to consult in the Library and in all
Departmental Offices. It can also be viewed on:
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar/postgraduate.php
10. Contact details and sources of further information
Administrative inquiries about the Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology
can be addressed to the Postgraduate Secretary in the School of Social: Mrs Kerry Boyne,
Edward Wright Building F17, tel. 01224 272762, email kerry.boyne@abdn.ac.uk
Programme Director for the M.Res. in Social Anthropology: Dr Alison Brown, Edward
Wright Building G20, tel. 01224 274355, email alison.brown@abdn.ac.uk
Head of the Department of Anthropology: Dr Alex King, Edward Wright Building G2, tel.
01224 272732, email a.king@abdn.ac.uk
Department of Anthropology webpage: www.abdn.ac.uk/anthropology
General information for postgraduate applicants including an online application form:
www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml. The Department’s Postgraduate Admissions
Officer is Dr Maggie Bolton, email maggie.bolton@abdn.ac.uk
Appendix: College of Arts and Social Sciences Research Ethics Guidance
This document is designed to provide research active staff and students across the College
with a quick reference guide to some of the issues that require ethical consideration in
advance of the commencement of research. This should not be considered as an exhaustive
list and further guidance is available from your School Ethics Officer.
The College’s Research Governance Policy and Procedures for Ethical Review are designed
to ensure that all research carried out by staff and students (especially that involving human
participants) is of high quality and maintains high ethical standards. The policy is designed to
meet the requirements of various funders of arts, humanities and social science research, and
reflects guidance from relevant professional associations whilst conforming to University
policy.
Benefits envisaged as a consequence of the Policy are:
 Strengthening the eligibility and quality of research applications;
 Providing clear guidance for staff and students;
 Reducing risks to the University, the College and individual researchers;
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



Demonstrating commitment to high-quality, transparent and accountable research
practices at project level;
Codifying the College’s position on research governance and research ethics. This
will help legitimise our ethics review procedures and affirm our commitment to
high ethical standards;
Ensuring the protection of the dignity, rights, safety and well being of participants;
Ensuring that all risks relating to research are considered and steps taken to
minimise them.
The University expects its researchers to adhere to the highest standards of integrity. The
University Policy and Guidelines on Good Research Practice state the standards required
from researchers throughout the institution.
While respecting the ethical traditions of disciplines, it is recognised that ethics are the
common ground on which all disciplines meet. Ethics are about (1) research quality and
integrity, to ensure the best possible research; (2) how research is conducted from start to
finish;(3) how those involved in research (and those affected by it) are treated; (4)
communicating research goals, procedures and findings as clearly as possible and recognising
that research is supported by, and part of, the wider society.
The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before work
commences. All applications for ethical review must demonstrate that the research follows
the Good Practice Guidelines and addresses all relevant ethical issues. These include:
Safety and well-being; obtaining consent (including information given to
participants); informed consent (including when the research involves vulnerable
adults or children, or where it is proposed to use covert observation); payment to
participants; principles of anonymity; potential personal gain; the use of artefacts;
confidentiality; data protection and dissemination.
When research is carried out, especially that which involves human participants, researchers
are expected to consider the ethical implications of their research. Considerations include the
nature of the research and the cultural, economic, psychological, physical, political, religious,
spiritual and social consequences for all participants.
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