UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
ACADEMIC STANDARDS COMMITTEE (POSTGRADUATE)
Minutes of meeting 11 December 2009
Present:
Professor G. Burgess (Convenor), Dr. G. Coghill, Dr Ian Edwards, Dr D. Hay, Dr L. J.
Philip, Professor J. Schaper, Professor D. Shaw, Ms T. Smith, Mr J. Wyllie with Dr B.
Connolly and Professor B. Naphy (in attendance for item 1- 4), and Mr N. Coutts and Mr
G. Nixon (in attendance for item 5), and Mr R. Findlay (Clerk).
Apologies:
Dr A. Allen, Professor D. Lurie.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 30 OCTOBER 2009
Minute 1.1
24.1
The Committee noted an update from the Convenor of the UCTL Working Group on the
Postgraduate Grade Spectrum that confirmed another meeting of the Working Group had taken
place in November 2009 and that a paper would be submitted to UCTL in January 2010.
Minute 9.2
24.2
The Committee noted that there had been a delay in the local survey for Postgraduate Research
students being sent out to students but that it was expected that the survey would go out at the
start of December.
Minute 12.2
24.2
The Committee noted that the minute should read ‘The Committee approved the new monitoring
forms for the College of Life Sciences and Medicine.’
24.2
The Committee approved the minutes of the meeting of 30 October 2009
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/021
THE WRITING-UP YEAR FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS
25.1
The Committee discussed comments from the Heads of Graduate Schools in regard to proposed
changes to arrangements for the writing-up year for research students agreed at the meeting of
the Committee on 30 October 2009 and considered the possible issues arising from the proposal.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209022
25.2
The Committee noted comments from the College of Physical Sciences in regard to terming the
period after supervised study ‘completion period’, as opposed to extension period, but felt that the
latter would be more appropriate as it would convey that the period granted after supervised
study should be considered exceptional.
25.3
The Committee noted concerns raised by the College of Physical Sciences about ESRC students
funded for 3.5 years but with only 3 years of supervised study having to apply for the additional 5
months. The Committee agreed that the suggested wording for the regulations covered this
situation as the period of study for student would reflect their funding.
25.4
The Committee agreed that Regulation 12, Schedule A General Regulations for research degrees
should be amended as follows:
A thesis must normally be presented within the period specified under Regulation 10, read with
Regulation 11 for the PhD, MPhil or any other Master’s degree. Students funded by one of the UK
Research Councils, or other funding bodies, must comply with the requirement of their funding body
as regard length of period of study and deadline for submission of thesis. For the degree of EngD a
thesis must be presented for examination by the end of the period specified under Regulation 10,
read with Regulation 11. The Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate) may, on the
application of the candidate, extend the period but will not do so without good reason, except in
exceptional circumstances. For all candidates extension will not be approved beyond the following:
PhD
60 months
students)
EngD
60 months
students)
EdD
60 months
students)
MPhil, MD or ChM 48
time students)
Other Master’s
36
time students)
(for previously full-time students) or 84 months (for previously part-time
(for previously full-time students) or 84 months (for previously part-time
(for previously full-time students) or 84 months (for previously part-time
months (for previously full-time students) or 66 months (for previously partmonths (for previously full-time students) or 48 months (for previously part-
Applications for an Extension to the period of study must normally be made at least 3 months in
advance of the termination of period of study.
A student will not normally be permitted to submit their thesis for examination if they are not fully
registered at the University.
25.5
Dr Connolly tabled print-outs from the UK Research Councils’ handbooks where it was defined
what they considered may constitute good cause for an extension to a student’s period of study.
The Committee agreed that the Code of Practice for Research Students should be revised to
provide guidance for students, Schools and Postgraduate Officers as to what may constitute a
Good Cause.
ACTION: CLERK
25.6
The Committee discussed the issue of fees for those in an extension period. The Committee felt
that proposals to increase the fee would be unfair to those whose extension was due to
exceptional circumstances. The Committee agreed to recommend that all students who have an
approved extension should be charged a fee that is equivalent to the fee for Associate Students.
Those who do not have an extension approved but are within 60 months of the start of their study
should be charged £500.
RESEARCH STUDENTS OUTWITH THE MAXIMUM PERIOD OF STUDY SUBMITTING THEIR THESIS
26.1
The Committee discussed the procedure should a student wish to submit their thesis but was
outside the maximum period of study.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/023
26.2
The Committee agreed that some flexibility should be allowed for students who wish to submit but
are outwith the 60 month maximum period of study. However, the Committee agreed that there
should be a reinstatement fee and that this would cover costs to the University for reinstatement,
examination, but would also act to encourage completion within 60 months.
26.3
The Committee agreed that, anyone beyond 60 months wishing to submit would be required to
present a thesis bound and ready for submission and would also be required to seek approval of
the School and a Postgraduate Officer. The Committee agreed to recommend that the
reinstatement fee should be half of the standard Home full time tuition fee for the year in which
the student was requesting permission to submit. The Committee agreed that reinstatement
would not entitle a student to supervision.
26.4
The Committee agreed that wording to cover the above provision should be drafted and
circulated by email for approval, for inclusion in the Code of Practice.
ACTION: CLERK
CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF RESEARCH MASTERS’ DEGREES WITH DISTINCTION
27.1
The Committee discussed whether criteria should be established for the award of research
Masters’ degrees with Distinction and noted the criteria used by the University of Nottingham.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/024
27.2
The Committee felt that the criteria used by the University of Nottingham was too specific to a
scientific degree and would not cover all disciplines.
27.3
The Committee discussed whether the greater degree of subjectivity involved in the award of a
research degree as opposed to a taught Postgraduate degree meant that it would be difficult to
award research degrees with a classification.
27.4
The Committee discussed possible formulations for criteria, including the requirement for such an
award to be given on the basis that the thesis displays both evidence of originality and that it is a
satisfactory, orderly and critical exposition of existing knowledge within the field concerned, but
could not reach a satisfactory formulation.
27.5
The Committee agreed that the criteria for such an award would be discipline specific and one for
the Examiners to reach a decision on based on their academic judgement. Thus the Committee
agreed that the current regulation should remain unchanged.
27.6
The Committee agreed to look at the matter of awarding PhDs with Distinction at its next meeting.
PROGRAMME PROPOSAL: MSC IN MINDFULNESS
28.1
The Committee discussed the Executive Summary tabled by the School of Education and relating
to the proposal for the MSc in Mindfulness, to be delivered in collaboration with Samye Ling
College, the original proposal for which was discussed at the meetings of the Committee on 15
May 2009 and 9 June 2009.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/025
28.2
The Committee noted that the Executive Summary made it clear that this was firmly a University
of Aberdeen degree, would be subject to University of Aberdeen quality assurance procedures,
and that Samye Ling would act as co-tutors. There would be no validation of Samye Ling.
28.3
The Committee noted that the proposal had been endorsed by the College.
28.4
The Committee requested that there be a greater proportion of face-to-face teaching at the
University of Aberdeen. The representatives from Education agreed that it would be appropriate
to increase the face-to-face contact for the Professional Enquiry module.
28.5
The Committee noted that accommodation for Education students who came to Aberdeen for
face-to-face teaching had not been a problem in the past.
28.6
The Committee expressed concern that the website of Samye Ling suggested co-ownership of
the degree programme and requested that they be asked to re-phrase their references to the
programme.
ACTION: EDUCATION
28.7
The Committee expressed some concern as to whether there was a contingency plan should the
Samye Ling tutors who had been identified to teach on the programme depart the College. The
Committee were re-assured that others at Samye Ling could be brought to teach on the
programme and would have to go through the same procedure for vetting and appointment as
honorary staff of the College of Arts and Social Sciences.
28.8
The Committee requested that revised SENAS forms for the programme be completed.
28.9
The Committee approved the proposal in principal but noted that the SENAS forms may have to
go to the full Committee depending on their content.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF POSTGRADUATE REGULATIONS
29.1
The Committee discussed the Postgraduate regulations for the 2010/11 academic year.
29.2
The Committee noted that the Master of Land Economy in Rural Surveying and Rural Property
Management, the Master of Science in Rural Planning Environmental Management, the Master of
Science in Sustainable Rural Development (Environmental Management), and the Master of
Science in Urban Planning and Real Estate had not been included in the list of programmes
eligible to have resists, but the should have been as they were permitted due to their accredited
status. The Committee requested that these be added.
ACTION: CLERK
UHI VALIDATION OF RESEARCH AREA: HISTORY
30.1
The Committee discussed the recommendation that the UHI subject area of History based at the
Centre for History, North Highland College, be validated to deliver research degree programmes
(MLitt/MPhil/PhD).
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/027
30.2
The Committee noted the recommendations contained within the report and requested that
confirmation be sought from UHI as to the progress on these recommendations in time for the
meeting of the Committee in May 2010.
ACTION: CLERK
30.3
The Committee approved the recommendation that the UHI subject area of History based at the
Centre for History, North Highland College, be validated to deliver research degree programmes
(MLitt/MPhil/PhD).
REVALIDATION OF UHI RESEARCH AREA: AGRONOMY
31
The Committee noted the request for a member of the ASC(Pg) to be appointed to serve on the
revalidation of the UHI research area of Agronomy. Dr L Philip agreed to take part as a member
of the panel.
REQUEST FROM UHI MILLENNIUM INSTITUTE FOR AMENDMENT TO REGULATION 19
– SCHEDULE A
32
The Committee discussed and approved the requested amendment to Regulation 19.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/038
ANNUAL REPORT ON DEGREE OF MASTER OF LAWS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
(BANGALORE CAMPUS)
33.1
The Committee noted the annual report on the degree of Master of Laws in International
Business Law that was run in collaboration with the Bangalore Management Academy. The
Committee noted that plans were in place to suspend the programme.
33.2
The Committee requested that a final report on the performance of the 2009/10 cohort be
submitted for the meeting in March 2010.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/028
ANNUAL REPORT ON DEGREE OF MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW (BANGALORE CAMPUS)
34
The Committee noted the annual report on the Master of Business Administration in International
Business Law that was run in collaboration with the Bangalore Management Academy. The
Committee noted that no students had been recruited to the programme and plans were in place
to end the collaboration with BMA.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/036
ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE AL-MAKTOUM INSTITUTE AND STRATEGIC PLAN
35.1
The Committee discussed the annual report from the Al Maktoum Institute and the Strategic Plan.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/029
35.2
The Committee noted that the Institute hoped to be able to reintroduce the MLitt in Islamic
Education.
35.3
The Committee expressed concern over the continuity of supervision due to a number of the
Institute’s academic staff being on fixed 12 month contracts.
ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
36.1
The Committee discussed the annual report from the International Christian College.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/030
36.2
The Committee noted the introduction to the report submitted by Ms M Strachan in the Registry.
36.3
The Committee noted comments in regard to the biannual assessment forms for research
students, but felt that the revised College forms addressed concerns raised. The Committee
requested that the College be asked to make sure that ICC have a copy of the forms.
ACTION: CLERK
36.4
The Committee noted the issue raised in regard to plagiarism and whether intermediate sanctions
could have been imposed on cases were plagiarism had been proved. The Committee requested
that this issue be referred to UCTL.
ACTION: CLERK
36.5
The Committee noted the request for consideration to be given as to whether suitable
postgraduate seminars could be scheduled on the same days as when some of the ICC students
had to attend Aberdeen for their annual reviews. The Committee requested that this issue be
sent to the Head of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy and the Head of the Graduate
School for College of Arts and Social Sciences for comment.
ACTION: CLERK
36.6
The Committee noted the request that consideration be given to increasing the time allotted for
he annual reviews from 20 minutes to either 30 or 40 minutes. The Committee requested that
this issue be sent to the Head of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy and the Head of
the Graduate School for College of Arts and Social Sciences for comment.
ACTION: CLERK
36.7
The Committee noted the request for confirmation as to whether the University would encourage
exploration into the area of Virtual learning Environments. The Committee agreed that ICC would
have to submit an initial Statement of Intent in order for the Committee to consider.
ACTION: CLERK
ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HIGHLAND AND ISLANDS MILLENNIUM INSTITUTE
37
The Committee discussed the annual report from the UHI Millennium Institute.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/031
INTERNAL TEACHING REVIEW: THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
38.1
The Committee considered the Summary Report from the Internal Teaching Review for the
School of Social Science, and the agreed response from the School to the recommendations
contained within.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/032
38.2
The Committee noted the response to point 3.22 that the School’s monitoring procedures are to
be aligned with those developed by the College Graduate School.
38.3
The Committee noted the School’s assurance in point 3.46 that it would make details of its MRes
programmes available at an earlier date.
38.4
The Committee approved the Summary Report from the Internal Teaching Review for the School
of Social Science, and the agreed response from the School to the recommendations contained
within.
INTERNAL TEACHING REVIEW – ONE YEAR FOLLOW UP: SCHOOL OF LAW
39.1
The Committee considered the School of Law’s response to their Internal Teaching Review that
took place last year.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/037
39.2
The Committee noted that the School had satisfactorily taken on board comments made by in
regard to the issue of supervising taught Postgraduate dissertations.
39.3
The Committee approved the School of Law’s one year follow up to their Internal Teaching
Review of 2008.
POSTGRADUATE REPORTS – 1 OCTOBER 2005 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2009:
A) TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE WITHDRAWAL RATES
B) RESEARCH POSTGRADUATE WITHDRAWAL RATES
C) RESEARCH THESES SUBMISSION RATES
40.1
The Committee noted the Postgraduate reports for the period of 1 October 2005 to 30 September
2009 and requested that these be sent to the Heads of Graduate Schools.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/033
40.2
The Committee felt that it would be helpful if research theses submission data was expressed in
terms of rates rather than raw data of each individual student’s submission details.
PROGRAMME AND COURSE REVIEW SUMMARY AND DRAFT RESPONSES
41
The Committee approved responses to the programme and course review summaries.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/034
COURSE AND PROGRAMME PROPOSALS APPROVED BY CONVENOR’S ACTION SINCE 30
OCTOBER 2009.
42
The Committee is invited to note the courses and programmes which have been approved by
Convenor’s action since the date of the last meeting.
Copy filed as ASC(PG)/111209/035
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
43
The Committee noted that the date of the next meeting was Friday 12 March 2010 at 2pm,
Committee Room 2, University Office.