Pre Research Degree Course (Level 8)
Course Guide
Contents
Who is this guide for ............................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Admission ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Expression of Interest ......................................................................................................................... 2
Role of the Faculty Post Graduate Research Tutor ............................................................................. 3
Allocation of supervisors................................................................................................................. 3
Monitoring and tracking students on the programme ................................................................... 3
Role of the Supervisor ......................................................................................................................... 3
First meeting ................................................................................................................................... 3
Monthly meetings ........................................................................................................................... 4
Assessment ..................................................................................................................................... 4
The students’ responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 4
Programme of study ............................................................................................................................... 4
Outline (taken from Module Guide) ................................................................................................... 4
Learning outcomes and indicative content (taken from Module Guide) ........................................... 4
Learning Activities: a personal programme of study & development (taken from Module Guide) ... 5
Assessment ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Formative assessment - Mid term Progress Review Point ................................................................. 6
Final Assessment Point (Within 6 months of registration) ................................................................. 6
Progression to the full Research Degree ............................................................................................ 6
Resits ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Appendix A: Vitae Research Development Framework (RDF) ................................................................ 8
Researcher Development Statement.................................................................................................. 8
Researcher Development Framework ................................................................................................ 8
Appendix B: Operation of the Pre Research Degree Course / Module .............................................. 9
Who is this guide for
This guide is written for staff and students. It contains operational information for Post Graduate
Research Tutors, Supervisors and Research Administrators. See Appendix B for a flow diagram
outlining key stages and responsibilities. Some sections of this course guide have been taken from
the Module Guide. The language in these sections is more student-focused.
Introduction
The Pre Research Degree Course comprises one module (Pre Research Degree Module 8RR001)and
an optional English Language course. Overall it provides a bridging course to MPhil /PhD for
students who do not meet the criteria for these research degrees in one or more of the following
ways:
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The research proposal (as set out in the Expression of Interest), has potential, but requires
more development to be acceptable (as a ResProp) for the full Research Degree.
The applicant is a non-native speaker of English and is not able to demonstrate proficiency in
English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 7.0 or its equivalent.
In addition, the course enables the student to develop generic and subject specific research skills to
prepare them for future research degree studies.
Admission
Expression of Interest
Applicants for the Pre Research Degree Course will have already completed an Expression of Interest
form for a research degree (e.g. MPhil or PhD) and will have been offered a place on the Pre
Research Degree on the basis of an assessment of this EoI. They will not need to submit another
one. The procedure for making this application is outlined in the Research Students’ Handbook but
for completeness the following lists the key information required:
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Personal information (name, address, date of birth, nationality etc)
Previous qualifications (details of all previous qualifications and copies)
Academic References (details of at least two academic referees)
Proposed mode of study (full time or part time or distant learning)
Research Interest (Brief details on the subject/topic that you wish to undertake the
research in maximum of 500 words)
This EoI will have already been assessed by two potential supervisors. Where the applicant is a nonnative speaker of English has an IELTS score of less than 7 a member of the Centre for
Communication and Language Training (CLaCT) will also assess the EoI. The minimum IELTS score is
normally not lower than 6.
In line with other Research Degrees, students can start the PRDC throughout the year. However, in
order to coincide with the range of training activities on offer and to ensure viable cohort sizes, we
recommend that students are admitted at three points in the calendar (October, February and June).
The Admission date is likely to be on the first Monday of the month. The Offer letter will provide
details of where to report to on the first day and the name of the Post Graduate Research tutor
within the Faculty who will carry out a brief induction at Faculty level.
Please be aware that if you need a Tier 4 visa, you should apply for your visa at least 7-8 weeks
before the intended start date of the course to allow time for the visa to be processed. If you need
help with the visa application you can contact the Visa & Immigration Support Officer for advice.
See website www.wlv.ac.uk/visaadvice or e mail visa-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk
Fee
International Students firmly accepting an unconditional offer of a place on the Pre Research Degree
course with the English Language option, should be required to pay a non-refundable fee of £5,000
prior to the issue of a CAS. (This is consistent with the non-refundable deposit required for
International undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants requiring a CAS to apply for a Tier 4
visa). The £5,000 will include the £2,999 cost of the English Language course. Where the student
progresses from the Pre-Research Degree course to their main Research Degree, a £2,000 discount
off their first year main Research Degree fee, will apply.
Home students and international students firmly accepting an unconditional offer of a place on the
Pre Research Degree course but not requiring the English Language option, will be charged £2,000.
Where the student progresses from the Pre-Research Degree course to their main Research Degree,
a £2,000 discount off their first year main Research Degree fee, will apply.
Role of the Faculty Post Graduate Research Tutor
Allocation of supervisors
Once the offer has been accepted the Post Graduate Research Tutor in the Faculty will allocate
Supervisor to work with the student. This is likely to be one of the supervisors who reviewed the
original EoI.
Monitoring and tracking students on the programme
The PGRT will keep track of all students on the PRDC within the Faculty. Students have up to 6
months to complete the course but can submit and complete at any time prior to this deadline. It is
essential that the PGRT monitors progress and keeps track of the critical dates for all students on the
course in their Faculty and keeps in contact with the supervisors and students at key dates. The EoI
tracking and monitoring sheet should provide predicted start and end dates.
The PGRT will also forward student grades to the Course Leader in the Doctoral College. Prior to the
first supervision meeting the PGRT will subscribe and introduce student to RDF as user. S/He (or
nominee) will also be able to monitor student use of the Research Development Framework Planner
(Vitae RDF) and train supervisors and students in its use.
Role of the Supervisor
First meeting
In the first meeting between the Supervisor and Student, the supervisor will carry out a research
skills analysis with the student and construct a personalised research skills development plan using
the Vitae research Development Framework Planner (RDF) (See appendix A). S/He will then advise
on exercises, training, and suggest resources that will help develop these skills. Where English
language support is a requirement, Students and Supervisors will be informed of start dates of the
appropriate course.
During this meeting the Supervisor will also give detailed feedback on the work that is required to
develop the EoI into an acceptable Research Proposal (RESPROP).
Monthly meetings
Throughout the course the supervisor will support development and monitor progress on this
RESPROP on a monthly basis. S/he will also review progress and advise on Skills Development in line
with the personal development plan. S/He will record each meeting on e vision (Required for Tier 4
students). Reports on student progress will be monitored through Faculty Research Committee and
Research Awards Sub committee.
Assessment
See below
The students’ responsibilities
The student is expected to work on their Research Proposal with guidance from Supervisor and
follow the negotiated action plan, adding evidence, reflections and new actions. This includes
recording Doctoral College workshops and where appropriate English Language support / module,
etc.
S/he will maintain regular contact with the Supervisor and notify them of any issues that may delay
their progress. They will meet monthly with their Supervisor to review progress according to action
plan and in relation to guidance on the Research Proposal. Exceptionally a meeting may be by
Skype, e mail or phone. They will agree to complete the assessment and interim work on time.
Programme of study
Outline (taken from Module Guide)
This course is designed for post graduate research students prior to enrolment on a research degree
programme. As an early researcher, you will focus on developing Knowledge and Intellectual
Abilities, Personal Effectiveness, and Engagement Impact and Influence. You will be required to
analyse your research skills in these areas, identify and engage with development opportunities to
meet your development needs, and reflect on your progress.
The course is made up of one module (Pre research degree module) that all students take. This
module signposts students to workshops, seminars, resources, conferences and other development
opportunities. You will record your progress using a Professional Development Planner (PDP) that
you will discuss regularly with your supervisor.
The course also incorporates an English language support course specifically designed for students
who must improve their English language IELTS score from 6 to 7 in order to be eligible for a
research degree at the UoW. The assessment from this course forms a piece of evidence for the
assessment of the Pre Research Degree module and course.
Learning outcomes and indicative content (taken from Module Guide)
There are three learning outcomes:
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Develop a personal development plan (PDP) for doctoral research training
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Evidence and reflect on the training and development undertaken as part of your PDP
Write a Research Proposal (RESPROP) of quality acceptable for admission to chosen research
degree programme (e.g.PhD or MPhil degree as appropriate).
During the course you will identify a number of different training and development
opportunities according to your personal development programme. These may include and are
not restricted to:
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Personal development Planning using the Research Development Framework Planner
Addressing the research focus and planning a programme of research (this includes
developing a research question and considering the methodological issues)
Information resources for researchers; Effective literature searching; Specialist databases;
Finding academic content on the Web
Managing and organising references with RefWorks; Using RSS feeds; Introduction to
citation searching
Ethics and researcher reflexivity / collecting sensitive data
Quantitative Data Analysis using SSPS
Qualitative Data Analysis using QSort method
Poster Presentation and Visio for Poster Design
Getting the most out of your supervisory team
English Language Support to IELTS level 7
See also http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=36824 for full programme of workshops
Learning Activities: a personal programme of study & development (taken
from Module Guide)
At the start of the course, you will be allocated a supervisor who will discuss your research skills
development needs, negotiate a personal programme of development with you, and support and
guide you to producing a research proposal. During the course, your supervisor will advise you on
and monitor your skills development with reference to your initial personal plan and you will
experience a range of learning activities in workshops, seminars, etc. You will also have the
opportunity to meet with post graduate researchers from your own and other disciplines and learn
from each other. You will be expected to attend and participate in the research activities and events
within your Faculty and across the University. You will reflect on your engagement with these
activities in relations to your initial skills assessment and development programme
During your study you will have the opportunity to engage with a range of on line resources and
activities such as:
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Materials and resources for this programme using the Virtual Learning Environment
Personal development planner ‘/e portfolio (RDF Planner)
Multi media resources via VITAE and other repositories
RefWorks for referencing management
Assessment
Formative assessment - Mid term Progress Review Point
3-4 months into the PRDC the student will be encouraged to submit to the Supervisor a Progress
Report on the development plan (Completed Actions from RDF with evidence. This may include any
assessments in English language) and a draft Research Proposal. This may be reviewed by another
supervisor or the PGRT for formative feedback.
Final Assessment Point (Within 6 months of registration)
There are two assessments for the module within this course. They can be submitted at different
times but it is most likely that they will be submitted together:
Research Proposal (Assignment 1 =70%). You will submit your research proposal on a ResProp form
as directed by your Supervisor. The Post Graduate Research Tutor (PGRT) will liaise with your
Supervisor to arrange for your proposal to be reviewed by at least 2 supervisors.
Reflective Portfolio with evidence (Assignment 2 = 30%) You will be collecting evidence of your
development activities over the course of the module and reflecting on it and any future
development needs. This will be presented as a portfolio of evidence and reflection. You will submit
this on line in the format outlined in the assessment guide. It may also include a transcript and grade
from the English language course where appropriate
The final assessment must be submitted at least 3 working weeks before the end of the 6 month
registration period. The Supervisor will notify the PGRT and Award leader of the grade (i.e. Pass or
Fail – see module guide for marking criteria). The Award Leader (Professor Christine Hockings,
Doctoral College) will record the grade on e vision. Results are ratified by the Research Award Sub
Committee.
Progression to the full Research Degree
A Pass grade will satisfy entry to the Research Degree and trigger an offer letter to the student.
International students on a Tier 4 Student visa for the Pre Research Degree Course will be able to
apply for a new Tier 4 student visa for the main Research Degree. You should be able to do that
whilst in the UK as long as the period between the courses is no more than 28 days. You will need to
get assistance from the Visa & Immigration Support Officer at the University. They will advise you
about submitting the visa application and enrolment on your course. Visit our webpage
www.wlv.ac.uk/visaadvice or e mail visa-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk
Resits
If you fail either assessment, you may revise and resubmit it at the next opportunity, taking on board
the feedback from the assessors.
If you are an international student on a Tier 4 student visa for the duration of the Pre Research
Degree Course (6 months), you should be granted additional time to remain in the UK after the end
date of the course. This may be sufficient to cover any resits. However, you will need to check with
the Visa & Immigration Support Officer as soon as you know of any resit requirement. If you need
an extension to your visa beyond this, for example to retake the course, you will need to apply for an
extension to your visa at your own cost. You should be able to do this inside the UK as long as you
apply in good time. Again you must request support from our Visa & Immigration Support Officer.
Visit our webpage www.wlv.ac.uk/visaadvice or e mail visa-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk
Appendix A: Vitae Research Development Framework (RDF)
Researcher Development Statement
The UK is committed to enhancing the higher-level capabilities of the UK workforce including the
development of world-class researchers. Researchers are critical to economic success, addressing
major global challenges, and building a leading knowledge economy.
The Researcher Development Statement (RDS) sets out the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of
effective and highly skilled researchers appropriate for a wide range of careers. The RDS is for policy
makers and research organisations which provide personal, professional and career development for
researchers in higher education.
The Researcher Development Statement is derived from the Researcher Development Framework
(RDF), a major new approach to researcher development, which aims to enhance our capacity to
build the UK workforce, develop world-class researchers and build our research base.
The RDS and RDF will contribute to researcher training and development in the UK by providing a
strategic statement (RDS) and operational framework (RDF) to support the implementation of the
Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers1, the QAA Code of practice for
research degree programmes2 and the ‘Roberts’3 recommendations for postgraduate researchers
and research staff.
The RDS is structured in four domains encompassing the knowledge, intellectual abilities, techniques
and professional standards to do research, as well as the personal qualities, knowledge and skills to
work with others and ensure the wider impact of research. Within each of the domains are three
sub-domains and associated descriptors, which describe different aspects of being a researcher.
For more information on the Researcher Development Framework and associated Statement go to
www.vitae.ac.uk/rdf. To access the RDF Planner itself, follow this link
https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development/about-the-vitae-researcherdevelopment-framework-planner/manage-your-career-with-the-vitae-rdf-planner
Researcher Development Framework
1
2
3
www.researchconcordat.ac.uk
www.qaa.ac.uk
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/set_for_success.htm
Appendix B: Operation of the Pre Research Degree Course / Module
PGR Tutor
Receives EoI (Application). Sends EoI to 2 potential supervisors for review and
admission decision. Sends copy to CLaCT for students with < IELTS 7 English
Language for recommended Eng lang support and associated fee.
Admits student to Pre Res Deg Course / Module – notifies STaR office. Allocates
supervisors (RDF trained).
Note Star office sends offer letter to student with course guide and info pack.
PGR Tutor / Supervisor
Student
First meeting with Student –
Works on Research Proposal (ResProp) with guidance
from Supervisor.
Subscribe and introduce student to RDF as
user. Work with student to complete initial
Research Skills Analysis using RDF Outcome
– PD Action plan
Holds monthly meetings with student to
review progress, advise on Skills
Development and support development of
Research Proposal (ResProp)
Follows PD Action Plan, adding evidence, reflections
and new actions. This includes recording Doctoral
College workshops, development opportunities
offered by the Faculty, and where appropriate
English Language support / module, etc.
Meets at least monthly with Supervisor to review
progress according to action plan and in relation to
guidance on the Research Proposal.
Mid term Progress Review Point
3-4 months into programme student meets with PGR Tutor and or team of tutors selected by PGRTutor.
Student submits Progress Report (Completed Actions from RDF with evidence. This may include any
assessments in English language) and draft Research Proposal (ResProp)
Final Assessment Point (Within 6 months of registration)
Submission of final version of Research Proposal ResProp (Assignment 1 =70%)
Full portfolio report with links to evidence on research skills development drawing from RDF. Where
appropriate final assessment of English Language as IELTS score or equivalent. (Assignment 2 30%)
PGR Tutor collates grades (Pass /Fail) for all students and submits to Doctoral College (module leader) for
entry to e vision.