CATHERINE MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY ... · and provide feedback. All Doctorate in...

CATHERINE MCAULEY

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

BROOKFIELD HEALTH SCIENCES COMPLEX

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK

GRADUATE STUDIES HANDBOOK

March 2013

1

Table of Contents

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY .............................................. 0

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 2 OVER VIEW OF POLICIES AND GUIDELINES ................................................... 2 RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS .......................... 3

Research Activities in the School of Nursing and Midwifery ....................... 3 Library ........................................................................................................ 3

Information Technology (IT) ....................................................................... 4 E-mail accounts .......................................................................................... 4

GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE (GSC) ........................................................ 5 PROGRESS REVIEWS FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS ...................................... 6

FORMAT OF ANNUAL REVIEW .......................................................................... 8 PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 9 THESIS CONTENT AND STANDARDS EXPECTED ........................................... 9

Aim ........................................................................................................... 10

Learning period ........................................................................................ 10 Word count and thesis layout ................................................................... 10 Thesis Content ......................................................................................... 11

Attendance/Presenting at Conferences/Publications ............................... 11 Ethics in Research ................................................................................... 11

SUPERVISION ................................................................................................... 12 Students ................................................................................................... 12 Role of the Supervisor .............................................................................. 12

Supervision Meetings ............................................................................... 13

Admission ................................................................................................. 14 Thesis Submission and Viva .................................................................... 14 Interruptions to Research ......................................................................... 14

Requirements Regarding Demonstrations and Tutorials by Students ...... 15 Calendar of School Seminars ................................................................... 15

Guidelines on Intellectual Property ........................................................... 15 Intellectual Property ................................................................................. 15

Grievance Procedures ............................................................................. 16 Health and Safety Requirements ............................................................. 16 Appendix 1: Annual Review template (student report) ............................. 17

Appendix 2 Annual Review template for supervisors ............................... 18 Date of PRP: ....................................................................................................... 18

Appendix 3: Annual Review template for PRP panel ............................... 19 Appendix 4: Templates for maintaining a record of supervision meetings 21

Appendix 5: General Guidelines to Thesis Headings and Sub-headings ............ 23 Appendix 6 .......................................................................................................... 24 Appendix 7: Sample format for maintenance of a portfolio ................................. 25 SECTION 1: PhD/MSc RESEARCH STUDENT DETAILS ...................................... 27 SECTION 2: RECORD OF PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE........... 28

SECTION 2 CONTINUED ..................................................................................... 28 SECTION 3: CHECKLIST OF YEARLY ACTIVITIES .............................................. 29

2

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University

College Cork. We hope that you will find enjoyment, challenge and collegial support in

your pursuit of knowledge with us.

This document contains details on the requirements and procedures relating to all

graduate matters administered at the level of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in

relation to the MSc (by research), Doctorate in Nursing (DN) and PhD in

Nursing/Midwifery. These include: resources available to postgraduate students;

information about the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee; School policies on

course work and modes of assessment; guidelines on thesis content and standards

expected; policy on intellectual property; and account of grievance procedures.

The School Office is located on the ground floor opposite the reception at G.03.

Student queries are dealt with from Monday to Friday during the following hours:

9.15 – 1.00pm

2.10 – 4.00pm

Administrative Staff

The Senior Executive Assistant with administrative responsibility for these programmes

is Therese Ahern and she can be contacted at:

[email protected]

(+353) (0)21 4901553

The School Manager is Regina Murphy and she can be contacted at:

[email protected]

(+353) (0)21 4901550

OVER VIEW OF POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

It is essential that this handbook is read in conjunction with a range of documents

relating to application procedures, supervision and thesis submission.

All of these are available from the Graduate Studies Office website:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/ Tel: 021 490 2876 or email

[email protected]

The UCC Post Graduate Handbook is available at:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/ This provides links and information on

the following (and more):

Academic Calendar

Examinations

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/


http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/

3

Extension of Studies

Graduation/Conferring

Submission of Theses

Skill and Training

Funding and Finance

Student Services and Organizations

Specific policies are also available at:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/PolicyDocuments/

These include:

Code of Practice for Supervision of Research students

The Role of the GSC (Graduate Studies Committee) and the Operation of Progress

Reviews

Temporary Cessation of Registration

Policy on Resolution of Difficulties for Postgraduate Students

These and other documents published on the Graduate Studies Office website take

precedence over anything written in the handbook.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Research Activities in the School of Nursing and Midwifery

The research activities and research strategy of the School are described at:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/Research/

The research interests of staff and their recent publications are located at:

http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C014

Library

The majority of books and journals for the School of Nursing and Midwifery are housed

in the Boston Scientific Brookfield library. Students may also avail of resources in other

UCC libraries e.g. the Boole library and Cork University Hospital Library. Postgraduate

students may also apply for a library card from the Boole Library giving them access to

the libraries of other third level institutions in Ireland and the UK.

As a research student your library needs will often be quite specialised. The Brookfield

Library may meet your needs up to a point, but it is very likely that you will require

material held in other libraries. It is possible to apply for an ALCID card giving reading

rights in other university libraries in Ireland (Details/application form available from the


http://www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/Research/

http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C014

4

Boole Library). It is also possible to order material from other libraries through the Inter-

Library Loans office, located on the ground floor of the Boole Library.

Information on the services it provides can be found here:

http://booleweb.ucc.ie/index.php?pageID=44

Please read the instructions carefully. The loan period for books is generous, often

several weeks and normally renewable. Articles are usually sent as attachments to the

email address you provide (see the advice on email accounts below). Libraries do,

however, charge for lending the material. Given the limited number of interlibrary loan

tokens made available to the School, it is not possible, presently, to provide any tokens

for postgraduate students.

Information Technology (IT)

Open access IT facilities are available across campus for all students. These provide

internet access, e-mail, access to databases, word processing and specialist literacy

software.

School of Nursing and Midwifery students have access to a dedicated computer lab

located on the first floor of the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, in Room 1.03. All

students are required to adhere to the computer lab guidelines in order to use the

facilities. Up to date information regarding the student IT and printing services can be

found on the notice boards inside the lab.

E-mail accounts

All UCC graduate students receive UCC accounts with generous mailbox allocations. We

recommend that you activate your account. You can do so by visiting the Computer

Centre in the Boole Basement. Be sure that your supervisor and the School is kept

apprised of your address and that you check your email regularly: communication via the

student email account is the principal means by which we stay in touch with you

during your studies and thereafter.

http://booleweb.ucc.ie/index.php?pageID=44

5

GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE (GSC)

A School Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) will consist of the Head of School (or

his/her nominee i.e. the Director of Graduate Studies) plus at least two other full-time

academic staff members, including a designated Chair. The Director of Graduate Studies

will act as Chair of this committee. The Committee will meet on at least 4 occasions

during the year. The GSC is responsible for the following:

processing of applications*

selection of applicant interview panels

recommendations for admission

development and administration of induction courses and activities

development and administration of postgraduate seminar

review of students’ progress

monitoring students’ welfare

administration of scholarships and teaching assistant schemes

administration of examination procedures, including nomination of examiners

providing advice and initiating action in cases where a dispute or grievance has

arisen

liaising between supervisors and College authorities (Graduate Studies Office,

College of Medicine and Health, Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee

[ACGSC])

The GSC does not:

approve admissions – GSC makes recommendations to the Chairperson of the

GSC, who will in turn make recommendations to Postgraduate Admissions;

admission is only ratified when Postgraduate Admissions makes a formal offer

offer supervision or tuition – this is done only by the supervisor(s)

examine theses or coursework – this is done by examiners recommended by the

Chairperson of the GSC in consultation with GSC and approved by the College of

Medicine and Health and Academic Board

award degrees – this is done only when results are ratified by the Academic Board

on the basis of recommendations by examiners and the ACGSC.

* A nominated subgroup of the GSC will review applications comprising of the Head of

School, Director of Graduate Studies and one other member of the GSC.

For additional information see the UCC policy document: The Roles of Graduate Studies

Committees and the Operation of Progress Reviews for Research Students

The GSC will approve the membership of a Progress Review Panel (PRP) specific to

each individual research student, which has responsibility solely for assessing the

progress of that student. A PRP will include one member of the GSC (normally the

director of Graduate Studies or his/her nominee) and at least one additional member of

staff, who is not a supervisor of the student under review. The student’s supervisors are

http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Doctor/GSCsandprogressreviewsfinalMay10.pdf


6

also members of the PRP. The same PRP will normally undertake all reviews for a

particular student.

PROGRESS REVIEWS FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS

All PhD students will have, at a minimum, an annual assessment to review their progress

and provide feedback. All Doctorate in Nursing (DN) students will have a progress

review within 6 months of commencement of work on their thesis. An MSc (by research)

student will also be subject to participation in a review half way through their programme

(usually at 6 months, if registered full-time). In addition a PRP will review all students

who are transferring from an MSc to a doctorate programme. Such reviews should

generally be a positive and constructive experience for the student and supervisor(s).

To ensure satisfactory progress, reviews are organised as follows for all research

students.

PROGRESS REVIEWS FOR MSc STUDENTS

REVIEW 11 Within six months of commencement of work on the thesis if the student

is full time2 (PRP on behalf of the GSC).

Approval for an external examiner is sought after the successful

completion of the progress review.

REVIEW 2 Evaluation prior to submission (supervisor and co-supervisor). The

supervisor and co-supervisor read a penultimate draft of the thesis and

when they are satisfied that the thesis has reached the standard of the

MSc, appropriate documentation relating to thesis submission is

completed by the supervisory team.

End of Year 1 if registered full time2: Thesis submission and VIVA

examination.

However, if the thesis is not ready for submission at the end of year 1, a

further PRP review must be scheduled.

For MSc students, the scheduling of a progress review is predetermined (planned in

advance) according to date of registration and is dependent on the students registration

status i.e. fulltime or part-time registration (Jan, April, July, and October of each year).

7

PROGRESS REVIEWS FOR PhD STUDENTS

REVIEW 11 Within twelve months if registered full time

2 (PRP on behalf of the GSC)

REVIEW 2 At the end of year 2 if registered full time2 (PRP on behalf of the GSC).

Approval for an external examiner is sought after the successful

completion of the year 2 progress review.




PhD, appropriate documentation relating to thesis submission is

completed and a “practice” VIVA is organised by the supervisory team.


examination.

However, if the thesis is not ready for submission at the end of year 3

(full time registration4), a further PRP review must be scheduled.

For PhD students, the scheduling of annual reviews is predetermined (planned in

advance) according to date of registration and is dependent on the students registration

status i.e. fulltime or part-time registration (Jan, April, July, and October of each year).

PROGRESS REVIEWS FOR DN STUDENTS

REVIEW 13 Within six months of commencement of work on the thesis if registered

full time4 (PRP on behalf of the GSC)




doctorate thesis, appropriate documentation relating to thesis submission

is completed and a “practice” VIVA is organised by the supervisory

team.


examination.

1 A PRP may also review student progress at 3 months if requested to do so.

2 The programme taken over 12 months is considered full-time or taken over 24 months is considered

part-time 3 A PRP may also review student progress at 3 months if requested to do so.

4 The programme taken over 12 months is considered full-time or taken over 24 months is considered

part-time

8

However, if the thesis is not ready for submission at the end of year 3

(full time registration4), a further PRP review must be scheduled.

For DN students, the scheduling of annual reviews is predetermined (planned in advance)

according to date of registration, date of commencement of work on thesis element of

their Doctoral studies and is dependent on the students registration status i.e. fulltime or

part-time registration (Jan, April, July, and October of each year).

The University and the School of Nursing and Midwifery regard the satisfactory

completion of a student’s research studies within the scheduled time as a matter of

extreme importance. Mindful of the harm that can be done to students’ career

development by protracting the programme, progress is reviewed at key intervals. All

students are required to submit their thesis on time, that is, towards the end of their

registration period as detailed below. A common approach to progress reviews will

provide additional support to supervisors and supervisory teams; ensure that research

students have regular milestones throughout their research and help in maintaining

accessible records of a student’s progress.

FORMAT OF ANNUAL REVIEW

For all students the progress review meeting will take the form of an oral presentation (to

which other research students and supervisors are invited), 20 minutes oral presentation,

15 minutes questions/ discussion. Presentations will normally include project

background, aim of the study, methodology, student plan for training and development,

progress to date and plans for future progress. The purpose of this evaluation is: to

examine the student’s progress; to ensure the student has sufficient knowledge of the

fundamentals of the chosen discipline; to ensure the student has developed a clear plan of

research and has identified a viable topic and to assess the likelihood of successful

completion within an acceptable timeframe.

The PRP meets directly after the presentation with the student. The PRP considers the

reports submitted by the student (Appendix 1) and the supervisors (Appendix 2). The

PRP produces an annual progress review report which details the outcome of the review

(Appendix 3).

Two outcomes are possible.

Satisfactory: recommend the student continue with their research;

Not satisfactory: request another review meeting within a specified number of months

(normally within a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months, specified by the

PRP) with a full report addressing concerns. In such cases, detailed and clear feedback on

the type of achievements which are expected in this period must be provided in writing to

the student (e.g. a target of a chapter, piece of work which should be completed in the

time concerned). (See flow chart in Appendix 6).

The process of progress reviews is clearly intended to be a constructive and positive

experience for the student and supervisor(s) and should recognise and acknowledge good

progress made. However, such reviews may occasionally result in negative conclusions

9

by the GSC, i.e., there are major concerns about the lack of progress being made by a

particular student in their research a number of processes can be put in place to support

them, as per schematic diagram in Appendix 6. These are also outlined in:

The Roles of Graduate Studies Committees and the Operation of Progress Reviews for

Research Students which is available at:


PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

Candidates applying to MSc/PhD degree programmes are advised to contact the

prospective Supervisor/Chairperson of the GSC to discuss their proposed area of research

PRIOR to making a research application. Each application must first be approved by the

GSC, before consideration by the academic bodies, i.e., College and Graduate Studies

Committee. It is vital that a student has discussed the proposal with a possible

supervisor/researcher or Chairperson of the GSC before an application is lodged with the

Postgraduate Admissions Office.

For further details on the application procedure, see:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/apply-research/

Potential applicants for the DN programme should make contact with the programme

coordinator.

THESIS CONTENT AND STANDARDS EXPECTED

The National Framework of Qualifications5 articulates the distinction between level 9 and

10 in terms of the knowledge development, knowhow, skill range and competence. At

level 9 (Master’s degree) learning outcomes relate to the “demonstration of knowledge

and understanding which is to the forefront of a field of learning. The outcomes relate to

the application of knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities in new or

unfamiliar contexts related to a field of study. The outcomes are associated with an

ability to integrate knowledge, handle complexity and formulate judgements. Outcomes

associated with this level would link with employment as a senior professional or

manager with responsibility for the work outputs of teams” (pg. 21).

Learning outcomes at level 10 (Doctoral Degree) relate to the “discovery and

development of new knowledge and skills and delivering findings at the frontiers of

knowledge and application. Further outcomes at this level relate to specialist skills and

transferable skills required for managing such as the abilities to critique and develop

organisational structures and initiate change” (pg. 21).

Undertaking a thesis is a major task for both the student and the supervisor, and needs to

be managed carefully. For a start, individual students may have different needs and

5 National Framework of Qualifications (2003). A framework for the development, recognition and award

of qualifications in Ireland. National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, Document Number: 2003/5.





10

supervisors may have different styles. Moreover, supervision for both is a social process.

Consequently, there are elements to undertaking a thesis and to supervising a student that

cannot be governed by rules but are negotiated between students and supervisors.

Aim

The overall aim of thesis supervision is to:

Advise and guide students towards completion of their doctoral studies.

Learning period

The time spent conducting research and producing the thesis may vary considerably

between students, depending upon such factors as the volume of literature associated with

the subject, ethical approval processing, negotiation of access to subjects, availability of

sample, knowledge of data analysis procedures etc.

Current regulations provide that PhD students have three years part-time (or six years

full-time) and MSc (by Research) have 12 months full time (24 months part-time from

the date of acceptance to complete the Degree. Students who do not complete within the

specified three years should discuss options with their supervisory team and refer to the

following documents: PhD Year 4 Fees Policy, Temporary Cessation of Registration.

Available at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/PolicyDocuments/

DN students should refer to the programme Marks and Standards for further information

and discuss options with the programme coordinator. Programme marks and standards

accessible at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/students/academic/

Word count and thesis layout

The word limit of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words approximately, Doctorate Nursing thesis

is 40,000 words and the MSc (by research) is 30,000 words. Word count excludes

references and appendices.

Advice on the presentation and layout of a theses can be found in Appendix 5 and at:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/thesis/S_PhD_Thesis/

Details relating to the referencing conventions utilised within the School of Nursing and

Midwifery can be accessed in the online version of the school student handbook which is

available at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/CurrentStudents/StudentHandbook/


http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/thesis/S_PhD_Thesis/

http://www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/CurrentStudents/StudentHandbook/

11

Thesis Content

The key requirements for obtaining a doctorate degree (level 10)6 are:

evidence of originality (discovery and development of new knowledge and skills)

significant contribution to nursing or midwifery knowledge (delivering findings at

the frontiers of knowledge and application)

a mastery of the relevant literature and familiarity with the sources of such

information

proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative analysis methods

in-depth understanding of the field of research

presentation in an acceptable style according to the relevant guidelines for the

respective discipline and methodology

findings are of a standard sufficient for publication in peer reviewed journals

development of transferable skills e.g. the abilities to critique and develop

organisational structures and initiate change.

Attendance/Presenting at Conferences/Publications

Graduate students are expected to attend and participate in School, local, national and

international seminars and conferences. Students may wish to take taught modules

offered by UCC/other universities in an area relevant to their research and this should be

agreed with the supervisor. Please note that some programmes have particular

requirements regarding the completion of taught modules- this is best discussed with your

supervisor (e.g. UCC structured PhD programme students will be required to undertake

15 credits of taught modules during their PhD studies).

Agreement for joint publication with the supervisor should be reached giving due regard

to the intellectual contribution of all parties.

Any student who intends to submit an abstract of a presentation to a conference should

provide their supervisor with a copy of the abstract in advance of submission of the

abstract for the conference and make the abstract available for mention in the School of

Nursing and Midwifery publication/presentation list.

Ethics in Research

All research should adhere to best practice guidelines. For guidance refer to the

following websites:

http://www.ucc.ie/research/rio/ethics.html

6 Writing learning outcomes: A guide for academics (2007) University of Limerick

http://www.ucc.ie/research/rio/ethics.html

12

A list of ethics committees provided by the Irish Department of Health can be found at:

http://www.dohc.ie/other_health_issues/clinical_trials/ethics_committees.html

The University expects data to be securely held for a minimum period of seven years

after the completion of a research project, in line with general audit requirements.

SUPERVISION

Students

You are expected to be relatively autonomous in carrying out your academic work. That

is, students at postgraduate level have the responsibility for ensuring that they initiate

contact with their supervisors and maintain that contact throughout. If students

experience difficulties in establishing or maintaining that contact, this should be brought

to the attention of the Chairperson of the School’s GSC. You are expected to familiarise

yourself with the timing of the formal progression requirements as outlined in the

following university policy: Code of Practice for Supervision of Research Students

available at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/PolicyDocuments/

Responsibility for expediting the research and complying with policy and regulations

rests with the student.

Role of the Supervisor

All staff involved in research supervision should ensure that they are familiar with all

sections of the University policy on supervision. All supervisors and co-supervisors take

full responsibility for the overall management and supervision of students’ training and

research project, for the monitoring of progress. One of the supervisors is designated the

primary supervisory, he/she has responsibility for administrative matters relating to the

student’s research studies. Supervisors are accountable to the Chairperson of the school’s

GSC and must inform the Chairperson of any difficulties in the completion of the thesis.

This includes setting the learning parameters in terms of the level of academic

achievement so that the student is aware of the dangers of either underachieving (i.e., not

meeting the required academic standards or not meeting agreed deadlines for submission

of written work) or overachieving (i.e., going beyond what is necessary for the

completion of the thesis). Each supervisor will report progress in writing once a year to

the Chairperson of the school’s GSC or more frequently if perceived necessary, on the

work and progress of each student.

In the event of a student failing to respond to advice from a supervisor or in the case of

unsatisfactory progress, the Chairperson of the DGSC will be informed by the supervisor

and in consultation with the supervisor may recommend that the student revise the work

considerably before submission or defer submission. In the unlikely event that the

http://www.dohc.ie/other_health_issues/clinical_trials/ethics_committees.html

http://www.ucc.ie/en/media/Code-of-Practice-for-supervision-of-Research-Students.pdf


13

supervisor feels obliged to recommend a candidature be terminated because of

unsatisfactory progress, she or he must make this recommendation to the school’s GSC

who will inform the student accordingly.

The co-supervisor

provides support for the supervisor in ensuring that the student meets academic

expectations and submits within the scheduled time

meets the student with the supervisor as appropriate (at least once a year)

provides support for the student as appropriate

evaluates the student’s progress at the different stages of review

Supervision Meetings

At the beginning of the research programme, students and supervisors agree the format

and frequency of supervision meetings, documentation used to record the supervision

meetings and the training needs and educational plan. This plan reflects and records the

intention of the supervisor and the research student, guidance regarding the format of

such a “research student learning plan” is accessible on:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/policydocuments/. Meetings with a

supervisors offer the kind of mentoring and learning that is rare in any other educational

environment. Your supervisors are your most important contact in the university. The

Chairperson of the School’s GSC, in consultation with the GSC, has the responsibility

for the selection of an appropriate supervisor following the formal submission of your

research plan/proposal. Supervisors are allocated on the basis of their substantive and/or

methodological expertise relevant to the student’s research subject. They have the

responsibility of facilitating your learning; for advising you on matters pertaining to your

research and the development of your thesis. You and your supervisors are expected to

plan and develop the research programme in consultation.

As the Code of Practice for Supervision of Research Students referred to above

underlines; regular communication with your supervisors is of paramount importance.

This may occasionally take the form of email or telephone correspondence, but the

principal means of communication is a one-to-one meeting. The length and frequency of

these meetings is a matter for you and your supervisors to agree. It is important that all

parties adhere to an agreed schedule. Such meetings can be held at the request of either

the supervisors or the student and will normally be expected to take place regularly. In

certain circumstances, e.g., external research locations, less frequent meetings may be

considered appropriate.

You and your supervisors will keep a record of all meetings (See Appendix 4 for

suggested format). If a supervisor is to be on leave for an extended period, the supervisor

should ensure that adequate supervisory arrangements are made.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/policydocuments/

14

The supervisor will request regular written work, interim reports or research results as

appropriate and return such reports and draft chapters, with comments, within an agreed

time period.

Unavoidable circumstances may occasionally prevent either you or your supervisor from

attending a meeting. In this case as much warning as possible should be given and a

suitable alternative time should be agreed.

A supervisory session is intended to provide an opportunity for exchange, dialogue and

feedback. It is not a lecture: the supervisor will not simply offer pre-packaged

information while the student takes notes. Rather, be prepared to discuss progress

(literature, methodology, findings etc.) or explain problems encountered. Supervisors will

then be able to offer possible solutions or discuss strategies for research and writing. It is

required that you submit work to a supervisor at an agreed date (i.e. at least 5 working

days) in advance of a meeting, so that it can then form the basis for discussion. In any

case, you and your supervisor should agree at the beginning of the meeting (or at the time

a meeting is arranged) what they would like to achieve from the session. At the

conclusion of the meeting they can then decide whether that objective has been met.

If you have concerns in relation to your supervision or with your project and feel unable

to talk with your supervisor, you should ask to meet with your co-supervisor.

Admission

For details on the application procedure for PhD, see:


DN and MSc, see: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/taught/

Thesis Submission and Viva

For information about processes, requirements and forms for thesis submission,

nomination of external examiners and VIVA see:

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/thesis/

Interruptions to Research

It is preferable for students to progress their research without interruption in so far as is

possible. However, in some circumstances, for example in the case of illness, financial or

family difficulties, it is possible to apply for a formal temporary cessation of registration

until these difficulties have been resolved. The following guidelines address some of the

circumstances under which students apply to cease registration on a temporary basis:


http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/taught/

http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/thesis/

15

Policy on Temporary Cessation of Registration (Leave of Absence) for Research

Students is available at:


Research Students

Requirements Regarding Demonstrations and Tutorials by Students

At present postgraduate students are not required to do demonstrations or provide

tutorials in the School. However, this may be revised in the future.

Calendar of School Seminars

See School of Nursing and Midwifery website for details.

Guidelines on Intellectual Property

The School of Nursing and Midwifery considers that the university policy on intellectual

property might only apply to a very small proportion of the postgraduate research

undertaken by students in the School.

This is because the policy refers largely to patentable and non-patentable inventions and

related information, university-commissioned works and computer-generated work,

other computer software and firmware, registered and unregistered designs and

semiconductor chip topographies, videotapes, films, drawings, photographs or other

documents created or produced using university facilities, and ‘know-how’. Specifically,

the university does not make claims of ownership over scholarly works without prior

agreement: the university ‘does not assert ownership of copyright of pedagogical,

scholarly or artistic works, regardless of their form of expression, unless there is a written

agreement to the contrary’.

Where you are in doubt in relation to the ownership of the outcome of your scholarly

activity, the details of the university policy can be located at:

Intellectual Property

Office of the Vice-President for Research

http://www.ucc.ie/en/ResearchandIndustry/OfficeoftheVPforResearch/

Tel: 021 490 3501

Email: [email protected]


http://www.ucc.ie/en/ResearchandIndustry/OfficeoftheVPforResearch/

16

You may also direct any queries in relation to intellectual property to your supervisor and

to the Chairperson of the DGSC.

Grievance Procedures

Students may, during the course of their research, encounter obstacles that can impede

satisfactory progress if they are not resolved in a straightforward manner. For guidelines

on grievance procedures see:

Policy on Resolution of Difficulties for Postgraduate Students is available at:


Health and Safety Requirements

Students are not required by the School to undergo training in health and safety issues

unless they are providing demonstrations or tutorials.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/media/Policy-on-Resolution-of-Difficulties-for-Postgraduate-Research-Students.pdf


17

Appendix 1: Annual Review template (student report)

Date of PRP:

Student name Student

ID

Thesis title

Date of registration

_ _- _ _- _ _

Expected completion

date:

_ _- _ _- _ _

Registration details:

Full- time □ Part-time □

MSc □ PhD □ DN □

Description of progress

within the past year Prompts: A summary of work

undertaken during the year

including a summary of your key

achievements.

Strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities, turning points,

potential risks and problems

identified this year.

The extent to which you have met

the previous year’s requirements

as agreed with your supervisory

team (if appropriate).

Training and skills

development Consider actions taken to meet

identified learning, skills and

development needs (e.g. what

were the key learning points from

your training programme).

Personal and professional

development.

Plan/key targets for the

next year Consider your targets for the next

year -- provide details of how you

are going to progress these.

Potential or actual

contribution of your

research to knowledge

development

Potential for publication

Additional perspectives

and comments Consider experience of

supervision, access to appropriate

facilities and support to complete

your project.

Signed:

Date:

18

Appendix 2 Annual Review template for supervisors

Date of PRP:


ID

Thesis title


_ _- _ _- _ _

Expected completion

date:

_ _- _ _- _ _



MSc □ PhD □ DN □

In boxes below, please comment on progress with project, academic abilities, technical abilities,

progress with training, attendance, efficient use of time, record keeping, summary of any

problems or resource issues identified and resolutions, personal reflection on and recording of

learning/achievement etc.

Description of progress

within the past year

Plan/key goals for the

next year

Comments - research

achievements/progress/

experience of

supervision.

Summary and

recommendations

Supervisor Name:

Signed:

Date:

Supervisor Name:

Signed:

Date:

19

Appendix 3: Annual Review template for PRP panel

Date:


ID

Thesis title


_ _/_ _/_ _

Expected completion date:

_ _/_ _/_ _



MSc □ PhD □

Professional Doctorate□

Has the student:

Participated and satisfactorily completed their programme

of related studies for this year.

YES NO

If no, state remedial action

if required.

Worked in accordance with appropriate research

governance: e.g. ethical standards, data protection, safety

protocols.

YES NO


if required.

Access to appropriate resources and facilities for

completion of the research?

YES NO


if required.

Supervisory Team Assessment of Progression : (Comment on progress with project, academic abilities, technical abilities, progress with training, attendance,

efficient use of time, record keeping, summary of any problems or resource issues identified and resolutions,

personal reflection on and recording of learning/achievement etc.).

Comments: research

achievements/progress/

experience of supervision

Is the research student on target to complete the award by the expected

submission point?

YES NO

Summary and

recommendations

Satisfactory annual

review

Unsatisfactory

annual review

Recommend

supplementary

review

□

□

□

PRP members

Name:

Date:

20

Signed:

Name:

Signed:

Date:

Name:

Signed:

Date:

Name:

Signed:

Date:

21

Appendix 4: Templates for maintaining a record of supervision meetings

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK

Record of Student Supervision Sessions

Name of Student: ________________________

Name of Supervisor:_____________________________

Name of Supervisor:_____________________________

Or

RESEARCH SUPERVISION RECORD

Name of Research Student:

Name of Department/Centre:

Name of Supervisors present:

Title of Project:

Date/Time of Meeting:

Summary of activities since last meeting:

Agenda for this meeting:

Comments by Supervisors: [Continue on separate sheet if necessary]

Date Time Discussed Actions, name &

Time-frame

22

Date:

Comments by Research Student: [Continue on separate sheet if necessary]

Student Signature:

Date:

Agreed plans for period before the next meeting

[Please include an agreed plan for the next research period, including training plans, if

applicable]

Proposed date/time of next meeting:

23

Appendix 5: General Guidelines to Thesis Headings and Sub-headings Note

7

1. Title

2. Contents List

3. Declaration

4. Abstract (An overview of the entire work)

5. Introduction: background, aim of study, rationale/justification (why do it?)

6. Literature review (critical analysis of both the substance of the literature and the

research designs used).

Theoretical framework/perspectives (if appropriate).

Gap found in Literature, which the proposed research aims to address.

7. Research question(s)/hypotheses

Aims, objectives/hypothesis (if appropriate).

Operational definitions (of variables contained in the research if necessary).

8. Methodology: Theoretical framework/underpinnings

Specific research techniques e.g. data collection procedures

Sample

Ethical permission & ethical dilemmas

Methodological rigour

Pilot study

Analytical techniques

9. Results/Findings

10. Discussion

11. Conclusion (summary of study)

12. Recommendations/application to practice

Limitations & strengths of the study

Future research

13. References

14. Appendices

7 Note: The option of presenting a thesis in an alternative format (e.g. PhD by published works or using the

presentation style of a thesis presented as a series of publications) must be discussed with the supervisory

team.

24

PRP for

Research Student

Appendix 6

25

Appendix 7: Sample format for maintenance of a portfolio

.

School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork

Portfolio

Name:

Mode of Degree:

Registration Date:

26

As part of your research degree programme, you will normally undertake further training to

ensure you have the full complement of skills and knowledge you require. Details of this

training must be discussed with your supervisor.

The Progress File comprises:

Section 1: Research Student Details

Section 2: Record of Previous Qualifications & Experience

Section 3: Checklist of Yearly Activities (to be completed each year)*

Section 4: Research Student Supervision Records

4.1 Research Supervision Record form

4.2 Supervisory Team Report form

4.3 PRP Progression Report form

It is advisable to keep a progress file (portfolio) of your activities and achievements

throughout your research degree programme as a record of these related studies. The

portfolio includes information about journal clubs, participation in seminars, local

presentations, participation in and presentations at confereances, periods of study abroad

and tasks involving teaching and student supervision. Supporting evidence should be

included in the portfolio, which might take the form of a certificate of attendance, a

conference abstract booklet, your transfer report (post progress review), notes of your own

thoughts and reflections on your learning and skills development etc.

It is your responsibility to formulate a programme of related studies, in agreement with

your Supervisory team, and to maintain a record of such activities8.

Each year, the progress of each research student will be considered by the supervisors,

PRP, and Head of Department, and confirmed by the Graduate Studies Committee. This

decision will include consideration of progress on both the main research programme and

the agreed training programme. The Head of School or his/her nominee is responsible

for ensuring that the progress of each research student is monitored throughout their

studies. Any matters of concern will be brought to the attention of the research student at

the earliest opportunity and appropriate advice offered.

STUDENT DECLARATION

The information I have provided in making this File is true and correct to the best of my

knowledge.

Signed ………………………………….. Print name…………………………………..

Date ………………………

8 It is recommended that you update your portfolio electronically.

27

SECTION 1: PhD/MSc RESEARCH STUDENT DETAILS

Full Name of Research Student:

Name of Department/Centre:

Name of Collaborating Establishment

(if applicable)

Name of Director of Studies:

Name(s) of Supervisor(s)

Primary Supervisor:

Co- Supervisor:

Funding (eg self/company/university):

Start Date:

Current Title of Project:

Previous Title of Project (if applicable):

Award Initially Registered for Research Degree programme

Date of Registration:

Award Currently Registered for:

Date of Registration: Date/details of change of registration (if appropriate):

Mode of Study: Part time

Date of change of mode (if appropriate):

Latest date for submission of thesis:

Examining team:

Effective Date of Award:

28

SECTION 2: RECORD OF PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

This section is provided for you to keep a record of your qualifications and

experiences gained before starting your research degree.

Qualification/experience Date(s)

SECTION 2 CONTINUED

This section is provided for you to keep a summary record of your qualifications and

experience gained DURING your research degree.

Qualification/experience Date(s)

29

SECTION 3: CHECKLIST OF YEARLY ACTIVITIES

(ONE CHECKLIST TO BE COMPLETED EACH YEAR)

Requirement Comment/details of activity

University Induction

Day:

Date of attendance:

School of Nursing and

Midwifery seminars

Sessions attended,

dates of attendance,

and signature of

tutor(s)

Title of seminar, name of presenter

Date

Attendance at

module(s) relevant to

project work as agreed

with supervisory team

(This section should

include all modules

and/or lectures attended)

(Enclose further details of

work undertaken etc., and

a copy of the transcript if

received)

Title of module, number of credits,

Title of lecture, name of presenter

Date, other pertinent details

Completed Research

Supervision Records

Dates of meetings,

comments, actions.

(Enclose copies of Research

Supervision Record forms)

30

Presentations

(Enclose presentation

materials)

Title of presentation, mode of

presentation

Conference details, date,

Completion of

Registration

(Enclose copies of letter

granting ethics

approval)

Date registration:

(Include a copy of your Registration

Document and ethics approval on

file)

Comments on registration (if

appropriate):

Date of ethical approval submission:

Date ethical approval was granted

Progress reviews

(Include a copy of your PRP

in File)

Date:

Comments (if appropriate):

Practice viva voce

examination

(if required by student)

Date:

Comments:

Department/Faculty/

External Research

Symposia attended

Titles (speaker) Dates

Additional activities

31

Include any external

activities not covered

elsewhere

(Enclose certificates, details

in file)

Titles/details Date

RECORD FOR YEAR 1 Summary of work undertaken during the year:

Reflective Journal (including actions taken to meet identified learning and skills development needs eg

what were the key learning points from your training programme, highlight your achievements and plans;

what strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and problems have you identified this year; what are your

targets for next year and how are you going to progress these?)

To what extent have your previous year’s requirements been met? (not applicable if current year is

first year of study)

Acquisition of Skills: This report comprises a reflective critique of the transferable

skills you have acquired, whilest also highlighting areas for improvement and

development.

32

Area9 Comment

1. Research Skills and awareness

2. Ethics and social understanding

3. Communication skills

4. Personal effectiveness/development

5. Team-working and leadership

6. Career management, networking &

teamworking

7. Entrepreneurship & innovation








9 IUA (2009). Irish Universities’ PhD Graduates Skills statement is available at:

http://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/transferableskills/iuaphdgraduatesskills/


33



development.

Area Comment

1. Research Skills and methods

2. Research Environment

3. Research management

4. Personal effectiveness


6. Networking and teamworking

7. Career goals

34










development.

Area10

Comment

1. Research Skills and awareness

2. Ethics and social understanding


4. Personal effectiveness/development

5. Team-working and leadership

6. Career management, networking &

teamworking

7. Entrepreneurship & innovation

10

IUA (2009). Irish Universities’ PhD Graduates Skills statement is available at:



35

SECTION 4: RESEARCH SUPERVISION RECORDS

4.1 Research Supervision Record form (to record formal meetings between research student and supervisors)

4.2 Supervisory Team Report form (for completion prior to meeting of PRP)

4.3 PRP Progression Report form (completed by Director of Graduate Studies)

CATHERINE MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY ... · and provide feedback. All Doctorate in...

Documents

Transcript of CATHERINE MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY ... · and provide feedback. All Doctorate in...