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Postgraduate Research Student Handbook 2013/2014 University of Sheffield Department of Sociological Studies 0
Postgraduate Research
Student Handbook 2013/2014
University of Sheffield
Department of Sociological Studies
Elmfield, Northumberland Road
Sheffield S10 2TU
Telephone: 0114 222 6400
Fax: 0114 276 8125
Email: [email protected] www.sheffield.ac.uk/socstudies
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ContentsContents...................................................................................1Welcome...................................................................................2
Introduction from the Head of Department.........................................2Postgraduate Research........................................................................3
Getting Started – Your Department.............................................5Elmfield - The Department Building – Where You Are Based...............5Contact with the Department..............................................................8Learning Resources..............................................................................9Departmental Resources...................................................................11
Getting Advice and Giving Feedback.........................................12Academic staff...................................................................................12
Succeeding in Your Research....................................................13Key Staff............................................................................................13Getting Involved.................................................................................13Doctoral Development Programme....................................................14Supervisors........................................................................................................................................15Models of Supervision........................................................................16Fieldwork and Expenses.....................................................................17Study Guides......................................................................................18Progression........................................................................................19Confirmation /Research Proposal.......................................................23Research Ethics..................................................................................25Submission, Viva Voce.......................................................................26Plagiarism, Collusion and Unfair Means.............................................28A Final Note........................................................................................30
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WelcomeIntroduction from the Head of DepartmentThe Department of Sociological Studies is distinctive within the United Kingdom in that we combine Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology and Social Anthropology. This multi-disciplinarity is our greatest strength and, over many years, has provided us with a solid foundation for consistently innovative high-quality teaching and research.
The Department strives for excellence in all respects, and regards research and teaching as complementary to each other; both are essential if we are to extend the boundaries of our understanding of the human world. The research focus of the Department is reflected in the importance we place on dissertations, at undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels. Students can confidently expect to graduate from this Department with a substantial portfolio of research experience and other transferable skills.
The Department has been highly ranked in every government Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). In terms of national and international reputation, we are one of the UK’s leading social science departments. We have taken the lead in developing new teaching and learning methods so that we can maintain and improve the quality of students’ learning experience. Our success in this respect has been recognised by the award of ‘excellent’ grades in the most recent external evaluations of our performance.
The HandbookThe main aim of this handbook is to provide you with the key information you need. It is important that you read through the handbook to familiarise yourself with our procedures and you should keep it as a point of reference throughout your degree.
The handbook is in three sections: Getting started – gives you an overview of the resources and facilities
available in the department and across the university that you can access to successfully begin your studies.
Getting advice and giving feedback - guides you through your life as a student; tells you who can help you; where this help can be found; and informs you how you can make your voice heard to help us improve the quality of your educational experience.
Succeeding in your degree – gives you information about your particular programme of study, and details the rules and regulations which govern your assessment and progression.
On behalf of everyone in Sociological Studies, I wish you a happy and productive time with us. We aim to contribute something valuable, distinctive and lasting to your education and to your experience of student life at the University of Sheffield. We aim for the highest standards in what we do, and your assessment of our performance is one of the key benchmarks of our success in that endeavour. If you think that we have room for improvement please let us know. You, of course, are members of the Department too, and we hope you will want to make a full contribution to its activities. Any suggestions you would like to make for enhancing aspects of what we do together will be welcome. Working in a spirit of partnership, let’s try to get the best out of each other.
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Professor Jan HorwathHead of Department
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Postgraduate ResearchWelcome to Postgraduate Research at Sheffield. This handbook will be your companion throughout your course of study here – although there may be occasional changes in order to reflect programme development.
This handbook has been designed to provide you with an introduction to the Department and to provide some additional information about undertaking postgraduate research. It gives some useful information about the staff in the Department, details about research training and the specific facilities which the Department has for postgraduate research students. It should be read in conjunction with the Research & Innovation Service’s ‘Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes’ which sets out the more general guidelines for postgraduate research.
Programme AimsThe programme seeks to meet the following aims contained within the Departmental Mission Statement and employability statement:
To produce trained social science researchers with a subject specialism in Sociology, Social Policy or Social Work.
To provide an intellectual environment that stimulates and supports students in the pursuit of their own study.
To ensure that students have a firm grounding in philosophical and methodological issues.
To introduce the principles of research design and to develop the ability to select the appropriate research techniques for particular sociological investigations.
To introduce significant current issues in sociological research in the context of an active research culture.
To develop well trained researchers capable of producing an original and competent thesis within prescribed time limits.
To enable students to realise their potential in order that they may gain employment and make a full contribution to the society in which they live and earn.
The Sociological Studies Employability Strategy sets out ways in which the Department encourages students to gain skills, understanding, and personal attributes that make them more able to gain employment, be successful in their chosen occupations and become active citizens: www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies/current
General ExpectationsPostgraduate Research students are important members of the Department’s research community and are encouraged to participate fully in its various research activities. It is therefore expected that you:
Attend the Departmental seminars and research lunches since these give you the opportunity to broaden your sociological expertise beyond the confines of your own research area.
Where appropriate, participate in the activities of the University Research Centres.
Read the Department’s newsletter. Each issue contains a designated space displaying post-graduate activities generally. To receive the current edition, or submit items for the next, contact Janine Wilson at [email protected]
Time Commitments
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Students commencing research degrees are not entitled to long vacation periods. It should be noted that research students sponsored by the UK research councils may, subject to the agreement of their supervisors, take reasonable holidays, not exceeding eight weeks in the year (including public holidays). Up to a maximum of four weeks holiday may be taken at the end of the period of award. These research council rules may be used as a guide by all full-time research students not subject to the rules of other sponsoring bodies. Students should not apply for a leave of absence to cover a period of annual leave. Part time students (or students whose target degree is MPhil) must discuss their training needs with their supervisor and register for appropriate modules.
Other Sources of InformationThis handbook is not your only source of information. You can find information on each module you study on MOLE (My Online Learning Environment), including reading lists and week by week module outlines. There is also information specific to your course on the departmental website, www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies.
The Students’ Charter (now known as ‘Our Commitment’)(www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/ourcommitment/charter) is a partnership document between the University of Sheffield and its students, setting out individual rights and responsibilities to help students and staff work together in a spirit of co-operation. Our Commitment explains what is required of students, their legal responsibilities and how they might benefit most from their academic studies at Sheffield.
The General University Regulations apply to all students. They include Regulations which refer to registration and fees, academic progress, appeals, student discipline, etc. They can be found in the University of Sheffield Calendar – see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar, and in particular the General Regulations for Higher Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar). In the event that you have a complaint, in the first instance, you can see your Supervisor or alternatively speak with the Course Convenor/Personal Tutor, Director of Graduate Studies , Director of Teaching and Learning or Head of Department. For contact details of these people, see Succeeding in Your Degree – Your Course. Also, please see the Students’ Complaint Procedure at www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/procedures/complaints.
The Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes (www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code) contains a wide range of information required by both students and their academic departments from the point of registration on to a higher degree by research, to the point of award.
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Getting Started – Your DepartmentElmfield - The Department Building – Where You Are BasedThe Department of Sociological Studies is based at:
ElmfieldNorthumberland RoadSheffieldS10 2TU
Telephone: 0114 222 6403Fax: 0114 276 8125 General email: [email protected] Website: www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies
AccessAccess to the building is from Northumberland Road, either through the car park at the front of the building, or from the access road to the Goodwin Sports Centre. The building is normally open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, both during semesters and during most holiday periods.
The building is arranged over five floors. A lift connecting the ground floor with floors 1 and 2 can be found on the corridor between the Porters’ Lodge and the Sociological Studies Enquiry Desk.
Locations in the building are identified by a floor letter or number followed by a room number – for example, Seminar Room G18 can be found on the ground floor, next to room G17.
All staff and postgraduate research students are required to attend a fire training session held by University Health and Safety every year. Information about training can be found on the Health and Safety website www.shef.ac.uk/hs.
Access outside normal working hours is by swipe card only. In order to qualify for access on Monday to Friday 18:00 – 22:00 and on Saturdays you will need to complete the Health and Safety out of hours online training (and pass the test) and to have up to date fire training. The Health and Safety website gives full details of both. There is no access to the building outside the above times.
FacilitiesPorters’ LodgeThe Elmfield building has a porter service. The porters are based by the entrance to Elmfield and can assist with general enquiries about the building, such as the location of rooms.
All incoming post for postgraduate research students will be delivered to room 1.49.
You are responsible for paying for your own outgoing mail. The Department may meet some of the costs of postage arising directly from your research. Prior authorisation should be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies The Department cannot handle your personal mail.
Staff Room
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The Staff Room is located in room 1.46 within Elmfield. Students may use the departmental photocopier in the staff room. Each student will be given an allowance per academic year, currently 1,000 copies. You may have access to the copier when you have exceeded this amount, but copies will be charged at a concessionary rate of 3 pence per copy. You will pay for any photocopying you do at any other copier.
Enquiry DeskThe Department of Sociological Studies has a dedicated Enquiry Desk. This is open during semesters from Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 14:30. The Enquiry Desk can assist with general queries about your course. The Department’s essay submission box is located near the Enquiry Desk.
Study SpaceThere is a designated study space for all PGR students, this is located in room 1.49 in Elmfield. There are 36 desks available, 10 PC’s and access to a printer. Wifi is available in the room.
Full time, fully registered PhD students are entitled to a desk space, it is expected that this desk be used at least 3 days per week, otherwise individuals should use one of the hot desks provided.
Each student will have access to lockable storage – please speak to the Departmental secretary for further details.
Common RoomThe Common Room is shared between the Department of Sociological Studies and the Department of Politics. It is located near the entrance to Elmfield, behind the Porters’ Lodge. You can find a water fountain, cold drink and snack machines in the Common Room, in addition to comfortable chairs and tables.
StationeryYou are expected to provide all stationery you require in pursuit of your research. Students in receipt of bursaries may be able to reclaim some of these expenses.
ToiletsToilet facilities can be found on each floor of the building.
Health and Safety
Emergency Evacuation On hearing a fire alarm, all students and staff must leave the building immediately by the nearest fire exit or stairs. The meeting point is on the Goodwin Sport Centre synthetic pitches, down the hill behind the building. Do not re-enter the building until an appropriate member of staff informs you that it is safe to do so.
It is important for your safety and security that you observe health and safety instructions. These are posted in all teaching rooms and at the entrance to all university buildings. If the emergency evacuation alarm rings you must vacate the premises immediately by the nearest exit. This is not necessarily the one by which you entered the building. All emergency evacuation alarms are tested on a weekly basis. Times when this will take place are displayed in teaching rooms.
The fire alarm in Elmfield is tested at 08.45 every Monday.
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Accidents and InjuriesIn an emergency, telephone 4444 on a University internal phone and give details clearly and concisely.
Any accident resulting in injury must be reported to the Porters’ Lodge and entered in the Accidents Notification Book of the building in which the accident occurred.
SecurityPlease do not leave personal possessions around. If you have reason to feel suspicious about anything please tell the Porters.
Please ensure when leaving a room that you close the blinds and ensure that all windows are closed. Do not leave valuable items on window ledges. Ensure your personal belongings are covered by the appropriate insurance policy. The University will accept no responsibility for damage to, or loss of, any personal property.
Elmfield building is covered by a security alarm when the building is closed. At all other times there is a porter on duty.
SmokingSmoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. You may smoke in the car park at the front of Elmfield.
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Contact with the DepartmentIf we need to contact youWe will normally contact you individually via your university email address and general information will be displayed via the student notice boards (situated on the corridor outside the Study Space, room 1.49), or occasionally by post. It is your responsibility to ensure that your university record is kept up-to-date. Please note that you can change your address online by accessing your University Record via MUSE.
NewsletterYou will also receive a weekly email newsletter during semesters, containing announcements and information of interest to students in the Department.
If you need to contact usThis handbook, the departmental web page www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies and MOLE will give you guidance on where you can access the information you need. MUSE and MOLEWhile studying at the university, you will need to use two main communication tools: MUSE and MOLE.
MUSEMUSE is a web portal designed to give you personalised access to the University's online resources. Wherever you are in the world, provided you can access the internet with a modern web browser, it should be possible to access electronic web-based services provided by The University of Sheffield.
For example, you can: send and receive emails from anywhere in the world using the email service in
MUSE access your filestore easily from off campus use the 'Communities' facility to interact within and access services provided by
your department
MOLEMOLE is a virtual learning environment that supports your learning. It can be accessed via the internet from anywhere in the world. All of the modules you will take have dedicated sites attached to them, and these sites contain a range of useful documents for you to download, from module guides to further reading and PowerPoint presentations. Further information is at www.shef.ac.uk/cics/mole2.
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Learning ResourcesInformation Commons and the LibraryThe Information Commons (IC) is the library facility at the University. It was opened in April 2007 and provides a fantastic student experience. There are 1300 study spaces and 500 PCs. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering study at a time and pace suited to each student. It is also an integrated learning environment, which means you have easy access to core text books and ICT all in the same place. Study spaces have fully-networked PCs. There is wireless networking throughout most of the building, so you can bring your own laptop.
You can find further information about the library at www.shef.ac.uk/library and can contact the library at [email protected].
British Library Boston Spa Reading RoomThere is a regular free minibus service to the British Library Document Supply Centre at Boston Spa, which the Library runs to give staff and students of the University the opportunity to use the extensive collections housed there. Visits are scheduled each semester and some during vacations. Generally, the bus leaves from the Tower Court car park outside the Western Bank Library at 8.45am and returns to Sheffield by approximately 5.00pm, once per month – but you should check the poster display around the Library giving actual date. Bookings are taken on a first-come-first-served basis and, as there is usually a waiting list (there is a £5 fee if you book and do not turn up or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice). Items for research can be ordered in advance or booked on the day. You can book your seat through the myRooms&Resources booking quick link in MUSE. For further details see: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/services/illbus.html
Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work in the Library and on the InternetTo find books, the best place to start is StarPlus, the library online catalogue. You can access StarPlus through www.shef.ac.uk/library or through your MUSE account. The catalogue provides a single search point for all content regardless of format or location. It enables you to search collections held locally at our sites or remotely in electronic and digital forms. It can provide direct access to full text where such content is available to us on an open access or subscription basis.
When you log in to MUSE, you can check what you have on loan using My Account, and renew items, if necessary.
To find material on your reading list, check the Resource Lists for your Department through MUSE, then click on library.
Ebooks and Ejournals for Social SciencesThere are a number of types of sites which hold material of interest to staff and students in the Department of Sociological Studies. For current information and the latest research, you need to look in the key journals for your subject. Increasingly they are available in full text electronically, but as some are still only available in print. You should search the library catalogue to find our complete stock.
To find journal articles by topic, you need to search using databases. Some databases provide access to full text articles electronically, in addition to citations (bibliographic details of articles) and abstracts.
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Ebooks are electronic versions of printed books. They differ in that they may be searchable, enable electronic bookmarking, and/or have an online dictionary.
Information found on the Web is not always of a good academic standard. For good ‘quality-assured’ links to information suitable for academic use, choose the appropriate subject gateway for your topic. It is very important that you develop the necessary skills to find information relevant to your studies. There are various online tutorials to help you which can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/library.
InterLibrary Request ServiceBefore making a request please check the Library catalogue StarPlus and ensure that the item is not in stock, either in print or electronically. If the Library doesn’t have the item you require and you can’t locate it from any other source, we will try to obtain it as an interlibrary request.
This service is expensive and we request you use it only for essential materials.
Please note the Library reserves the right to share information with your department regarding your requests(s).
Postgraduate Research Students should submit their requests online through the Library Services at www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/ill2
If you expect to have a large demand for the InterLibrary Request Service you should use the free minibus link with the British Library at Boston Spa.
Help and supportAlastair Allan, based at the Main Library, is the Academic Liaison Librarian for this subject area. He can be contacted for assistance in finding information and resources at [email protected].
ICT FacilitiesThe PCs supplied in Elmfield in Room 1.49 are available to all postgraduate research students. Users should be aware that at busy times they should be prepared to use the machines for short periods of time to give all students access to the facility.
In addition to the facilities in room 1.49, Computer room 1.12 has 16 computers and a printer, which you can use whenever the building is open. You can also use the computers in room 1.11 when it is not booked for teaching.
General information about the University’s ICT facilities can be found at http://www.shef.ac.uk/cics/students.
BooksBlackwells bookshops on Mappin Street and Waterstones in Orchard Square off Fargate have a good selection of academic texts. In addition, there are a number of second-hand bookshops in Sheffield where you may be able to get the books you need more cheaply.
Language SupportThe Department have teamed up with the English Language Teaching Centre (see www.shef.ac.uk/eltc) to deliver a number of workshops and drop-in sessions throughout both semesters. See your course noticeboard for details.
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Courses are also available to students wishing to pursue a foreign language, who should contact the Modern Languages Teaching Centre. More information can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/mltc.
Departmental Resources Handheld Tape Recorders You can hire a handheld tape recorder for £5. You will need to show a valid U-card and must leave a returnable deposit of £20.00, cheques should be made payable to the University of Sheffield. If you are interested, email your enquiries to the Departmental Secretary, Janine Wilson at [email protected].
Getting Advice and Giving FeedbackAcademic staffDepartmental academic staff are listed below. All email addresses end “@sheffield.ac.uk”. For details of administrative and research staff and postgraduate research students, see www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies/staff.
Name Position EmailDr Matthias Benzer Lecturer in Sociology m.benzer@Dr Kathy Boxall Lecturer in Social Work kathy.boxall@Dr Jo Britton Lecturer in Applied Sociology n.j.britton@Mr Peter Castleton Director of Social Work Education p.castleton@Dr Harriet Churchill Lecturer in Social Work h.churchill@Dr Tom Clark Lecturer in Research Methods t.clark@Dr Katherine Davies Lecturer in Sociology k.davies
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Dr Alex Dennis Lecturer in Sociology a.dennis@Dr Kevin Farnsworth Senior Lecturer in Social Policy k.farnsworth@Dr Liam Foster Lecturer in Social Work l.foster@Dr Marilyn Gregory Lecturer in Continuing Professional
Development (Social Work)m.j.gregory@
Professor Jan Horwath Head of Department / Professor of Child Welfare
j.horwath@
Dr Stephen Huckerby University Teacher in Sociology/ Social Policy
s.j.huckerby@
Dr Zoë Irving Senior Lecturer in Comparative Social Policy
z.m.irving@
Professor Allison James Professor of Sociology allison.james@Professor Richard Jenkins Professor of Sociology r.p.jenkins@Ms Beverley Jowett University Teacher in Social Work b.jowett@Dr Majella Kilkey Director of Graduate Studies / Senior
Lecturer in Social Policym.
Prof Paul Martin Director of Research / Professor of Sociology
paul.martin@
Mr William Mason University Teaching Associate w.j.mason@Ms Nora McClelland University Teacher in Social Work n.mcclelland@Dr Susan Molyneux- Hodgson
Senior Lecturer in Sociology s.hodgson@
Ms Bernadette Murphy University Teacher in Social Work b.murphy@Professor Clive Norris Professor of Sociology c.norris@Ms Ruth Pearson University Teacher in Social Work ruth.pearson@Dr Masoud Rajabi-Ardeshiri
University Teaching Associate m.rajabi@
Dr Kate Reed Senior Lecturer in Medical Sociology k.reed@Dr Victoria Robinson Reader in Sociology vicki.robinson@Mr Robin Sen Lecturer in Social Work r.n.sen@Dr Mark Tomlinson Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Social
Policymark.tomlinson@
Dr Afua Twum-Danso Imoh
Lecturer in the Sociology of Childhood a.twum-danso@
Professor Alan Walker Professor of Social Policy and Social Gerontology Director of the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme
a.c.walker@
Dr Lorna Warren Director of Learning and Teaching/Senior Lecturer in Social Policy
l.warren@
Dr Bridgette Wessels Senior Lecturer in Sociology b.wessels@
The key staff for your course are listed in the Succeeding in Your Research section.
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Succeeding in Your ResearchKey Staff
Head of Department Prof Jan Horwath [email protected] 222 6443
Director of Learning and Teaching Dr Lorna Warren [email protected] 222
6468
Director of Research Prof Paul Martin [email protected]
222 6414
Director of Graduate Studies Dr Majella Kilkey [email protected] 222
6459
Course Convenor Dr Victoria Robinson
222 6477
Course Secretary Mrs Kerry Milner [email protected] 2226451
All staff contact details can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies. For further details on the roles listed, see The Roles of Teaching Staff in the Department.
The Course Convenor also acts as a personal tutor to students in the department. In the first instance, if you are able, you should see one of your supervisors over any matters you wish to discuss which are effecting your studies. If this does not prove to be satisfactory, for any reason, please contact the Course Convenor.
The Research and Innovation Services Research Degree Support team are also available to provide advice and guidance on matters related to progression. For more information, see www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/contacts/rdst.
Getting Involved Staff-Student CommitteeThe Departmental Staff-Student Committee meets twice per semester. It comprises -representatives from each cohort of each course. It is chaired by the Departmental Administrator and is attended by the Director of Learning and Teaching. PGR students have a representative on this committee as well as a representative at faculty level.
The Staff-Student Committee discusses issues that affect students, including changes to modules and assessment, results of student evaluation of modules, the library, timetabling, quality assurance procedures, and any other issues student representatives wish to raise. The Staff- Student Committee may make recommendations concerning such issues, and these recommendations are reported to the Departmental Teaching Committee and, if necessary, discussed further at a Departmental Meeting.
You can contact your representatives by following links from the Departmental website, www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies.
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Research CommunityPostgraduate Workshops Postgraduate Workshops take place regularly in the department. These are informal forums that provide students with the opportunity to meet together to present work in progress, to discuss matters of common interest, or to seek help from others over a particular research problem or practical issue. WorkshopSeminar topics include academic skills, such as writing for publication or advice on employment. The series is coordinated by the course convenor. The series acts as a key focus for PGR students, fostering an active graduate research environment. Students are encouraged to develop ideas for workshops seminars with the course convenor. There are also other departmental activities on offer, such as reading groups, a student blog and a reading weekend organised by students, for example. Details of these will be given at Induction.
Postgraduate Conference A Postgraduate Conference is held in the Department at least once a year, organised by and for postgraduate research students themselves through the medium of the postgraduate research conference committee. All students are expected to make at least two presentations at a Conference during their period of study.
The Postgraduate Conference Committee is comprised of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students, with work and responsibilities delegated across the team to include both the practical organisation of the conference, giving papers and chairing sessions. Although the Conference is the collective responsibility of the PGR community within the Department, help and assistance, when necessary, is available from the course convenor.
Departmental Research SeminarsDepartmental research seminars are held regularly and are central to the Department’s research culture. They provide opportunities for you to hear outside speakers as well as to get to know the work of staff in the Department. Postgraduate students are expected to attend these seminars.
Teaching The Department tries to give second and third year students experience of seminar teaching in the Department, generally at undergraduate Level One. Students should discuss this with their supervisor and the Director of Learning and Teaching.
Doctoral Development ProgrammeThe Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) is an individualised approach to research training that is meant to continue throughout your years at the university. It is intended to furnish you with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out your research project and assist you in preparing for future employment.
The DDP provides general social science skills; subject-specific advanced training; subject-specific skills; and engagement with the wider academic community. The DDP is a non-credit-bearing scheme, designed to provide training experiences tailored to individual needs. Further information on the programme can be found online at www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal.
Training Needs AnalysisThe DDP process begins with the training needs analysis (TNA). This exercise, completed in conjunction with your supervisor, enables you to take stock of existing
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knowledge and skills in social science research, and to identify specific training to be completed in order to complete the research for your thesis.
Development PlanThe development plan should be reviewed annually. You will be asked to assess the progress you have made toward meeting your training needs at the confirmation panel and during the annual review of progress. To record your progress, students are encouraged to use the student e-portfolio supplied at registration. You should create a record of completion of modules and other training units. Completion of your development plan will culminate in a credential confirming your acquired expertise. To receive this transcript, students will need to submit a comprehensive and verifiable e-portfolio.
Doctoral Training CentreThe White Rose Doctoral Training Centre in Social Sciences was established in January 2011 by the Economic and Social Research Council. The White Rose DTC represents a partnership between the universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York to provide a state-of the-art ,interdisciplinary package of study. By combining the expertise of three universities, students at Sheffield will have access to national and international networks of academics, policy makers and professional expertise. The White Rose DTC offers a choice of 20 research training pathways, including Sociology ,Social Policy, Social Work and Science and Technology Studies.
Programme StructureThe DTC research programme covers a range of taught subjects; some common to all research pathways; some specific to particular pathways. In addition to the research and taught elements of the programme, students will have the opportunity to gain experience through skills training, study tours, summer schools, seminar series and annual conference. PhD students in their first and second years are encouraged to participate in the annual White Rose DTC conference.
New PhD students will be automatically registered for the DTC core modules; Foundations of Social Science Research, Qualitative Methods for Social Science Research, Quantitative Methods for Social Science Research and Research Ethics and Integrity. These four modules give students a broad base and set of experiences towards fulfilling part of the University of Sheffield’s Doctoral Development Programme (the DDP). Students will be automatically registered on the 0 credit (attendance only) modules. Following discussion of your training needs analysis with your supervisor, you may decide to instead take these modules at the 15 or 30 credit level. The ethics module is compulsory for all students. Those students with a masters’ level qualification in research methods may discuss the possibility of exemption from one or more of the other modules.
Qualifications and CreditsFor students who already possess an MA from an ERSC-recognised course, it is expected that students will complete the PhD in 3 years. For those without such a qualification, completing the DTC programme may require 4 years. Students will in future be able to complete packages of DTC modules and will be able to earn certificates, diplomas and MA degrees alongside training for the PhD (subject to university approval).
The White Rose DTC is based in ICOSS, the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Social Sciences. Its online presence can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/social-sciences-dtc.
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SupervisorsSupervisors provide research students with personal and academic advice and direct a research project following the guidelines set out by the University. They are a research student's first point of contact with the Department if any difficulties arise during the research student programme.
Supervisors are allocated by taking into account: the requirements set out by a research student's funding body the expertise of the member of staff the research area of the research student
The general pattern is for each student to have a primary supervisor and a second supervisor. In some cases students are given joint supervision and the main supervisory duties are shared equally. One of the joint supervisors remains nominated as a primary supervisor for administrative purposes. Supervisors (but not the primary supervisor) may sometimes be drawn from other Departments.
Where a supervisor is expected to be absent for an extended period of time (e.g. study leave or summer research projects) the PGR Team will advise students of the alternative supervisory arrangements. Most supervisors continue with supervision during study leave.
It is not possible to stipulate precisely the nature and organisation of the supervisory relationship or the roles of different types of supervisor, but the following tries to clarify areas where there may be some confusion. The definitive statement of departmental or university policy on supervision can be found in the Research and Innovation Service’s ‘Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes’, available at www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code.
Supervision ModelsGeneral principles: If a student or member of staff feels that another model than the one currently adopted may be more appropriate to meet the student’s personal and academic needs, this can be negotiated as their doctoral studies progress, with the advice of the academic staff involved. While this can be done at any stage, a reflection of the supervision experience should take place at all formal progress monitoring points (see section below for full details of Progress Monitoring). Joint Supervision Model: In the joint supervision model the main supervisory duties are shared equally. One of the joint supervisors remains nominated as a primary supervisor for administrative purposes only regarding the student’s progress to their funding body, to faculty and to SCS's Director of Graduate Studies. Supervisors (but not the primary supervisor) may sometimes be drawn from other Departments. We would normally expect supervision sessions to involve both supervisors at least in the first semester of the first year. By the first progress meeting (at the end of the first semester), the supervisors and student should have negotiated how they want the supervision to be shared and the responsibilities of each supervisor outlined re meetings and commenting on work. However, progress meetings must be attended by both supervisors - see below. Progress meetings coincide with the formal progress monitoring points, which are bi-annual, and their aims are to provide an overview of the student’s progress and to prepare the paper work required for the formal progress monitoring system (see section below for full details of Progress Monitoring).
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Primary/Second Supervision Model: Primary Supervisors - Primary supervisors, as the academic lead, are responsible for all communications regarding the student’s progress to their funding body, to faculty and to SCS's Director of Graduate Studies. The primary supervisor is responsible for scheduling meetings, commenting on drafts, and determining the overall pattern of work in negotiation with the student. The primary supervisor is also responsible for liaising with the second supervisor to set up the progress meetings outlined below to ensure that they take place. Second Supervisors - Second supervisors work closely with the primary supervisor and are responsible for providing additional support and academic guidance as appropriate. In the first month of registration the student will meet with their second supervisor to introduce themselves and be clear what the second supervisor’s role is in relation to their doctoral studies. Formally, the second supervisor has two roles:
Progress meetings – Coinciding with the formal progress monitoring points, which are bi-annual, there should be a review meeting involving the student and primary and second supervisors. The aim of this meeting is to provide an overview of the student’s progress and to prepare the paper work required for the formal progress monitoring system (see section for full details).
Pre-final draft review – The second supervisor will read the entire draft prior to submission and, in negotiation with the primary supervisor and the student, advise on any amendments that are necessary before submission.
Supervision meetings: For full-time students, we would expect supervisory meetings to be held once per month. Allowing for holidays, this would equate to a minimum of 10 supervisory sessions per year. For part-time students we would expect a minimum of six meetings per year. In the first semester of registration supervisory meetings will need to be more frequent and as a general rule meetings should be once every two weeks. Although it is not possible to dictate the precise length of meetings we would expect a period of at least one hour to be set aside for each supervision session. Supervisors should ensure that supervisory sessions are uninterrupted as far as possible by telephone calls, personal callers and departmental business. The department has agreed that electronic completion of Supervision Forms is compulsory these can be found at Annex A to this Handbook. The forms should contain the date of the supervisory meeting and the key points of discussion; it does not need to be detailed and may contain a series of bullet points. Completion of this form is the responsibility of the student who will copy it to the supervisors. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that this is done. Supervisors will need to furnish the dates of supervisory meetings throughout out the year in conjunction with the annual review of student’s progress.
Evaluation of SupervisorsThe Department and the University Research and Innovation Services carry out an annual evaluation of supervision and the Department seeks to feed back the general results of this into the training of supervisors.
If specific problems arise with the supervision process either supervisor or student or both should first contact the course convenor who will advise and, where necessary, refer to the Director of Graduate Studies, or Director of Research and/or Head of Department. Similarly, if you are unhappy with any aspect of your work as a research student, and do not wish to consult your supervisor directly, please contact the course convenor or any other member of the team.
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Fieldwork and ExpensesFieldworkResearch Council students should claim for UK fieldwork costs according to the rules that apply to them. A case must have been made at application stage for any additional support from the Department. Normally costs in excess of those outlined in the original application will not be considered. The Department does not have funds available to support fieldwork costs.
A clear costing needs to be made for overseas fieldwork at the time of application and unless full provision is met by a Research Council or other source, external funds must be sought. Supervisors and students involved in projects that contain proposed overseas fieldwork must recognise that raising funds may be a major integral component of the first year's research activities and resources for this should be identified prior to commencement of research.
ExpensesStudents in receipt of bursaries/scholarships (for example, CASE or ESRC) should note that all expenditure should be agreed with their supervisors prior to purchase and that in order to meet University Financial Directives, authorised university suppliers must be used for all equipment purchases over £50. Information can be found on the University Procurements website: www.shef.ac.uk/procurement. Failure to meet these Directives can result in claims not being met and at worst suspension of registration.
Research students presenting papers at conferences in the UK and other parts of the European Union can claim from the University Learned Society Fund (LSF). One claim per year can also be made to the LSF for attendance at a conference at which a paper is not presented. The claim year for LSF runs from August to July and LSF claim forms are available from trays in the staff room.
For claims above Research Council and LSF limits, a special case can be made to the Course Convenor and Director of Research.
The Faculty of Social Sciences Research Support Scheme is targeted at those students who are not funded by Research Councils (e.g. ESRC), Departmental or Faculty Scholarships or similar, and is intended to support the research-related expenses of students not in receipt of a ‘research support training grant’ (or equivalent).
An annual budget has been allocated by the Faculty of Social Sciences to support study visits, research costs and fieldwork expenses. To check eligibility and to apply, see www.sheffield.ac.uk/social-sciences-dtc/news/research-support-scheme.
Study GuidesThe following are useful study guides:
Churchill, H. and Sanders, T. (2007): Getting Your PhD: A Practical Insider's Guide, (Sage)Coombes, H. (2001): Research Using IT, (Palgrave Publishers)Cottrell, S. (1999): The Study Skills Handbook, (Palgrave Publishers)Greetham, B. (2001): How to Write Better Essays, (Palgrave Publishers)Peck, J. and Coyle, M. (1999): The Student’s Guide to Writing, (Palgrave Publishers)Rose, J. (2001): The Mature Student’s Guide to Writing, (Palgrave Publishers)Sociology Writing Group (5th Edition) (2001): Guide to Writing Sociological Papers
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Wisker, G. (2001): The Postgraduate Research Handbook; Succeed with your MA. MPhil, EdD and PhD
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Progress Monitoring
The Department of Sociological Studies has in place a robust system for the monitoring of progress of PGR students. Tables 1 and 2, outline the system for full-time and part-time students respectively.
Table 1: Progress monitoring - FT students
ALL YEARSSUPERVISORY MEETING RECORD KEEPING
Each formal supervisory meeting is to be recorded, using a standard form for the department (downloadable from departmental web pages and completed electronically). Student and supervisors to agree final version of form and both to keep a copy.
Final form to be submitted by student via email to PG Course Secretary at point of completion. PG Course Secretary maintains and monitors a central repository of records of student-supervisor meetings and follows this up if records are not provided regularly.
Records of supervisory meetings are made available for review at key progress monitoring points within the department, to enable the department to take a holistic view of the student's progress and ensure that meetings are occurring regularly.
1ST YEARFEBRUARY
PROGRESS MEETING & REPORTA progress review panel consisting of supervisors and an internal reader; convened by supervisors.
Student required to submit a research proposal (3-4k words maximum) and their Training Needs Analysis.
Supervisors required to submit a Biannual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student.
Internal reader completes Biannual Progress Report, flagging up for supervisors and student any areas of concern identified in panel meeting and the actions agreed to address those.
Student required to complete a Report on Supervision (confidential).
All Biannual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of outstanding concern followed-up.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBERCONFIRMATION REVIEW
Departmental Confirmation Review Panel Convened for each student (normally consists of two of the following - Director of Graduate Studies, Postgraduate Research Course Convenor and Departmental Ethics Co-ordinator + one other member of academic staff).
Assumed that all 1st Year Students will undergo review, unless there has been a Leave of Absence.
Student required to submit: a research proposal (3-4k words maximum); a full literature review related to their Phd topic (8-10k words maximum); the abstract of the paper presented at the annual departmental PGR conference; a completed ethics form; a copy of the most recent Training Needs Analysis together with evidence of progress; confirmation of completion of the compulsory Ethics & Integrity module; completed Confirmation Review Form; completed Annual Progress Report; completed Report on Supervision (confidential).
Confirmation Review Panel completes Confirmation Review Form and Annual Progress Report, flagging up for
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supervisors and student any areas of concern identified in panel meeting and any actions proposed to address those. Director of Graduate Studies follows up any areas of outstanding / significant concern, including those raised in Report on Supervision.
2ND YEARFEBRUARY
BIANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTSupervisors submit a completed Biannual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. It should include: revised plan for completion, report on ongoing work; a summary of training needs and progress made.
All Biannual Progress Reports reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
JUNE / JULYANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Supervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. Annual Progress Report to include: statement of progress, problems encountered, plan for thesis and timetable for completion, a summary of training needs and progress made, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Student submits a completed Report on Supervision (confidential).
All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
3RD YEARFEBRUARY
BIANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTSupervisors submit a completed Biannual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. It should include: thesis outline, setting out chapter and structure, timetable to submission, a summary of training needs and progress made, additional support required and plans / requests relating to this).
All Biannual Progress Reports reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
JUNE / JULYANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Supervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. Annual Progress Report to include: update on submission, appointment of examiners and arrangement of viva, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Students submit a completed Report on Supervision (confidential).
All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
4TH YEARStart of year: Student receives letter from Director of Graduate Studies to advise importance of submitting before final submission date. Student asked to draw up a timeline for submission, to be closely monitored by supervisors (Director of Graduate Studies to be involved if plans fall behind). Student to be advised of relevant support (e.g. Faculty writing workshops), and if there are issues, the Director of Graduate Studies to instruct the student to take-up support.
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Table 2: Progress monitoring - PT studentsALL YEARS
SUPERVISORY MEETING RECORD KEEPINGEach formal supervisory meeting is to be recorded, using a standard form for the department (downloadable from departmental web pages and completed electronically). Student and supervisors to agree final version of form and both to keep a copy.
Final form to be submitted by student via email to PG Course Secretary at point of completion. PG Course Secretary maintains and monitors a central repository of records of student-supervisor meetings and follows this up if records are not provided regularly.
Records of supervisory meetings are made available for review at key progress monitoring points within the department, to enable the department to take a holistic view of the student's progress and ensure that meetings are occurring regularly.
1ST YEARJune / July
PROGRESS MEETING & REPORTA progress review panel consisting of supervisors and an internal reader; convened by supervisors.
Student required to submit a research proposal (3-4k words maximum) and their Training Needs Analysis.
Supervisors required to submit an Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student.
Internal reader completes Annual Progress Report, flagging up for supervisors and student any areas of concern identified in panel meeting and the actions agreed to address those.
Student required to complete a Report on Supervision (confidential). All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of outstanding concern followed-up.
2ND YEARSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
CONFIRMATION REVIEWDepartmental Confirmation Review Panel Convened for each student (normally consists of two of the following - Director of Graduate Studies, Postgraduate Research Course Convenor and Departmental Ethics Co-ordinator + one other member of academic staff).
Assumed that all PT 2nd Year Students will undergo review, unless there has been a Leave of Absence.
Student required to submit: a research proposal (3-4k words maximum); a full literature review related to their Phd topic (8-10k words maximum); the abstract of the paper presented at the annual departmental PGR conference; a completed ethics form; a copy of the most recent Training Needs Analysis together with evidence of progress; confirmation of completion of the compulsory Ethics & Integrity module; completed Confirmation Review Form; completed Annual Progress Report; completed Report on Supervision (confidential).Confirmation Review Panel completes Confirmation Review Form and Annual Progress Report, flagging up for supervisors and student any areas of concern identified in panel meeting and any actions proposed to address those. Director of Graduate Studies follows up any areas of outstanding / significant concern, including those raised in Report on Supervision.
3RD YEARJUNE / JULY
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTSupervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced
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collaboratively with student. It should include: statement of progress, problems encountered, plan for thesis and timetable for completion, a summary of training needs and progress made, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Student submits a completed Report on Supervision (confidential). All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
4TH YEARJUNE / JULY
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTSupervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. It should include: statement of progress, problems encountered, plan for thesis and timetable for completion, a summary of training needs and progress made, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Student submits a completed Report on Supervision (confidential). All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.
5TH YEARJUNE / JULY
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTSupervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. It should include: statement of progress, problems encountered, plan for thesis and timetable for completion, a summary of training needs and progress made, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Student submits a completed Report on Supervision (confidential). All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of
Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.6TH YEAR
JUNE / JULYANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Supervisors submit a completed Annual Progress Report, which has been produced collaboratively with student. It should include: update on submission, appointment of examiners and arrangement of viva, and statement relating to any areas of concern together with plans to address those.
Student submits a completed Report on Supervision (confidential). All Annual Progress Reports and Reports on Supervision reviewed by Director of
Graduate Studies, and any areas of concern followed-up.7TH YEAR
Start of year: Student receives letter from Director of Graduate Studies to advise importance of submitting before final submission date. Student asked to draw up a timeline for submission, to be closely monitored by supervisors (Director of Graduate Studies to be involved if plans fall behind). Student to be advised of relevant support (e.g. Faculty writing workshops), and if there are issues, the Director of Graduate Studies to instruct the student to take-up support.
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Confirmation ReviewMuch of Year One for full-time students (Years One and Two for part-time students) is devoted to the preparation of the Confirmation Review, which normally takes place during September/October. During the preceding August, students are required to submit the following set of documents:
a research proposal (3-4k words maximum - see below for further guidance); a full literature review related to their Phd topic (8-10k words maximum); the abstract of the paper presented at the annual departmental PGR
conference; a completed ethics form (see:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/socstudies/research/ethics); a copy of the most recent Training Needs Analysis together with evidence of
progress; confirmation of completion of the compulsory Ethics & Integrity module; completed Confirmation Review Form; completed Annual Progress Report; completed Report on Supervision (confidential).
A Confirmation Review panel is convened for each student at which the student defends the research proposal and accompanying documentation. Students should regard their presentation to the confirmation panel as practice for the viva; it provides meaningful training in articulating and defending research undertaken toward the degree. The main individual research programme gets under way after the proposal and accompanying documentation (including the ethics application) has been approved by the panel. Students are expected to complete the confirmation process within 12 months of registration (24 months for part-time students). Students who are unsuccessful on the first attempt are allowed a second attempt at confirmation within 6 months of the first (within 12 months in the case of part-time students).
Research proposalThe research proposal submitted to the Confirmation Review panel has a circa 3-4k word limit and should include:
1. Title of research topic.2. General aims of proposed research.3. Short summary of relevant literature which focuses on the likely ways in which
the proposed research and thesis will contribute to the literature within which it is contextualised. The university stipulation that a candidate for the degree of PhD is required to satisfy the examiners that his/her thesis “forms an addition to knowledge, shows evidence of systematic study and of ability to relate the results of such study to the general body of knowledge in the subject” should be born in mind by candidates for confirmation .
4. Research question(s) to be answered and where relevant, specific hypotheses to be tested.
5. Research techniques and methods to be used including evidence that any ethical considerations arising in the conduct of the research have been addressed. If pilot work is carried out before confirmation, students should submit a one page statement, which provides evidence that ethical considerations have been addressed, to the course manager for approval.
6. Any other relevant information such as: field research area; intended frequency of research visits; nature of data sources; details of questionnaires etc.
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7. Detailed timetable of research and chapter structure of thesis.
AttendanceStudents are expected to be in regular contact with the department. Students using the postgraduate study space are asked to sign in. A record of the dates of supervision meetings is kept centrally.
Leave of AbsenceIn some cases, a period of leave of absence may be required, perhaps on personal, medical or financial grounds. The approval of the supervisor and the Director of postgraduate studies is required. Students seeking LOA on medical grounds must submit appropriate documentation.
ExtensionsExtensions of registration are made only in exceptional circumstances. Students should be aware that there is no guarantee that a request for a time limit extension will be granted, particularly if the case for extension is not supported by the student's department. Unless an extension is granted, a student's candidature will automatically lapse if the thesis is not submitted before the time limit expires. Extensions are granted by Faculty and not by the supervisor or Department. Where such an extension is requested, a further fee is required.
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Research EthicsAll research in the Department of Sociological Studies is subject to ethics review procedures. The intention of the procedures for staff and student research is to facilitate a process of collegiate support to enable colleagues to be aware of good practice in this field and to ensure that all staff planning to undertake any research project give consideration to the ethical issues that might arise while undertaking research.
The departmental procedures have been designed to meet the University’s Code of Practice on Research Ethics (see: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/other/gov-ethics) and the British Sociological Association (www.britsoc.co.uk) guidelines to which the Department subscribes. Students carrying out research in social care should also consult the guidelines of the British Association of Social Workers (www.basw.co.uk). Data should also be handled in a manner compliant with the Data Protection Act. The appendix to the BSA guidelines is a useful source of information on legal, professional and institutional guidelines and rules that may apply in particular cases.
Research involving the NHS is subject to NHS ethics review procedures by the National Research Ethics Service (www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk).
Approval ProcedureTo obtain ethics approval, an ethics form should be completed: this includes a checklist and summary of the research. To obtain the form, see the Department webpage at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/socstudies/research/ethics. Please note that these forms have been designed to be more specific to the needs of social research and are not identical with the University forms. The form should be submitted as part of the Confirmation Review documentation, and the ethics application will be considered by the Confirmation Review panel. The panel will provide the student with a summation and recommendation either to make major changes and resubmit, or a set of more minor changes that do not require resubmission for ethics review.If there is disagreement over the recommendations of the ethics review, an appeal should be made to the Director of Research in the first instance. At her or his discretion, further ethics review may be undertaken or, if deemed necessary, the appeal may be passed on to the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) in line with the University procedures.The Ethics Administrator will keep all of the relevant materials on file. Annually, in response to the UREC call, a report on all ethics scrutiny will be produced.
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Submission, Viva VoceThesisA full-time PhD should normally be completed in three years; a full-time MPhil normally takes two years but can be completed in one year.
The recommended length of a PhD thesis is approximately 75,000 words and approximately 40,000 words for MPhil, including notes and appendices, but excluding bibliographies.
Acceptable support in writing the thesisIt is acceptable for a student to receive the following support in writing the thesis from the supervisory team, if the supervisory team has considered that this support is necessary:
i. Where the meaning of text is not clear the student should be asked to re-write the text in question in order to clarify the meaning;
ii. English language : If the meaning of text is or remains unclear, the supervisory team can provide support in correcting grammar and sentence construction in order to ensure that the meaning of text is clear (if a student requires significant support with written English above what is considered to be correcting grammar and sentence construction, the supervisory team will, at the earliest opportunity, require the student to obtain remedial tuition support from the University’s English Language Teaching Centre);
iii. The supervisory team cannot re-write text that changes the meaning of the text (ghost writing/ghost authorship in a thesis is unacceptable);
iv. The supervisory team can provide guidance on the structure, content and expression of writing;
v. The supervisory team can proof-read the text.
The Confirmation Review and the Viva are the key progression milestones for testing whether a thesis is a student’s own work. A request for an extension of time limit, beyond the time limit for the research degree programme, should not be made if the request is only to allow the student more time to improve the standard of written English in the thesis.
SubmissionRead carefully the section on Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination in the Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes (available at www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code)
It is vital that the department receives early warning of the date of submission to ensure that examination procedures can be undertaken without delay. Unannounced submissions may result in lengthy delays in the examination process because of examiners' other commitments.
Research students are expected to submit their thesis within the period of full-time registration. Candidates who do not complete their thesis within the full-time registration period are required to pay an extension fee to cover additional supervision.
Viva Voce
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During your third year, one internal and one external examiner will be appointed. They will read your thesis, and conduct a viva voce (oral) examination. Candidates should ensure that the Department knows well in advance (two to three months) the date on which the thesis will be submitted. This helps to ensure that whenever possible the viva takes place within ten weeks of the submission date. The internal examiner arranges the date, time and venue for the viva voce. The external examiner chairs the examination.
Very few theses are accepted as they stand and candidates should allow 2-3 weeks after the viva to make minor corrections (e.g. arithmetic errors, bibliographic corrections, minor adjustments) and up to one year to make substantive changes (e.g. new analysis, more extensive literature review, re-work conclusions). The recommendations open to examiners include that the degree:
be awarded without corrections to the thesis; be awarded contingent on minor amendments to the thesis; not be awarded, but that the candidate be given an opportunity for further
examination without modification of the thesis; not be awarded, but the candidate be allowed to submit a revised thesis with or
without examination; not be awarded.
In addition, examiners may also recommend that the PhD not be awarded, but that the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) be awarded, subject to specific changes to the thesis.
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Use of Unfair Means in the assessment processThe University expects its graduates to have acquired certain attributes. (See the Code of Practice at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code/plagiarism Many of these relate to good academic practice:
a critical, analytical and creative thinker an independent learner and researcher information literate and IT literate a flexible team worker an accomplished communicator competent in applying their knowledge and skills professional and adaptable.
Throughout your programme of studies at the University you will learn how to develop these skills and attributes. Your assessed work is the main way in which you demonstrate that you have acquired and can apply them. Using unfair means in the assessment process is dishonest and also means that you cannot demonstrate that you have acquired these essential academic skills and attributes.
What constitutes unfair means?The basic principle underlying the preparation of any piece of academic work is that the work submitted must be your own work. Plagiarism, submitting bought or commissioned work, double submission (or self plagiarism), collusion and fabrication of results are not allowed because they violate this principle (see definitions below). Rules about these forms of cheating apply to all assessed and non-assessed work.
1. Plagiarism (either intentional or unintentional) is using the ideas or work of another person (including experts and fellow or former students) and submitting them as your own. It is considered dishonest and unprofessional. Plagiarism may take the form of cutting and pasting, taking or closely paraphrasing ideas, passages, sections, sentences, paragraphs, drawings, graphs and other graphical material from books, articles, internet sites or any other source and submitting them for assessment without appropriate acknowledgement.
2. Submitting bought or commissioned work (for example from internet sites, essay “banks” or “mills”) is an extremely serious form of plagiarism. This may take the form of buying or commissioning either the whole piece of work or part of it and implies a clear intention to deceive the examiners. The University also takes an extremely serious view of any student who sells, offers to sell or passes on their own assessed work to other students
3. Double submission (or self plagiarism) is resubmitting previously submitted work on one or more occasions (without proper acknowledgement). This may take the form of copying either the whole piece of work or part of it. Normally credit will already have been given for this work.
4. Collusion is where two or more people work together to produce a piece of work, all or part of which is then submitted by each of them as their own individual work. This includes passing on work in any format to another student. Collusion does not occur where students involved in group work are encouraged to work together to produce a single piece of work as part of the assessment process.
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5. Fabrication is submitting work (for example, practical or laboratory work) any part of which is untrue, made up, falsified or fabricated in any way. This is regarded as fraudulent and dishonest.
6. Facilitating the use of unfair means is where any student assists a fellow student in using any of the forms of unfair means defined above, for example in submitting bought or commissioned work.
How can I avoid the use of unfair means? To avoid using unfair means, any work submitted must be your own and must not include the work of any other person, unless it is properly acknowledged and referenced.
As part of your programme of studies you will learn how to reference sources appropriately in order to avoid plagiarism. This is an essential skill that you will need throughout your University career and beyond. You should follow any guidance on the preparation of assessed work given by the academic department setting the assignment.
You are required to declare that all work submitted is entirely your own work. Many departments will ask you to attach a declaration form to all pieces of submitted work (including work submitted online). Your department will inform you how to do this.
If you have any concerns about appropriate academic practices or if you are experiencing any personal difficulties which are affecting your work, you should consult your personal tutor, supervisor or other member of staff involved.
The following websites provide additional information on referencing appropriately and avoiding unfair means:
The Library provides online information literacy skills tutorialswww.shef.ac.uk/library/services/infoskills.htmlThe Library also has information on reference management softwarewww.shef.ac.uk/library/refmant/refmant.html
The English Language Teaching Centre operates a Writing Advisory Service through which students can make individual appointments to discuss a piece of writing. This is available for all students, both native and non-native speakers of English.www.shef.ac.uk/eltc/languagesupport/writingadvisory
What happens if I use unfair means?Any form of unfair means is treated as a serious academic offence and action may be taken under the Discipline Regulations. For a student registered on a professionally accredited programme of study, action may also be taken under the Fitness to Practise Regulations. Where unfair means is found to have been used, the University may impose penalties ranging from awarding no grade for the piece of work or failure in a PhD examination through to expulsion from the University in extremely serious cases.
Detection of Unfair MeansThe University subscribes to a national plagiarism detection service which helps academic staff identify the original source of material submitted by students. This
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means that academic staff have access to specialist software that searches a database of reference material gathered from professional publications, student essay websites and other work submitted by students. It is also a resource which can help tutors and supervisors to advise students on ways of improving their referencing techniques. Your work is likely to be submitted to this service.
For further information www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/ourcommitment/charterwww.shef.ac.uk/ssid/procedures/grid
A Final NoteWe hope that this handbook has given you communication, guidance and progression information.
If you feel that there is something important missing from this information, then please email the Course Convenor.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information given in this publication, but the University can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. University courses are continually reviewed and revised and there may well be some changes between the date of publication and the time the student embarks upon the
course. The University reserves the right to discontinue courses of study and to amend Ordinances and Regulations governing courses of study whenever it sees fit. Students and others should enquire as to the up to date position when they need to
know this.
Admittance to the University is subject to the requirement that the student will comply with the University's registration procedure and will duly observe the Charter,
Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University.
Produced by:The Department of Sociological Studies
September 2013
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RECORD OF SUPERVISION FOR SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIESEach formal supervisory meeting is to be recorded, using this form. Student and supervisor/s are to agree final version of form and both to keep a copy. Final form to be submitted via email by student to PG Course Secretary: [email protected]
Personal Information
Name of student:
Department:
Names of Supervisors:
Report of Meeting
Date of Meeting:
Present at Meeting:
Progress on objectives set at the last meeting:
Report on current meeting:
Next meeting
Student: Objectives agreed (with timescales) for action before next meeting:
Supervisor: Objectives agreed (with timescales) for action before next meeting:
Date of next meeting:
Other relevant information:
Who was this form completed by:
Student Supervisor/s Names of supervisor/s completing the
form: ......................................................................................................................................................
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ANNEX A
University of Sheffield
Department of Sociological Studies
Elmfield, Northumberland Road
Sheffield S10 2TU
Telephone: 0114 222 6400
Fax: 0114 276 8125
Email: [email protected]
www.sheffield.ac.uk/socstudies
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