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Information for New Postgraduate Students

One of the primary activities of any School/Department at a tertiary education institution is the training of higher degree candidates. Higher degree students are central to many of the research thrusts that are associated with the staff of the School. Postgraduates also make a significant contribution to the teaching of undergraduates, particularly within the context of tutorials and labs. For this reason the School has developed a support mechanism to assist each postgraduate candidate in achieving their higher degree in a collegial and stimulating environment.

Postgraduate Mentoring Programme

The purpose of this programme is to provide support for each student with regards to their academic as well as financial and emotional well-being. We are there to assist and guide the student where possible and appropriate and make the student aware of structures which are in place within the Faculty and University to assist with any problems they may encounter during their PG career within the School.

Roles of the student and supervisor

Please familiarise yourself with the roles and responsibilities of the student versus those of the supervisor which may be found in the Senate Standing Orders on Higher Degrees:

University e-mail accounts

One of the most important responsibilities of any candidate of a postgraduate degree is that they MUST access their student e-mail account on a regular basis.  It is the official conduit between you and the Faculty and the School.

The Postgraduate Committee

This committee will be chaired by the GSC representatives of the School and will comprise of relevant members of staff. The purpose of this committee is to maintain an appropriate standard for each PG project. This includes:

  • Assessing the standard and appropriateness of the project proposal
  • Assessing whether the project to be submitted is of an appropriate standard
  • Examiners are appropriately set

The committee will be present at the project proposal presentation and the presentation of the final project before submission.

MSc via Coursework and Research Report

For a student to obtain distinction in Masters by Coursework and Research Report the student must obtain distinction in both the coursework and the research report.

Proposal: Dissertation and Thesis

The proposal document is considered by members of your PG committee. These meetings will be held on the first week of every month. Students are required to schedule an exact date and time with either of the PG Coordinators.

If you wish to submit your proposal to the School for their consideration then you are required to do so at least 7 days prior to the meeting. Any adjustments and corrections arising from comments at the meeting must be implemented and the final version submitted to the relevant PG Administrator together with a Faculty coversheet signed by the candidate, supervisor(s) and PG coordinator.

Seminar before Submission: Dissertation/Thesis

The student will present their final work before submission to the Postgraduate Committee. These meetings will be held on the first week of every month. Students are required to schedule an exact date and time with either of the PG Coordinators. 

Roles of the student and supervisor

Please familiarise yourself with the roles and responsibilities of the student versus those of the supervisor which may be found in the Senate Standing Orders on Higher Degrees.

Rules and Regulations
Course co-ordinators

Click here for details.

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