PhD Handbook : Biomedical Sciences

About our Research

The BMSRI spans a number of campuses and locations. It conducts pioneering strategically focused research into health and investigates the underlying causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases. At the BMSRI we specialize in the study of the biological mechanisms associated with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, blindness and various diseases associated with the ageing population.

Our members conduct pioneering research in these areas, with a determination to investigate the underlying causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease. We are also exploiting the remarkable opportunities made possible by recent molecular advances: revolutionary changes in biomedicine and biotechnology that will soon transform whole industries and economies.

Results from our research will transform our understanding of human biology and pathology by giving us a real understanding of their very complex molecular aspects. BMSRI is actively pursuing these goals by applying a range of rapidly developing techniques to a variety of problems in human health.

In addition, we are committed to providing scientific support for the knowledge-intensive, high-added value biotechnological and biomedical industries, which are establishing themselves in Northern Ireland, and which may reasonably be expected to make substantial contributions to economic renewal.

See links below for more information on our research and our Research Groups.

Biomedical Sciences Research

Study of the biological mechanisms associated with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, blindness and various diseases associated with the ageing population....

PhD Supervision and Support

The primary responsibility for organizing your research work lies with you. It is your supervisor’s responsibility to guide your research, point you in interesting directions, monitor your progress and generally provide moral and technical support. During your studies, you are expected to meet with your supervisory team regularly and agree on a schedule.

Supervisors differ in their methods, but you should normally expect to see your supervisor at least once a fortnight. Feel free to contact them at any time if you have a problem or are unsure how to proceed. You will find that you can obtain the most benefit from meetings with your supervisor if you prepare some material for them to read in advance or formulate some specific questions you would like to discuss.

It is a requirement to record formal monthly meetings between Supervisors and postgraduate researchers, with supplementary notes, via PhD Manager. Meetings should be on a monthly basis (as a minimum) for those in full-time mode, and every two months for those in part-time mode.

As Researchers at Ulster University, your main source of support will come from your team of supervisors. The role of the supervisor is to guide and support the development of your research. They will provide encouragement and monitor your progress in accordance with set assessments outlined in this handbook.

Staff involved in supervision are expected to be able to advise PhD Researchers on aspects of their research projects, including matters relating to university procedures. A good working relationship with your supervisors will be a key factor in the success of your research project, and the University provides guidance for both PhD researchers and supervisors to ensure this relationship is maximised.

The BMSRI Postgraduate Tutor is responsible for the overall running of the School’s PhD programme providing pastoral support for PhD Researchers. They are available to discuss any matter, personal or academic, in confidence.

For questions relating to your research or administrative process please contact the Research Director, Post Graduate Tutor or Administrative support directly.

Where to get help
Source	Description
This Handbook	This handbook covers the majority of aspects relating to your postgraduate research within the School.
PhD Manager	Information on the various processes and forms involved with research study at Ulster can be found online in PhD Manager.
Your supervisors	Consult your supervisors on all academic matters. The formal obligations and responsibilities of your supervisor are explained in the University Handbook.
Postgraduate Tutor	For any queries regarding academic policies within the school or pastoral support.
Administrative Assistant	For queries regarding equipment, travel, budgets and general administration.
PhD Representative	Each sub-group within the BMSRI has a PhD representative who can assist you with day-to-day issues. They act as a link between the sub-group and the Postgraduate Tutor to ensure supportive, effective and vibrant research environment.
Doctoral Society	The Doctoral Society is a student led society which aims to build a sense of community and solidarity among PhD researchers, whether through events, informal gatherings, newsletters, or other initiatives. All postgraduate researchers are encouraged to join.
Administrative problems	For issues concerning your funding, registration, fees etc., contact the Doctoral College directly.
General Enquiries	Ask at the School Office
Student Support:	For complex problems around family, finances, health, disability, or other issues affecting your general welfare you should make an appointment to see a Student Wellbeing.
Occupational Health	For information regarding occupational health and the services available.

First Aid/ Defibrillator available from Coleraine Security- 22222 (DDI 02870123456). In event of an emergency requiring Police, Fire or Ambulance dial (9)999 directly then contact security immediately on extension 22222 (DDI 02870123456).

Roles and Expectations of PhD Researcher

Accept responsibility for completion of the agreed research project on time
Maintain satisfactory progress of the agreed programme of research
Take the initiative in raising any problems or difficulties for discussion with the Supervisor(s) and/or Postgraduate Tutor / Research Director as appropriate
Identify personal development and training needs in consultation with Supervisors
In collaboration with Supervisor(s), assume responsibility for the direction, timetable and progression of the research project
Avoid inappropriate publication or duplication of others’ work
Act in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations in respect of health and safety, ethics etc
Ensure that the final thesis is submitted within the designated period, taking due account of advice and recommendations of Supervisor(s)
Ensure that any circumstances which might require the mode of study to be altered (e.g. transfer to part-time or writing-up status) or the registration period to be extended, suspended or withdrawn, are brought to the attention of his/her Supervisor(s)

Meetings

To agree a regular Supervisory meeting schedule
In collaboration with Supervisors, set an agenda for Supervisory meetings and address the schedule of any agreed actions in a timely fashion after each formal meeting
PhD Researchers are encouraged to organise Supervisory meetings and must record the agenda, what was discussed, and future action points within PhD Manager.
Submit written work for review and comment by Supervisor(s) at agreed times
Maintain clear, accurate, detailed, and accessible records of all relevant work
Provide adequate explanation of any failure to meet commitments, including attending meetings
Inform the Supervisor of any communications in relation to the research project, including communications from sponsors, external agencies and other Researchers

Roles and Expectations of the Supervisory Team

Assume, in collaboration with the Researcher, responsibility for the satisfactory progress and completion of the agreed research project, making reasonable adjustments where necessary
Possess and maintain knowledge of the research area to provide adequate supervision of the research project in its entirety. If this is not the case, we expect that an academic with the required expertise is added to the Supervisory team (this may happen at any stage of PhD process)
Possess and continue to develop the appropriate skills to facilitate the production of high-quality research work by the Researcher
Develop, in collaboration with the Researcher, an appropriate planning schedule for successive stages of the research project (including writing-up) so that the thesis may be completed and submitted within the appropriate timescale
Ensure, where appropriate, that ethical committee and other related approvals have been obtained
Assist Researchers in identifying their development and training needs and in selecting appropriate courses and other opportunities for training as part of their personal development
Encourage and instil a high standard of research ethics on the part of the Researcher
Ensure that the Researcher is made aware of any unsatisfactory progress or standard of work, and arranging any supportive action as necessary
Communicate with the Research Director and Postgraduate Tutor in relation to PhD Researcher progress or lack thereof (disruption of progress, leave of absence, extension required etc)
Supervisors should seek counsel from the Research Director if problems or difficulties emerge in relation to the PhD Researcher or amongst the Supervisory team
If the primary Supervisor is going to be absent or on leave for a period of time, that suitable Supervisory arrangements are made and that these are communicated to both the PhD Researcher and Postgraduate Tutor/Research Director
Exercise formal duties in respect of university regulations and guidelines
Advise the Researcher when the thesis should be considered ready for submission
Make arrangements for examination of the thesis
Providing guidance, encouragement and counsel regarding the future career plans of the Researcher

Meetings

Maintain and ensure availability for regular contact with the Researcher, making sufficient time available to fulfil the needs of the individual Researcher
Review written work produced by the Researcher and provide appropriate and constructive feedback in a timely fashion and within two weeks of submission
Maintain and ensure that the Researcher maintains clear, accurate, detailed and accessible records of work undertaken
Maintain and ensure that the Researcher maintains a record of supervisory meetings and agreed actions (via PhD Manager).
Retain a copy of all written feedback provided to the Researcher

Communication of Findings

Encourage the Researcher to avail of opportunities to present research work at appropriate seminars, festivals and conferences
Assume an active role in introducing the Researcher to other workers in the field, and in encouraging attendance and membership of appropriate academic bodies and societies
Ensure that any formal requirements on the part of external bodies or agencies in relation to the submission of reports, observation of confidentiality, training etc are met
Ensure that appropriate agreement has been obtained with all parties, including external sponsors and potential co-authors, in relation to the communication of research outputs
Ensure that the Researcher is aware of all issues regarding intellectual property rights and intellectual contribution relating to the research project
Encourage appropriate and early dissemination of research findings
Obtain the agreement of the Researcher for any publication of work contained in the thesis, and quoting the Researcher as a co-author

Attendance and Absence

It is expected that you attend University daily, except by mutual agreement of your supervisor(s) or Research Director. Typically, PhD Researchers work 35-40 hours per week between the hours of 9.00am - 5.00pm. Holidays must be approved by your supervisor and must not exceed a total of eight weeks, including public holidays (40 days) per year.

If you need to take some leave, you should inform your supervisor and record your leave on PhD manager. If the leave is for more than two weeks, you must notify your supervisors, who will then notify the Doctoral College in writing of the dates of absence, accompanied by a medical certificate. You should notify your supervisors at the first available opportunity of prolonged absence due to sickness.

If you require a prolonged period of leave (exceeding 28 days), then you may need to consider taking a Leave of Absence. Funded PhD Researchers should be aware that they may normally be allowed a Leave of Absence for a maximum of one year. It is important to note that your maintenance grant will be suspended during a Leave of Absence, although with medical evidence, you can avail of 13 weeks paid sick leave per annum.

You are not permitted to take up paid employment during a Leave of Absence. Please read the terms and conditions of your funding if applicable. If you decide to request a Leave of Absence, please submit your request on PhD Manager once you have spoken with your supervisor.

If you need any further information or advice regarding attendance and absence regulations, please contact your supervisor or Postgraduate Tutor.

International PhD Researcher’s Attendance

Attendance of international PhD Researchers will be monitored to ensure we meet our sponsor license obligations with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Engagement of Student Route visa holders will be evidenced through recording an in-person meeting via PhD Manager and having the notes accepted by a supervisor for each calendar month (last day of the month), unless there is a pre-approved study away, leave of absence, annual leave or other authorised leave.

If the Researcher does not have an in-person meeting recorded and does not have a valid reason for this, i.e. the absence was not pre-approved on PhD Manager, it will be noted as an unauthorised absence. If the International PhD Researcher has two unauthorised absences within an academic year, the Compliance Team may invite you to a meeting to review continuation of sponsorship of your student visa.

Tips to avoid registering an unauthorised absence:

Consider scheduling meetings with your supervisor in advance, perhaps at the beginning of the month, to give your supervisor sufficient time to approve the meeting notes logged on PhD Manager.
Remind your supervisors to approve the meetings if necessary.
If none of your supervisors are available to meet in person in any month, please contact the Postgraduate Tutor in your area to make arrangements to meet with an alternative member of staff for the purposes of monthly monitoring and to record this as usual on PhD Manager as a meeting with supervisors, but with a note of the alternative staff member you met with.

Research Ethics and Integrity

Ulster University requires the highest standards of professionalism in research conducted by all staff and researchers in all disciplines. The University encourages and supports research integrity through a framework of policies, procedures and guidance, summarised and illustrated in the Code of Practice for Professional Integrity in the Conduct of Research which is updated regularly at Ulster to reflect changing sector-wide requirements.

Research Integrity

Integrity is fundamental to the research process and an important component of our research environment, demonstrating to partners and funders that we undertake excellent quality research to a consistently high standard. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, explains the importance of integrity in the video below.

The research integrity course is mandatory for all PhD researchers and must be completed prior to undertaking the Initial Assessment. This course is available via your Blackboard account. Training in Blackboard (UU’s virtual learning environment) is available through the Doctoral College.

Please note that all investigators named on applications to UREC, and via the IRAS system for studies in the NHS and HSC for which the University is sole or co-sponsor, are required to provide confirmation of successful completion of the course before university approval will be granted.

Early in your project you should discuss the ethical implications of your work with your supervisor. If required, you should then make an ethical application (or applications). Research Ethics Filter Committees have been established in all the areas of the University in which significant levels of human research are likely to take place. The Biomedical Sciences Ethical Filter Committee is co-chaired by Dr Maria Mulhern and Dr Julie McClelland. Ethical submission to the filter committee is via the portal, your supervisors will make you aware of this as required. Ethical submission to the Filter Committee is via the Research Ethics Management System, where you will also find guidance notes on the research ethics process. All applications must be discussed with your supervisory team before starting a submission.

Subject Specific Training

In addition to the Researcher Development Programme (RDP) offered by the Doctoral College which covers generic research and transferable skills, the BMSRI occasionally offers focused training courses on technical aspects. The BMSRI have several technical staff who may be able to support laboratory training as appropriate and required. If further specialised training is required, your supervisor is best placed to advise.

If you have an idea for a training course which you feel may be useful for PhD Researchers within the School; please contact your PhD Representative, the Postgraduate Tutor or Research Director. Your Research Training Grant can also be used to attend more specific training needs as agreed with your supervisors.

During the year within the BMSRI there will be ad hoc guest lectures, with national and international speakers presenting on a range of topics. When these lectures occur, they are advertised in advance and researchers are encouraged to attend and expand their knowledge base.

Within many groups a journal club or equivalent is offered these informal seminars are designed to give PhD Researchers an opportunity to share their research in a supportive environment, with their student peers and interested academic colleagues.

Teaching and Demonstrating Opportunities

Many PhD Researchers provide support to teaching and assist with laboratory practicals within the Schools Learning and Teaching. PhD Researchers can undertake up to 6 hours per week in demonstration. PhD researchers get paid for demonstrating which can be claimed through your School Office.

Demonstration and tutorial duties may include:

Demonstration and assistance with practical classes
Delivery and co-ordination of small group activities, e.g. tutorials
Participation in student-led activities
Participation in student-led seminars

These opportunities are useful for your CV. If you are interested, please discuss with your Supervisor.

PhD Researchers wishing to gain experience in demonstration and teaching opportunities must complete the Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Postgraduate Teaching Assistant)’. This training is offered by the Researcher Development Program and is compulsory for all PhD Researchers who wish to teach.

The course aims to:

Provide key information regarding the role of the Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) and the Code of Practice for PGTAs
Provide introductory guidance on delivering effective sessions

In additional, PhD researcher have the option to complete the ‘First Steps to Supporting Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (FST)’ which is an Advance HE accredited course.

The course aims to:

Support the University’s Code of Practice for postgraduate tutors and demonstrators
Support the development needs of contracted staff, for example research associates, part-time tutors etc.
Satisfy the requirements of Descriptor 1 of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023)with particular reference to Areas of Activity 2 (teach and/or support learning through appropriate approaches and environments) and 3 (assess and give feedback for learning).
Take account of Ulster priorities in learning and teaching

Assessment Seminars

PhD Researchers will be assessed on three occasions (Initial, Confirmation, Final Assessment), in addition to annual Reports. General information about these milestones can be found on the Doctoral College website. The table below provides some rough guidelines of when each of these assessments will take place. The School may adjust the timing to better accommodate the assessments within the academic calendar.

Assessment information
Process	When (full time)	When (part time)
Re-enrolment	Around mid-September, annually	Electronically, every summer
Initial Assessment	Within four months of first registration. Typically, these occur January	Within ten months of first registration
Annual report	First week in May, annually	First week in May, annually
Confirmation Assessment	Between eight and twelve months of first registration, Typically, these occur June.	Between twelve and twenty-four months of first registration
Final Assessment	Within thirty months of first registration	Within sixty months (PhD) or thirty-six months (MPhil) of first registration
Intention to Submit	Three months before proposed submission date	Three months before proposed submission date
Submission of thesis	Within thirty-six months (PhD) or twenty-four months (MPhil) of first registration	Within seventy-two months (PhD) or forty-eight months (MPhil) of first registration

Role of The Assessor

Each Supervisory team will appoint two Assessors from within the same discipline or cognate area. The role of the Assessor is to read all written paperwork before attending the presentation where they will lead the discussion period with an inquisitive approach, provide a constructive critique of the material presented, and question the PhD Researcher in a professional manner.

It is advisable, but not mandatory, that the Assessor will contribute to each of the assessments throughout the PhD Researcher’s journey. On completion of each assessment, the Assessor will complete a report via PhD Manager, which will automatically be communicated to the PhD Researcher and Supervisory team. The Assessor may make a recommendation concerning the direction of work and they are empowered to recommend re-assessment after an agreed period if progress is deemed unsatisfactory.

The purpose of the Initial Assessment is to provide an up-to-date overview of the progress made in terms of mapping the PhD project, including the rationale for research questions and the proposed methodology. This is held approximately 3 months post-registration for full-time researchers and approximately 8 months post-registration for part-time researchers. This assessment takes the form of an oral presentation (with slides) and a written report submitted through PhD Manager. The report will be subject to Turnitin review.

The written report must be uploaded two weeks prior to the assessment date to ensure circulation to academic assessors. The written report should be a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 A4 pages excluding diagrams, tables and figures. Font should be a sans serif font, size 12 with line spacing 1.5. The Harvard referencing system should be used. The purpose of the written report is to fully brief/inform the Assessor and help prepare questions in advance of the presentation.

The presentation should be no more than 15 minutes in duration, followed by a 5-minute discussion period. Please note some sub-groups have their own specific requirements for the written report/presentations.

Content typically included within the presentation and written report would be:

the project background
the overall aim of the investigation
the methods to be employed
the objectives to be achieved within the first year of registration
is ethical approval required and if so, what arrangements are being made to apply for this?
areas of development identified through a Training Needs assessment completed by the supervisor
evidence of completion the online Research Integrity course
inclusion of attended training courses
proposed timeframe (Gantt chart)

As part of the Initial Assessment, Assessors are encouraged to focus on the following considerations:

Is the project clearly defined?
Are the objectives to be achieved within the first 12-month period realistic and achievable with the available resources?
Will the project provide adequate research training for the Researcher?
Is the programme of work likely to provide a sufficient foundation for (potential) PhD study?
Does the Researcher show evidence of an understanding of the problem, the limitations of the techniques to be employed and the significance of the work within the broader context?
Are the proposed Supervisory arrangements satisfactory?

Once the PhD Researcher has submitted the written report, they can track their progress throughout the Initial Assessment via PhD Manager (dashboard). The Assessor’s report will outline the outcome of the Initial Assessment which will be communicated to the PhD Researcher via PhD Manager.

The stepwise workflow for the initial Assessment is built into PhD Manager. The process is as follows:

PhD Researcher completes initial Assessment report. For each research group the RGL/PGTs will inform PhD researchers of the specific date (Jan, month 4) on which to submit their report via PhD manager.
The RGL/ARGLs/PGT will an organise assessment panel (presentation) for the PhD researcher(s).
The PhD Supervisor will complete their report form via PhD manager.
The PhD researcher completes assessment process (Presentation). Initial assessment report completed by assessors including recommendation.
The Research Director will approve confirmation assessment report via PhD manager.

Outcome of the Initial Assessment

Initial Assessment is deemed satisfactory, and the Researcher progresses
The project details are not clear, and quality of the proposed work is poor/limited.
Further work is required which will be completed within a specified timeframe (as agreed with Researcher and Supervisor) and present again.

The purpose of this assessment is to confirm registration status as a PhD Researcher. Researchers will not be permitted to re-enrol into second year until the Doctoral College has received notification of successfully completing the Confirmation Assessment. This is held approx. 9 months post-registration for full-time Researchers and 21 months post-registration for part-time Researchers. This assessment takes the form of an oral presentation (with slides) and a written report submitted through PhD Manager. The written report must be uploaded two weeks prior to the assessment date to ensure circulation to academic assessors. The report will be subject to Turnitin review.

The written report should be a minimum of 6 and maximum of 15 A4 pages excluding diagrams, tables and figures. Font should be a sans serif font, size 12 with line spacing 1.5. The Harvard referencing system should be used. The purpose of the written report is to fully brief/inform the Assessor and help prepare questions in advance of the presentation. The presentation should be no more than 20 mins in duration, followed by a 10-minute discussion period. Please note some sub-groups have their own specific requirements for the written report/presentations.

The purpose of the written report is to fully brief/inform the Assessors and help prepare questions in advance of the presentation. The presentation should be no more than 20 minutes in duration.

The purpose of the written report is to provide the Assessors with a detailed account of the progress made, map of planned studies with accompanying rationale and research design. This report will also help the Assessors in compiling constructive questions in advance of the presentation. The Assessors will not provide any written feedback on the report.

Content typically included within the presentation and written report would be:

the project background
the overall aim of the investigation
the methods employed
data obtained to date
proposed programme for future PhD work (including detailed timeline)
evidence of training courses/workshops
Updated Gantt chart

As part of the Confirmation Assessment, Assessors are encouraged to focus on the following considerations:

Have the objectives of the first 9-month period of work been achieved?
Is the proposed programme of work a logical extension of the completed studies?
Are the defined objectives likely to be achieved with the available resources?
Is the work likely to provide adequate research training to doctorate level for the Researcher?
Is the work sufficiently well-defined to (potentially) provide publishable data within a 18–21 month period (full-time Researchers) or 27-33 months (part-time Researchers)?
Can the practical studies be completed within a 21-month (full-time) / 27-month (part-time) period?
Does the Researcher show evidence of ability to critically evaluate the work and place it within the context of related studies?
Is (are) the Supervisor(s) satisfied with the Researcher’s progress to date?
Is the Researcher satisfied with the current Supervisory arrangements?

Once the PhD Researcher has submitted the written report (as outlined for the initial assessment), they can track their progress throughout the Confirmation Assessment via PhD Manager (dashboard).

PhD researchers will present their Confirmation talks at the PhD Confirmation Symposium to which their assessors, BMSRI staff and postgraduate research students will be invited. The PhD symposium will be divided up by the BMSRI sub-groups and it is compulsory for all first year PhD researchers to attend all PhD confirmation talks.

The Confirmation Symposium will provide a forum where PhD researchers can showcase their progress, receive constructive feedback and learn from other projects methodologies and challenges. This event will help create a supportive environment and network opportunity for shared learning between related fields.

The Assessor’s report will outline the outcome of the Confirmation Assessment (see below) which will be communicated to the PhD Researcher via PhD Manager.

Outcome of Confirmation Assessment

Confirm PhD Registration and the Researcher progresses

More work is required to be completed within a specified timeframe and present again.

Standard of work is at MPhil level and advised to pursue as an MPhil candidate.

Withdrawal from the programme is recommended.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide an overview of the full project, to determine the quality of the project in terms of originality, robustness, significance, rigour and prepare the Researcher for their Viva.

This is given approximately 28-30 months post-registration for full-time PhD Researchers and 60 months post-registration for part-time PhD Researchers. This assessment takes the form of an oral presentation (with slides) and a written abstract providing a synopsis of the project through PhD Manager. The abstract should be uploaded two weeks prior to the assessment date to ensure circulation to assessors. The presentation should be no more than 30mins in duration, followed by a 15-minute discussion period.

The Assessor, academic staff and PhD Researchers are encouraged to review the Researcher’s progress, offer advice and highlight any problems which may hinder completion.

As part of the Final Assessment, Assessors are encouraged to focus on the following considerations:

Has the work made, or is it likely in the very near future to make, a measurable and worthwhile contribution to the field of study?
Is the practical component of the work completed, or almost completed?
Has an outline of the thesis been decided upon?
Has the work been, or will be in the near future, subject to external review through conference presentation or full papers?
Are the Researcher, Supervisor(s) satisfied that the written thesis will be submitted on time? If not, are the assessors convinced that the thesis will be submitted within 3 years (full-time) / 6 years (part-time) of enrolment and would they support an extension on this basis?

Following the Final Assessment presentation, the Assessor will provide verbal feedback in relation to the Researcher’s progress, including advice that may be beneficial ahead of submitting their final thesis and viva examination. The Assessor, in consultation with the Research Director and Postgraduate Tutor, will outline the outcome of the Final Assessment (see below) which will be communicated to the PhD Researcher via direct email.

Outcome of the Final Assessment

Body of work is considered high quality in terms of research excellence and meets the standard required for a PhD. The Researcher continues to work towards submitting their thesis.

Clear deficiencies and limitations in the body of work are identified; a salvage plan is agreed between the PhD Researcher and Supervisors – for a PhD.

Clear deficiencies and limitations in the body of work are identified and it is recommended that the thesis is submitted for an MPhil award.

Intention to Submit

Following advice from your supervisory team, and prompts from PhD Manager, you should notify the Doctoral College of your intention to submit your thesis at least three months prior to your expected thesis submission date. This enables the Doctoral College to begin making examination arrangements. This does not tie you to the submission date, it simply allows preparations for your submission and viva to begin.

Comprehensive guidance on the presentation of your thesis is available and should be consulted prior to submission. Extensive guidance on submitting your thesis is also available.

Appointment of Examiners

One External Examiner (two for researchers who have been full-time members of staff for two or more years, or equivalent for part-time staff members) who should have previously examined at an appropriate level, one Internal Examiner and a Chair are required.

Oral Examination

An oral examination (Viva Voce Examination, commonly shortened to viva) is required to be held no less than four weeks from the date on which the Board of Examiners receives your thesis, and normally within three months of receipt of the submission. The examination will usually be held at your home campus/online or as a hybrid. Where the examination is to be held on another campus, your written consent must be provided prior to arranging the examination.

PhD Manager will detail the date, time and venue of the oral examination once a date has been arranged by the Chair of the supervisory team.

Following the viva, you will be informed of the recommended outcome via PhD Manager and email.  Details of the possible examination outcomes can be found under the regulations for each degree programme.

Full guidelines are available on the submission of the final thesis post examination.

Graduation

On submission of final thesis and all relevant forms, you will be eligible for Graduation, provided you are not recorded on the University’s system as a ‘debtor’. You will be contacted by Registry regarding attendance at graduation and ticket allocation electronically via your University email account and it is therefore imperative that, following submission, you continue to check this account.

Thesis Format

Generic guidance on thesis formatting can be found under the Doctoral College Thesis Format Guide.

Citation Style

When documenting research, the consistent and correct use of a single Citation Style is fundamental.

There are many systems available, and publishers of books and journals will outline their specific requirements within their author guidelines.

For internal publications, the Harvard Referencing system should be used.

REF works software can be used to manage your references. The library runs training every two weeks on this software. The software can be accessed through the Ulster University library databases.

PhD Handbook : Biomedical Sciences

Meet the Team

Professor Julie-Anne Little

Professor Emeir McSorley

Charlotte Walsh

Welcome from Postgraduate Tutor

About our Research

Biomedical Sciences Research

PhD Supervision and Support

Roles and Expectations of PhD Researcher

Meetings

Roles and Expectations of the Supervisory Team

Meetings

Communication of Findings

Working Environment

Attendance and Absence

International PhD Researcher’s Attendance

Research Ethics and Integrity

Research Integrity

Subject Specific Training

Travel and Procurement

Teaching and Demonstrating Opportunities

Assessment Seminars

Role of The Assessor

Outcome of the Initial Assessment

Outcome of Confirmation Assessment

Outcome of the Final Assessment

Intention to Submit

Appointment of Examiners

Oral Examination

Graduation

Publishing and your Research Profile

Thesis Format

Citation Style

Health and Safety

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

Life and Health Sciences

Ulster University Business School