PhD Handbook : Education

School of Education

Research in the School of Education aims to impact scholarly knowledge, professional practice and society, at local, national, and international levels.

The School of Education, based on the Coleraine campus, is part of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The Faculty consists of six Schools.

School of Education
School of Art (Belfast)
School of Arts and Humanities
School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences
School of Communication and Media
School of Law

Education

Quality research in education impacting scholarly knowledge, professional practice and society, at local, national, and international levels....

Ulster University requires the highest standards of professionalism in research conducted by all staff and students in all disciplines. Refer to the Research Office policy and procedures with regard to research practice, publications, and intellectual property. All PhD researchers should act professionally in their role. Including the use of appropriate email etiquette in a reasonable fashion and acting professionally in the office and around campus.

It is University policy that all research involving human participants must be reviewed through the filter and ethics committee process as appropriate.

It should be noted that, in many cases, review is a legal or regulatory as well as policy requirement (for example, research involving HSC/NHS patients and others in care, and research which requires the use of human cellular material) and in others it reflects accepted best practice (for example, research involving those aged under 18 and other potentially vulnerable people). Increasingly, in many disciplines, evidence of ethical review is required by editors before they will accept a paper for publication.

Studies covered by the University’s policy include interview, questionnaire, and focus group research as well as research involving interventions of any kind.

There are several reasons for this, including:

reducing risk of harm;
protection of participants, researchers and the reputation of the University;
maintenance of insurance cover/indemnity;
providing assurance to collaborating organisations, funders and publishers;
maintaining and improving quality and standards; and
demonstrating adherence to research integrity requirements

Details of the University’s policies and procedures in this area are currently available through the portal. Please click on the Research Governance & Ethics tab. Early in your project you should discuss the ethical implications of your work with your supervisor. If ethical approval is required, you should then make an application.

Filter committees have been established in all areas of the University in which significant levels of human research are likely to take place.

Researchers in the School of Education can submit ethics applications to the School of Education ethics filter committee, which is co-chaired by Dr Xiuping Li and Mrs Beverley McCormick. Submission to the filter committee is via the portal, your supervisors will make you aware of this as required.

The University's Code of Practice for Professional Integrity in the Conduct of Research is a useful and compact guide to the responsibilities of those involved in research.

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 importance of research integrity is further explained in this short video.

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.

Please note that all investigators named on applications to UREC are required to provide confirmation of successful completion of research integrity training before University approval will be granted.

As a Research student it is expected that you will try to attend at least one academic conference during your studies, in order to present your work to a wider audience. Talk to your supervisor about how to fund such trips. Funded PhD awards have Research Training Support Grants (RTSG) that can also be used to travel to conferences and attend training events. Additionally, many organisations, including the University, have travel awards for which you may apply.

Agreement for travel & accommodation must be sought from your supervisor prior to proceeding with any booking.

It is expected that, prior to travelling to a conference, you will present at the Doctoral Research Seminar Series (DRSS). You should contact the Postgraduate Tutor to arrange this.

All DfE-funded and VCRS PhD researchers are awarded a budget each year (around £900) to be spent on developmental activities to support their research (for instance a training event, attending a conference, collecting data). Prior approval for all DfE/VCRS expenditure must be obtained from the Research Director. The following steps must be followed:

As early as possible in advance of a trip or the date of expenditure (at least 3 weeks beforehand), an email must be sent to the Research Director justifying the expenditure and pointing out its relevance to the researcher’s research project.
Following approval of the spend, PhD researchers process the Prior Approvals and Reimbursed Expense Claims online. PhD researchers should navigate to the Finance Visitors Page and follow the link to the ‘Digital Claims Portal’. The Portal homepage provides a link to Registration instructions for first time visitors.
Once Registration is complete, PhD researchers can maintain their profile and submit digital requests. Training Guides for each claim type are available on the Portal Homepage.
When completing the ‘Claim Details’ section, PhD researchers are encouraged to consult with School Office staff, Sarah Gillen, to ensure the correct ‘Directorate’ & ‘Department’ values are selected from the dropdown lists presented on the digital forms. This will ensure your request is processed in a timely manner.

If any technical problems are encountered, users should raise a ticket via the ServiceDesk.

Following trips, expenses incurred should be submitted via the Digital Claims Portal.

Please note: Claims for expenditure will only be processed if a prior approval form has been submitted in advance of the trip (and a prior approval number has been received) and if receipts for expenditure are submitted as part of the claim. Researchers funded from other sources may seek funding, though there is no guarantee that the request will be met. In this case, prior approval for all such expenditure must be obtained from the Research Director.

Air travel must always be booked using the University’s approved travel agent – Selective Travel. Before booking, Selective Travel will require a prior approval number and a cost centre code (you must contact the secretary for the cost centre code). For low-cost airline travel (e.g. Easyjet, etc.), Selective Travel will require this to be booked via their website – please provide your trip details to the research area administrator who will advise on online booking issues.

Conference fees may be paid in advance to the conference organisers through the University Finance Department. Please provide a copy of the conference registration form and payment details, along with your prior approval number, to the Finance Department.

Car mileage for research trips may be claimed using the Digital Claims Portal.

Accommodation expenses are normally reimbursed after the trip, though it may be possible to book hotel accommodation in advance of a trip through the University’s travel agent (Selective Travel).

It is expected that the most economical forms of travel should be used whenever possible (e.g. public transport rather than taxis).
Claim forms for expenses must be submitted within 2 months of the date of the trip.

During your research journey, there are several key milestones which you will be expected to achieve within specific timeframes. This table provides you with an overview of what is expected of you.

General information about these milestones can be found on the doctoral college website.

The School may adjust the timing in order to better accommodate the assessments within the academic calendar.

This is held approximately four months full-time, ten months part-time post-registration and must be organised in close co-operation with your supervisors. The process is initiated through PhD Manager. It is concerned with a precise description of the proposed programme of work, will usually include a written submission along with a presentation at least two weeks in advance of the assessment date for circulation to panel members. As part of this process, you are asked to consider whether ethical approval is necessary for the project and to make arrangements to apply for such approval, where appropriate.

Both the written report and the oral presentation must include information on the following:

the project background;
the overall aim of the investigation;
the methods to be employed and associated ethical issues ;
the objectives to be achieved within the first year of studies.
work completed to date including amount of written work submitted
research training activity completed during the assessment period

You will be required to submit a Turnitin Originality Report along with your assessment submission into PhD Manager. Details to access TurnItIn can be found on Doctoral College website.

Selected staff are designated to form the assessment panel, which provides a report on the research plans; this panel may recommend changes to the programme of work and re-consideration of the proposals after an agreed period of time. The total length of this assessment is 30 minutes: a presentation of 15 minutes followed by questions from the panel. You will be given oral feedback on the day and written confirmation via PhD Manager.

Assessment Criteria:

Examining staff are advised to pay particular attention to the following in relation to MPhil and PhD Assessment reports:

Is the project clearly defined?
Are the objectives to be achieved within the first 12-month period realistic and achievable within available resources (e.g. consumable or financial support, access, etc)?
Have ethical issues been appropriately addressed?
Will the project provide adequate research training for the researcher to at least M.Phil. standard?
Is the programme of work likely to provide a sufficient foundation for (potential) Ph.D. study?
Does the researcher show evidence of at least a basic 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 supervisor/advisor arrangements satisfactory?
Has the researcher submitted an appropriate quantity of written work for comment and was the quality of this work adequate?
Has the researcher completed the appropriate research training activities?

This is held at approximately 10- 12 months full-time and 12-24 months part-time post-registration (for full-time researchers). The process is initiated through PhD Manager. It will include a written submission along with a presentation, at least two weeks in advance of the assessment date, together with an abstract. You will not normally be permitted to re-enrol into your second year (for full time, funded researchers) until the Doctoral College has received notification from the Unit of Assessment of successful completion of your Confirmation Assessment, so you should take this into account as it may impact progression and payment of your stipend.

Both the written report and the oral presentation must include information on the following:

the project background;
the overall aim of the investigation;
the methods employed and associated ethical issues;
data obtained to date and amount of written work submitted since last assessment
proposed programme for future Ph.D. work;
- or, where appropriate proposed programme to complete practical and written work within the following 12-month period to submit for M.Phil.
an outline of the thesis in the form of intended chapter headings
research training activity completed during the assessment period

This Assessment is given to a designated panel of experienced, research active academic staff who are required to provide a written report on researchers’ progress, and make recommendation concerning progress to date and suitability for PhD. confirmation (or, where appropriate, continuation to complete an M.Phil.).

The examining panel is empowered to make recommendations concerning the direction of the work and/or re-assessment after an agreed period if progress is deemed unsatisfactory.

The total length of this assessment is 45 minutes: a 20-minute presentation, followed by questions from the panel. You will be given oral feedback on the day and written confirmation via PhD Manager.

Assessment Criteria:

Examining staff are advised to pay particular attention to the following in relation to MPhil and PhD Assessment reports:

Have the objectives of the first 12-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?
Have ethical issues been appropriately addressed, or do they require review in the light of changes to the research plan since the first progress assessment?
Is the work likely to provide adequate research training to doctorate (or masters, where appropriate) level for the researcher?
Is the work sufficiently well-defined potentially to provide publishable data within a 12-18 month period?
Can the practical studies be completed within an 18-month period (or 6 months for M.Phil.)?
Does the researcher show evidence of ability critically to 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, including an assessment of the amount and quality of written work submitted since the last progress assessment?
Is the researcher satisfied with the current supervisory arrangements?
Has the researcher completed the appropriate research training activities?

This is given at approximately 30 months full-time and 60 months part-time post-registration. A written report on progress Your Unit of Assessment administrators will be able to advise on the exact nature of the assessment but it will include a written submission along with a presentation, at least two weeks in advance of the assessment date. This should include consideration of research training activity and written work submitted since the last assessment. Alternatively, if your supervisors agree, you may submit a draft journal article based on your PhD research as your written submission. Designated experienced academic staff are present to review progress, offer advice and highlight any problems which may hinder completion with the relevant period.

This assessment comprises a 20-minute presentation followed by questions from the panel.

Assessment Criteria:

Examining staff are advised to pay particular attention to the following in relation to MPhil and PhD Assessment reports:

Has the work made, or is it likely in the 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?
Do ethical issues require review in the light of changes to the research plan since the Confirmation Assessment.
Has an outline of the thesis been finalised?
Has the work been (or will it be in the near future) subject to external review through conference presentation or full papers?
Are the researcher and supervisor(s) satisfied that the written thesis will be submitted on time in the light of the amount and quality of written work submitted to date? If not, are the assessors convinced that the thesis will be submitted within 4 years of enrolment, and would they support an extension on this basis?
Has the researcher completed the appropriate research training activities?

PURE is an abbreviation of 'Publication and Research' and is the University’s Current Research Information System (CRIS). It is a single source location for much of the University’s research data. A highly versatile centralised system, it enables our Institution to build reports, carry out performance assessments, manage researcher profiles, enable research networking and expertise discovery and more, all while reducing administrative burden for researchers, faculty, and staff.

PURE provides functionality for academics, research staff and PhD Researchers to manage their individual research profile by recording research outcomes, such as:

Research Outputs/Publications
Activities
Press & Media
Projects/Awards
Datasets
Impacts

PURE is designed to maintain an ongoing historical record of research activity at Ulster University. All members of staff in academic and research related posts, and PhD Researchers, are provided with PURE profiles when joining Ulster University.

Additional PURE accounts may be requested by emailing the PURE support team.

More information on PURE and support materials can be found on the PURE Support webpage.

Open Access (OA) means unrestricted online access to peer-reviewed research outputs and enables the prompt and widespread dissemination of research findings. It benefits the efficiency of the research process and allows publicly funded and other research to drive economic growth while delivering social benefits through increased public understanding of research.

More information on OA and details of how to register online for training

ORCiD is an abbreviation of ‘Open Researcher and Contributor ID’, and provides a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from every other researcher and supports automatic linking between you and your publications and professional activities.

It is everyone’s duty to ensure a safe working environment. Your first point of contact if you have a health and safety query should be your supervisor. The Schools Health and Safety Co-Ordinator is Mr Sammy Taggart.

Risk assessments are carried out and updated annually. First Aid/ Defibrillator available from Security – on internal phones dial 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). If working late you should make security aware and let them know when you leave.

If you discover a fire, activate the alarm immediately using nearest break glass point. On hearing alarm:

You must leave the building using the nearest available route by following the emergency exit signs
You must go directly to the assembly point
You must not re-enter the building until told it is safe

Fire marshals sweep each floor in the event of an evacuation. The alarm is tested on all campuses at 1:10pm and 5:55pm every Wednesday. During the test the alarm will sound for a short period of around 10-15 seconds. Any continuous sounding of the alarm is not a test and should be treated as a genuine alarm.

First Aid/Defibrillator is available on each campus by contacting Security – on internal phones dial 22222 (Direct Dial (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).

You should also download the Safezone app on your mobile phone. This is free app for students and staff that connects you to the University security team if you ever need urgent help, first aid or if you have an emergency while on campus.

Ensure all mandatory H&S courses highlighted on your PORTAL Dashboard / Blackboard / PhD Manager are up-to-date, e.g., risk assessment (Labs), Digital Screen Equipment (DSE), FIRE Safety Awareness, Cyber Safety, Data Protection, GDPR, etc.

PhD Handbook : Education

Meet the Team

Professor Una O'Connor Bones

Sarah Gillen

Welcome from Postgraduate Tutor

Dr Paul McFlynn

Supporting your Research

Working Environment

Supervision and Attendance

School of Education

Education

Research Ethics and Integrity

Training and Research Community

Teaching and Demonstrating Opportunities

Travel and Procurement

Assessment Seminars

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment Criteria:

Disseminating and Publishing your Research

Health and Safety

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

Life and Health Sciences

Ulster University Business School