Meet the Team
This handbook has been prepared by the School of Sport to help PhD Researchers and their Supervisors find information regarding administrative procedures and support arrangements. The handbook supplements the information provided by the Doctoral College in relation to policies and procedures.
We are delighted you have chosen the School of Sport to pursue your research interests. While we hope this will be an enjoyable and stimulating experience, we also recognise that at times the completion of your thesis can become overwhelming. The aim of this handbook is to act as a point of reference providing you with the necessary information to help guide you through the processes involved in your research, supervision, monitoring of progress, and submission of your thesis. We hope you find the contents of this handbook helpful, and we wish you every success with your research at Ulster University.
Your PhD Researcher Representative is Amy Neeson. She will represent your Unit of Assessment (UoA) on University level committees to ensure your voice is heard and any concerns raised.
Your Research Director, Postgraduate Tutor and research area administrator are also available for you, should you require any additional support.
Working Environment
PhD Researchers are provided with a desk and lockable cabinet within a shared office space while working on campus. Prior to arriving on campus, a desk can be booked through the UBook (Resource Booker) system. However, you will need to register with the School’s Postgraduate Tutor in the first instance to gain access to this facility. As the office space is shared, it is your responsibility to keep these areas clean and tidy.
To minimise noise disruptions, social activities or meetings should not take place in PhD office space. It is recommended that such activities take place at the Doc (Belfast: BC-06-225; Coleraine: E008; Derry~Londonderry: MC026).
In the event of a sub-standard office space or working conditions, contact the Postgraduate Tutor or Research Director.
Money may be used from your research training grant to support essential equipment which can include a new laptop. This should be discussed with your supervisors.
Eating in the office space is not encouraged. There are kitchenettes for staff and PhD Researchers located throughout the campus. These include a sink, washing-up materials, hot water, microwave, and fridge. There are also dining facilities available at the Doc and various eateries across campuses.
The Information Services Department (ISD) provide information and support on printing and photocopying services on each campus. PhD Researchers have access to multi-function devices (MFD) that will allow you to print, copy and scan documents. The system is accessed using your PhD Researcher ID card (or you can logon manually if you have forgotten your card) and the device will retrieve your prints and automatically input your email address for the scanning service.
The service also offers a secure cashless payment system that is linked to your ID card (manual logon) that will allow you to add funds from credit/debit cards to your UniFlow account. These can then be used to pay for printing, copying and scanning at any MFD. Mobile printing is also operational. You can send work from any device that can access your University email account, allowing you to attach a file to an email from a mobile phone, laptop, tablet or your home computer.
The ISD Service Desk provides support via telephone and email. In addition to core working hours, extended support is available from 5pm to 9am Weekdays, 24-hour Weekends, Bank Holidays and all year round. Telephone: 028 9036 6777 or ext: 66777, email: servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk
In some cases, funds from your research training grant (if funds are available) can be used for printing. Please consult your Supervisor for further information about this if needed.
You and Your Supervisors
You are ultimately responsible for organising the direction, progression, and completion of your research project. During your studies, you are expected to meet with your supervisory team regularly, and agree on a schedule. 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 Role and Expectations of the PhD Researcher
- The Role and Expectations of the Supervisor and Supervisory Team
- 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
- 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. 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.
Assessments
PhD Researchers will be assessed on three occasions (Initial, Confirmation, Final Assessment), in addition to annual Reports. These assessments are scheduled at the beginning of each academic year to ensure diary availability. All full-time PhD Researchers are required to attend assessment sessions. Typically, the Postgraduate Tutor will Chair each assessment and manage timekeeping.
Role of The Assessor
Each Supervisory team will appoint an Assessor 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.
Within the School of Sport, we recommend that the Assessor will not act as the internal examiner during the PhD Researcher’s viva examination.
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 3 months post-registration for full-time researchers and approx. 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. As a guide, approx. four pages would normally be appropriate for the written report (excluding references).
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 15mins in duration, followed by a 10-minute discussion period.
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.
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.
Outcome of Initial Assessment Diagram
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. As a guide, up to six pages would normally be appropriate for the written report (excluding references).
The purpose of the written report is to provide the Assessor with a detailed account of the progress made, map of planned studies with accompanying rationale and research design. This report will also help the Assessor in compiling constructive questions in advance of the presentation. The Assessor will not provide any written feedback on the report.
The presentation should be no more than 20mins in duration, followed by a 15-minute discussion period.
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, they can track their progress throughout the Confirmation Assessment via PhD Manager (dashboard). 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.
Outcome of Confirmation Assessment Diagram
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.
Final Assessment Flowchart
Demonstrating and Teaching Opportunities
Many PhD Researchers provide support to teaching and assist with laboratory practical’s within the School. PhD Researchers can provide up to 6 hours per week in demonstration. 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 training offered by the Researcher Development Program:
1. Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Postgraduate Teaching Assistant).
This course is compulsory for all PhD Researchers who wish to teach; which aims to:
- Provide key information regarding the role of the Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) and the Code of Practice for PGTAs
Further details, course details and bookings can be found here.
- Provide introductory guidance on delivering effective sessions
2. First Steps to Supporting Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (FST)
This is an Advance HE accredited course, which 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
Subject Specific Training
The School of Sport technical team may support laboratory training as appropriate and required. If further specialised training is required, your Supervisor is best placed to advise.
Research Ethics and Integrity
Ulster University require 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 means conducting research in a way which allows others to have trust and confidence in the methods used and the findings generated. The University expects the highest standards of integrity to be adhered to by its researchers. All researchers are required to successfully pass the University’s Research Integrity Course which is available through Blackboard.
The course takes approximately one hour to complete and provides grounding in the essentials of good research conduct, and guidance on how to avoid bad practice. All PhD Researchers must have successfully completed the Research Integrity Course prior to their Initial Assessment.
Research ethics is about ensuring that your research is carried out appropriately. It is also about identifying and managing risks to participants, to the research team, and to the University. The following content should help you understand the context and processes of Research Ethics and Governance within the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI) and Ulster University.
The University’s policies and related ethics forms are available online, along with the different categories of research involving human participants.
If you want to conduct a research project involving humans (for example, fellow PhD Researchers, staff, family, or the wider community) you will need ethical approval in advance from the Filter Committee [Category A research only] and the University’s Research Ethics Committee (UREC) (Categories B and D). Category C research (involving patients or service users of the HSC, NHS and/or private health and social care providers in Northern Ireland) requires review by a filter committee and additional review by an HRA ethics committee and by, or on behalf of, the research site before it can proceed (Category C Research).
Research which requires ethical approval must not commence until this approval has been obtained, nor deviate from the approved protocol without new ethical approval, i.e., ethical approval must be sought and obtained prior to implementing any amendment to or deviation from the protocol originally approved.
- In consultation with your Supervisor, the PhD Researcher should complete the University ethics application form (RG1a) and supporting documents;
- The following details should be included: Experimental protocol, Participant Information Sheet, Informed Consent, any instruments to be used and risk assessments;
- The ethics application should be submitted for peer review via your Supervisor, who will then forward the documentation to Julie Haydock.
- Peer review involves a minimum of one member of staff who has knowledge and experience to comment on the design and viability of the study, including the statistical models to be used. Peer reviewers can make a number of recommendations on the application including suggestions for revisions or that the study proceed to the School of Sport Filter Committee via completion of a RG2 form.
- If required, the Researcher should make amendments to the ethics application as documented in the RG2 form and resubmit for further peer review or to the online Research Ethics Filter Committee portal (facilitated by the Chief Investigator).
- If the study is Category A, you can proceed following notification by the Filter Committee – not before.
- If it is a Category D (including those designated non-storage), you will need to undertake Human Tissue Act (HTA) training.
- If the study falls into Category B or D then it must be reviewed by the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) once it has been approved at the Filter Committee level.
- View details on how to submit an application to UREC
To be clear, you cannot submit your application until the filter committee advises you to proceed to UREC. - Studies will only be approved if all Ulster University Researchers have completed the online Research Integrity Training Course on Blackboard Learn.
- Remember that you cannot make changes without permission and that annual and final reports will be required
Further queries concerning the research ethics process should be directed to the School of Sport Chair of the Filter Committee, Dr Conor McClean.
Travel and Procurement Procedures
All DfE-funded and VCRS PhD Researchers are awarded a budget each year to be spent on developmental activities to support their research (for instance a training event, attending a conference, collecting data). Agreement for travel and accommodation must be sought from your supervisor prior to proceeding with any booking. Prior approval for all DfE/VCRS expenditure must be obtained from the Research Director.
To arrange travel, PhD Researchers will need to apply for Prior Approval (PA) through the Digital Claimant Portal. Once the Prior Approval is approved, this will generate a PA number and a nominal code. The cost centre, PA number, and nominal code can be used to book travel through Selective Travel, the University’s travel agent, via Mrs Julie Haydock. For other expenses, the PhD Researcher should get approval from their Supervisor. On return from your trip, expenses may be reclaimed by uploading all receipts. No refunds will be made in relation to alcohol. Retrospective applications for trips cannot be reimbursed as you will not have a prior approval number. Expense claims need to be made within 90 days of trip.
When travelling on University business, it is important to secure a prior approval as this triggers the University’s Insurance Policy.
Motor Mileage Allowances
Mileage for visits is claimed via the Digital Claimant Portal. The current rate for PhD Researchers is 25p per mile and is calculated on the shortest route possible.
This will need approval from Supervisor beforehand.
Publishing and Your Research Profile
Publications
We encourage researchers, with the support of their supervisors, to produce peer-reviewed academic publications either during, or on the completion, of their research studies.
It is normally the case that the PhD Researcher is named as the lead author on work from their PhD with all of their supervisors named as co-authors. Agreement should be reached between the PhD Researcher and the Supervisory Team if any additional named authors are to be included.
Research Profile
We are passionate and active about sharing the successes of our PhD Researchers and PhD graduates. Please inform the Research Director and Postgraduate Tutor of any important achievements such as, publications, conference presentations, prizes, grants, so that these can be shared across university level committees and the School of Sport’s social media platforms.
It should be noted, as a PhD Researcher, the same Student Social Media Policies apply to you as students and staff. They deal with advice on conduct, safety and social media presence.
As part of your research presence, we encourage PhD Researcher’s to record activities and research publications on the PURE system. This is a database where you can manage your own research profile. You can avail of support in the use of PURE via a series of workshops will take place on campus.
Similarly as you move into the world of research beyond Ulster, you should secure an independent Research ID through ORCID. PURE and ORCID are compatible for easy import/export of data.
Thesis Format
As the PhD Researcher approaches completion, they should submit their Intention to Submit form via PhD Manager, three months before the proposed submission date. This enables the Doctoral College to begin making examination arrangements.
Generic guidance on thesis formatting can be found under the Do 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.
Health and Safety
Laboratory and Office Safety
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 & Safety Coordinator is Mr Maurice Field.
Laboratory risk assessments are carried out and updated annually by Emma Finlay and Kyle McConnell. We would encourage all PhD Researchers using the laboratory to undergo defibrillator training and other useful health and safety courses, as suggested by the supervisory and/or technical teams.
Our laboratory defibrillator is located in the Physiology Lab (BC-04-416). General First Aid / access to defibrillators are available via on-campus Security (extension – 22222). In event of an emergency requiring Police, Fire, or Ambulance, dial (9)999 directly then contact security immediately on extension 22222.
Often PhD Researchers work late and/or at weekends across the various campuses. To ensure your safety, it is recommended that all Researchers download the SafeZone app which enables users to call for immediate help and assistance. It is free and takes up minimal phone storage space. If working late, you should make security aware and let them know when you leave.
Fire Safety
If you discover a fire, activate the alarm immediately using the nearest break glass point.
On hearing the fire alarm:
- You must leave the building using the nearest available route by following the emergency exit signs.
- You must go directly to the nearest assembly point
- You must not re-enter the building until told it is safe
Fire marshals will sweep each floor in the event of an evacuation. An air-horn will be used to support the ‘All Clear’ message to signal that you can begin re-entry of the buildings. The fire alarm is tested on the Belfast Campus at 1:10pm and 5:55pm every Wednesday.
School of Sport
The School of Sport is part of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences and is based mainly on the Belfast campus.
Sport and Exercise Sciences
World-leading research that enhances the quality of life and addresses the changing needs of sport and physical activity in society....