research degrees code of practice 2011

8/11/2019 Research Degrees Code of Practice 2011

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Research

DegreesCode of Practicefrom September 2011

Marylebone Road, London NW1 5HT

Tel. 020 7873 7373 Fax 020 7873 7374

www.ram.ac.uk University of London and Royal Academy of Music 2001


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CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RESEARCH DEGREES AT THEROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC

CONTENTSPage

1 Introduction 2

2 Summary of programme expectations 2

3 Entry requirements and application procedures 6

4 Registration and transfer requirements 8

5 Supervision arrangements, including appointment 11of supervisors and guidelines on the roles andresponsibilities of students and supervisors

6 Seminar arrangements 14

7 Thesis submission and writing-up period 14

8 Examination procedures 16

9 Student representation and consideration of 17student appeals and complaints

10 Membership and Terms of Reference of the 17

Postgraduate Programme Board

APPENDICES 20

Copies of forms for recording student progress:

1 Personal Development Plan (student to complete)2 End of Year Supervisor report


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1 INTRODUCTION

The Royal Academy of Music has offered research degrees (MPhil and PhD) inPerformance Practice and Composition since September 2000. The Academybecame a full member of the University of London in 1999 and these degrees arein accordance with the Universitys regulations for the degrees of MPhil and PhDwithin the music subject area (see the University of London regulations,paragraphs 4.1.3 and 4.2.3).

The development of the research degree programme is a significant part of theAcademys Strategic Plan and its institutional research strategy. The range andquality of the research activity undertaken by Academy staff has been recognisedin the 1996, 2001 and 2008 Research Assessment Exercises, acknowledging the

Academys position at the forefront of specialist institution research. TheAcademy has made significant advances in establishing approaches to thedisciplines of performance research that are distinctive to the institution and itsenvironment. These have been encouraged through the launching of a series ofresearch workshops held in the museum, and through educational developmentson the taught degree programmes. Research degree students are thus invited to

become part of an active research community and to take a lead in furtheringpractice-based approaches to research questions and processes.

The Academy benefits from a series of substantial research collections, rangingfrom instruments and early printed editions to archive and manuscript materials.These are readily accessible within the York Gate Collections, which has beenopen since February 2002. Apart from its own extensive library collections,

Academy research students also have easy access to the British Library, and tothe University of London library at Senate House.

2 SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME EXPECTATIONS

Students should refer to the University of London Regulations for the Degrees ofMPhil and PhD for a full account of the framework in which the Academysresearch degree programme operates.http://www.london.ac.uk/research_degrees.html

Below is a summary of some of the most pertinent details with reference to therelevant paragraphs from that document. This is followed by a summary of the

Academys own particular expectations of research degree students.

The Academys full Regulations (which include the University of LondonRegulations) can be found on AIR in the quick links section on the AcademicSecretariat page (select Institutional Information, then Academic Secretariat fromthe AIR drop down menu).
http://www.london.ac.uk/research_degrees.htmlhttp://www.london.ac.uk/research_degrees.htmlhttp://www.london.ac.uk/research_degrees.html


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University of London Regulations

Length of Programme

The minimum length of programme for the degrees of MPhil and PhD shall betwo calendar years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study(paragraph 3.4).

1 The scope of an MPhil thesis shall be what might reasonably

be expected after two or at most three years of full-time study (4.2.1), the scopeof a PhD thesis what might reasonably be expected after three or at most fouryears of full-time study (4.1.1).

Generic Expectations of an MPhil Thesis (4.2.2)

The thesis shall:

consist of the candidates own account of his/her investigations, thegreater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the periodof registration under supervision for the degree

be either a record of original work or of an ordered and critical expositionof existing knowledge and shall provide evidence that the field has beensurveyed thoroughly

be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument, give a criticalassessment of the relevant literature, describe the method of research andits findings and include a discussion of those findings

be written in English

include a full bibliography and references

not exceed 60,000 words (see Academy regulations overleaf,performance students who wish to submit a substantial body of practicalwork should consult the Postgraduate Programmes Board for advice on

word length etc)

Generic Expectations of a PhD Thesis(4.1.2)

The thesis shall:

consist of the candidates own account of his/her investigations, thegreater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the periodof registration under supervision for the degree

form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and affordevidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise

of independent critical power be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument

give a critical assessment of the relevant literature, describe the method ofresearch and its findings, and include a discussion on those findings andindicate in what respects they appear to the candidate to advance the

1Please note that the Academy does not offer part time research degrees.


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study of the subject, and, in so doing, demonstrate a deep and synopticunderstanding of the field of study, (the candidate being able to place thethesis in a wider context); objectivity and the capacity for judgement incomplex situations and autonomous work in that field

be written in English and the literary presentation shall be satisfactory

include a full bibliography and references

not exceed 100,000 words (see Academy regulations below)

be of a standard to merit publication in whole, or in part or in a revised

form (for example, as a monograph or as a number of articles in learnedjournals)

demonstrate research skills relevant to the thesis being presented.

Specific Regulations for Music Theses(4.1.3 and 4.2.3)

In the field of Music a candidate may choose to submit research leading to athesis submitted in accordance with the normal provisions, which may beaccompanied by illustrative material in the form of recorded and/or liveperformance. However presented, this work must be accompanied by anadequate and approved form of retainable documentation.

Alternatively, candidates may choose to submit the main outcomes of theirresearch in a practical format (as described at i) and ii) below). In the latter casescandidates shall submit a textual component as accompaniment to the practice-based material which should establish the research questions that govern thesubmission as a whole and also the manner of its presentation. Howeverpresented, this work must be accompanied by an adequate and approved form ofretainable documentation. In all cases, the submitted components shall togetherfulfill the criteria for the PhD as set out above.

i) Candidates may submit a portfolio of compositions accompanied by a written

commentary, components which together constitute the 'thesis'. The portfolioshould show artistic skill, coherence and originality, and should bear relationto the research questions outlined in the written component. The portfolioshould include recordings of as many of the works as possible. The writtencomponent should outline the compositionally-driven research questionsgoverning the submission as a whole, and should reflect on the creativeprocesses involved in producing the portfolio by employing intellectuallyrigorous analytical and critical techniques. The commentary should alsomake clear that the candidate is well acquainted with the history andcontemporary developments of the genre or genres in which he or she isworking in the creative portion of the thesis, and the associated critical field

or fields, and is able independently to analyse, interpret and evaluateassociated debates and theoretical positions. The written and practice-basedcomponents shall together present an integrated argument.

or

ii) Candidates may submit performance material (whether presented as aconcert(s)/recital(s) or as recordings) accompanied by a written commentary


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or study, components which together constitute the 'thesis'. Theperformances should show artistic skill, insight and technical mastery, andshould bear relation to the research questions outlined in the writtencomponent. All the performance material to be considered as part of the'thesis' should be made available to the examiners and recorded for archivingwith the written component. The written component should outline theperformance-driven research questions governing the submission as a wholeand make clear the significance of the performances by employing

intellectually rigorous analytical and critical techniques. The commentaryshould also make clear that the candidate is well acquainted with the historyand contemporary developments of the genre or genres in which he or she isworking in the creative portion of the thesis, and the associated critical fieldor fields, and is able independently to analyse, interpret and evaluateassociated debates and theoretical positions. The written and practice-based components shall together present an integrated argument.

Internal Royal Academy of Music MPhil/PhD regulations

Length of Programme

The normal length of programme for the Academys PhD is four years, includingthree years of full-time study and one year writing-up. Students may opt tocomplete the degree within three years by writing to their Tutor.

Requirements

Composers Performers

PhD

Thesis:Composition Portfolio consisting of aminimum of 1 hour of music and writtencommentary of 15-25,000 words.

MPhilThesis:Composition Portfolio of a minimum of45 minutes of music plus written

commentary of 10-20,000 words.

PhD

Thesis:Written dissertation of 50-70,000 wordsplus supporting material as required.ORPerformance Portfolio and writtencommentary of 15-25,000 words.

MPhilThesis:Dissertation of 30-50,000 words plussupporting material as required.

ORPerformance Portfolio plus writtencommentary of 10-20,000 words.

1. The balance of practical material and written text may lie anywherebetween the outer limits indicated in the guidelines above. The format of


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the final submission will be determined by the student in consultation withthe supervisor(s).

2. Where a portfolio of compositions or performances is presented as part ofthe submission the written and practical materials shall together presentan integrated thesis.

3. At 4.1.2 the University of London regulations note a generic expectation

that the thesis shall form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of thesubject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new factsand/or by the exercise of independent critical power. The Academystipulates that this also includes the demonstration of artistic insight at anappropriate level.

3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Qualifications for admission

The normal minimum entrance requirement for registration for the MPhil or PhD

degree is:

a second class honours degree of a UK university or an internationalqualification of an equivalent standard obtained after a course of studyextending over not less than three years in a university (or educationalinstitution of university rank), in a subject appropriate to that of theprogramme to be followed; OR

a Postgraduate Taught degree of the University of London in a subjectappropriate to the programme to be followed; OR

a professional or other qualification obtained by written examination andapproved by the College (i.e. RAM) as an appropriate entrance

qualification for the MPhil or PhD degree in question; AND for students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 7.0

Applicants possessing alternative qualifications may also be considered.

In addition to the above, students entering the Academys research degreeprogramme need to show evidence of their practical skills and experience, asperformers or composers. It is usually expected that these skills and experienceshould be at the standard of students gaining the Academys Masters award. In

judging applications, the Academy will consider whether the proposed topic issuited to the institutions distinctive research environment and specialisms. All

prospective students are encouraged to contact the Head of PostgraduateProgrammes and/or other members of the supervisory team for advice prior tosubmitting an application.

The Royal Academy of Music invites applications from those who meet themusical, academic and performance criteria for their proposed programme; andwelcomes candidates with additional needs. The Academy is committed toproviding an inclusive environment for learning, actively promoting equality of


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opportunity. Therefore students are selected purely on their research proposalsor compositions, audition performance (as appropriate) and their perceivedpotential. In consultation with the Disability Advisor, welfare officers anddepartmental staff, reasonable adjustments for auditions and assessment can bemade for students with additional needs. In some cases, the Disability Advisormay need to liaise with the student prior to audition regarding provision ofreasonable adjustments. Any declaration of disability made to the Disability

Advisor will be treated as confidential. Students will be given the opportunity to

sign a form giving permission for information about their disability to be given torelevant staff only. This should facilitate the provision of support and reasonableadjustments.

Application procedures

Candidates for the research degree programme should request an applicationform from the Registry or download it from the Academy website (see details inthe Academys Prospectus). The form should be returned by the end of Januaryof the year before the student wishes to enter the programme. Candidates needto pay an application fee of 75 for the 2011/12 academic year. Shortlisted

candidates are called to interview.

In addition composerswill be required to submit:

a portfolio of recent compositions (including recordings where possible) asevidence of their standard of practical work

if invited for interview, composers will be required to provide a detailedresearch proposal (of c.2,000 words), outlining the planned content of theirMPhil/PhD portfolio (including any plans for collaborative work) and theanalytical and critical questions that would be addressed in theaccompanying written component. It should also indicate how the

applicant wishes to benefit from the resources available at the Academy,including known staff expertise.

In additionperformerswill be required to submit:

an example of recently written academic work

a CV of recent performance experience, including a recording of a recentperformance if possible

a detailed research proposal (of c.2,000 words), outlining the thesis theywish to pursue and the methodologies that would support it (including theproposed method of linking academic to practical research outcomes).

The proposal should suggest how the thesis will contribute to currentdisciplines of performance research and to the students own developmentas a performer. It should also suggest how the applicant wishes to benefitfrom the resources available at the Academy, including known staffexpertise.

Candidates who have submitted a promising application will be called tointerview, normally in March of the year preceding entry to the programme.


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Performers will be advised on whether they need to attend a practical audition atthat time. The interview panel consists of the Head of Programme and at leastone other member of the Academys research supervision team. InstrumentalHeads of Studies are also consulted and are often part of any practical audition.

If accepted onto the programme, applicants will receive details of enrolmentprocedures and funding levels. The Academy has been awarded an AHRC blockgrant so that it can distribute AHRC awards directly. Application procedures for

AHRC awards are available on the Academys website. There is a smallscholarship fund for the programme and a range of research internships areadvertised to research degree students each year. These range from workassisting in the dissemination or editing of research projects to assistance withaspects of postgraduate teaching and can be discussed at interview if thestudent wishes.

4 REGISTRATION, PROGRESSION AND TRANSFERREQUIREMENTS

University of London Regulations for registration and transfer ofregistration

A candidate for a research degree will initially be registered for the degree ofMPhil (1.3). A College may permit a student to transfer from the MPhil to thePhD degree (see the Academy requirements set out below); registration for thedegree to which transfer has been made may date from initial registration for thedegree from which transfer has been made (2.1). On transfer of registration, theregistration for the original degree will lapse (2.2).

Royal Academy of Music progression requirements

End of Year 1 Assessment for Performers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that indicates anability to complete either MPhil or PhD degrees within the appropriate time frame.This will be assessed through a publicly presented research paper or lecturerecital of c.45 minutes (accompanied by a written submission with footnotes andbibliography), followed by a discussion and an interview with the assessmentpanel. The assessment will normally take place at the end of the summer term.The assessment panel will consist of the student's principal supervisor, the Headof Postgraduate Programmes, and one other assessor (two where the Head of

Postgraduate Programmes is the principal supervisor). The PostgraduateProgrammes Board will decide on the student's progression, subject to thepanel's report and the principal supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor'sreport as appropriate) on the student's activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 2 Assessment for Performers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that indicates an


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ability to complete the PhD degree after one further year of full time study and awrite-up period of up to one year. Assessment will be by submission of acomplete thesis plan (with detailed descriptions of major components) and twothesis chapters or appropriate equivalents in the case of theses with performanceportfolio elements, normally totalling c. 20,000 words (or 45-60 minutes recordedportfolio and c. 8,000 words). Please note, however, that it is normally expectedthat this material will be combined with the requirements for transfer and that asingle submission will satisfy both assessments. The Postgraduate Programmes

Board will decide on the student's progression subject to the report on this writtenwork (from the principal supervisor and one other assessor), and the principalsupervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report if appropriate) on thestudent's activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 1 Assessment for Composers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagementthat indicates an ability to complete either MPhil or PhD degrees within theappropriate time frame. This will be assessed through a publicly presentedresearch paper of c.45 minutes (accompanied by a written submission withfootnotes and bibliography), followed by discussion and an interview with the

assessment panel. It is expected that this paper will explore in some detail atleast one composition completed during the year. The assessment will normallytake place at the end of the summer term. The assessment panel will consist ofthe student's principal supervisor, the Head of Postgraduate Programmes and atleast one other assessor. The Postgraduate Programmes Board will decide onthe student's progression, subject to the panel's report and the principalsupervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report as appropriate) on thestudent's compositional activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 2 Assessment for Composers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement

that indicates an ability to complete the PhD degree after on year of full timestudy and a write-up period of up to one more year. Assessment will be bysubmission of a detailed plan of the compositions to be included as part of thethesis, including proposed timings, a timetable for the completion of thecompositions, and summaries of how each piece will relate to the writtencomponent of the thesis. This plan should be accompanied by a portfolio of c.30minutes of music (with score(s) and recordings where possible), plus a writtensubmissionnormally the equivalent of two chapters of the proposed finalwritten submission (c. 8,000 words). Please note, however, that it is normallyexpected that this material will be combined with the requirements for transferand that a single submission will satisfy both assessments. The Postgraduate

Programmes Board will decide on the student's progression subject to the reporton this work (from the principal supervisor and one other assessor), and theprincipal supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report if appropriate) onthe student's compositional activity and progress throughout the year.


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Royal Academy of Music transfer requirements

In order to be eligible for the PhD research-degree students must transfer to PhDstatus by the end of their second year. It is normally expected that students willapply for transfer in the Spring Term, with the assessment taking place in theSummer Term. A form for applying for transfer from MPhil to PhD can beobtained from the Registry. As noted above, it is normally expected that a singlesubmission will fulfil the requirements for both End of Year 2 and transfer

assessments.

Transfer requirements from MPhil to PhD for Performers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that is considered bythe assessment panel to be commensurate with expectations of work at PhDlevel.

Students are required to submit:

A detailed plan of the chapters of the proposed theses, including

summaries of the proposed content of principal componentsEITHER

A full draft of at least one chapter (c. 15,000 words) intended for the thesis(this may overlap with end-of-year assessment materials)OR

A performance portfolio (normally c. 30-45 minutes) accompanied by a fulldraft of at least one chapter (c. 5,000 words) intended for the thesis thattogether demonstrate the critical and artistic perspective of the thesis as awhole

An abstract (300-500 words) presenting an overall summary of theproposed thesis.

(Some compensation between the alternative requirements above may be madewhere appropriate to the individual requirements of a thesis). This submission willform the basis of a viva with an external assessor, the principal supervisor, andthe Head of Postgraduate Programmes (or one other assessor if the Head ofPostgraduate Programmes is the principal supervisor) who will then report to thePostgraduate Programmes Board.

Transfer requirements from MPhil to PhD for Composers:Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagementthat is considered by the assessment panel to be commensurate with

expectations of work at PhD level.

Students are required to submit:

A portfolio of at least 15 minutes of music (with recordings where possible)

A written commentary on the portfolio (c. 5,000 words), outlining the rolesthese pieces are expected to play in the final thesis submission and plansfor the structure of the written commentary


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A detailed plan for the remaining elements of the portfolio

An abstract (300-500 words) presenting an overall summary of theproposed thesis.

This submission will form the basis of a viva with an external assessor, theprincipal supervisor the Head of Postgraduate Programmes and the Head ofComposition, who will then report to the Postgraduate Programmes Board. Asan alternative to a recording, the student may opt to present his/her work through

a live concert, though this performance should be properly documented andavailable to the panel.

5 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS(Including appointment of supervisors and guidelines on the roles andresponsibilities of students and supervisors)

Principal SupervisorEach student is allocated a principal supervisor, who is approved and appointedby the Academys Postgraduate Programmes Board. This supervisor will be a

member of the Academysstaff and an approved Teacher of the University ofLondon, with recognised experience of doctoral study and supervision practices.He/she is responsible for reporting on the students progress (see appendices onrecording student progress) and for overseeing the course of the students study,and thus should have proven expertise in the students area of research.

Additional Supervisor(s)The Academys Postgraduate Programmes Board also allocates each student asubsidiary supervisor (who may be a member of the Academy or of anotherinstitution).

The student should consult with the Head of Postgraduate Programmes aboutother supervisors to whom they might wish to refer (including practicalsupervisors). It is the students responsibility to keep a record of how manysupervisions they have with subsidiary supervisors, and to report on this to theHead of Postgraduate Programmes.

Appointment of SupervisorsPrincipal and subsidiary supervisors will be nominated after discussions betweenHead of Postgraduate Programmes, the individual student and the proposedsupervisors (principal and subsidiary). Nominations will be discussed by thePostgraduate Programmes Board and formally appointed thereafter.

Guidelines for Supervision and Candidature of Doctoral Research Students

Responsibilities of Supervisors

a) at the commencement of studentship

discussing withthe studentthe aims, scope and presentation of the thesis;


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assisting the student in completing their Personal Development Plan (Form1 ofthe Research DegreesCode of Practice)

clarifying the student's and the supervisor's respective expectations ofsupervision and of the operation of the supervisory team. Agreement should bereached on expectations pertaining to frequency of contact (normally not lessthan once a fortnight) recognising that there are different needs at differentstages of the thesis

proposing a realistic timetable to meet the requirements of the course over 3-4years, including recognition of End of Year and Transfer requirements

establishing expectations of students attendance at research skills training (RAMand IMR); identifying any individual training requirements, particularly where thestudent has not already undergone research skills training

identifying any English-as-a-second-language student who needs assistance incommunicating orally or in writing in English; advising the student of the need forthis assistance; referring the student for appropriate academic skills assistance

identifying any material resources necessary to complete the thesis

discussing any directed reading/listening considered necessary establishing expectations of students involvement in Research Student

Seminars and RAM research events

if the research is funded by an AHRC award, discussing with the studentcontractual terms and conditions. Any financial support provided to the studentby other funding bodies will be the responsibility of the student, although thesupervisor should agree to provide all necessary progress reports

b) during the studentship

initiating and holding frequent and adequate discussions with the student on the

student's research programme. Supervisor and student are jointly responsible forinitiating such discussions, and there should normally be contact between thesupervisor and the student at least once each fortnight even if a formal meetingis not always possible

encouraging the student to be actively engaged in the research course in amanner likely to produce significant materials by the time of End of Yearassessments, in preparation for the Transfer examination and by the time thethesis is due to be submitted; or advising the student in writing that progress isunsatisfactory and identifying improvements necessary for continuation ofcandidature

ensuring that any major decisions about the student's research programme made

in conversation between the supervisor and the student, or any major variationsto agreed expectations and guidelines, are confirmed in writing and a copy givento the student and to secondary supervisor(s) and noted in the annual progressreport

in consultation with the Head of Programmes, arranging and attending End ofYear and Transfer examinations;

completing the End of Year Supervisor Report(Form 2 of the Research


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DegreesCode of Practice) at the end of each academic year

encouraging the student to participate in the research environment of the RAMthrough involvement with Research Student Seminars and research events;encouraging students to participate in external research events/conferences

requiring work (writing/performance/composition) from the student on a pre-arranged and agreed schedule; reviewing drafts of submissions for assessments;reviewing drafts of the thesis and providing written and/or verbal comments

within a mutually agreed period; providing written and/or verbal comments on thecompleted thesis before it is submitted for examination

in consultation with the Head of Programme, and after giving the student anopportunity to comment on possible examiners for the thesis, nominatingexaminers to the Postgraduate Programmes Board normally at least four monthsbefore the thesis is due to be submitted

arranging the students final Viva by liaising with student and examiners

in consultation with the Head of Programme, advising the student on anyexaminers' recommendations for amendments to the thesis and advising thestudent during the revision process for re-submission and re-examination

advising and negotiating with the student in respect of any publication or jointpublication likely to arise during or on the basis of the research project,appropriate and adequate recognition of the students and the supervisor'scontribution to the publication

advising the student on career options, and on any prospective publicationsarising from the final thesis

Responsibilities of Students

becoming familiar with the Research Degrees Code of Practice

initiating (when required) and participating in frequent and adequate discussionswith the supervisor(s) during the research programme. Supervisors and studentsare jointly responsible for initiating such discussions, and there should normallybe contact between the supervisor(s) and the student at least once a fortnighteven if a formal meeting is not always possible. Contact should be maintainedduring any period of fieldwork

establishing with your Supervisor a realistic timetable to meet the EOY andtransfer requirements over 3-4 years; understanding expected progress at eachstage of the course

completing, in consultation with your supervisor, your Personal DevelopmentPlan (Form 1 of the Research DegreesCode of Practice) at the beginning of

each academic year

attending research skills training (RAM and IMR) as agreed with your Supervisor

in discussion with your Supervisor, identify any individual training requirements(including any English Language support), any external supervisory needs, andany material requirements necessary for you to complete your thesis


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participating in the research environment of the RAM through involvement withResearch Student Seminars and research events; attending and participating inrelevant external events/conferences

actively engaging in the programme in a manner likely to produce significantresults by the time of end of year assessments, transfer examination and by thetime the thesis is due to be submitted. This should include submitting writtenwork to the Supervisor in accordance with a pre-arranged and agreed schedule

engaging with the programme on a full-time basis and reporting to yourSupervisor and Tutor any significant change in other commitments likely to affectthe progress of the research course, including need for a period of suspension ofstudentship or attendance

negotiating with your supervisor(s) in respect of any publication or jointpublication likely to arise during or on the basis of the research project, to ensureappropriate and adequate recognition of the student's and the supervisor'scontribution to the publication

submitting to the Registry notice of intention to submit and providing the final titleof the thesis, with an abstract of approximately 300 words describing its content,at least four months before the expected submission;

producing the final copies of the thesis for the examiners, and ensuring that itscontent and standard of presentation is in accordance with University of Londonrequirements.

6 SEMINAR ARRANGEMENTS

Seminars for MPhil/PhD students are co-ordinated by the programme team andtake place at least three times per term. Additional sessions for MPhil/PhDcomposers are organised by the Head of Composition. All research degree

students are required to attend these and are also expected to participate fully inthe seminars and workshops organised as part of the Museum Research EventsSeries in addition to attending internal and external research training asappropriate. The Academy runs its own internal Research Skills Seminar seriesand students also normally attend the research training programme provided bythe Institute of Musical Research at the University of Londons School of

Advanced Study. MPhil/PhD performers are allowed to take part in facultyclasses and activities (performance classes, masterclasses etc.) only at thediscretion of the Head of Study concerned; they are not normally allowed toparticipate in Academy competitions.

7 THESIS SUBMISSION AND WRITING-UP PERIOD

Duration of Study

Following the minimum registration period of two years for MPhil, and three yearsfor PhD, students may apply to the Postgraduate Programmes Board for awriting up period of one calendar year. For a fee, they will be entitled to limitedsupervision support and library access. However, this does not constitute full


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student status. Students who have not submitted their theses after the writing upyear has elapsed will have to re-register at full fees for the following year. Themaximum period of registration for any research degree is seven years.

Regulations for entry to the Final ExaminationThe title of the thesis must be approved by the principal supervisor, and the entryform must be accompanied by a short abstract or description of the content of thethesis (of not more than 300 words) to assist in the appointment of suitable

examiners. The entry form must not be submitted earlier than six months beforethe completion of the candidates prescribed course (which normally lasts twocalendar years for MPhil, three calendar years for PhD), however, it must besubmitted at least four months before the thesis is actually submitted. Studentsmust be registered at the Academy in order to submit their thesis. Entry forms(plus Nomination of Examiners forms) can be obtained from the AssistantRegistrar, Claire Watts.

Regulations for format of thesis submissionA candidate will be required to submit two copies of his/her thesis either type-written or printed in accordance with instructions obtainable from the Registry. A

candidate may be required to provide a third copy of his/her thesis if a thirdexaminer is appointed at any stage in the examination process.

Each copy must include the candidates signed declaration that the workpresented in the thesis is his/her own and that the thesis presented is the oneupon which the candidate expects to be examined (UoL paragraph 4.3.6).Definitions of plagiarism can be found at UoL paragraph 9.3:

Plagiarism is the presentation of another persons thoughts orwords as though they were the candidates own. Directquotations from the published or unpublished work of another

must always be clearly identified as such by being placed insidequotation marks, and a full reference to their source must be

provided in the proper form. A series of short quotations fromseveral different sources, if not clearly identified as such,constitutes plagiarism as much as does a singleunacknowledged long quotation from a single source. Equally,if another persons ideas or judgements are summarised, thecandidate must refer to that person in his/her text, and includethe work to which reference is made in the bibliography.

Any allegations of Academic Malpractice will be dealt with under the Academys

Academic Malpractice Regulations and procedures.

After the examination has been completed and before the degree is awarded,successful candidates are required to submit to the Assistant Registrar of theRAM two copies of their theses, one hard-bound and one soft-bound.The termson which copyright is retained by the candidate, and the terms on which thecontents of the thesis are made available to other researchers, are outlined inparagraph 6.2(d).


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Applications for restriction (see UoL Regulation 6.3) must be supported by thecandidates supervisor and will be considered by the Postgraduate ProgrammesBoard. The reasons will be minuted, and a log of reasons will be maintained tofacilitate the development of case law. Approved applications will be notified tothe Academic Office of the University.

Royal Academy of Music regulations for format of thesis submission

Candidates for the MPhil or PhD in Composition are required to submit a portfolioof compositions of c.45 minutes for the award of MPhil, or c.60 minutes for theaward of PhD. All the score-material should be accompanied by recordings,unless specific permission is given by the Academys Postgraduate ProgrammesBoard. The portfolio has to be presented with a written commentary of guide-length 10-20,000 words for MPhil and 15-25 000 words for PhD. The final formatof the thesis has to be agreed with the Postgraduate Programmes Board beforesubmission and two copies of the total package have to be delivered to the

Academy (see above).

Candidates for the MPhil or PhD in Performance Practice are required to submit

a written thesis in accordance with the word-length guidelines detailed on page 4.Any performance materials must be made available in an appropriatelydocumented form, as endorsed by the supervisor and the PostgraduateProgrammes Board, so that they can be submitted as part of the thesis package.

8 EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Appointment of Examiners

In the first instance nominations for examiners will be made to the PostgraduateProgrammes Board.

Following discussion at Postgraduate Programmes Board, nominations will beput to the three Postgraduate Programme external examiners for comments. Inaddition, and where appropriate or necessary, there will be an advisory group forconsultation drawn from colleagues from both the University of London andCUK/MIDAS. All appointments will be confirmed by the Chair of the PostgraduateProgrammes Board. Two examiners are appointed for each candidate, one ofwhom will be external to the University and one who will usually be from aCollege of the University other than that of the candidate. The candidatessupervisor cannot be one of the examiners but is invited to attend the vivaexamination as an observer, unless the candidate indicates otherwise on their

entry form. The Postgraduate Programmes Board will also appoint anindependent chair for the examination.

Regulations for the conduct of the Viva Examination

All candidates are required to attend a viva examination conducted by their twoappointed examiners and an independent chair appointed by the Academy, aslaid down in the University of London regulations (see 7.2.1). Candidates mustbring a copy of their thesis with them to the viva examination, paginated in the


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same way as the copies submitted to the Academy (5.7). All Academy studentswill be offered the chance to participate in a mock viva with members of thesupervisory team.

Regulations on the submission of Examiners ReportsThe examiners prepare independent preliminary written reports on the thesis toassist in the viva examination; these are not given to candidates except in thecase of their making an appeal against an examination decision. After the viva

the examiners make a final joint report, which is then submitted to the Academyand given to the candidate for their personal information. After the examinershave a reached a decision, every candidate is notified by the Assistant Registrarof the Academy of the result of his/her examination. The decisions available toexaminers are set out in paragraphs 7.3 and 7.5 of the University of Londonregulations. These include the regulations under which an unsuccessful PhDcandidate may be allowed to resubmit his/her thesis for the award of MPhil (see7.3.3 (f)).

9 STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF

STUDENT APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

Research degree students at the Academy are represented on the institutionscommittees, including Postgraduate Programmes Board and the Student-StaffLiaison Committee. They are also invited to fill in the Academys institutional andprogramme feedback forms. The research degree programme will be monitoredand reviewed as part of the Academys internal processes of review set down inthe Quality Assurance Procedures. Students also have the opportunity to speakto their Tutor (for surgery hours, see Arena) for issues of academic and/orpastoral concern.

If a student wishes to appeal against a decision made at the end-of-yearassessment, they should use the Academys appeal procedures as laid down inthe institutions Academic Regulations. If he/she wishes to appeal against thedecision at the final examination there is an approved Research Degrees

Appeals Procedure and Guidelines contained within the Regulations.

10 MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THEACADEMYS POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES BOARD

The Postgraduate Programmes Board is a sub-committee of the Standing Committee of

Academic Board, to which it reports. Subject to any general or particular direction whichfrom time to time may be given by Standing Committee of Academic Board, thePostgraduate Programmes Board is charged:

Learning and Teaching

1 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, for theinitial drafting and periodic revision of the Programme Specification documents


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for the postgraduate programmes, and annually to submit these documents toStanding Committee of Academic Board for consideration and approval

2 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, for theinitial drafting and periodic revision of postgraduate programme regulations

3 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, formonitoring the curriculum content and operation of the postgraduate programmes

4 To consider and develop proposals for major and minor modifications to existingprogrammes of study and to forward such proposals to Standing Committee of

Academic Board for scrutiny and approval

5 To consider and nominate the appointment of supervisors to research students

6 To monitor Postgraduate students engagement with the Research, Museum andCollections events

7 To disseminate good practice as it pertains to delivery of the programmes

Assessment and Examiners

9 To consider periodically the fitness-for-purpose of the assessment strategies ofthe taught postgraduate programmes, and to recommend any proposed changesto the Standing Committee of Academic Board for approval.

10 To nominate and recommend the re-nomination of external examiners and toforward any nominations to Standing Committee of Academic Board for approvaland appointment.

11 To recommend examiners for MPhil and PhD students in accordance with therelevant Ordinances of the University of London

12 To monitor Academy policy and procedure in the examination, assessment andadministration of the MPhil and PhD programmes in Composition andPerformance Practice, in line with the relevant University of London Ordinances

Quality Assurance and Enhancement

13 To consider results from the student feedback exercise and determine anynecessary action, the resulting action plans being reported to StandingCommittee of Academic Board for scrutiny

14 To consider reports of external examiners and determine any necessary action,the resulting action plans being reported to Standing Committee of Academic

Board for scrutiny

15 To produce the Postgraduate Taught Programmes and Research DegreesAnnual Monitoring reports for scrutiny by the Standing Committee of AcademicBoard


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16 To develop plans for the periodic review of the programme and to produce allrelevant documentation for scrutiny by the Standing Committee of AcademicBoard

Student Support

17 To monitor the progress of all students on the programmes, to highlight problemsand risks and to consider action plans accordingly

18 To review regularly the status of MPhil/PhD students

19 To consider various areas of funding and awards for postgraduate programmes.

20 To support and encourage consideration of equality issues with regards to theactivities of the committee. This will be done in accordance with the Equality Act2010 and guidance issued in the Academys Equality and Diversity Policy

MEETINGS

The Board will meet at least three times per academic year; but the normal frequency ofmeetings shall be once per term. It may however be necessary to convene additionalmeetings in order to produce the Annual Monitoring reports and/or Periodic Reviewdocumentation.

MEMBERSHIP*

OFFICERS

Chair: Head of Postgraduate ProgrammesDeputy Chair: Senior Postgraduate Tutor and Associate Head of ResearchSecretary: Committees and Alumni Network Administrator

EX OFFICIOTutorsOne Head of StudyOne representative from Research, Museum and CollectionsOne representative from the LibraryOne representative from ITHead of Supporting StudiesProgrammes Co-ordinator

Assistant RegistrarAdmissions Officer and International Co-ordinator (Research meetings only)

CO OPTEDProfessional Development AdviserOne representative from English Language Support

Student representativesone from each cohort.


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APPENDICES

Copies of forms for recording student progress:

1 Personal Development Plan (student to complete)2 End of Year Supervisor Report (supervisor to complete)


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Personal Development Plan

Please complete this form at the beginning of the academic year in consultationwith your supervisor and submit to Sarah Callis by the end of October.Please make sure you have read the Guidelines for Supervision and Candidatureof Doctoral Research Studentsbefore completing the form.

Student Name

Supervisor Name

Academic Year Year of study

Status MPhil PhD (please delete as appropriate)

Working Title

Summary of focal areas for this year

Details of any specific resources required

Details of any particular concerns

Date received:


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End of Year Supervisor report

Please complete this form in the summer term and return to Sarah Callis by theend of June. Please make sure you have read the Guidelines for Supervisionand Candidature of Doctoral Research Studentsbefore completing the form.

Student Name

Supervisor Name

Academic Year Year of study

Status MPhil PhD (please delete as appropriate)

Please report on the students progress forthis academic year

Please give details of any particular concerns

Supervisor signature Date

Date Received

research degrees code of practice 2011

Documents