School of Arts PhD Programmes – (Ph.D.)

Contents

There are four research groups in the department:

* Centre for Contemporary and Digital Performance
* Brunel Centre for Contemporary Writing
* Centre for Contemporary Music Practice (CCMP)
* Screen Media Research Centre

The research conducted in these groups provides the basis for much of the teaching undertaken in the department, ensuring that modules are connected to debates and issues that are current within the three disciplinary areas.

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community.

A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in depth, and contribute new knowledge to your discipline, and there are opportunities to study for a PhD (or MPhil) in all academic Schools and Research Institutes across the University.

Professional Doctorates and the New Route PhD enhance the doctoral experience through the inclusion of an integral taught programme, and are offered in a number of subject specialisations.

Taught Masters of Research (MRes) degrees are also offered in some disciplines as a preparation for a research degree.

PhD
The `traditional´ PhD involves an in-depth exploration of a research topic. The degree is awarded to students who demonstrate (through a written thesis and Viva Voce examination) knowledge and understanding of their discipline together with a distinct and original contribution to knowledge within that discipline.

Both full-time (over 3-4 years) and part-time (over 4-8 years) study routes are available.

Practice-based PhD
Practice-based PhDs are available within the Arts. Here students can present evidence of knowledge, understanding and originality through the medium of creative work (for example a substantial piece of creative writing, musical composition or practical performance in dance or drama), supported by an appropriate critical written commentary.

The University's academic year commences in September and is based on three periods of study a year. However, the work of research students is less tied to the termly structure than that of taught course students. They may therefore currently commence their work at any point in the year (though check that this is the case in your chosen subject), and are expected to study for around 44 weeks in each year. Research students tend to work closely with academic staff who are combining their research activity with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching responsibilities. Also much experimental or laboratory work, or archive research, has to take place outside normal working hours - sometimes in the evenings or at weekends.

Each candidate is registered for the degree of Master or Doctor by research works under the general supervision of two supervisors, at least one of whom will be a full-time member of staff and will act as the principal supervisor.

At registration, students are given the Research Students' Handbook , which includes guidance on regulations affecting their study.

Students normally agree with their supervisors, at the beginning of their course, a schedule of meetings, a timetable of work (including taught courses, seminars and conferences to be attended) and possible submission dates. To complete their degree programme successfully, they will be expected to:

* follow a programme of induction and training on research methods*;
* achieve a satisfactory level of performance in any required taught courses*;
* attend lectures, courses and colloquia as directed by their supervisors;
* carry out an approved programme of research to a satisfactory standard.

There my be opportunities for research students to undertake teaching or demonstration work for taught course students and the University also provides training for those who wish to be employed in this way.

Assessment of Progress

Research students have to produce, at least annually, a short formal report of their progress for discussion with their supervisors and other members of academic staff. A record of each of these discussions is submitted to the University Registry and a copy is given to the student. Other opportunities to discuss study issues during the year are provided by schools, either on an individual basis or through staff/student liaison meetings or postgraduate representatives on relevant University committees. After successful completion of a research project, the student presents a thesis and, if this is judged satisfactory, a research degree (MPhil or Doctorate) may be awarded.

* For the NewRoutePhD, the length, variety and number of taught modules will be significantly greater than for the standard three-year PhD.

Research Degrees - Thesis
In the thesis, a student must meet the criteria set out in the QAA's National Qualification Framework, including demonstrating a sound knowledge and critical appreciation of his or her discipline. The thesis for the award of PhD, DBA, EdD, DrPH and EngD (though not MPhil) must also make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge in that discipline. The material has to be organised and presented in a clear and appropriate style in the English language and be suitable for publication. The submission may take the form of a wholly written dissertation or one that comprises original, creative work supported by adequate documentation. It will vary in length according to the discipline being researched and whether it is to be submitted for a PhD or MPhil. All submissions involving creative work should include a means of storage, access or retrieval of work.

The major part of the thesis, including the written material, must have been completed during the student's period of registration with the University, under supervision arrangements approved by the University.

A thesis may include work published by the student, but this must be acknowledged in the text and bound in at the end. Students may include work that has been submitted for another award or published prior to registration for a research degree, provided that this is clearly indicated and is appropriately and critically reviewed in the main text. All work that is not the candidate's own must be acknowledged.

The thesis is normally presented at a viva voce examination and most schools will encourage students to practise presentation skills in order to help prepare them for this oral examination.

A candidate may present a less substantial piece or work for the award of an MPhil.