Post Graduate Research Student Charter prepared for Masters by Research, MPhil/PhD and Professional Doctorate Candidates by Doctoral School, University of Lincoln October 2020

The University of Lincoln will provide: 

• Advice on the suitability of your research topic and to allow you to enrol only if appropriate academic support and facilities can be provided for your chosen area of research.
• A team of appropriately qualified supervisors, including supervisor(s) engaged in high-quality research in your chosen field of research.
• Opportunity for agreed regular contact with your supervisors, who will give regular advice and feedback on your work and performance.
• Access to training related to research methods, personal and professional skills, including training needed for Masters by Research, MPhil/PhD and Professional Doctorates.
• Access to training related to other roles and responsibilities you may undertake at the University including teaching roles.
• Guidance on ethical issues in relation to your research and on University procedures for seeking formal ethical approval for any aspect of your research.
• A safe working environment, where appropriate risk assessments have been completed regarding the research you will be undertaking.
• Advice in relation to non-academic issues, including fees and studentships, student wellbeing and visa issues
• Advice for both academic and non-academic post masters/post doctoral careers.
• Advice on appropriate steps to be taken to protect intellectual property arising from your research.
• A respectful, supportive and professional working environment to celebrate your successes and provide support where you are experiencing difficulties.
• Impartial and independent appeals and complaints procedures
• Advice and support for the examination, providing feedback on thesis chapters and preparation for viva-voce examination.
• Independent examiners appointed to examine your final thesis ordissertation with appropriate subject expertise.
• Arrangements for submission and examination of written thesis and viva-voce examination, where required.
• To provide advice and feedback in addressing corrections and amendments arising from independent examiners.

What Post Graduate Research students (Master by Research, MPhil/PhD and Professional Doctorate) should commit to achieve: 

• Undertake research in a professional and scholarly manner, with appropriate standards of research integrity and ethics
• Comply with best standards of conduct and respect for others in your working environment
• To show respect for others including fellow researchers and staff within the university as well as the wider research community.
• Maintain regular contact with your supervisors, prepare adequately for meetings with them, and follow their advice in relationto the suitability of your research methods. 
• Address feedback from supervisors and assessors in a timely and professional manner.
• Make your supervisors aware of any specific needs or circumstances that affect your ability to conduct your research efficiently and effectively.
• Take responsibility for the progress of your research and submission of progression documents.
• Take responsibility for your personal and professional development, and to undertake appropriate professional skills training.
• Give proper and scrupulous acknowledgement to all sources of information included in your research and the contributions of your research colleagues and collaborators; and not to pass off the work of others as your own.
• Be aware of the ethical issues arising from your work and to seek advice and follow formal ethical approval procedureswhen needed. 
• Adhere to safe working practises as they affect your research.
• Take adequate measures to protect any intellectual property generated by your research.
• Take responsibility for presenting work for assessment in a timely manner including your thesis and preparation for its defence.
• Submit thesis for examination within normal enrolment period
• Address feedback from examination in a timely and professional manner.