Improving standards in postgraduate research degree programmes

The four UK higher education funding bodies consulted with the sector in May 2003 (HEFCE 2003/23) on establishing minimum standards for postgraduate research degree programmes.

Concerns were expressed in that consultation about introducing a separate set of standards when a Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) code of practice already existed. In February 2004 the funding bodies announced that they were considering with the QAA the possibility of embedding the standards within the revised section 1 of the QAA code of practice.

The QAA web-site contains the revised section 1 of the QAA code of practice. It was drawn up by a working group with representation from the funding bodies. Its 27 precepts cover all the key elements in the minimum standards previously proposed by the funding bodies. This co-ordinated approach should bring substantial benefits in improving provision while minimising the associated administrative burden.

We expect all institutions in receipt of HEFCE funding for postgraduate research degree programmes to provide these programmes in line with the revised QAA code from 2005-06. Funding for postgraduate research programmes from 2005-06 includes the additional funding for research capability units which we are providing in recognition of the costs of supervising research students in those departments. 

Alignment with the revised code is audited by the QAA within its regular programme of institutional audits, starting from the beginning of the new QAA audit cycle in 2006-07. However, the link to grant started in 2005-06 and was supported by a one-off survey of HEIs' alignment with the revised section 1 of the code by the QAA during 2005-06. In all cases the review teams found that, overall, the procedures in place to secure and enhance the quality and standards of RDPs were appropriate and satisfactory.

In parallel, we are monitoring through HESA returns the time that students take to obtain their qualifications. More information on monitoring qualification rates is available.

European Charter

The European Commission has shown an interest in the standards of management and recruitment of researchers at both postgraduate and postdoctoral level. Its guidelines for best practice within the sector are outlined in the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. A recent UK higher education sector working group co-ordinated by Universities UK and RCUK has found that in most cases the UK already meets the requirements of the European Charter and Code. More information on the Code and Charter and the findings of the working group are available in the UK HE sector gap analysis report published on the RCUK website.

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