University of Salford Postgraduate Research Guide 2024

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AT THE

P OSTG R ADUATE RESEARCH

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UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD

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POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH 2

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Introduction

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Our research at Salford

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Arts, Media and Creative Technology

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Business, Management and Law

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Health and Society

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Science, Engineering and Environment

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Fees and funding

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Example timelines of study

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Progression milestones

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Supervisory team

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Researcher training, development and support

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How to apply

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Postgraduate research team

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CONTENTS

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DISTANCE FROM...

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

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GLASGOW EDINBURGH

LIVERPOOL 50 MINUTES LEEDS 1 HOUR BIRMINGHAM 1.5 HOURS LAKE DISTRICT 1.5 HOURS LONDON 2 HOURS EDINBURGH 3.5 HOURS EXETER 4.5 HOURS

BELFAST 1 HOUR DUBLIN 1 HOUR

NEWCASTLE BELFAST LEEDS

DUBLIN

LIVERPOOL

MANCHESTER

NOTTINGHAM NORWICH BIRMINGHAM CARDIFF LONDON

EXETER

SOUTHAMPTON

It’s an exciting time to be doing research at Salford. Building on our rich heritage of industry engagement, the University is now at the heart of 21st century creativity and learning.

We’re proud of our research expertise and diversity at Salford. Our REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021 results demonstrate the excellence of our research, with 78% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/research/ref-2021 Our Doctoral School brings together PhD researchers from across the University who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, adding their life experiences and unique journeys to our collective knowledge and expertise. The Doctoral School’s core values of diversity, inclusivity and equality are celebrated and embedded in all that we do, supporting a vibrant community in which collaborative and interdisciplinary working can flourish.

We also host the Salford Postgraduate Annual Research Conference (SPARC), our free, two-day event which brings together postgraduate researchers from all disciplines to exchange ideas and celebrate students’ work. For more details on our training opportunities, see page 29.

A selection of start dates allow you to begin your study when it is most convenient for you, while our online doctoral programme enables researchers based outside the Greater Manchester area to complete their PhD studies with us.

Whatever your reasons for pursuing a PhD, our inclusive training and development opportunities and supportive research community will enable you to fulfil your unique potential.

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Through our Community Model for Postgraduate Achievement, Skills and future Success (COMPASS) - an accessible, inclusive, and community-driven training programme - we enable you to develop professionally and personally throughout your time at Salford. This includes a 12-week course in your first trimester, designed to embed you into your programme, and continues in Years 2 and 3 with initiatives to help develop your research skills and enhance your employability.

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OUR RESEARCH

AT SALFORD At Salford we have a large community of postgraduate research (PGR) students across our different research centres, which cover a range of topics based upon the specialisms of our four academic schools: / S chool of Arts, Media and Creative Technology / Salford Business School / School of Health and Society / S chool of Science, Engineering and Environment The next few pages will give an outline of the expertise and research areas we offer.

You have the best support system in Salford. There are resources and facilities available to help you, and the amazing team of people here are like your family.

Vashti Gbolagun Suwa, PhD student in Literature and Creative Writing

ARTS, MEDIA AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY Within Arts, the fields of Media and Creative Technology we are home to a vibrant research culture, with our PGR students undertaking research across a variety of disciplines, including art and design, English and creative writing, linguistics, media, music, performance, politics and contemporary history.

Our research is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, which encourage innovative and collaborative exchange. The Salford International Innovation Studio at our MediaCity campus brings together research staff, artists, designers and other creative practitioners, while the New Adelphi Building on our Peel Park campus offers worldclass exhibition and performance spaces, making Salford a great environment for researchers and practitioners from a wide range of disciplines. Our work is often in anticipation of and influenced by the needs of our media industry neighbours such as ITV, BBC and Dock 10, developing high impact technologies. Our research also helps the lives of people in the community, for example our ‘Design against Crime’ research unit which has helped to transform the design of our cities to make them safer and better suited for our communities.

SALFORD IMPACT In the REF 2021 results, 100% of our Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, and Library and Information Management research impact was judged to be outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance.

The academic conference, ‘Challenging Media Landscapes’ (part of Salford International Media Festival) embodies our approach. Organised by the University of Salford, it serves as a platform for academic discourse and debate, where academics contribute to panel discussions and papers on contemporary media. Visit salfordmediafestival.co.uk to find out more.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL (AHRC) NORTH WEST CONSORTIUM Several eligible PGR researchers within the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology have obtained competitive AHRC studentship funding as part of the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership, in which Salford participates with a range of north-west institutions. The consortium also provides specialised advanced research training to our PGR students. To find out more, visit nwcdtp.ac.uk

Find out more about postgraduate research in arts and media at salford.ac.uk/salfordschool-of-arts-media-and-creativetechnology/postgraduate-research.

For more information contact: Doctoral School Support Officer pgr-supportsam@salford.ac.uk

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WHAT NEXT?

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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND LAW If you’re thinking of studying for a PhD in business, management or law, Salford Business School is perfectly placed to help you. By studying at Salford, you will be joining an enterprising, award-winning business school with a vibrant international community, in a city-region of rapid growth and high economic investment.

Our research areas broadly align to the University’s overall Innovation Strategy, with an emphasis on business change, entrepreneurial thinking, FinTech, ethical and sustainable working and digital transformation. Salford Business School inspires postgraduate researchers to be curious, think critically and challenge assumptions in ways that equip them with the personal and professional qualities valued by academic and industry employers alike.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and countries across the globe, with many having previous work experience. At Salford Business School, we have established links with a range of businesses and organisations who offer exciting opportunities for industry-relevant research.

We want to encourage and develop the next generation of researchers who want to make a difference, bringing together disciplines, and challenging existing ways of thinking and viewing the world of business, organisations and beyond.

Engaging in research has opened up numerous opportunities for me, both within the Digital Financial Ecosystem industry and the academic sphere. It has significantly increased my interest in academia, broadened my networking opportunities, and expanded my knowledge-sharing horizons within the industry.

Nafisa Usman, PhD student in Financial Technology and Digital Intelligence

Find out more about postgraduate research in business, management and law at salford.ac.uk/salford-businessschool/postgraduate-research.

For more information contact: Doctoral School Support Officer pgr-supportsbs@salford.ac.uk @salfordbizsch

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HEALTH AND SOCIETY In the fields of health and society, our expert teaching staff, strong industry links and excellent facilities equip you with the knowledge and experiences to advance your research or career. Our PGR students undertake research across a variety of disciplines, including nursing, allied health professions, sport, psychology, social sciences, social work and social policy and criminology.

Our research is complemented by our innovative facilities including a Simulation Suite, which mirrors a range of real-life clinical environments; the Centre for Medical Imaging, a new £2.87 million facility creating a world-class environment for research; our Human Performance Lab, which contains an extensive range of biomechanical and physiological equipment; Movement Labs where students have the opportunity to conduct motion analysis; and our purpose-built counselling suites.

Our researchers have made positive change at regional, national and international levels and their work is fed back directly into our teaching so that you benefit from relevant, evidence-based lectures.

This will allow you to develop skills relevant to the workplace along with the needs of your patients or clients.

Research in health and society is structured into three main research centres: The focus of our Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation is to address global health challenges which limit mobility and prevent people from living independently. This includes research into rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, long-term conditions - such as limb loss, diabetes and strokes – as well as health problems associated with ageing.

The Centre for Applied Health Research is a multidisciplinary research centre involving experts in nursing, allied health, public health, diagnostic imaging, psychology, mental health and digital information systems. Our research is largely applied in nature and often uses technology and digital solutions to solve real world problems and make positive changes within society, both nationally and internationally. Our multidisciplinary themes cover broad areas including: Care across the Lifecourse, Digital Health and Medical Imaging, Health Equity and Inequalities, Long Term Conditions and Mental Health and Neurodiversity.

The work of our Centre for Research on Inclusive Society focuses on social inclusion and exclusion and advancing knowledge on inclusive policies and practices. Our research aims to influence policy development and social change to improve equality and inclusion. We explore this through six key thematic areas: Environment, Sustainability and Society; Work and Welfare; Criminal Justice Deviance and Victimology; Digital Society; Inclusivity, Equity and Belonging; and People, Space and Place.

The School of Health and Society offers an abundance of opportunities for personal and academic development, tailored to the needs of research students at every stage of their research journey.

This support system has been instrumental in my progress.

Ivy Okereke, PhD student, Artificial Intelligence in Breast Imaging: Mammography Workforce Perspective

Find out more about postgraduate research in health and society at salford.ac.uk/schoolhealth-society/postgraduate-research.

For more information contact: Doctoral School Support Officer pgr-supportshas@salford.ac.uk

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SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENT The School of Science, Engineering and Environment is home to a large and vibrant research community of more than 300 PGR students, who form an integral part of our research and academic teams. Our research is structured into three overarching areas; Computer Science and Engineering, Human and Natural Sciences, and Sustainable Built and Natural Environments.

As a PGR student you will work together with our talented research staff in our world-leading facilities such as the Energy House performance test labs, Maker Space, our flagship additive and digital manufacturing facility, and the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, as well as laboratories for acoustics, civil engineering, biomedicine, and environmental sciences to name a few.

Within Computer Science and Engineering, our specialist research areas include aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, AI and data science, cyber security, networking and mathematics, and robotics.

PGR students are making significant contributions to their fields that often involve technological challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach.

This setting promotes new ideas, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative solutions to pressing issues.

We also have strong research and academic partnerships with industry, including organisations such as the BBC, Dyson, Apple, BT, Cisco and the Temporary Works Forum (TWf). These partnerships enable effective knowledge transfer and up-to-date awareness of topical issues.

Research in the Human and Natural Sciences covers the subject areas biology and wildlife, biomedicine and chemical and physical sciences.

Our research on ecosystems and environments is focused on advancing the understanding of key environmental challenges of major economic and societal importance, including biodiversity resource management, climate and environmental change and the spread of infectious diseases. We study the management and governance of living and non-living components of ecosystems and work globally in habitats ranging from oceans to tropical rainforests and the urban core of our major cities.

Our researchers in the field of biomedicine focus on cancer, inflammation, therapeutics and drug design, infectious diseases, pharmacology, physiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and cell biology.

Much of our research underpins understanding and treatment of diseases and is developed with hospital and industry partners to generate better therapies.

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Research interests in materials physics and chemistry of materials include the synthesis, characterisation, and modelling of materials with applications in the areas of nanotechnology, quantum technologies, photovoltaics, energy materials and materials under extreme conditions.

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Research in the Built and Natural Environments falls into the fields of acoustics, architecture and design, construction and property management, geography and environment as well as property and surveying. This diversity of disciplines empowers a community of ambitious and driven students and supervisors, who create a dynamic and exciting research environment supported by world-leading facilities.

Among them, Energy House Labs, our globally unique facility addresses net zero, energy efficiency and fuel poverty in homes. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Built Environment is another pioneering research group that also organises an annual summer school. Our research in urban resilience against climate change is aimed at developing decision-making tools that can help both national and local agencies to reduce the detrimental impact of natural hazards on urban infrastructure and communities.

Our sustainable environments research spans the built and natural environments, including environmental pollution, the management of rivers, the role of green infrastructure in supporting sustainable urban futures, and technological advances to enhance monitoring and management of the environment. The acoustics research group investigates, among other things, electronic vehicles in our state-of-the-art laboratories, from the physics of the sound generation, through to the psychology of how people respond to the noise.

I knew that I wanted my further study to be practically focused, where I would gain real-world skills that employers are looking for. As soon as I arrived in Salford, I knew I had chosen exactly the right place for this.

Paxton, MRes Audio and Acoustics graduate

Find out more about postgraduate research in science, engineering and environment at salford.ac.uk/school-of-scienceengineering-and-environment/ postgraduate-research.

For more information contact: Doctoral School Support Officer pgr-supportssee@salford.ac.uk

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WHAT NEXT?

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FEES There are a range of funding and payment options that could reduce the cost of your postgraduate qualification and there is also the option of paying your fees in instalments to help spread the cost.

Fees vary depending on your programme of study and if you are a home or international student.

If you’re studying part-time, you are charged pro-rata based on the length of your course.

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis, please check our website for the most up to date information. salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees

FUNDING LOYALTY DISCOUNT We are pleased to be able to offer a 20% discount on your net fee if you are a University of Salford graduate and will be self-funding your course. To be eligible for the discount you must be progressing onto the next level. For example if you complete your master’s degree and wish to do another level 7 qualification, you would not be eligible. For more details on this discount and eligibility criteria, visit salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees

PHD WIDENING PARTICIPATION SCHOLARSHIPS We offer scholarships to UK candidates (or those eligible for UK fees) from groups currently underrepresented within research, including students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with a disability and those who are a first-generation university student.

The scholarship will cover a bursary, UK tuition fees and an annual research budget and is applicable to all research areas. For full details on the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, visit salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees

DOCTORAL LOANS

RESEARCH COUNCILS The most important sources of funding for postgraduate students in the UK are the research councils. These bodies are government-funded agencies engaged in the support of research in different disciplines. The research councils do not generally make studentship awards directly to students, but usually allocate them to departments in universities. ukri.org/funding *For the academic year 2023/24. The loan amount is subject to change each year.

ANNUAL BURSARY COMPETITIONS A number of other public and non-governmental organisations also hold annual bursary competitions.

In some instances, the money is available for study anywhere; in others, you may be required to apply for study at a specific university or in a specific country. We update our list of annual bursary competitions on a regular basis. Visit salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees

USEFUL WEBSITES / p ostgraduatestudentships.co.uk / findaphd.com/funding

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You can apply for a postgraduate doctoral loan of up to £28,673*, weighted over three years. The loan can be put towards overall course costs, including tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses.

Both students studying on campus and via distance learning (providing they live in the UK) will be eligible for the loan. Find out more, including full eligibility criteria at gov.uk/doctoral-loan

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TIMELINE FOR

FULL-TIME PHD

3 YEARS + 1 YEAR COMPLETION

The next few pages contain example timelines for the different postgraduate research study options.

Full-time studies to include online doctorate PhD

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Interim assessment 9-11 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months

YEAR 2 Internal evaluation 21-23 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 24 months Self-evaluation report 24 months

YEAR 3 Annual progress report (by supervisor) 36 months Self-evaluation report 36 months Submission of thesis 36 months

YEAR 4 Completion year to include viva and award of PhD

FINISH

TIMELINE FOR

PART-TIME PHD

5 YEARS + 2 YEARS COMPLETION

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months

YEAR 2 Interim assessment 15-20 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 24 months Self-evaluation report 24 months

YEAR 3 Annual progress report (by supervisor) 36 months Self-evaluation report 36 months

YEAR 4 Internal evaluation 35-40 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 48 months Self-evaluation report 48 months

YEAR 5 Annual progress report (by supervisor) 60 months

YEAR 6 First completion year Submission of thesis 72 months

YEAR 7 Completion year to include viva and award of PhD FINISH

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Self-evaluation report 60 months

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TIMELINE FOR

PHD BY PUBLISHED WORKS

9 - 12 MONTHS

START

POST REGISTRATION Submit application and prima facie report along with £500 fee Prima facie assessment

YEAR 1 Learning agreement 0-3 months Submission of thesis 9-12 months

YEAR 2 Completion year to include viva and award of degree 24 months FINISH

TIMELINE FOR

MPHIL, MRES, MSC

BY RESEARCH, AND LLM FULL-TIME 1 YEAR + 1 YEAR COMPLETION

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Annual progress report 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months Submission of thesis 12 months

YEAR 2 Completion year to include viva (if required) and award of degree FINISH

PART-TIME 2 YEARS + 2 YEARS COMPLETION

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Annual progress report 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months

YEAR 2 Annual progress report 24 months Self-evaluation report 24 months Submission of thesis

First completion year

YEAR 4 Final completion year to include viva (if required) and award of degree FINISH

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YEAR 3

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TIMELINE FOR

PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE (DPROF) IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

ACCELERATED DPROF 3 YEARS + 2 YEARS COMPLETION

ACCELERATED DIRECT ENTRY

GRADUATE TAUGHT ENTRY

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process

PGT master’s programme, 180 credits (must include Research Methods and Dissertation module)

Level 7 - 180 credits and relevant experience (equivalent Research Methods and Dissertation module)

Full-time – one year Part-time – two years

YEAR 3

Research component.

January, May and September intakes.

Access to research training programme, peer support groups, monthly supervision.

Interim assessment 9-11 months (4,000 words) Annual progress report 36 months Self-evaluation report 36 months

CONTINUED

YEAR 4

Research component.

Access to research training programme, peer support groups, monthly supervision.

Internal evaluation 35-40 months (30,000 words) Annual progress report 48 months Self-evaluation report 48 months

YEAR 5

Research component.

Access to research training programme, peer support groups, monthly supervision.

Annual progress report 60 months Self-evaluation report 60 months Submission of thesis 60 months

YEAR 6

Additional completion year if needed.

Annual progress report 72 months Self-evaluation report 72 months

FINISH

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YEAR 7

Additional completion phase to include viva and award of degree

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TIMELINE FOR

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (DMA)

2 YEARS + 1 YEAR COMPLETION

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Internal evaluation 9-11 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months

YEAR 2 Annual progress report (by supervisor) 24 months Self-evaluation report 24 months Submission of thesis 24 months

YEAR 3 Completion year to include viva and award of degree

FINISH

TIMELINE FOR

SPLIT SITE PHD

3 YEARS + 1 YEAR COMPLETION

A Local Advisor option is also available which will be discussed at point of application.

START

YEAR 1 Learning agreement and ethics checklist 0-3 months Interim assessment 9-11 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 12 months Self-evaluation report 12 months ** Students would need to spend a minimum of 3 months in the UK at Salford**

YEAR 2 Internal evaluation 21-23 months Annual progress report (by supervisor) 24 months Self-evaluation report 24 months

YEAR 3

** Students would need to spend a minimum of 3 months in the UK at Salford**

Annual progress report (by supervisor) 36 months Self-evaluation report 36 months

** Students would need to spend a minimum of 3 months in the UK at Salford**

YEAR 4 Completion year to include viva and award of PhD ** Students would need to spend a minimum of 3 months in the UK at Salford**

FINISH

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Submission of thesis 36 months

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PROGRESSION

MILESTONES

KEY STAGES TO UNDERTAKING A RESEARCH DEGREE Throughout your research degree there will be opportunities to discuss your progress and evaluate your work through a series of meetings, assessments and annual reports.

The key stages of progression include: / The

Learning Agreement - this is the focus of your first two supervision sessions, setting out your predicted progress and is reviewed regularly and updated annually with your supervisors. / Interim

Assessment - a written report about your research project describing your progress and plans for the future. You will also have to attend an oral exam. / Annual

Progress Reports - your supervisor provides a summary of progress to date, including any issues arising and research training requirements. / Annual

Self-Evaluation Reports - a selfappraisal of your progress and the chance to comment on supervisor support and research facilities available. / Internal

Evaluation - submission of a second written report, assessed by independent experts to determine your progression. / Viva

exam - an oral exam giving you the chance to talk about your research project, followed by questions from examiners. / Completion

- The final year(s) of your research degree during which you will have your thesis examined and the award ratified if you pass.

You can find out more about these key stages at salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/ progression-monitoring

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

INTERIM ASSESSMENT (MONTH 9-11)

ETHICAL APPROVAL LEARNING AGREEMENT (BY MONTH 3)

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR)

12 DOCUMENTED SUPERVISION MEETINGS RESEARCH SUPERVISION RECORD

ANNUAL SELFEVALUATION REPORT (SER)

END OF YEAR 1

HANDBOOK

REGISTRATION REGISTRATION

12 DOCUMENTED SUPERVISION MEETINGS

REVIEW LEARNING AGREEMENT

INTERNAL EVALUATION (MONTH 21-23)

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) ANNUAL SELF-EVALUATION REPORT (SER)

END OF YEAR 2

VIVA VOCE

REGISTRATION

END OF YEAR 3 SUBMIT THESIS

REVIEW LEARNING AGREEMENT

ANNUAL SELF-EVALUATION REPORT (SER)

WRITE UP THESIS ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR)

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SUBMIT

12 DOCUMENTED SUPERVISION MEETINGS

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

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SUPERVISORY

TEAM

As a postgraduate researcher, you will be allocated an academic supervisory team as well as a personal tutor, whose responsibility will be to provide pastoral guidance.

WHAT WILL MY SUPERVISORY TEAM EXPECT FROM ME? We view our PGR students as independent researchers, who lead on their own research, but are guided as necessary by their supervisory team.

The ultimate responsibility for the work and the eventual thesis lies with you and it is vital that you participate fully in the planning and completion of the research project.

I enjoy seeing students grow and develop from the start of their PGR journey to a confident researcher at the end of their studies.

Dr Carina Price, Research supervisor, School of Health and Society

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY SUPERVISORY TEAM? Your supervisory team are there to support your postgraduate research journey. They are responsible for facilitating your academic progress and developing you as a researcher. They will provide you with the guidance and help that you need to complete your research project. At the start of your journey you will discuss with your supervisory team your learning styles and preferences and together you will develop a supervision arrangement, which will include regular meetings and milestones. This arrangement will be included in the learning agreement which you create at the beginning of your study, and can be updated as needed. As well as regular meetings and guidance, supervisors support your academic development though feedback on work, training in specific skills, providing networking and other development opportunities as appropriate.

RESEARCHER TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT

AND SUPPORT

/ Build confidence, capability and encourage collaborations through bespoke cohort-based and community-driven training / Develop the skills needed for effective research / Provide transferable skills to enhance employability / Support thesis writing and the submission process / Provide exposure to the wider professional research environment through conferences and dissemination

This programme is complementary to your core research activity and is designed to help you develop as a researcher. It includes an extensive range of online support, available at any time, as well as face to face workshops and one to one support.

This community-centred programme supports you to achieve success both in your studies and beyond.

COMPASS is continually reviewed and enhanced to fit around your core research and is tailored towards your specific researcher requirements. For more information about our training and development, visit salford.ac.uk/doctoral-school/ training-and-development

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Researchers at Salford have access to the PGR training programme COMPASS, which is designed to support and guide you through your research training journey by providing an extensive range of development activities which:

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SALFORD POSTGRADUATE ANNUAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE (SPARC) SPARC is a forum for developing research, offering a space for postgraduate researchers from all disciplines to exchange ideas and share their research.

The free two-day conference gives research students the opportunity to hear from influential keynote speakers and take part in a range of workshops and training sessions. You will also have the chance to present your own work to the PGR community, helping to develop your confidence and presentation skills.

Find out more at salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/research-events

Photo Credit - Kyla Delicana

Photo Credit - Kyla Delicana

Photo Credit - Kyla Delicana

I found SPARC 2023 to be an invaluable opportunity to meet my fellow PhD colleagues, practice my presentation skills and feel part of a team. It was great to hear about all the fabulous work people are doing in their different fields and inspiring to see so much innovation.

Tania Goddard, Doctoral candidate, School of Health and Society

CONFERENCE FUNDING We offer postgraduate research students in Year two or three of their PhD the opportunity to apply for funding to attend international and UK conferences if they are presenting a paper, poster or other form of presentation. Successful applicants will receive a contribution to travel and accommodation costs up to a maximum of £1,000, and students can also apply for funding to cover additional non-standard costs, such as childcare.

WIDER UNIVERSITY SUPPORT We have dedicated staff here who can help at any point during your time at Salford, offering information and advice on matters such as finance, wellbeing and counselling, accommodation and more.

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For further information visit salford. ac.uk/student-support-services

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HOW TO

APPLY

WE HAVE ENTRY POINTS IN JANUARY, MAY AND SEPTEMBER FOR MOST RESEARCH DEGREES

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? We accept students who have a first degree (preferably upper second class and above) in a relevant subject and preferably also a master’s degree. We also require a proven level of English language abilities for international students.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: 1.

Formulate a niche research area

2.

Visit the ‘Our Staff’ webpage to discover whether we have a PGR supervisor in your field: salford.ac.uk/our-staff

3.

Contact the supervisor to see whether they have capacity to take on a PGR student

4.

Find out more about fees and funding opportunities

5.

Write your research proposal (see further information on the next page)

6.

Submit your application on our online portal

7.

Come along to one of our PGR events.

Scan the QR code to receive updates about our events

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT Our Pre-sessional English courses aim to improve your English language prior to starting your PhD. This also enables you to meet English language conditions for a Student Route visa. Once here, our Learn English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) Higher course offers in-sessional support to improve your academic English, studying a few hours per week alongside your PhD programme.

Find out more on our English language courses, visit salford.ac.uk/salford-languages email salfordlanguages@salford.ac.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)161 295 5990.

If you are a UK applicant, please submit your application at least six weeks before your course starts. If you are applying from outside the UK, please submit your application at least ten weeks before your course starts.

You’ll need to submit your application through our online application portal at apply.salford.ac.uk

HOW TO PREPARE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The research proposal is a crucial part of your application. You should discuss your proposal with the postgraduate research admissions contact at the school you are applying to, in order to make sure you understand what is expected in your subject area.

If you’re an international student applying to study in the UK you’ll need a student visa. Our student support site, askUS, provides detailed instructions on how to apply for this, whether you’re based within the UK or outside.

/ Formulate and define a clear, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or an open-ended enquiry. / Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking, highlighting its originality and significance. / Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon. / Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up. / Provide a provisional timeline of your research.

Visit salford.ac.uk/askus/topics/immigration -and-visas/before-you-arrive for more details.

You can also find more details on the visa at gov.uk/student-visa

For more information on all aspects of applying, including more detailed guidance on writing your research proposal, visit salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/apply #BECOMEUNSTOPPABLE

A research proposal is an outline of your proposed research that is designed to:

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We encourage prospective students to contact us so that we can put you in touch with specialist staff to explore your research ideas and the opportunities we offer.

PGR TEAM CONTACT DETAILS

BY SCHOOL We are here to support you through your PhD: SCHOOL OF ARTS, MEDIA AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY pgr-supportsam@salford.ac.uk SALFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL pgr-supportsbs@salford.ac.uk SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND SOCIETY pgr-supportshas@salford.ac.uk SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENT pgr-supportssee@salford.ac.uk PGR MANAGER Tracie Davies - T.Davies@salford.ac.uk PGR ADMINISTRATOR Tracy Ireland - T.J.Ireland@salford.ac.uk

STUDENTS’ STORIES

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Find out what it’s like to study at Salford from our PGR students. Scan the QR code

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University of Salford The Crescent Salford M5 4WT T: +44 (0)161 295 5000 salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research @SalfordPGRs