Accessibility
Research Office
The Research Office, which has offices on the Coleraine and Jordanstown campuses, is responsible for raising the profile of research by providing administrative support and information for research active staff and research students, and for increasing income through the management of contract research and other funding.
The Research Office is also responsible for implementing the research policy of the University, steered by Senate, the Research and Innovation Committee (RIC) and Research Degrees Committee (RDC).
Research Studies at the University of Ulster
The Research Office provides administrative support, in collaboration with faculties and Research Graduate Schools, for all matters relating to the academic progress of research students from first application through to final examination and graduation.
Day to day enquiries are dealt with by Heather Law at Jordanstown (for Belfast and Jordanstown students) or Eileen Shannon at Coleraine (for Coleraine and Magee students).
Heather Law
Research Office
University of Ulster
Shore Road
Newtownabbey
BT37 0QB
Tel: 028 9036 6079/6234
Email: hr.law@ulster.ac.uk
Eileen Shannon
Research Office
University of Ulster
Cromore Road
Coleraine
BT52 1SA
Tel: 028 7032 4592/4455
Email: e.shannon@ulster.ac.uk
Advice on applying for studentships is available from:
Tracey Grissam - at the above (Coleraine) address.
Tel: 028 7032 4031
Email: t.grissam@ulster.ac.uk
Information on study within particular disciplines can also be obtained from the contacts named within the section on research supervision or from the appropriate Research Graduate School.
Research Graduate Schools
The six faculties of the University have Research Graduate Schools, and their aim is:
to improve and professionalise the training of research students within the faculty by improving the quality of research induction and training, providing greater co-ordination and structuring of the monitoring and management of progress, providing improved resources for research students and their general welfare, increasing the numbers of research students and developing the faculty as a centre of excellence in graduate research.
To improve and professionalise the training of research students within the faculty by improving the quality of research induction and training, providing greater co-ordination and structuring of the monitoring and management of progress, providing improved resources for research students and their general welfare, increasing the numbers of research students and developing the faculty as a centre of excellence in graduate research.
Faculty of Arts Research Graduate SchoolTel: 028 7032 4581
Email: sj.black@ulster.ac.uk
Tel: 02890 366222
Email: m.lermhayes@ulster.ac.uk
Tel: 028 7032 4637
Email: pj.morrow@ulster.ac.uk
Tel: 028 703 23090
Email: jc.leslie@ulster.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9036 8001
Email: j.reilly@ulster.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9036 8867
Email: e.boyle@ulster.ac.uk
Research Degrees at the University of Ulster
Research leading to the degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may be undertaken in areas designated by the University. In addition, the University has introduced a series of Professional Doctorates in specific subject areas. These include structured and research elements and are designed to make use of a practitioner’s professional experience in the pursuit of a higher degree.
The PhD by Published Work is a degree awarded to members of staff of the University of Ulster or who are members of an institution which has a strong research base and who have a close collaborative relationship with the University of Ulster, in recognition of a record of research publication in books or academic journals.
The Master of Research is a preparatory one year Masters programme for those who might intend to pursue further study or a career in research, but which is also a higher level qualification in its own right. The degree of MD (Doctor of Medicine) is also available for medical practitioners who are seeking a research-based qualification. Finally, the University offers the Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) for graduates or members of staff of the University in recognition of distinguished contributions to scholarship or original research.
Entry Conditions
For entry to MPhil/PhD applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. Applicants deemed by Senate to hold an equivalent qualification will also be considered. Those unable to fulfil these requirements may be permitted to undertake a preliminary course leading to an examination of honours standard.
Entry to a Professional Doctorate will normally depend upon the applicant holding a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent and an appropriate Masters degree with distinction and having a minimum period of post-qualification professional experience. Further details for individual programmes are given below.
To be eligible to register for the PhD by Published Work, an applicant must be a member of staff of the University of Ulster or a member of an institution which has a strong research base and who have a close collaborative relationship with the University of Ulster and be able to demonstrate that the publications proposed for consideration are based on original research and constitute a significant and coherent contribution to knowledge. It is expected that successful applicants will have been active in research for a period of at least five years.
To be considered for entry to the Master of Research (MRes) Arts, programme applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree in a subject related to the proposed research topic. Applicants holding a qualification deemed by Senate to be equivalent will also be considered.
Entry to the MD programme is open to those who have held a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council for at least three years.
Application
The University admits students on the basis of a policy of equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
The University will advertise research studentships between January and March each year and at other times as appropriate. The advertisements will appear in suitable local and national media including the internet and will include details of awards, contact names and addresses and a closing date.
Studentships will also be advertised on the University website at:
http://research.ulster.ac.uk/info/status/studentopp.html
Students are invited to apply using the online application system on:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline
Or through paper based application forms which are available from the Research Office, Registry, and on the website.
Applications must be completed in full, including information on existing qualifications and transcripts, funding details or requirements, evidence of English language proficiency (where appropriate) and names and addresses of referees. It is advised that applicants discuss their research proposals with suitable members of academic staff prior to returning their application forms.
Applications will be forwarded to faculties for consideration. Applicants should note that all applications are judged on the following criteria:
If the faculty wishes to admit the applicant, the Board of the Faculty will be asked to approve the decision and the Research Office will provide a letter of offer.
Upon enrolment, all research students will receive a Research Studies Handbook detailing the issues likely to be of concern as they progress through their research studies. In the meantime, potential applicants are requested to refer to the Regulations available at:
http://research.ulster.ac.uk/rps/handbook/research_handbook.html
Students with Special Needs
The University of Ulster welcomes applications from persons with physical disabilities.
It is University policy to assess applications from disabled persons using the academic criteria which apply to all candidates. In addition, the following matters are taken into consideration:
a) the nature of the disability and its likely effect on the applicant’s level of attainment in entrance qualifications and level of preparation for entry to the course;
b) the nature of the disability and its likely consequences for the candidate’s ability to undertake the course; and
c) the University’s ability to provide for the candidate’s special needs in relation to the particular disability and course of study.
As the University is committed to providing a suitable learning environment for all students, potential candidates are encouraged to visit the University to meet staff from Student Affairs and the appropriate faculties before submitting an application.
Unsuccessful Applicants
you are unsuccessful in your application and you consider that your application has not been dealt with fairly you can write to the Research Office detailing your concerns. Details of the appeals process will be made available to you
If you remain unhappy with the University’s response to the matters you raised you may appeal to the University Visitor. The Visitor has powers to investigate cases of alleged procedural irregularities or contravention of the basic principles of natural justice. However, the Visitor will not intervene to substitute his opinion on academic matters for the opinion of the University authorities and he will only intervene if there has been some real impropriety on the part of the University.
Full details of the Visitorial appeal process are available from Governance Services, University of Ulster at Coleraine.
Registration for Research Study
Registration for full-time funded study is expected to take place at the beginning of the academic year, during the second or third week of September. Students in receipt of funding to undertake full-time study must be available to register at this time. Part-time students may find that an alternative date is more suitable and the University has made provision to accommodate new enrolments throughout the year.
MPhil and PhD Study
Research students are expected to pursue an investigation of a specific aspect of a subject in depth, under the supervision of a member of staff with similar research interests and the experience to provide guidance at the appropriate level. The student is required to complete a period of study as follows:
The programme of work is structured to enable the student to acquire competence in the methods of research and scholarship, and to produce a thesis demonstrating originality and sustained independent effort. During the study period, the student may attend courses in research methodology and will undertake an investigation as described above.
A candidate for the degree of MPhil will evaluate satisfactorily a chosen topic and will present a thesis clearly showing an understanding of the significance and context of the work.
A candidate for the degree of PhD will, in addition, be required to show that the work makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.
Within the Faculty of Arts, candidates are permitted – subject to certain restrictions – to submit a practical element in accompaniment to the thesis. Details of these requirements are available in the Research Studies Handbook and from the Research Office.
Research Student Training
The Graduate Schools’ Training programme provides training support for research students through an induction programme for new students, annual ‘block training’ events and frequent short courses from which appropriate training sessions can be selected. The training provided covers the following areas: Research Techniques, the Research Environment, Research Management, Personal Effectiveness, Communication Skills, Networking and Team working, and Career Management. More detailed information about the training, including descriptions of each session, can be viewed at the research training website:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/staffdev/Research_Training.
The programme is supported by the Research Councils UK, which largely funds the programme. It has been designed to support the research candidate through important events including the 100-days seminar and examination process, including the viva. Training events provide great opportunities for networking with other researchers, and are often very enjoyable - in addition to being very useful. Training is provided by academics from across the university’s faculties and trainers from the Staff Development Unit. Students are asked to evidence their developing research skills competence in the PDSystem, a web-based application, accessible from any computer which encourages reflection and is organised to help researchers take control of their learning experience.
PhD by Published Work
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work is awarded in recognition of research which, as the title suggests, has already been published in book form or in academic journals.Applicants must have a record of publication in a particular area. The works to be considered must be based on original research and must constitute a significant and coherent contribution to knowledge.
Candidates will also be required to submit a thesis of 10-20,000 words demonstrating that the published work fulfils the requirements noted above.
Full details of this degree including eligibility criteria, regulations, rules and guidelines, are available from the Research Office.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
This programme is available to applicants who have held a qualification registrable with the General Medical Council for at least three years.
Professional Doctorates
These programmes, normally offered on a part-time basis (although full-time study may be available), are based upon the conduct of a research project that demonstrates a contribution to knowledge which is relevant in a professional context. Candidates must submit a thesis which will be examined at doctoral level. The duration of these programmes is four years (part-time) or two years (full-time).
The University currently has nine Professional Doctorates available to candidates with appropriate academic and post-qualification professional experience. These are:
Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSc)
Contact: Stephanie Hunter,
Faculty of Life & Health Sciences,
Coleraine
Tel: 028 7032 4393
Email: sr.hunter@ulster.ac.uk
This programme is designed to provide clinically relevant and service-driven postgraduate education for those working in the medical imaging, medical ultrasound, radiation oncology, clinical science and medical physics areas within the health service as well as health-related industry and research.
Doctor of Environmental Science (DEnvSc)
Contact: Professor Andrew Cooper,
Faculty of Life & Health Sciences,
Coleraine
Tel: 028 7032 4429
email: jag.cooper@ulster.ac.uk
The primary aim of this doctoral programme is to provide advanced training in research methods to a level commensurate with the title, building upon experience gained through preparatory studies at Masters level. Students will be required to complete a research project (or series of linked mini-projects) which, for those in employment concerned with environmental issues, should normally relate to their professional responsibilities. For those in educational employment, the project(s) should normally be concerned with aspects of environmental education. A satisfactory thesis which makes a significant original contribution to knowledge in the chosen field or study must be presented.
Doctor of Biological Sciences (DBiolSc)
Contact: Stephanie Hunter,
Faculty of Life & Health Sciences,
Coleraine
Tel: 028 7032 4393
Email: sr.hunter@ulster.ac.uk
The primary aim of this programme is to provide advanced research training to doctoral level and it is envisaged that it will be of interest to professionals already qualified to Masters level in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences and Human Nutrition. As with other professional doctorates, it is expected the research project or projects will reflect the candidate’s professional practice and will lead to submission of a thesis that contributes to knowledge in the area.
Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)
Contact: Dr Oliver Slevin,
Faculty of Life & Health Sciences,
Jordanstown
Tel: 028 9036 6679;
e-mail: od.slevin@ulster.ac.uk
In common with other professional doctorates, the DNSc is a programme of advanced study and research which, whilst satisfying the University criteria for the award of a doctorate, is designed to meet the specific needs of a professional group external to the University. The programme develops the capability of individuals to work within professional nursing or midwifery contexts in leadership, managerial, research & development or educational roles. It is specifically designed for those who have a strong grounding in nursing or midwifery professional practice and who are now in a position to build upon relevant preparatory study already undertaken at masters level.
Doctor of Engineering/Technology/ Informatics (DTech/DEng/DInf)
Contact: Professor Sally McClean,
Faculty of Engineering,
Coleraine
Tel: 028 7032 4602;
e-mail: si.mcclean@ulster.ac.uk
This programme is designed to provide individuals in specialist areas of engineering and technology and computer science with the opportunity to progress beyond degree and Masters level to a doctoral programme linked directly to their professional careers. The doctoral programme aims to advance the student’s knowledge in his or her specialist field and to provide advanced training in research methods relevant to professional practice. It is anticipated that candidates will structure their studies around the provision of solutions to major practical problems encountered in their professional activities.
All of the degrees above will only be awarded following the successful outcome of an examination of the thesis and the candidate by an appropriately constituted Board of Examiners.
Doctor of Science (DSc)
This degree is available to graduates or members of staff of the University in recognition of distinguished contributions to scholarship or original research. Applications to this degree are based on published work and may be submitted not less than six years after first graduation in the University, or in the case of members of staff who are not graduates of the University, not less than six years after taking up appointment. Full details of this degree including eligibility criteria, regulations, rules and guidance, are available from the Research Office.
Master of Research (MRes) Arts
The Master of Research programme (MRes) was designed to provide a one year foundation to research, but at the same time to allow those who decide not to proceed to a PhD programme to obtain a qualification recognised in its own right. A key element to the programme is the inculcation of generic research skills.
Further details are available in the MRes Section below.
Fees
The annual fees chargeable are available at:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/finance/fees/
Note: International students are defined as students from outside the UK or EU. All fees are liable to increase each academic year.
Grants Awards available to UK and EU Students
The following is a brief summary of the main sources of publicly funded awards for full-time postgraduate research study in Northern Ireland. In some cases Heads of Research Graduate School or the Research Office may be able to advise applicants of other awards available in specific subject or project areas. Advice on means of application may be obtained from the Research Office. An application for a research award can be a lengthy and detailed process. As closing dates for the receipt of applications for awards are normally strictly adhered to, applicants are advised to begin the process early by seeking appropriate advice from the Research Office or Research Graduate School.
Department for Employment & Learning (DEL)
The majority of awards for full-time research studies at the two Northern Ireland universities are made by the Department for Employment and Learning .
DEL-funded studentships are usually advertised during the period January to March every year. Applicants to the University for admission to full-time research studies are asked to indicate on their application which of the available sources of funding they wish to apply for. Application materials will also be available on the University of Ulster website: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/researchstudy
Applicants may also apply online at: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline
DEL’s support for research students is through:
a) Postgraduate Studentships for research in the humanities, science and technology, social sciences and the natural environment. These awards are open to applicants who have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom (or elsewhere in the EU) throughout the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for the award, and who hold or expect to obtain at least an upper second class Honours degree;
b) Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology (CAST) specifically for students working on research projects jointly devised and supervised by an academic department and a collaborator such as a private firm or a public body; eligibility is as for Postgraduate Studentships; students who hold a CAST award receive DEL maintenance at the standard rate plus an additional payment from the collaborator.
While EU residents from outside the UK may apply for the above awards, only the approved tuition fees will be covered; no maintenance element is funded by DEL. Applications for Postgraduate and CAST Studentships should be returned to the University by the published closing date.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Awards for full-time research studies in the Arts and Humanities, tenable in the Northern Ireland universities, may be made by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.
These awards are open to applicants with UK or EU residence as detailed below who possess or expect to gain a first or upper second class honours degree in the humanities. Applicants should note that, in practice, almost all awards are made to those with first class honours degrees and at least one year postgraduate experience. Students should access the Guide for applicants for Postgraduate Awards in the Arts and Humanities for further details: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk
Information can also be found on the following link:
http://research.ulster.ac.uk/info/prospective/funding.html
Research & Development Office, HPSS Northern Ireland
It is anticipated that the Research & Development Office of the Health & Personal Social Services (HPSS) in Northern Ireland will make available full and part-time studentships and fellowships for those working in, or interested in a career with, the health and personal social services. All opportunities will be advertised in the local media.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland funds research studentships annually. These are open to applicants ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland, on a competitive basis. The proposed research study must be in agriculture (including horticulture), food science, agricultural economics, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering or the more applied aspects of agricultural science. All opportunities will be advertised in the local media.
All applications from candidates wishing to study at the University of Ulster should be seen by the proposed supervisor and forwarded to the Research Office, two weeks before the closing date.
For further information on this please see the link below:
http://research.ulster.ac.uk/info/prospective/funding.html
University Studentships
The University may make available a number of studentships for full-time research studies, which cover payment of tuition fees at the home rate, and a fixed annual amount for maintenance. These are renewable on an annual basis subject to satisfactory progress. Unless advised otherwise, separate application for these studentships is not necessary, as all eligible applicants for admission to full-time research studies, who are not self-financing or who have not secured other means of funding, will be considered.
Awards available to International Students
International applicants wishing to undertake a research degree at the University of Ulster may apply for the following awards:
Overseas Research Students (ORSAS) Awards
One award is available on a competitive basis to students of outstanding merit and research potential who are liable to pay higher fees chargeable to international students. Academic merit and research potential are the only criteria governing the selection of candidates. No account is taken of means, nationality or subject area. The award is initially made for one year, but subject to the satisfactory progress of the award holder, it is renewable for a second and third year. This award covers the difference between the home and overseas level of tuition fees only and candidates will be expected to pay the home rate fee. This award does not cover maintenance costs. Further details can be obtained from the Research Office. The closing date for the return of completed application forms through the Research Office is usually around the end of March in the year of application.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
This is a pan-commonwealth scheme, which assists Commonwealth students to study in other Commonwealth countries, so as to strengthen common ideals, promote the equality of educational opportunity at the highest level, and contribute to the development process in Commonwealth countries. Funds for awards tenable in the UK come from two Government sources – the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which supports scholars from Canada, Australia and New Zealand and the Department for International Development which supports award holders from the remainder of the Commonwealth.
Applicants should be resident in their own country at the time of application. Further information may be obtained from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PF.
The British Council
The British Council has a network of offices worldwide and applicants should contact their local office to see what awards are available.
Details of British Council offices around the world can be found at:
www.britishcouncil.org/where/index.htm
and are available from:
The British Council,
11 Portland Place,
London W1N 4EJ,
Tel. 44 (0)20 7930 8466
British Council Fellowship Programme
This scheme is aimed at key professions in fields which the Council considers particularly important in the country concerned. Council Fellowships programmes provide 900 awards annually. Fellowships are offered in most of the 100 countries in which the Council operates.
The eligible subjects are determined by the British Council Director in the applicant's home country. The awards can be for periods up to three years to cater for Doctoral research students. The level and conditions of award are set by the British Council in each country. Awards can include fares to and from Britain, tuition, living expenses, and allowances for books, clothing and approved travel within the United Kingdom. Applications should be made to the British Council Director in the country concerned.
British Marshall Scholarships
The scheme was set up by an Act of Parliament as a practical expression of the British peoples' appreciation of the aid given by the United States under the Marshall Plan.
The awards are open to United States citizens under 26 years old who are graduates of US universities, to undertake study in any subject leading to a degree at a UK university. Awards are made on a competitive basis and are for two years in the first instance, renewable for a third year in certain circumstances. The awards cover transatlantic air fares, tuition fees, maintenance, book, thesis and travel allowances. Up to 40 new awards are made each year. They are administered by the Marshall Aid Commemorative Commission. Applications are made in one of six regions in the USA. Further information from the Commission's secretariat at the Association of Commonwealth Universities or regional centre in the USA.
International Agencies
Some international organisations such as UNESCO and WHO operate schemes, usually for developing countries. Details should be available from the Ministry of Education in the applicant's own country.