Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The programme aims to support outstanding students pursuing the 'craft' of research through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches with an emphasis on creativity and practice. The technē consortia is bound by a collective commitment to valuing interdisciplinary research, particularly that which pushes the boundaries of arts and humanities research into science and social science. There is an emphasis on the interchange between the material, embodied practices of existing fields in the arts and humanities and digital creativity.

The programme will equip students with the skills to design and carry out a research project, resulting in a thesis or practice-based PhD which will provide acontribution to knowledge and contain original work worthy of publication. 

The programme will provide training in research methods appropriate to arts and humanities, and allow students to become well acquainted with the general field of knowledge to which their research project relates. 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degrees

Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement (QAA)

Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (SEEC)

Loughborough University Quadrennial Reviews

Research Council mid-term review

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

c. Key transferable skills:

On completion of the PhD studies, students should:

• The creation, development and implementation of a significant programme of research that will lead to new knowledge disseminated through the production of a PhD thesis;
• have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of relevant methods and techniques applicable to their research; 
• be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
• have knowledge of and be able to apply appropriate methods used in their field;
• be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
• have the ability to report research outcomes in an appropriate way for the intended audience.

4. Programme structure

Part R1

Students will complete the following:

80 hours of generic skills training (on an attendance basis)

Any other requirements to be stipulated by the School

Submission of a 2,000-word research report at the mid-way point of Part 1 and submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part 1 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Part R2

Students will complete the following:

80 hours of generic skills training (on an attendance basis)

Any other requirements to be stipulated by the School

PhD candidates - Submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part 2 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

MPhil candidates: Submission of their formal MPhil thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Part R3

Students will complete the following:

80 hours of generic skills training (on an attendance basis)

Any other requirements to be stipulated by the School

Submission of a written report detailing the plan for submission (mid-Part report, expected 12 months into R3 for full-time students and at 12 months and 24 months into R3 for part-time students).

At the end of R3, submission of a formal PhD thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

To progress from Part R1 to Part R2 and from Part R2 to Part R3 and to be eligible for an award, candidates must satisfy the assessment requirements set out in Regulation XXVI. Candidates must complete all the requirements for each Part outlined above in order to progress to the next Part. If an end of Part report does not meet the standards required for progression, candidates may undertake further work and resubmit the report on one occasion only in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

The arrangements for revision of final theses which may be required by the examiners are also set out in Regulation XXVI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not Applicable.