Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 222222
Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

PhD/MPhil CENTA2 DTP (PhD/MPhil)

Academic Year: 2020/21

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award PhD/MPhil
Programme title CENTA2 DTP
Programme code TBC
Length of programme 3.5 years full-time, 7 years part-time Full-time students may receive studentship funding for 3.5 years and part-time students for 7 years. Students are normally expected to submit their thesis for examination within the funded period. Maximum submission time 4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/

 

Date at which the programme specification was published Wed, 11 Nov 2020 14:17:59 GMT

1. Programme Aims

This programme will provide an innovative, high quality and comprehensive training programme to equip

students with knowledge, skills, and expertise to identify and address complex environmental challenges and cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Excellence in research, directly informed by knowledge exchange with end-users, will underpin a multidisciplinary training environment that will support the development of skilled scientists to benefit future science, policy and the economy.

The programme provides transferable management, personal, and research impact skills alongside science and technical skills and will maximise the employability and long-term career prospects of students.

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:

  • Lead on 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;
  • acquire and develop a range of transferable skills beyond those specific to their research field (for example, exposure to the public understanding and engagement of science);
  • experience at least one placement in an organisation not directly related to their field of study for a period of at least 2 weeks;
  • 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

All students must complete 100 CENTA2 Training credits through participation in CENTA2-provided and ‘free choice’ external training during the programme. A timetable of CENTA2 provided training opportunities will be made available to all students at the start of their studies and is updated each new academic year.

All students must complete a minimum 2-week placement in an organisation not directly related to their field of study. This can be completed at any time during R1, R2 or R3.

Part R1

Students will complete the following:

The following research training activities (on a pass/fail/attendance basis only):

  • Students should aim to complete 40 CENTA2 training credits in R1.  
  • Attendance at the Speed PhD residential field trip
  • Submission of a prospective poster and/or oral presentation at the annual CENTA conference.
  • Submission of a research poster or oral presentation at the annual School PGR seminar day (if requested by the School)

Submission of a 1,000-word research report after 6 months (part-time students only)

Submission of a 2,000-word research report at the mid-way point of Part R1 and submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R1 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Part R2

Students will complete the following:

The following research training activities (on a pass/fail/attendance basis):

  • Students should aim to complete 60 CENTA2 training credits during parts R2 and R3.
  • Submission of a research results poster or oral presentation at the annual CENTA conference (if not completed in R1).
  • Submission of a research poster or oral presentation at the annual School PGR seminar day (if requested by the School) 

PhD candidates - Submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R2 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI. Part-time students will also have a mid-Part review as set out in 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

The following research training activities (on a pass/fail/attendance basis)

  • All students are expected to have completed a total of 100 CENTA2 Training credits by the end of R3
  • Submission of a research results poster or oral presentation at the annual CENTA conference (if not completed in R1 or R2).
  • Submission of a research poster or oral presentation at the annual School PGR seminar day (if requested 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

Related links

Prospective students

Image of a University homepage screengrab

Information on studying at Loughborough University, including course information, facilities, and student experience.

Find out more »

How to print a programme specification:

1. Select programme specification
2. Save specification as a PDF
3. Print PDF