Candidates will be expected to reach the standards indicated below in order to graduate

The standard of the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil (RCA)) is that expected of a good Honours graduate who has investigated and evaluated, or critically studied, an approved topic or existing field of knowledge over not less than the equivalent of two years of full-time study, and has demonstrated an ability to make a critical assessment of knowledge or understanding in the field of research, and has presented and defended creative work and/or a thesis by oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners. In order to achieve this standard, the candidate will have demonstrated:

Key Attributes relating to evidence of:

• ability to make a critical assessment of knowledge or understanding in the field of research
• ability to articulate research aims and objectives and the field of research
• contribution of the MPhil to the advancement of knowledge and understanding
• standards of appropriate independent research practice (including the ethics of experimental techniques used in the research and relevant Health and Safety issues)
• (where appropriate) a clear structural and intellectual link between textual and practical components of the project

Research Skills, Techniques and Management relating to evidence of the ability to:

• identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives and other sources of relevant information
• analyse, contextualise, evaluate and develop theoretical concepts and methodologies or technical skills for the research field
• write in appropriate style and construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas (oral, written and visual)
• defend and expand/elaborate research outcomes at seminars and viva voce exams
• contextualise the research at national and international levels, and to keep up to date with recent advances within the particular research field

• manage time and resources
• understand the transferable nature of research skills to other environments
• understand the process of academic, cultural or commercial dissemination of research results

The standard of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD (RCA)) is that expected of a Master’s graduate who has investigated and evaluated, or critically studied, an approved topic over not less than the equivalent of three years of full-time study resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, and who has demonstrated an understanding of research methods, and/or techniques and approaches in the research field or in related disciplinary areas, and has presented and defended creative work and/ or a thesis, by oral examination, to the satisfaction of the examiners applying accepted contemporary international standards. In order to achieve this standard, the candidate will have demonstrated:

Key Attributes relating to evidence of:

• originality
• ability to articulate research aims and objectives and the field of research
• contribution of the PhD to the advancement of knowledge and understanding
• standards of appropriate independent research practice (including the ethics of experimental techniques used in the research and relevant Health and Safety issues)
• (where appropriate) a clear structural and intellectual link between textual and practical components of the project

Research Skills, Techniques and Management relating to evidence of the ability to:

• identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives and other sources of relevant information
• analyse, contextualise, evaluate and develop theoretical concepts and/or methodologies or technical skills for the research field
• write in appropriate style and construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas (oral, written and visual)
• defend and expand/elaborate research outcomes at seminars and viva voce exams
• contextualise the research at national and international levels, and to keep up to date with recent advances within the particular research field

Professional Skills relating to evidence of the ability to:

• manage time and resources
• understand the transferable nature of research skills to other environments
• understand the process of academic, cultural or commercial dissemination of research results