Appendix 1 : Induction Programme
The information to be provided as part of the induction programme can usefully include:*
- general information about the institution and its postgraduate portfolio in the relevant subject(s);
- the institution's registration, enrolment, appeals and complaints procedures, assessment requirements and research degree regulations;
- the names and contact details of the student's supervisor(s) and information about how supervisory arrangements work;
- the institution's research ethics and codes and those of relevant professional bodies and discipline groups, including consideration of issues concerning authorship and intellectual property;
- the institution's expectations of the independence and responsibilities of the student;
- student support and welfare services such as counselling and advice centres;
- a summary of the facilities that will be made available to the student, including the learning support infrastructure;
- relevant health and safety and other legislative information;
- where appropriate, a brief outline of the proposed research programme(s), together with the normal length of study and the facilities that will be made available to the student;
- reference to the challenges that will typically face research students during the course of their studies and where guidance may be sought in the event of difficulties;
- any opportunity for the student representative body to introduce themselves, including specific postgraduate representation;
- social activity, including that provided specifically for postgraduates;
- opportunities for postgraduates to be represented by the student body;
- details about opportunities and requirements for skills development.
It can be helpful if institutions provide students with an introductory pack providing details about where they can find essential information.
* Extract from: QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education, Section 1: Postgraduate research programmes - September 2004 (Precept 10).
(Approved by Senate on 22 June 2005)