Purpose of the Core Code

2.1 The purpose of this Core Code is to provide a framework for the effective

management and implementation of good practice in all matters relating to research students at King's College London. It aims to ensure that all students are effectively supported and supervised so that: the full potential of their research may be

achieved; their thesis submitted within the target period of study, which is defined in the College academic regulations for the year in which the student commenced their studies5_{; and they are developed as researchers.}

2.2 The Core Code sets out the threshold expectations; Faculty/Schools practice may supplement and build upon the Core Code and therefore the Core Code should be used in conjunction with Faculty/School and Department

handbooks.

1 _{The term ‘postgraduate research student’ refers to students on any research-based programme within the College, including}

MPhil, MPhilStud, PhD, MD, MS, MD(Res) MDS and professionaldoctorates. References to individual programmes are made when a paragraph is relevant solely to that award.

2 _{An electronic copy of this document can be downloaded at: https://internal.kcl.ac.uk/student/grad-school/pgr/docs/index.aspx} 3_{http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/quality-code-part-b}

4 _{The word ‘Department’ is used throughout the Core Code to refer to departments, divisions, research group or other units}

within a Faculty/School that are responsible for postgraduate research students.

5_{Students registered for MPhil/PhD degree programmes are expected to submit their theses within three years (full-time)}

and within six years (part-time) of initial registration, unless specific exceptions apply. For further clarification for all

research degrees and maximum periods of registration please refer to the Regulations for research degrees (DClinPsy, DHC, DMin, DrPS, EdD, MD(Res), MPhil, MPhilStud & PhD)http://www.kcl.ac.uk/aboutkings/governance/regulations/index.aspx

Core code of practice for postgraduate research degrees 3. Admission to a postgraduate research programme of study

3.1 Faculties/Schools should ensure that their promotional material, whether web- or paper-based is clear, accurate and up-to-date, and of sufficient detail to inform student choice.

3.2 Faculties/Schools are responsible for ensuring that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that students are accepted onto postgraduate research programmes only when they have the ability to complete in the period of study prescribed by the College Regulations6_.

3.3 The normal minimum entry qualification is a 2i (upper second class undergraduate degree)and/or a higher degree in a relevant subject, or an equivalent overseas degree (see academic regulations for admission and registration). Particular care is needed in the admission of students with non-traditional qualifications.

3.4 Each candidate will be asked to provide names of at least two authoritative referees from whom satisfactory confidential reports must also be received before an offer is made. Referees will be directed to provide information relevant to the student’s academic record and potential to benefit from the proposed programme of study. 3.5 Following an initial screening, selection will normally be by interview either face-to-

face or in the case of some international students by telephoneor appropriate internet communication services. Interviews will normally be conducted by at least two appropriately prepared academic staff, including the potential principal

supervisor, with a view to determining the applicant’s suitability (see College Policy Zone http://www.kcl.ac.uk/college/policyzone/ for ‘College-wide Interviewing Policy and Guidelines). Particular attention will be paid to the experience, skills and

academic record and potential of the candidate, and on the suitability of the proposed programme of study to the candidate’s needs and career objectives. Interviewers should also assure themselves that the candidate meets the relevant English language requirements (see College Policy Zone

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/college/policyzone/ for ‘Fair Admissions Policy – Postgraduate

Admissions’).

3.6 All applicants will be made aware that they will be expected to complete the

programme within the period of study set out in the regulations. The requirements for successful annual progression and the procedures for monitoring of progress will be explained at interview.

3.7 An official offer in writing will only be made by the admitting Faculty/School with the express approval of the Head of Department or his/her delegate. In approving the issue of an offer, s/he must consider not only the issues referred to above but also the availability of suitable facilities and resources, including suitable financial support, to enable the student to complete his/her studies.

3.8 The Head of Department will ensure that all candidates have been fully and fairly considered consistent with the College Equality & Diversity Statement. The confidentiality of the admissions process will be respected. Special needs of individual students will be identified and dealt with effectively before an offer is approved. All College staff need to be proactive in dealing with any equality issue. Any such issue will not be considered as part of the academic assessment of the applicant for the programme.

6 _{Further details can be found within the College Fair Admissions Policy – Postgraduate Admissions}

Core code of practice for postgraduate research degrees

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3.9 Faculties/Schools and departments are responsible for providing suitable supervisory arrangements that should reflect the nature of the work concerned and the student’s needs (see section 4 below for further details).

3.10 The student's topic for research will normally have been agreed prior to registration and no later than one month after registration or the completion of any required qualifying study and/or examination. The feasibility of the project will be assessed by the student’s supervisory panel to ensure that it is adequate. Faculties/Schools that provide four-year study programmes involving a first year of mini-projects (or similar training) may make special arrangements for project assignment. Arrangements for any qualifying study must be specified in the offer letter and agreed before the commencement of the course of study. Students and supervisors are required to read and sign a student/supervisor agreement within the first three months of registration, the format of which may vary; please refer to your admitting Faculty/School for relevant details.