Research Ethics

The University of Glasgow requires that all research involving human data or material is subject to formal ethical review.

This section of the College Research website provides guidance on the review process and who to contact about your application. This guidance applies to all staff and students in the College of Social Sciences undertaking research in their capacity as members of the University of Glasgow.

In the case of students, it covers research undertaken by a student currently registered for a degree within the College as a recognised part of his or her degree programme. However, it does not cover work carried out as part of the teaching of the programme, for example, students conducting established experiments as part of their learning. Ethical issues in respect of such matters continue to be dealt with through School teaching committees and the Senate Education Committee.

In respect of non-student research, the University policy of review of non-clinical research applies to individuals carrying out research for the University including, without limitation, all University employees, irrespective of whether their current place of work is within or outside University premises and all visiting researchers of the University irrespective of whether they are employed by the University, including persons with honorary positions, conducting research within, or on behalf of, the University.

Application Processing

All Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Student applications will be reviewed by their School Ethics Forum, while Postgraduate Research Student and Staff applications will be considered by the College Research Ethics Committee. Contact details are provided below, and further details of the different routes for approval for Undergraduate and Postgraduate are provided in Ethics Application Routes. MRes student applications are processed at the School level.

Full guidance and further details for applicants.