Glossary of Terms
The University Calendar: The regulations governing study at the University of Glasgow.
Extension: Following the completion of the student’s research period, an extension refers to any amendment to the deadline for the student’s submission. This must be approved by the relevant Graduate School Board or designate.
Funder: Any external body/company which contributes to the funding of a student’s research degree.
Graduate School: Within a College, the Graduate School’s function is to implement policy and practice in relation to postgraduate students. It is led by the Dean of Graduate Studies, an academic member of College staff.
Graduate School Board: Within a College, the Graduate School Board manages regulatory matters relating to postgraduate degrees.
Higher Degree by Research/Research Degree: Any higher degree offered by the University of Glasgow involving a substantial research period and production of a thesis for examination.
Intellectual property: Intellectual property (or IP) refers to creative work which can be treated as an asset or physical property. Intellectual property rights fall principally into four main areas; copyright, trademarks, design rights and patent. The intellectual property rights of results arising from a student’s work on a research degree are generally owned by the student. Some funders or sponsors, however, require the student to assign some intellectual property rights to them in exchange for funding or an in-kind contribution to the research degree. Students should refer to the University’s policy on Intellectual Property and Commercialisation for further guidance.
Oral examination: Also known as the viva voce, this refers to the oral examination in which a student defends his/her thesis in front of a Committee of Examiners to determine the outcome of their study.
Research period: The research period is the duration for which the student is registered for their research degree. Research period durations vary depending on the research degree a student undertakes. A student is generally expected to complete and submit within this period.
Research ‘Furth of Glasgow’: Policy relating to students on placement during their research degree and/or conducting research at sites other than those owned and governed by the University of Glasgow.
Suspension: An interruption of study. Suspensions should be rare and must be approved by the relevant Graduate School Board or designate. Periods of suspension are taken into account when calculating a student’s funding end date and submission date.