PGR Graduate School Glossary A - Z

 

Name/AbbreviationMEANINGDESCRIPTION

APR

 

Annual Progress Review

 		 Annual Progress reviews are usually done between May-July each year.  APR is an important part of studies and an opportunity for student/supervisor/reviewer to discuss progress and forthcoming plans. Students contact their supervisory team/panel reviewers and arrange their annual review. Supervisors should be available for students when they need to meet and discuss their annual review.  APR/PGR Web Page

ATAS

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate

 If you require a visa to study in the UK, then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before commencing your programme of study and applying for your visa or extension of stay. You can find a list of all subjects that require a valid ATAS certificate and the associated CAH codes on the Home Office webpages. 

CAS 

Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies 

 

The Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) is an online document which is issued by the University via the UKVI.  It details offer of study and course.

A valid CAS is required to apply for a Student visa either inside or outside the UK and will copy the information from the CAS onto Student visa application form. CAS web page

 

End Date

 

Date student status ends

 		 End of studies date, this can vary for each student, if the student is in their thesis pending year it is usually the latest thesis hand in date, if the student has not sent an intention to submit form before this date. A student end date can be found on my campus. 

Exam Committee

 

Committee of Examiners

 		 The exam committee usually consists of Exam Convenor, Internal Examiner and External Examiner. Exam Committee hub web page

Final Review

 

Final review in thesis pending year.

 		 Final review done 8 months prior to submission deadline. Students should be interviewed on their progress in thesis writing within their thesis pending year. In the case of MSc(R) students, their assessors may discuss this at the annual progress review. Postgraduate Convenors will assign an appropriate Traffic Light on PGR. Web Page 

Fully Qualified

 

Degree awarded

 		 A student is classed as fully qualified after they have received their award letter. 

Graduate Skills Pathway

extra-curricular skills and training.

The PGR Graduate Skills Pathway is a framework to gain formal recognition for extra-curricular skills and training.

It provides the opportunity to access a suite of transferable skills, training, activities and events to enhance your personal development and future prospects. Graduate Skills Pathway

Graduation

 

Graduation Ceremony

 		 Graduation ceremonies take place in Summer and Winter.  Students need to enrol to graduate, this is dealt with by the graduation office graduation@glasgow.ac.uk. Web Page   

Hardbound Thesis

 

Final corrected (electronic) thesis

 		 Student submits their final corrected electronic thesis to the Graduate School along with a Thesis Access Form. 

HDC

Higher Degrees Committee

To discuss, advise and make recommendations to College on all matters relating to the monitoring and review of postgraduate research degrees awards. Specifically to:

  • Review the reports and recommendations of examiners, approve awards and appoint third party readers of theses as appropriate.
  • Approve the prima facie case for candidature for higher degrees (including published work)
  • Establish systems and monitor performance relating to the PGR experience    
  • Consider applications for early or late submission of theses for examination.
  • Consider requests for suspensions
  • Consider requests for change of degree/change of student status

Induction

 

Graduate School annual induction programmes

 		 Induction is mandatory for research students who are both new to the University of Glasgow and those who have studied here before. The aim of the programme is to welcome and introduce new students to the Graduate School, to discuss the formal requirements that must be adhered to, and issues surrounding good communication and research practices. Induction involves meet your convenor, presentation of research projects and question and answer sessions. Induction Website

Inkpath

Inkpath

 Researcher Development training bookings will be trough the University of Glasgow Inkpath platform. This platform will bring together development training from across the institution into one convenient location, and additionally has a number of useful features which will help strategically plan professional development. Inkpath

Initial Review

 

3 month progress review

 		 The initial review is usually done within the first 3 months of the student start date.  Sometimes the initial review is omitted if the student starts in March - June, in this instance the initial review would be done alongside the annual review. Web page 

Intention to Submit

 

Students notification of intention to submit thesis

 

Approximately six months before the expected submission of a thesis, the student completes the Notice of Intention to
Submit a Thesis for a Higher Degree by Research.

This is done online on our TAP system. This form permits the school to make a prompt appointment of a Special Committee of Examiners comprising a convener, internal examiner and external examiner. 

IPHD

 

Integrated PHD

 		 Combines Masters level teaching with a chosen research direction under one visa. Year 1 - taught masters level modules are taken on a chosen masters programme. Years 2-4 PhD programme with research /lab work, completing an examinable piece independent research in year 4.  Year 5 - Thesis write up.  IPHD

Ivanti

 

Helpdesk Request system

 		 Process students and staff can use to raise a help call for technical assistance or general queries and apply for credits. Ivanti is accessed through moodle by selecting New Helpdesk Request. 

CAH3

 

Previously JACS Code

 		 CAH3 codes required to apply for an ATAS.  More info

Moodle

 

Online platform for communication and teaching

 		 Moodle is the space where teaching resources (power points etc..are available).  Enrolment on courses is available through moodle.  Moodle

MSc (R)

 

Masters by Research (PGR Degree)

 		 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time PGR programme, plus 1 year thesis-pending. Depending upon training needs, a student may take approved credited taught courses throughout this period. Following the research period, students will write a thesis (under the supervision of the principal investigator), presenting data and analysis for the degree examination. Info on MSc (R)

My Campus

 

Student/Staff Portal

 		 MyCampus is the comprehensive web-based student and staff information system, providing a single portal through which students and staff can manage applications, payments, enrolments and timetables. 

Nom Form

Nomination of Examiners Form

 Form which is used by the Schools/Institutes to advise the Graduate School of the examination committee for a student. Exam Hub

PGR System

Progress review System

 The platform available to students and staff which provides information and updates on student progress, including initial/annual reviews. Location for checking skills training and credits. PGR Webpage

PGR Code of Practice

Information for PGR Staff/Students

 The Code of Practice (the Code) sets out the University’s expectations for institution-wide standards relating to all its postgraduate research provision and outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in this provision, including students and their supervisors. PGR Code of Practice

PGR Den

Moodle Communication Platform

 Resource that gives an idea of what to expect throughout PGR studies, and details of support contacts. PGR Den provides Information to help develop and reflect on skills, guidance on University support services and how to connect with each other, and with people throughout the world, using social media. The PGR Den provides links to key documents such as PGR Handbook, Research Training Programme Handbook, and PGR Code of Practice.  Provides information and links to Induction materials. PGR Den

PGR Progress Review

Progress Reporting

 First year research students will have an initial review in the first 3 months, they are also required to write a literature review in this time and this is the first real test of the students ability in scientific writing.  Subsequent progress reviews take place yearly and involve more discussion of actual results. PGR review page

PHD

Doctoral Research Degree Programme

 PHD takes around 4 years to complete, 3 years of supervised research and 1 year for thesis write up.  This can vary and will be longer for part time students. PHD

PHD by Published Works

 PhD by Pub Work

 

PhD by Published Work is an exceptional route to a higher degree aimed at individuals who provide clear evidence of independent, scientific and original research. It is not available to those who are already in possession of a research doctorate. It is expected that those applying for candidature will have undertaken a cohesive body of research extending over a period of more than five years. In order to be eligible as a candidate for the degree by Published work, applicants must be a graduate of the University of Glasgow,  a member of staff or a former member of staff. The academic quality of works submitted for consideration will be carefully considered by the Graduate School Board, which will make an appropriate recommendation concerning acceptability of the prima facie case.   The relevant Divisional Postgraduate Convener will consider all cases in the first instance. PhD by Published Work

 

Primary Supervisor

Students main supervisor

 A member of the academic staff of the University with an appropriate level of qualification and experience who is appointed to supervise a postgraduate research student.  The primary supervisor has primary responsibility for supervision of the student. 

Registration/Enrolment

Process for Registering before starting at University

 All students are required to register online before starting at the university using the university’s student information system, MyCampus. The registration process allows the student to register and confirm personal, academic and financial information. Once complete students will have become a fully registered at the University of Glasgow.   Registration needs to be completed every academic year.   Registration is in 2 parts, academic and financial, students need to complete both.  Registration & Enrolment

Reviewer/Assessor

Reviewer/Assessor on PGR System

 An assessor/reviewer will be appointed during the period of research study. They will be generally familiar with the area of research. The assessor will be responsible for encouraging both Student and Supervisors to adopt the best practice and will assist with regard to solving problems arising during the period of research, including problems that may arise between Student and Supervisors.

RTP

 

 Research Training Programme

 A comprehensive, professional and career development programme organised by MVLS, to help PGRs develop transferable skills that will be useful to them during their degree and in a wide variety of future careers. Information on courses available in the RTP Handbook. Full-time students undertaking a PhD should gain 20 skills training credits. Students should Self-evaluate training needs using the Training Needs Assessment Form and the Vitae Researcher Development Document (PDF).Meet with supervisor to review the completed Training Needs Assessment form. Agree on a training plan and complete the Researcher Development Log .Review training needs with supervisor throughout the year.  Research Training

Secondary Supervisor

 

Student 2nd Supervisor

 A member of the academic staff of the University appointed to supervise a postgraduate research student but who does not have primary responsibility for the student. As part of the supervisory team the secondary supervisor provides independent advice and support and provide support if the primary supervisor is absent for a period. 

Softbound Thesis

 

Final thesis for examination

 		 Student submits their final thesis to the Graduate School for examination.  When received the Graduate School issues the thesis to the examining committee.  Thesis Submission

Start Date

Date student due to commence studies

 The date students are due to begin their supervised research period.

Student Reps

PGR Student representatives

https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=639774&forceview=1

If you wish to become a student rep: https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/representation/class-reps/

Supervisor Training (online)

Supervisor Training Sessions

 All supervisors of postgraduate research students must undertake supervisor training. This requirement extends to relevant honorary members of staff involved in supervision and examination. Certification will be on a 5 year renewable basis.  To receive a letter of completion supervisors must complete the online resource and also attend a session where small groups of supervisors will work through a variety of scenarios that students and supervisors may encounter. Online training can be completed any time before a Scenario based session. Supervisor Training

Supervisor Training SBS

Scenario Based Session

 A session where small groups of supervisors will work through a variety of scenarios that students and supervisors may encounter. Facilitated by an experienced supervisor/Convenor. (5 sessions per year) Scenario Based Sessions

TAP

Thesis Administration Process

 Students access the TAP system when they are ready to submit their thesis.  Usually in their thesis pending year.  Supervisors/Convenors/admin staff also access the Tap system to update and view progress. TAP

Thesis by Alternative Format 

Submission of thesis in an alternative journal format

If you want to submit your thesis in an alternative format, such as a thesis containing one or more journal articles as submitted to a journal or as published, discuss with your supervisor as early as possible during your period of study to check if it is an appropriate route. Inform your school and Graduate School if your supervisor agrees with this format. Students in any College may be permitted to submit a thesis in a ‘journal format’ subject to adherence to College and/or School guidance on the use of this format for their discipline. It may not be appropriate to submit a thesis in this format in all disciplines and students and supervisors should take care to explore whether this is an appropriate route for each individual. Discuss with your supervisor the structure for your thesis as early as possible in your research period and ensure that you understand the expectations for thesis standards and formats. Be aware that while publishing in a peer reviewed journal may be an indicator of the quality of the work for specific journals, this is no guarantee of success in an examination context. Complete the MVLS Alternative Format Form and return to the MVLS Graduate School, along with a supporting statement from your PG Convenor MVLS Alt Format

Thesis Pending

Thesis write up period

 Students are in thesis pending in their final year of research, this can vary but is usually their 4th year of study and their write up year. 

Traffic Light (PGR)

 

A recommendation for a student to progress to the next year

 		 After a review if a traffic light is not assigned the student will not be rolled over in to the next academic term. This will have serious consequences with registration for the new academic term and the inability to enrol onto courses. 

UKVI

UK Visa and Immigration

 The UK Government responsible for immigration and who regulates and monitors Tier 4 Sponsors. Visa

University Regulations (formerly University Calander)

Annual publication of academic regulations

 The University Regulations is the annual publication of academic regulations and covers degree regulations, fees, student codes and assessment. In referring to regulations for degree programmes, students should consult the regulations which were in force in the academic session in which they first registered for the degree programme in question. Any changes which have subsequently been made to these regulations will have been communicated to all current students, to whom the revisions apply, by the relevant College or School. University Regulations

Viva Voce

Oral Examination Process

 The Viva typically is an oral examination.  The viva will normally take place with an Exam Convenor, Internal Examiner and External Examiner present. Examination Process