PGR Policy, Strategy and Support

PGR Code of Practice

Download: 2024-25 PGR Code of Practice

The University of Glasgow recognises that research students make a vital contribution to our institution’s research output, culture and international reputation as a dynamic, competitive, research-led university.

The University has agreed that some aspects of a postgraduate research student’s experience are common across all disciplines.  The University’s Graduate Schools have therefore developed a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Code of Practice, which sets out guidelines to students and staff about the most effective practice for each stage in a postgraduate student’s life.  These are the expected standards that all staff and students should maintain. 

It is important that postgraduate research students:

• receive the highest quality of support from University staff;
• are encouraged and supported to have an excellent student experience;
• have access to the correct information and resources to facilitate the satisfactory completion of their research;
• develop the skills needed for their future careers;
• are aware of their roles and responsibilities as well as those of their supervisors and other University staff.

Summary of important changes to the 2024/25 Code of Practice

• Section 9 - Progress Reporting is updated to include further information regarding the APR process, online system and university's complaints handling procedure (paragraphs 9.12, 9.13,9.14, 9.25)
• An update is made to Section 10 - Submission and Final Examination to provide further clarification regarding time permitted for submission, thesis pending status, extension, appointing affiliate and honorary staff member, revision, resubmission and extension (paragraphs 10.1, 10.2, 10.6, 10.7, 10.9-10.12, 10.16,10.18,10.20, 10.46, 10.78, 10.82, 10.83, 10.87)
• Minor changes are also made to section 10 to provide clarity on timescale for viva voce and submission of report by the examiners. (paragraph  10.41, 10.63, 10.73)
• An update is made to Section 14 - Research Integrity, which now provides further details regarding the investigation process. Students have the option to complete an anonymous reporting form to raise a concern about research misconduct (paragraphs 14.4.3, 14.5, 14.6)
• Section 5 and section 14 are updated to indicate about the mandatory Research Integrity training. (paragraph 5.9, 14.2)
• Definitions of Research Period and Thesis Pending have been updated in the Glossary of Terms.