Research training
The DHeritage is modelled as a 6-year programme with three phases of study; however, there is the flexibility for students to complete more quickly, should they wish to do so and their progress indicates that is possible. Support is provided through supervision, discussion of key issues during workshops, engagement with DHeritage online content through the University’s web-based Managed Learning Environment, and attendance at the University’s Researcher Development Training Programme sessions and other University events.
Phase 1
During Phase 1 (typically years 1 and 2 of study), students complete 8 workshops, each consisting of a 1-day campus event (or online equivalent) plus a formatively assessed independent assignment.
Of the 8 workshops, 2 are required core study: Research Methods and Writing in year 1; Project Development and Presentation in year 2. Students will undertake a further 6 thematic workshops, delivered on a rolling programme by expert staff and available to all DHeritage students.
Students will also be supported by their supervision team in working towards their research degree registration assessment, which takes place 8 months after enrolment. Full supervisory teams will meet with students at least 3 times per phase, with additional supervision from the Principal Supervisor or Co-Supervisors as needed. Supervisory meetings typically coincide with workshops; additional meetings are scheduled at mutually convenient times.
DHeritage students benefit from an annual conference and can join the postgraduate History Lab. Students with supervisors in other Schools will also be invited to join any similar activities in those Schools such as the TVAD Talks in the School of Creative Arts. DHeritage students are encouraged to attend the Spring and Summer Schools hosted by the University’s Researcher Development Programme.
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If the participant has met the relevant criteria, an exit award of MA by Research is available at the end of Phase 1, for which participants would need to develop a submission based on their programme of work for this phase.
Phase 2
During Phase 2 (usually years 3 and 4), students will come into the University for 4 x day workshops, based on sharing and discussing progress, addressing research issues, and with some delivered content (for example, an external speaker, or a guided exploration of a film, online resource or article).
Students continue to receive the support of their supervision team in Phase 2, leading to a Doctoral Review progression assessment by around 40 months of study. This verifies that students are in a position to complete their studies at doctoral level. Students in a position to complete early (i.e. in fewer than 6 years) can take this assessment before the end of their fourth year, then submit for final assessment in phase 3 when they are ready.
If the participant has met the relevant criteria, an exit award of MPhil is available at the end of Phase 2, for which participants develop a submission based on their programme of work for Phases 1 and 2.
Phase 3
Students in Phase 3 continue to develop their research, with supervisory support, leading to their final doctoral submission.
The submission typically comprises a thesis of around 55,000 words and a portfolio of supporting work. The portfolio will typically comprise material showing how research developed in the thesis can be used in practice, for example, an exhibition outline, a digital resource, an extended archival finding aid, a code of practice, a guidebook, catalogue or other published work. The portfolio may include a substantial element of non-textual work, although a commentary and analysis of 5,000-10,000 words is required as part of the portfolio to explain and locate the materials relative to the thesis and any relevant practical examples or issues.
All phases
All postgraduate students are required to follow some elements of the University’s Researcher Development Programme (RDP), at appropriate points during all phases of study. In addition, DHeritage students are encouraged to participate fully in the RDP including the Spring and Summer Schools. Most RDP training occurs on weekdays.
Throughout the programme participants will be subject to ongoing monitoring and assessment of progress in line the University Research Degree Regulations.
Distance learning
The DHeritage is available as a distance learning degree, which allows students to attend for approximately 50% of the campus sessions with the other 50% being accessed online via our Managed Learning Environment. Each campus-based workshop has an online equivalent.