Research

Degrees

Code of Practice
from September 2011







Marylebone Road, London NW1 5HT
Tel. 020 7873 7373 Fax 020 7873 7374
www.ram.ac.uk
University of London and Royal Academy of Music 2001

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RESEARCH DEGREES AT THE
ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC



CONTENTS
Page

1 Introduction 2

2 Summary of programme expectations 2

3 Entry requirements and application procedures 6

4 Registration and transfer requirements 8

5 Supervision arrangements, including appointment 11
of supervisors and guidelines on the roles and
responsibilities of students and supervisors

6 Seminar arrangements 14

7 Thesis submission and writing-up period 14

8 Examination procedures 16

9 Student representation and consideration of 17
student appeals and complaints

10 Membership and Terms of Reference of the 17
Postgraduate Programme Board




APPENDICES 20

Copies of forms for recording student progress:

1 Personal Development Plan (student to complete)
2 End of Year Supervisor report








1 INTRODUCTION

The Royal Academy of Music has offered research degrees (MPhil and PhD) in
Performance Practice and Composition since September 2000. The Academy
became a full member of the University of London in 1999 and these degrees are
in accordance with the Universitys regulations for the degrees of MPhil and PhD
within the music subject area (see the University of London regulations,
paragraphs 4.1.3 and 4.2.3).

The development of the research degree programme is a significant part of the
Academys Strategic Plan and its institutional research strategy. The range and
quality of the research activity undertaken by Academy staff has been recognised
in the 1996, 2001 and 2008 Research Assessment Exercises, acknowledging the
Academys position at the forefront of specialist institution research. The
Academy has made significant advances in establishing approaches to the
disciplines of performance research that are distinctive to the institution and its
environment. These have been encouraged through the launching of a series of
research workshops held in the museum, and through educational developments
on the taught degree programmes. Research degree students are thus invited to
become part of an active research community and to take a lead in furthering
practice-based approaches to research questions and processes.

The Academy benefits from a series of substantial research collections, ranging
from instruments and early printed editions to archive and manuscript materials.
These are readily accessible within the York Gate Collections, which has been
open since February 2002. Apart from its own extensive library collections,
Academy research students also have easy access to the British Library, and to
the University of London library at Senate House.


2 SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME EXPECTATIONS

Students should refer to the University of London Regulations for the Degrees of
MPhil and PhD for a full account of the framework in which the Academys
research degree programme operates.
http://www.london.ac.uk/research_degrees.html

Below is a summary of some of the most pertinent details with reference to the
relevant paragraphs from that document. This is followed by a summary of the
Academys own particular expectations of research degree students.

The Academys full Regulations (which include the University of London
Regulations) can be found on AIR in the quick links section on the Academic
Secretariat page (select Institutional Information, then Academic Secretariat from
the AIR drop down menu).




University of London Regulations


Length of Programme

The minimum length of programme for the degrees of MPhil and PhD shall be
two calendar years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study
(paragraph 3.4).
1
The scope of an MPhil thesis shall be what might reasonably
be expected after two or at most three years of full-time study (4.2.1), the scope
of a PhD thesis what might reasonably be expected after three or at most four
years of full-time study (4.1.1).

Generic Expectations of an MPhil Thesis (4.2.2)

The thesis shall:

consist of the candidates own account of his/her investigations, the
greater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the period
of registration under supervision for the degree
be either a record of original work or of an ordered and critical exposition
of existing knowledge and shall provide evidence that the field has been
surveyed thoroughly
be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument, give a critical
assessment of the relevant literature, describe the method of research and
its findings and include a discussion of those findings
be written in English
include a full bibliography and references
not exceed 60,000 words (see Academy regulations overleaf,
performance students who wish to submit a substantial body of practical
work should consult the Postgraduate Programmes Board for advice on
word length etc)

Generic Expectations of a PhD Thesis (4.1.2)

The thesis shall:

consist of the candidates own account of his/her investigations, the
greater proportion of which shall have been undertaken during the period
of registration under supervision for the degree
form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford
evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise
of independent critical power
be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument
give a critical assessment of the relevant literature, describe the method of
research and its findings, and include a discussion on those findings and
indicate in what respects they appear to the candidate to advance the

1
Please note that the Academy does not offer part time research degrees.
study of the subject, and, in so doing, demonstrate a deep and synoptic
understanding of the field of study, (the candidate being able to place the
thesis in a wider context); objectivity and the capacity for judgement in
complex situations and autonomous work in that field
be written in English and the literary presentation shall be satisfactory
include a full bibliography and references
not exceed 100,000 words (see Academy regulations below)
be of a standard to merit publication in whole, or in part or in a revised
form (for example, as a monograph or as a number of articles in learned
journals)
demonstrate research skills relevant to the thesis being presented.

Specific Regulations for Music Theses (4.1.3 and 4.2.3)

In the field of Music a candidate may choose to submit research leading to a
thesis submitted in accordance with the normal provisions, which may be
accompanied by illustrative material in the form of recorded and/or live
performance. However presented, this work must be accompanied by an
adequate and approved form of retainable documentation.

Alternatively, candidates may choose to submit the main outcomes of their
research in a practical format (as described at i) and ii) below). In the latter cases
candidates shall submit a textual component as accompaniment to the practice-
based material which should establish the research questions that govern the
submission as a whole and also the manner of its presentation. However
presented, this work must be accompanied by an adequate and approved form of
retainable documentation. In all cases, the submitted components shall together
fulfill the criteria for the PhD as set out above.

i) Candidates may submit a portfolio of compositions accompanied by a written
commentary, components which together constitute the 'thesis'. The portfolio
should show artistic skill, coherence and originality, and should bear relation
to the research questions outlined in the written component. The portfolio
should include recordings of as many of the works as possible. The written
component should outline the compositionally-driven research questions
governing the submission as a whole, and should reflect on the creative
processes involved in producing the portfolio by employing intellectually
rigorous analytical and critical techniques. The commentary should also
make clear that the candidate is well acquainted with the history and
contemporary developments of the genre or genres in which he or she is
working in the creative portion of the thesis, and the associated critical field
or fields, and is able independently to analyse, interpret and evaluate
associated debates and theoretical positions. The written and practice-based
components shall together present an integrated argument.

or

ii) Candidates may submit performance material (whether presented as a
concert(s)/recital(s) or as recordings) accompanied by a written commentary
or study, components which together constitute the 'thesis'. The
performances should show artistic skill, insight and technical mastery, and
should bear relation to the research questions outlined in the written
component. All the performance material to be considered as part of the
'thesis' should be made available to the examiners and recorded for archiving
with the written component. The written component should outline the
performance-driven research questions governing the submission as a whole
and make clear the significance of the performances by employing
intellectually rigorous analytical and critical techniques. The commentary
should also make clear that the candidate is well acquainted with the history
and contemporary developments of the genre or genres in which he or she is
working in the creative portion of the thesis, and the associated critical field
or fields, and is able independently to analyse, interpret and evaluate
associated debates and theoretical positions. The written and practice-
based components shall together present an integrated argument.


Internal Royal Academy of Music MPhil/PhD regulations

Length of Programme

The normal length of programme for the Academys PhD is four years, including
three years of full-time study and one year writing-up. Students may opt to
complete the degree within three years by writing to their Tutor.

Requirements

Composers

Performers
PhD
Thesis:
Composition Portfolio consisting of a
minimum of 1 hour of music and written
commentary of 15-25,000 words.



MPhil
Thesis:
Composition Portfolio of a minimum of
45 minutes of music plus written
commentary of 10-20,000 words.
PhD
Thesis:
Written dissertation of 50-70,000 words
plus supporting material as required.
OR
Performance Portfolio and written
commentary of 15-25,000 words.

MPhil
Thesis:
Dissertation of 30-50,000 words plus
supporting material as required.
OR
Performance Portfolio plus written
commentary of 10-20,000 words.


1. The balance of practical material and written text may lie anywhere
between the outer limits indicated in the guidelines above. The format of
the final submission will be determined by the student in consultation with
the supervisor(s).

2. Where a portfolio of compositions or performances is presented as part of
the submission the written and practical materials shall together present
an integrated thesis.

3. At 4.1.2 the University of London regulations note a generic expectation
that the thesis shall form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the
subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts
and/or by the exercise of independent critical power. The Academy
stipulates that this also includes the demonstration of artistic insight at an
appropriate level.

3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Qualifications for admission

The normal minimum entrance requirement for registration for the MPhil or PhD
degree is:

a second class honours degree of a UK university or an international
qualification of an equivalent standard obtained after a course of study
extending over not less than three years in a university (or educational
institution of university rank), in a subject appropriate to that of the
programme to be followed; OR
a Postgraduate Taught degree of the University of London in a subject
appropriate to the programme to be followed; OR
a professional or other qualification obtained by written examination and
approved by the College (i.e. RAM) as an appropriate entrance
qualification for the MPhil or PhD degree in question; AND
for students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 7.0

Applicants possessing alternative qualifications may also be considered.

In addition to the above, students entering the Academys research degree
programme need to show evidence of their practical skills and experience, as
performers or composers. It is usually expected that these skills and experience
should be at the standard of students gaining the Academys Masters award. In
judging applications, the Academy will consider whether the proposed topic is
suited to the institutions distinctive research environment and specialisms. All
prospective students are encouraged to contact the Head of Postgraduate
Programmes and/or other members of the supervisory team for advice prior to
submitting an application.

The Royal Academy of Music invites applications from those who meet the
musical, academic and performance criteria for their proposed programme; and
welcomes candidates with additional needs. The Academy is committed to
providing an inclusive environment for learning, actively promoting equality of
opportunity. Therefore students are selected purely on their research proposals
or compositions, audition performance (as appropriate) and their perceived
potential. In consultation with the Disability Advisor, welfare officers and
departmental staff, reasonable adjustments for auditions and assessment can be
made for students with additional needs. In some cases, the Disability Advisor
may need to liaise with the student prior to audition regarding provision of
reasonable adjustments. Any declaration of disability made to the Disability
Advisor will be treated as confidential. Students will be given the opportunity to
sign a form giving permission for information about their disability to be given to
relevant staff only. This should facilitate the provision of support and reasonable
adjustments.

Application procedures

Candidates for the research degree programme should request an application
form from the Registry or download it from the Academy website (see details in
the Academys Prospectus). The form should be returned by the end of January
of the year before the student wishes to enter the programme. Candidates need
to pay an application fee of 75 for the 2011/12 academic year. Shortlisted
candidates are called to interview.

In addition composers will be required to submit:

a portfolio of recent compositions (including recordings where possible) as
evidence of their standard of practical work
if invited for interview, composers will be required to provide a detailed
research proposal (of c.2,000 words), outlining the planned content of their
MPhil/PhD portfolio (including any plans for collaborative work) and the
analytical and critical questions that would be addressed in the
accompanying written component. It should also indicate how the
applicant wishes to benefit from the resources available at the Academy,
including known staff expertise.

In addition performers will be required to submit:

an example of recently written academic work
a CV of recent performance experience, including a recording of a recent
performance if possible
a detailed research proposal (of c.2,000 words), outlining the thesis they
wish to pursue and the methodologies that would support it (including the
proposed method of linking academic to practical research outcomes).
The proposal should suggest how the thesis will contribute to current
disciplines of performance research and to the students own development
as a performer. It should also suggest how the applicant wishes to benefit
from the resources available at the Academy, including known staff
expertise.

Candidates who have submitted a promising application will be called to
interview, normally in March of the year preceding entry to the programme.
Performers will be advised on whether they need to attend a practical audition at
that time. The interview panel consists of the Head of Programme and at least
one other member of the Academys research supervision team. Instrumental
Heads of Studies are also consulted and are often part of any practical audition.

If accepted onto the programme, applicants will receive details of enrolment
procedures and funding levels. The Academy has been awarded an AHRC block
grant so that it can distribute AHRC awards directly. Application procedures for
AHRC awards are available on the Academys website. There is a small
scholarship fund for the programme and a range of research internships are
advertised to research degree students each year. These range from work
assisting in the dissemination or editing of research projects to assistance with
aspects of postgraduate teaching and can be discussed at interview if the
student wishes.


4 REGISTRATION, PROGRESSION AND TRANSFER
REQUIREMENTS

University of London Regulations for registration and transfer of
registration

A candidate for a research degree will initially be registered for the degree of
MPhil (1.3). A College may permit a student to transfer from the MPhil to the
PhD degree (see the Academy requirements set out below); registration for the
degree to which transfer has been made may date from initial registration for the
degree from which transfer has been made (2.1). On transfer of registration, the
registration for the original degree will lapse (2.2).

Royal Academy of Music progression requirements

End of Year 1 Assessment for Performers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that indicates an
ability to complete either MPhil or PhD degrees within the appropriate time frame.
This will be assessed through a publicly presented research paper or lecture
recital of c.45 minutes (accompanied by a written submission with footnotes and
bibliography), followed by a discussion and an interview with the assessment
panel. The assessment will normally take place at the end of the summer term.
The assessment panel will consist of the student's principal supervisor, the Head
of Postgraduate Programmes, and one other assessor (two where the Head of
Postgraduate Programmes is the principal supervisor). The Postgraduate
Programmes Board will decide on the student's progression, subject to the
panel's report and the principal supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's
report as appropriate) on the student's activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 2 Assessment for Performers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that indicates an
ability to complete the PhD degree after one further year of full time study and a
write-up period of up to one year. Assessment will be by submission of a
complete thesis plan (with detailed descriptions of major components) and two
thesis chapters or appropriate equivalents in the case of theses with performance
portfolio elements, normally totalling c. 20,000 words (or 45-60 minutes recorded
portfolio and c. 8,000 words). Please note, however, that it is normally expected
that this material will be combined with the requirements for transfer and that a
single submission will satisfy both assessments. The Postgraduate Programmes
Board will decide on the student's progression subject to the report on this written
work (from the principal supervisor and one other assessor), and the principal
supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report if appropriate) on the
student's activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 1 Assessment for Composers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
that indicates an ability to complete either MPhil or PhD degrees within the
appropriate time frame. This will be assessed through a publicly presented
research paper of c.45 minutes (accompanied by a written submission with
footnotes and bibliography), followed by discussion and an interview with the
assessment panel. It is expected that this paper will explore in some detail at
least one composition completed during the year. The assessment will normally
take place at the end of the summer term. The assessment panel will consist of
the student's principal supervisor, the Head of Postgraduate Programmes and at
least one other assessor. The Postgraduate Programmes Board will decide on
the student's progression, subject to the panel's report and the principal
supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report as appropriate) on the
student's compositional activity and progress throughout the year.

End of Year 2 Assessment for Composers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
that indicates an ability to complete the PhD degree after on year of full time
study and a write-up period of up to one more year. Assessment will be by
submission of a detailed plan of the compositions to be included as part of the
thesis, including proposed timings, a timetable for the completion of the
compositions, and summaries of how each piece will relate to the written
component of the thesis. This plan should be accompanied by a portfolio of c.30
minutes of music (with score(s) and recordings where possible), plus a written
submission normally the equivalent of two chapters of the proposed final
written submission (c. 8,000 words). Please note, however, that it is normally
expected that this material will be combined with the requirements for transfer
and that a single submission will satisfy both assessments. The Postgraduate
Programmes Board will decide on the student's progression subject to the report
on this work (from the principal supervisor and one other assessor), and the
principal supervisor's report (and subsidiary supervisor's report if appropriate) on
the student's compositional activity and progress throughout the year.




Royal Academy of Music transfer requirements

In order to be eligible for the PhD research-degree students must transfer to PhD
status by the end of their second year. It is normally expected that students will
apply for transfer in the Spring Term, with the assessment taking place in the
Summer Term. A form for applying for transfer from MPhil to PhD can be
obtained from the Registry. As noted above, it is normally expected that a single
submission will fulfil the requirements for both End of Year 2 and transfer
assessments.

Transfer requirements from MPhil to PhD for Performers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
(as appropriate to the orientation of the project as a whole) that is considered by
the assessment panel to be commensurate with expectations of work at PhD
level.

Students are required to submit:

A detailed plan of the chapters of the proposed theses, including
summaries of the proposed content of principal components
EITHER
A full draft of at least one chapter (c. 15,000 words) intended for the thesis
(this may overlap with end-of-year assessment materials)
OR
A performance portfolio (normally c. 30-45 minutes) accompanied by a full
draft of at least one chapter (c. 5,000 words) intended for the thesis that
together demonstrate the critical and artistic perspective of the thesis as a
whole
An abstract (300-500 words) presenting an overall summary of the
proposed thesis.

(Some compensation between the alternative requirements above may be made
where appropriate to the individual requirements of a thesis). This submission will
form the basis of a viva with an external assessor, the principal supervisor, and
the Head of Postgraduate Programmes (or one other assessor if the Head of
Postgraduate Programmes is the principal supervisor) who will then report to the
Postgraduate Programmes Board.

Transfer requirements from MPhil to PhD for Composers:
Students are required to demonstrate a level of critical and artistic engagement
that is considered by the assessment panel to be commensurate with
expectations of work at PhD level.

Students are required to submit:

A portfolio of at least 15 minutes of music (with recordings where possible)
A written commentary on the portfolio (c. 5,000 words), outlining the roles
these pieces are expected to play in the final thesis submission and plans
for the structure of the written commentary
A detailed plan for the remaining elements of the portfolio
An abstract (300-500 words) presenting an overall summary of the
proposed thesis.

This submission will form the basis of a viva with an external assessor, the
principal supervisor the Head of Postgraduate Programmes and the Head of
Composition, who will then report to the Postgraduate Programmes Board. As
an alternative to a recording, the student may opt to present his/her work through
a live concert, though this performance should be properly documented and
available to the panel.


5 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS
(Including appointment of supervisors and guidelines on the roles and
responsibilities of students and supervisors)

Principal Supervisor
Each student is allocated a principal supervisor, who is approved and appointed
by the Academys Postgraduate Programmes Board. This supervisor will be a
member of the Academys staff and an approved Teacher of the University of
London, with recognised experience of doctoral study and supervision practices.
He/she is responsible for reporting on the students progress (see appendices on
recording student progress) and for overseeing the course of the students study,
and thus should have proven expertise in the students area of research.

Additional Supervisor(s)
The Academys Postgraduate Programmes Board also allocates each student a
subsidiary supervisor (who may be a member of the Academy or of another
institution).

The student should consult with the Head of Postgraduate Programmes about
other supervisors to whom they might wish to refer (including practical
supervisors). It is the students responsibility to keep a record of how many
supervisions they have with subsidiary supervisors, and to report on this to the
Head of Postgraduate Programmes.

Appointment of Supervisors
Principal and subsidiary supervisors will be nominated after discussions between
Head of Postgraduate Programmes, the individual student and the proposed
supervisors (principal and subsidiary). Nominations will be discussed by the
Postgraduate Programmes Board and formally appointed thereafter.

Guidelines for Supervision and Candidature of Doctoral Research Students

Responsibilities of Supervisors

a) at the commencement of studentship
discussing with the student the aims, scope and presentation of the thesis;
assisting the student in completing their Personal Development Plan (Form 1 of
the Research Degrees Code of Practice)
clarifying the student's and the supervisor's respective expectations of
supervision and of the operation of the supervisory team. Agreement should be
reached on expectations pertaining to frequency of contact (normally not less
than once a fortnight) recognising that there are different needs at different
stages of the thesis
proposing a realistic timetable to meet the requirements of the course over 3-4
years, including recognition of End of Year and Transfer requirements
establishing expectations of students attendance at research skills training (RAM
and IMR); identifying any individual training requirements, particularly where the
student has not already undergone research skills training
identifying any English-as-a-second-language student who needs assistance in
communicating orally or in writing in English; advising the student of the need for
this assistance; referring the student for appropriate academic skills assistance
identifying any material resources necessary to complete the thesis
discussing any directed reading/listening considered necessary
establishing expectations of students involvement in Research Student
Seminars and RAM research events
if the research is funded by an AHRC award, discussing with the student
contractual terms and conditions. Any financial support provided to the student
by other funding bodies will be the responsibility of the student, although the
supervisor should agree to provide all necessary progress reports
b) during the studentship
initiating and holding frequent and adequate discussions with the student on the
student's research programme. Supervisor and student are jointly responsible for
initiating such discussions, and there should normally be contact between the
supervisor and the student at least once each fortnight even if a formal meeting
is not always possible
encouraging the student to be actively engaged in the research course in a
manner likely to produce significant materials by the time of End of Year
assessments, in preparation for the Transfer examination and by the time the
thesis is due to be submitted; or advising the student in writing that progress is
unsatisfactory and identifying improvements necessary for continuation of
candidature
ensuring that any major decisions about the student's research programme made
in conversation between the supervisor and the student, or any major variations
to agreed expectations and guidelines, are confirmed in writing and a copy given
to the student and to secondary supervisor(s) and noted in the annual progress
report
in consultation with the Head of Programmes, arranging and attending End of
Year and Transfer examinations;
completing the End of Year Supervisor Report (Form 2 of the Research
Degrees Code of Practice) at the end of each academic year
encouraging the student to participate in the research environment of the RAM
through involvement with Research Student Seminars and research events;
encouraging students to participate in external research events/conferences
requiring work (writing/performance/composition) from the student on a pre-
arranged and agreed schedule; reviewing drafts of submissions for assessments;
reviewing drafts of the thesis and providing written and/or verbal comments
within a mutually agreed period; providing written and/or verbal comments on the
completed thesis before it is submitted for examination
in consultation with the Head of Programme, and after giving the student an
opportunity to comment on possible examiners for the thesis, nominating
examiners to the Postgraduate Programmes Board normally at least four months
before the thesis is due to be submitted
arranging the students final Viva by liaising with student and examiners
in consultation with the Head of Programme, advising the student on any
examiners' recommendations for amendments to the thesis and advising the
student during the revision process for re-submission and re-examination
advising and negotiating with the student in respect of any publication or joint
publication likely to arise during or on the basis of the research project,
appropriate and adequate recognition of the students and the supervisor's
contribution to the publication
advising the student on career options, and on any prospective publications
arising from the final thesis
Responsibilities of Students
becoming familiar with the Research Degrees Code of Practice
initiating (when required) and participating in frequent and adequate discussions
with the supervisor(s) during the research programme. Supervisors and students
are jointly responsible for initiating such discussions, and there should normally
be contact between the supervisor(s) and the student at least once a fortnight
even if a formal meeting is not always possible. Contact should be maintained
during any period of fieldwork
establishing with your Supervisor a realistic timetable to meet the EOY and
transfer requirements over 3-4 years; understanding expected progress at each
stage of the course
completing, in consultation with your supervisor, your Personal Development
Plan (Form 1 of the Research Degrees Code of Practice) at the beginning of
each academic year
attending research skills training (RAM and IMR) as agreed with your Supervisor
in discussion with your Supervisor, identify any individual training requirements
(including any English Language support), any external supervisory needs, and
any material requirements necessary for you to complete your thesis
participating in the research environment of the RAM through involvement with
Research Student Seminars and research events; attending and participating in
relevant external events/conferences
actively engaging in the programme in a manner likely to produce significant
results by the time of end of year assessments, transfer examination and by the
time the thesis is due to be submitted. This should include submitting written
work to the Supervisor in accordance with a pre-arranged and agreed schedule
engaging with the programme on a full-time basis and reporting to your
Supervisor and Tutor any significant change in other commitments likely to affect
the progress of the research course, including need for a period of suspension of
studentship or attendance
negotiating with your supervisor(s) in respect of any publication or joint
publication likely to arise during or on the basis of the research project, to ensure
appropriate and adequate recognition of the student's and the supervisor's
contribution to the publication
submitting to the Registry notice of intention to submit and providing the final title
of the thesis, with an abstract of approximately 300 words describing its content,
at least four months before the expected submission;
producing the final copies of the thesis for the examiners, and ensuring that its
content and standard of presentation is in accordance with University of London
requirements.


6 SEMINAR ARRANGEMENTS

Seminars for MPhil/PhD students are co-ordinated by the programme team and
take place at least three times per term. Additional sessions for MPhil/PhD
composers are organised by the Head of Composition. All research degree
students are required to attend these and are also expected to participate fully in
the seminars and workshops organised as part of the Museum Research Events
Series in addition to attending internal and external research training as
appropriate. The Academy runs its own internal Research Skills Seminar series
and students also normally attend the research training programme provided by
the Institute of Musical Research at the University of Londons School of
Advanced Study. MPhil/PhD performers are allowed to take part in faculty
classes and activities (performance classes, masterclasses etc.) only at the
discretion of the Head of Study concerned; they are not normally allowed to
participate in Academy competitions.


7 THESIS SUBMISSION AND WRITING-UP PERIOD

Duration of Study
Following the minimum registration period of two years for MPhil, and three years
for PhD, students may apply to the Postgraduate Programmes Board for a
writing up period of one calendar year. For a fee, they will be entitled to limited
supervision support and library access. However, this does not constitute full
student status. Students who have not submitted their theses after the writing up
year has elapsed will have to re-register at full fees for the following year. The
maximum period of registration for any research degree is seven years.

Regulations for entry to the Final Examination
The title of the thesis must be approved by the principal supervisor, and the entry
form must be accompanied by a short abstract or description of the content of the
thesis (of not more than 300 words) to assist in the appointment of suitable
examiners. The entry form must not be submitted earlier than six months before
the completion of the candidates prescribed course (which normally lasts two
calendar years for MPhil, three calendar years for PhD), however, it must be
submitted at least four months before the thesis is actually submitted. Students
must be registered at the Academy in order to submit their thesis. Entry forms
(plus Nomination of Examiners forms) can be obtained from the Assistant
Registrar, Claire Watts.

Regulations for format of thesis submission
A candidate will be required to submit two copies of his/her thesis either type-
written or printed in accordance with instructions obtainable from the Registry. A
candidate may be required to provide a third copy of his/her thesis if a third
examiner is appointed at any stage in the examination process.

Each copy must include the candidates signed declaration that the work
presented in the thesis is his/her own and that the thesis presented is the one
upon which the candidate expects to be examined (UoL paragraph 4.3.6).
Definitions of plagiarism can be found at UoL paragraph 9.3:

Plagiarism is the presentation of another persons thoughts or
words as though they were the candidates own. Direct
quotations from the published or unpublished work of another
must always be clearly identified as such by being placed inside
quotation marks, and a full reference to their source must be
provided in the proper form. A series of short quotations from
several different sources, if not clearly identified as such,
constitutes plagiarism as much as does a single
unacknowledged long quotation from a single source. Equally,
if another persons ideas or judgements are summarised, the
candidate must refer to that person in his/her text, and include
the work to which reference is made in the bibliography.

Any allegations of Academic Malpractice will be dealt with under the Academys
Academic Malpractice Regulations and procedures.

After the examination has been completed and before the degree is awarded,
successful candidates are required to submit to the Assistant Registrar of the
RAM two copies of their theses, one hard-bound and one soft-bound. The terms
on which copyright is retained by the candidate, and the terms on which the
contents of the thesis are made available to other researchers, are outlined in
paragraph 6.2(d).

Applications for restriction (see UoL Regulation 6.3) must be supported by the
candidates supervisor and will be considered by the Postgraduate Programmes
Board. The reasons will be minuted, and a log of reasons will be maintained to
facilitate the development of case law. Approved applications will be notified to
the Academic Office of the University.

Royal Academy of Music regulations for format of thesis submission
Candidates for the MPhil or PhD in Composition are required to submit a portfolio
of compositions of c.45 minutes for the award of MPhil, or c.60 minutes for the
award of PhD. All the score-material should be accompanied by recordings,
unless specific permission is given by the Academys Postgraduate Programmes
Board. The portfolio has to be presented with a written commentary of guide-
length 10-20,000 words for MPhil and 15-25 000 words for PhD. The final format
of the thesis has to be agreed with the Postgraduate Programmes Board before
submission and two copies of the total package have to be delivered to the
Academy (see above).

Candidates for the MPhil or PhD in Performance Practice are required to submit
a written thesis in accordance with the word-length guidelines detailed on page 4.
Any performance materials must be made available in an appropriately
documented form, as endorsed by the supervisor and the Postgraduate
Programmes Board, so that they can be submitted as part of the thesis package.


8 EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Appointment of Examiners
In the first instance nominations for examiners will be made to the Postgraduate
Programmes Board.

Following discussion at Postgraduate Programmes Board, nominations will be
put to the three Postgraduate Programme external examiners for comments. In
addition, and where appropriate or necessary, there will be an advisory group for
consultation drawn from colleagues from both the University of London and
CUK/MIDAS. All appointments will be confirmed by the Chair of the Postgraduate
Programmes Board. Two examiners are appointed for each candidate, one of
whom will be external to the University and one who will usually be from a
College of the University other than that of the candidate. The candidates
supervisor cannot be one of the examiners but is invited to attend the viva
examination as an observer, unless the candidate indicates otherwise on their
entry form. The Postgraduate Programmes Board will also appoint an
independent chair for the examination.

Regulations for the conduct of the Viva Examination
All candidates are required to attend a viva examination conducted by their two
appointed examiners and an independent chair appointed by the Academy, as
laid down in the University of London regulations (see 7.2.1). Candidates must
bring a copy of their thesis with them to the viva examination, paginated in the
same way as the copies submitted to the Academy (5.7). All Academy students
will be offered the chance to participate in a mock viva with members of the
supervisory team.

Regulations on the submission of Examiners Reports
The examiners prepare independent preliminary written reports on the thesis to
assist in the viva examination; these are not given to candidates except in the
case of their making an appeal against an examination decision. After the viva
the examiners make a final joint report, which is then submitted to the Academy
and given to the candidate for their personal information. After the examiners
have a reached a decision, every candidate is notified by the Assistant Registrar
of the Academy of the result of his/her examination. The decisions available to
examiners are set out in paragraphs 7.3 and 7.5 of the University of London
regulations. These include the regulations under which an unsuccessful PhD
candidate may be allowed to resubmit his/her thesis for the award of MPhil (see
7.3.3 (f)).


9 STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF
STUDENT APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

Research degree students at the Academy are represented on the institutions
committees, including Postgraduate Programmes Board and the Student-Staff
Liaison Committee. They are also invited to fill in the Academys institutional and
programme feedback forms. The research degree programme will be monitored
and reviewed as part of the Academys internal processes of review set down in
the Quality Assurance Procedures. Students also have the opportunity to speak
to their Tutor (for surgery hours, see Arena) for issues of academic and/or
pastoral concern.

If a student wishes to appeal against a decision made at the end-of-year
assessment, they should use the Academys appeal procedures as laid down in
the institutions Academic Regulations. If he/she wishes to appeal against the
decision at the final examination there is an approved Research Degrees
Appeals Procedure and Guidelines contained within the Regulations.


10 MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE
ACADEMYS POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES BOARD

The Postgraduate Programmes Board is a sub-committee of the Standing Committee of
Academic Board, to which it reports. Subject to any general or particular direction which
from time to time may be given by Standing Committee of Academic Board, the
Postgraduate Programmes Board is charged:

Learning and Teaching

1 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, for the
initial drafting and periodic revision of the Programme Specification documents
for the postgraduate programmes, and annually to submit these documents to
Standing Committee of Academic Board for consideration and approval

2 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, for the
initial drafting and periodic revision of postgraduate programme regulations

3 To be responsible, on behalf of Standing Committee of Academic Board, for
monitoring the curriculum content and operation of the postgraduate programmes

4 To consider and develop proposals for major and minor modifications to existing
programmes of study and to forward such proposals to Standing Committee of
Academic Board for scrutiny and approval

5 To consider and nominate the appointment of supervisors to research students

6 To monitor Postgraduate students engagement with the Research, Museum and
Collections events

7 To disseminate good practice as it pertains to delivery of the programmes

Assessment and Examiners

9 To consider periodically the fitness-for-purpose of the assessment strategies of
the taught postgraduate programmes, and to recommend any proposed changes
to the Standing Committee of Academic Board for approval.

10 To nominate and recommend the re-nomination of external examiners and to
forward any nominations to Standing Committee of Academic Board for approval
and appointment.

11 To recommend examiners for MPhil and PhD students in accordance with the
relevant Ordinances of the University of London

12 To monitor Academy policy and procedure in the examination, assessment and
administration of the MPhil and PhD programmes in Composition and
Performance Practice, in line with the relevant University of London Ordinances

Quality Assurance and Enhancement

13 To consider results from the student feedback exercise and determine any
necessary action, the resulting action plans being reported to Standing
Committee of Academic Board for scrutiny

14 To consider reports of external examiners and determine any necessary action,
the resulting action plans being reported to Standing Committee of Academic
Board for scrutiny

15 To produce the Postgraduate Taught Programmes and Research Degrees
Annual Monitoring reports for scrutiny by the Standing Committee of Academic
Board

16 To develop plans for the periodic review of the programme and to produce all
relevant documentation for scrutiny by the Standing Committee of Academic
Board

Student Support

17 To monitor the progress of all students on the programmes, to highlight problems
and risks and to consider action plans accordingly

18 To review regularly the status of MPhil/PhD students

19 To consider various areas of funding and awards for postgraduate programmes.

20 To support and encourage consideration of equality issues with regards to the
activities of the committee. This will be done in accordance with the Equality Act
2010 and guidance issued in the Academys Equality and Diversity Policy


MEETINGS
The Board will meet at least three times per academic year; but the normal frequency of
meetings shall be once per term. It may however be necessary to convene additional
meetings in order to produce the Annual Monitoring reports and/or Periodic Review
documentation.

MEMBERSHIP*
OFFICERS

Chair: Head of Postgraduate Programmes
Deputy Chair: Senior Postgraduate Tutor and Associate Head of Research
Secretary: Committees and Alumni Network Administrator


EX OFFICIO
Tutors
One Head of Study
One representative from Research, Museum and Collections
One representative from the Library
One representative from IT
Head of Supporting Studies
Programmes Co-ordinator
Assistant Registrar
Admissions Officer and International Co-ordinator (Research meetings only)

CO OPTED
Professional Development Adviser
One representative from English Language Support

Student representatives one from each cohort.



APPENDICES

Copies of forms for recording student progress:

1 Personal Development Plan (student to complete)
2 End of Year Supervisor Report (supervisor to complete)










































Personal Development Plan

Please complete this form at the beginning of the academic year in consultation
with your supervisor and submit to Sarah Callis by the end of October.
Please make sure you have read the Guidelines for Supervision and Candidature
of Doctoral Research Students before completing the form.


Student Name

Supervisor Name

Academic Year Year of study

Status MPhil PhD (please delete as appropriate)

Working Title


Summary of focal areas for this year



Details of any specific resources required



Details of any particular concerns




Date received:


End of Year Supervisor report

Please complete this form in the summer term and return to Sarah Callis by the
end of June. Please make sure you have read the Guidelines for Supervision
and Candidature of Doctoral Research Students before completing the form.


Student Name

Supervisor Name

Academic Year Year of study

Status MPhil PhD (please delete as appropriate)

Please report on the students progress for this academic year





Please give details of any particular concerns







Supervisor signature

Date
Date Received