Research Degrees Management System

In 2017, Education Committee’s Research Degrees Panel initiated a review of the regulations and policy on postgraduate research (PGR) student degree outcomes. Following a consultation during 2018-19, it agreed a number of important regulatory changes. However, implementation of these changes was delayed because of the need for IT system development to support the underlying process. 

Separately, in early 2020, a number of processes relating to the PGR student journey were moved into eVision, including the steps undertaken by PGR students to initiate the examination of their research thesis. This stage in the process was prioritised for migration into eVision as it greatly improved the user experience for PGR students. However, the remainder of the examiner appointment and outcomes processes were not migrated at this point, due to the complexity of these stages. 

This project will enable the implementation of the previously agreed regulatory changes related to research degree outcomes and move the PGR examiner appointment process and outcomes stages into eVision. Working closely with stakeholders in Education Policy Support, Research Degrees, and divisions, the project will make process improvements wherever possible and facilitate the retirement of an MS Access database currently used to manage these activities. 

The project outcomes listed above will deliver the following benefits:

• A clearer and more logical set of outcomes following PGR student assessment
• Future regulatory and policy changes can be implemented more quickly
• Improved compliance with the regulations and more effective monitoring of policy adherence
• Time savings for administrative staff
• Increased student satisfaction with the process
• Streamlined platform for examiners to engage with research examination process
• Improved data quality and reporting
• Reduced risk of data breaches
• Reduced risk of system failure and data unavailability

The project will deliver the following results:

• The approved changes to the regulations relating to postgraduate research degree outcomes will be implemented
• The documentation of processes for postgraduate research outcomes, and consolidation of administration within eVision, will create a simplified solution
• Information required to effectively manage postgraduate research outcomes will be more readily available and based on trusted and joined-up data
• Personal data will be held centrally and securely in a fully supported system
• Off-system communications and processes, notably with external examiners, will be significantly reduced

Michaelmas term 2024

October: PGR outcome regulation changes communicated in the University Gazette.

Trinity term 2025

April: engagement sessions with RDMS users and key stakeholders begins, running until July

June: project team attending the GSA termly meeting to brief attendees on the project (3 June)

June TBC: user testing begins

Michaelmas term 2025

August/early September: University-wide briefing sessions, showcasing the new system, guidance/training materials for RDMS, and the PGR outcomes policy change coming into effect 

Early September: RDMS goes live (specific date to be confirmed)

October: new postgraduate research outcome regulation changes come into effect (12 June)

Hilary term 2025

January: early life support for the system ends; Student Systems Support Centre and Research Degrees team take over supporting users with RDMS

The Research Degrees Management System project board meets on a regular basis to review the project's progress and has ultimate responsibility for overseeing its direction and governance. The board is chaired by Professor Robert Gilbert, Project Sponsor and Chair of the Education Committee’s Research Degrees Panel.