The MPhil and PhD programmes at UTT are structured to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience. This guideline outlines the programme structure, including taught courses, reading courses, and the thesis/dissertation components as shown in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5: Required Courses and Programme Structure

Programme Components

1. Taught Courses

• RESH8001 – Introduction to Research
• RESH9001 – Research Methodology

These are core courses designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in research.

2. Reading Courses Directed and Graded by Supervisor

Independent reading courses guided by the supervisor, including:

• RESH8002 – Directed Reading:
  • Emphasises the development of a comprehensive literature review.
• RESH9002 – Project Proposal:
  • Focuses on the development of a full research proposal.

Register for these courses only upon completing compulsory taught courses (RESH8001 and RESH9001). Students should initiate contact with supervisors for guidance.

3. Thesis/Dissertation

• Register for these courses only upon completing the taught courses (RESH8001 and RESH9001) and the reading courses (RESH8002 and RESH9002).
• Independent study components focusing on the research thesis/dissertation, including:
  • RESH8003 – MPhil Thesis:
    • Register for this course each semester until the MPhil thesis is completed.
  • RESH9003 – PhD Dissertation:
    • Register for this course each semester until the PhD dissertation is completed.

Considerations

1. Course Registration:
   • Register for each course in the prescribed order and maintain regular communication with your supervisor.
2. Supervision:
   • Establish and maintain a close working relationship with your supervisor throughout the reading courses and thesis/dissertation components.
3. Timeline:
   • Be mindful of the timelines for each component, ensuring timely progression through the programme.
4. Independent Study:
   • Embrace the independent study nature of the thesis/dissertation components and demonstrate initiative in your research.

The programme structure is designed to guide students through a systematic and progressive learning experience. Adherence to the outlined components and effective communication with supervisors are essential for successful completion of the MPhil and PhD programmes at UTT.

All students seeking a postgraduate research degree must enrol in all courses outlined in the programme structure detailed below. If necessary, the Supervisor shall recommend to the postgraduate research student additional courses for which the student must register for as shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2: The programme structure of the MPhil degree is:

Table 3: The programme structure of the PhD degree is:

A minimum pass mark of 66% (B-) must be obtained in all courses taken in a postgraduate research programme. No more than two course failures shall normally be allowed. A failed course may only be repeated once. Failure at the second attempt, in any course, shall result in the student being withdrawn from the programme. However, consideration would be given should there be an Extenuating Circumstance. Please refer to "The Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures for Postgraduate Research Programmes" which is accessible through the student portal.

MPhil and PhD Candidates

MPhil and PhD candidates are students that have:

1. Successfully completed all the required courses.
2. Presented at least four times on their research work.
3. Submitted a research proposal to and received approval from UTT Research Ethics Committee.
4. Submitted a written proposal and delivered an oral presentation to the student body and staff within their Programme (Academic Unit).
5. Been recommended by the Programme Research Committee (PRC) or designate, upon the successful completion of the written proposal and oral presentation, that the status of the MPhil student be moved to that of a MPhil candidate, and the PhD student be moved to a PhD candidate.

Student Progress Reports must be submitted by the Supervisor at the end of each semester to the PRC; the annual Progress Report must be submitted to the Office of RIPS.

Additional Courses

You may audit relevant courses, as approved by members of your Advisory Committee, in any Programme at UTT as is necessary for the fulfilment of your research work. Audited courses do not count toward your minimum required postgraduate course requirement.

To maintain good academic standing during postgraduate studies, you must attain a grade point average of at least 3.0 and overall satisfactory performance on pass/fail courses. Students in receipt of scholarships must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher. If you fail to maintain a minimum GPA or satisfactory performance, you will be placed on probation. You must re-establish good academic standing within a semester. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the postgraduate programme.

Individual postgraduate programmes may establish and administer requirements that are more stringent. In general, your retention in a programme will be subject to the faculty’s belief that you are able to complete the programme successfully.

Depending on gaps in your knowledge, your supervisor may encourage you to register for existing courses within UTT. In addition to the prescribed courses outlined in the programme structure, MPhil and PhD students at UTT may have the opportunity to register for additional courses based on gaps in their knowledge. This guideline provides information on the inclusion of supplementary courses to enhance students' academic experience.

Considerations

1. Identification of Knowledge Gaps:
   • Supervisors will assess students' academic background and research needs to identify potential gaps in knowledge.
2. Recommendation by Supervisors:
   • Based on identified gaps, supervisors may recommend additional courses available within UTT that align with students' research goals.
3. Registration Process:
   • Students will be encouraged to register for identified supplementary courses to strengthen their understanding and skills in specific areas.
4. Communication with Supervisors:
   • Maintain open communication with your supervisor to discuss the rationale for enrolling in additional courses and receive guidance on the most relevant options.
5. Flexibility in Course Selection:
   • Students have the flexibility to choose from existing courses that address their knowledge gaps, contributing to a more well-rounded academic experience.

The inclusion of additional courses is a personalised approach to cater to the unique needs of MPhil and PhD students. Regular communication with supervisors and a proactive approach to addressing knowledge gaps contribute to a comprehensive and enriched academic journey at UTT.

Transfer of Credits and Course Exemptions

Graduate students sometimes suspend their academic studies or transfer between institutions for a variety of reasons after having already earned a number of master's-level credits. UTT allows students to transfer credits for a master's degree programme where these have been gained at an accredited institution.

Once a student has registered for a degree programme at UTT, courses for evaluation of credit for transfer must be evaluated and approved by the student’s Programme Research Committee and AVP RIPS. Transfer of credits will not be accepted from any institution at which the student failed to achieve a "B" average or higher on all postgraduate work attempted.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the PRC and the Assistant Vice President - Research, Impact and Postgraduate Studies (AVP-RIPS) receives an official transcript of the credit(s) concerned together with a detailed course descriptor. With approval, a maximum of 12 hours or 25% of the degree programme, whichever is greater, may be transferred from another institution.

All transfer credits must have been earned during the six years immediately preceding the date on which the degree is to be awarded. In certain instances, foreign educational credentials may not achieve UTT's criteria for transfer of credit.

There is also the option whereby students can be exempted from RESH8001 and RESH9001. Details for such an exemption are provided in "The Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures for Postgraduate Research Programmes" which is accessible through the student portal.