As a registered postgraduate student at UTT, it is your responsibility to be well-versed in all regulations and procedures required for you to obtain your degree. No regulation will be waived nor will an exception be granted because a student pleads ignorance or states that they were not informed by a supervisor or other authority. The student should familiarise themselves with UTT’s most recent Academic Regulations, Policies & Procedures guide and the information contained in this Student Handbook. The responsibility for enforcing student life policies rests with the office of RIPS, the campus security, and UTT Academic Council.

Undertaking an MPhil or PhD programme is a significant academic and research endeavour. As a student pursuing advanced research degrees, you will have various roles and responsibilities to fulfil throughout the course of your programme. The following are key aspects of your roles and responsibilities:

1. Commitment to Research

• Role: Engage wholeheartedly in advanced research.
• Responsibility: Dedicate time and effort to research activities, contributing original insights to the academic community.

2. Academic Integrity

• Role: Uphold principles of academic integrity and ethical conduct.
• Responsibility: Avoid plagiarism, provide proper citations, and conduct research with honesty and transparency.

3. Development of Research Skills

• Role: Actively develop and enhance research skills.
• Responsibility: Continuously improve skills in literature review, data collection, analysis, and scholarly writing.

4. Engagement with Supervisors

• Role: Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with supervisors.
• Responsibility: Regularly communicate with supervisors, seek guidance, and respond to feedback.

5. Timely Progress

• Role: Ensure timely progression through the programme.
• Responsibility: Meet milestones, adhere to timelines, and proactively address any challenges affecting progress.

6. Participation in Seminars and Presentations

• Role: Engage in academic discussions and share research progress.
• Responsibility: Attend seminars, present research findings, and contribute to the scholarly community.

7. Publication and Dissemination

• Role: Contribute to academic literature through publications.
• Responsibility: Share research outcomes through conferences, journals, and other appropriate channels.

8. Ethical Research Conduct

• Role: Conduct research ethically, considering the well-being of participants.
• Responsibility: Obtain necessary ethical approvals, prioritise participant confidentiality, and report any ethical concerns.

9. Documentation and Reporting

• Role: Keep thorough records of the research process.
• Responsibility: Maintain detailed documentation of literature reviews, methodologies, data analysis, and other aspects of the research.

10. Adherence to Programme Guidelines

• Role: Follow programme-specific guidelines and requirements.
• Responsibility: Familiarise yourself with programme regulations, adhere to submission deadlines, and fulfil programme expectations.

11. Collaboration and Networking

• Role: Foster collaboration with peers, faculty, and researchers.
• Responsibility: Participate in academic and research networks, engaging in collaborative initiatives.

12. Continuous Learning

• Role: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity.
• Responsibility: Stay informed about developments in the field, attend relevant workshops, and seek additional training when necessary.

13. Thesis/Dissertation Preparation

• Role: Prepare a comprehensive and well-structured thesis or dissertation.
• Responsibility: Follow institutional guidelines, present findings coherently, and submit the final document within specified timelines.

14. Contribution to the Academic Community

• Role: Act as a responsible member of the academic community.
• Responsibility: Engage in discussions, share knowledge, and contribute to the overall academic environment.

By fulfilling these roles and responsibilities, you contribute not only to the success of your individual research project but also to the broader academic community and the advancement of knowledge in your field.