DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY

MASTER OF RESEARCH (M.Res) SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

2014-2015

Contents

1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology..........................................21.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................21.2 Areas of interest.................................................................................................................21.3 Links..................................................................................................................................31.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series............................................................31.5 Postgraduate students’ research seminar...........................................................................41.6 Research facilities..............................................................................................................4

2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology...........................................................................42.1 Qualifications for entry......................................................................................................42.2 Application procedure.......................................................................................................52.3 Selection procedure...........................................................................................................52.4 Duration.............................................................................................................................52.5 Term dates and attendance requirements...........................................................................52.6 Visa regulations.................................................................................................................52.7 Induction............................................................................................................................62.8 Structure of the M.Res.......................................................................................................62.9 Exit points..........................................................................................................................72.10 Aims.................................................................................................................................72.11 Learning outcomes..........................................................................................................7

3. M.Res. courses........................................................................................................................83.1 Course outlines................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

4. Ethical guidelines for research..............................................................................................115. Skills training and research support......................................................................................116. Assessment............................................................................................................................12

6.1 Methods of assessment....................................................................................................126.2 Course weightings...........................................................................................................126.3 The Common Grading Scale...........................................................................................126.4 Progression and Award....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.6.5 Resits................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

7. Supervisory practice..............................................................................................................138. Transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD registration.............................................................149. Guidance and support...........................................................................................................15

9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms.......................................................................................159.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities..........................................................................159.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee.....................................................................159.4 Problems and difficulties.................................................................................................169.5 Regulations......................................................................................................................16

10. Contact details and sources of further information.............................................................16Appendix: College of Arts and Social Sciences Research Ethics Guidance............................17

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1. The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology

1.1 Introduction

The Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology has its origins in the re-establishment of Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen in 2000. It provides an innovative and lively forum for staff and postgraduates that is unique to the University of Aberdeen. The programme draws on the wide range of anthropological experience and expertise within the Department and also provides access to the library, archival and museum collections of the University. The distinctive Graduate Programme thus offers an excellent research environment in which to study for a postgraduate degree.

The Department of Anthropology has four principal academic themes that link together our activities in teaching and research: Anthropology of the North, Environment and Perception, Creativity and Knowledge, and Religion Belief and Practice. These themes and specific research projects that fall under them are detailed on the departmental website. Nearly all staff have past and present projects that fall under more than one theme, and these themes connect to strengths elsewhere in the university.

1.2 Areas of interest

We can offer research supervision in most areas of social anthropology, and our particular strengths are in the areas listed below. Some of these themes are ongoing projects that members of the Department of Anthropology are carrying out.

Anthropology of the NorthColonial histories and indigenous rightsPaths, roads and mobilityHome, hearth and household in the circumpolar NorthArts practice in the North Narrative, knowledge, time and memory  EnvironmentEnvironmental anthropology and nature conservationHuman-animal relationsAnthropological perspectives on energyThe perception of the environment

Creativity and KnowledgeAnthropology, archaeology, art and architectureCraft, skill, improvisation and performanceIndigenous media, oral traditions and the making of cultureKnowledge production, creativity and intellectual propertyMuseums, collections and material historiesScience, technology and medicineLines, drawing and inscriptionAnthropology and dance  Religion, Politics and PracticeRitual and politics in the contemporary world Religion, belief and practice in IslamReligion, state and landscape in Tibet

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Ritual communication and shamanic cosmologiesDeath, monuments and memorials Social and Cultural ProcessesPolitics and the statePost-socialist societiesMorality Language, society and identityEvolutionary theoryPhenomenological perspectives on place and landscapeMemory and forgetting  Regional AnthropologyThe Circumpolar North The AndesNorth American PlainsCentral AsiaTibetScotland, UK and Europe

1.3 Links

The Graduate Programme is closely linked with:

Aberdeen University’s Marischal Museum, offering considerable scope for research especially in the field of material culture studies. The museum is closed to the public but its collections are accessible to researchers. King’s Museum on campus displays items from the collections and hosts changing exhibitions. There are a number of other University collections which may be of interest to students and other researchers.

The Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, a cross-disciplinary environmental research centre working in partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute. By collaborating with academics and members of the policy, practitioner and business communities, it works to promote interest and engagement in interdisciplinary research on issues related to environmentally sustainability.

A range of other Departments and Schools across the University, such Archaeology, History, the School of Language and Literature, and the School of Education, as well as the Department of Anthropology’s home in the School of Social Science. Many staff across the University have skills and interests relevant to Anthropology, and often work in collaboration with us.

1.4 The Department of Anthropology Seminar Series

Apart from courses and seminars for students, as detailed below, the Department of Anthropology organises occasional lectures by distinguished academic visitors as well as a weekly seminar to which visiting speakers are invited. Full details of the seminar series can be accessed on the Department’s website. All M.Res. students are required to attend these events, and all other postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend.

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Additional events are organised by the School of Social Science and the College of Arts and Social Sciences. For information on these and other events, students should regularly check their email, the website for the Graduate School (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate/) and also consult the M.Res. notice board which is located in the corridor of the first floor of the Edward Wright Building, directly opposite the School of Social Science office.

1.5 Postgraduate students’ writing-up seminar

This research seminar is primarily intended for PhD students who are writing up, though pre-fieldwork research students may be able to attend, subject to the agreement of the post-fieldwork students. The programme of seminars are organised by students and Dr Nancy Wachowich, the PhD programme coordinator will liaise with students and staff on the schedule.

1.6 Research facilities

All postgraduate research students are provided with shared office space located, when possible, within the School of Social Science. They have computer access suitable for the needs of their research work and are supplied with the appropriate software packages. Technical training in the use of specific programmes will be provided as necessary. All students have full access to the Sir Duncan Rice Library and all other appropriate facilities. The Department of Information Technology provides training and documentation in the use of library and computing facilities which students are required to attend. Students have access to telephone, electronic mail and other mail facilities.

Postgraduate research students have an annual allowance for copying and printing of £50. Students undertaking teaching activities will be allocated up to a further £20 annually to cover copying costs associated with their teaching. Costs are 2.5p per single-sided A4 and 5p per double-sided A4 for black and white.

Research students in social anthropology with interests in material culture can benefit from access to the substantial collections and facilities of the University Museums. The University’s Special Libraries and Archives also have extensive collections which may be drawn upon by students with interests in historical anthropology, colonialism, etc. In addition, the Department has a multimedia work-station with equipment for working with photographic, audio and video materials.

Any students requiring special assistance with facilities, or having special needs, should contact the School of Social Science Administrative Officer, Pam Thomson, Edward Wright Building (F46), phone 2275, email pam.thomson@abdn.ac.uk

2. Master of Research in Social Anthropology

The Programme Director is Dr Alison Brown, alison.brown@abdn.ac.uk

2.1 Qualifications for entry

An Honours degree (upper second class or above), or the equivalent qualification level and class of qualification for non-UK applicants, in an appropriate subject(s).

A research interest in an area in which we are able to offer adequate supervision. Applicants should consult the areas of interest of our staff before applying (see section 1.2).

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2.2 Application procedure

Applications should be made to the University’s Student Recruitment & Admissions Service using the appropriate form (obtained from the University’s website at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml). Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year. In order to be accepted to start the programme in the autumn, applications should be received by the end of the preceding April.

2.3 Selection procedure

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: Evidence of academic excellence, from transcripts and letters of reference An area of interest that fits the speciality of our staff and research programmes Evidence that the applicant has either secured or applied for funding for their term of

study

If one or more of the above criteria are not fulfilled, we may make a conditional offer of admission.

2.4 Duration

12 months full-time; 24 months part-time.

Unless exempted by virtue of qualification or experience from the whole programme or from components of it, part-time students will be expected to complete the same programme as full-time students.

2.5 Term dates and attendance requirements

The academic year is divided into two half-sessions. The first half-session runs from 9 September 2014 to 19 December 2014, with teaching commencing on 15 September 2014. The winter break runs from 20 December 2014 to 18 January 2015). The second half-session runs from 19 January to 22 May 2015 (with a spring break from 3 to 27 April). Barring the winter and spring breaks, full-time students are normally expected to be in attendance throughout these periods. Students commencing their studies for the M.Res. must be present in the University by 9 September 2014. They are strongly advised, however, to arrive one week prior to the start of the session.

2.6 Visa regulations

Students holding Tier 4 visas (that is, those from outside the European Union) must be aware of those UK Borders Agency regulations that apply to them, and abide by them. Breach of these regulations may result in the termination of your studies, deportation and the fining of the University. While the specifics of UKBA regulations change from time to time, three overarching principles generally apply, and we would ask you to abide by them carefully:

(i) Tier 4-holding students should co-operate with any class monitoring for your courses and inform the School should you need to miss any planned classes or meetings with university representatives – particularly those at the beginning of your studies. You may also be asked to sign periodically at the School Office.

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(ii) Tier 4-holding students should inform the University (most usually, through the School of Social Science Office in Edward Wright Building) of their correct term-time address, and of their planned whereabouts should they leave Aberdeen. In case of departures of more than one week, please ask the School Office for the relevant form.

(iii) Tier 4-holding students should be aware of their visa conditions regarding work outside studies (including tutoring) and abide by them.

Should you have any questions regarding the specifics of UKBA regulations, please ask at the School Office.

2.7 Induction

All new M.Res. students are expected to meet with their prospective supervisors during the first week of term. The purpose of this meeting is to make an initial assessment of the student’s training needs, to confirm the courses to be taken, and (where two or more supervisors are involved) to determine the optimal division of supervisory functions between them. Our principles of supervisory practice are set out in more detail below (see Section 6). 2.8 Structure of the M.Res.

Candidates for the M.Res. shall be required to attend the following programme of courses, with the following provisos:

Students must choose at least one of AT5033 Research Skills in Anthropology and AT5532 Research, Design and Practice in Anthropology, and may choose both. Students without experience of anthropological methods will be expected to take both courses.

Students must take a minimum of 45 credits from AT5031 Research in Social Anthropology 1, AT5032 Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended), AT5530 Research in Social Anthropology 2 and AT5531 Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended).

Stage 1 (First semester):

Students will choose one of AT5031 Research in Social Anthropology 1 (15 credit points)AT5032 Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended version) (30 credit points)

Students will in addition choose from the following:AT5033 Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credit points)AT5029 Supervised Reading 1 (15 credit points)

or appropriate Level 5 course(s), to an overall value for Stage 1 of 60 credit points

Stage 2 (Second semester):

AT5906 Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (15 credits)

Students will choose one of AT5530 Research in Social Anthropology 2 (15 credit points)AT5531 Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended version) (30 credit points)

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Students will in addition choose from the following:AT5532 Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credit points)AT5529 Supervised Reading 2 (15 credit points)

or appropriate Level 5 course(s), to an overall value for Stage 1 of 60 credit points

Stage 3

AT5910 Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)

2.9 Exit points

Students who complete all the coursework components of the programme except Philosophy and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 60 credit points, may exit with the award of the Certificate of Social Research.

Students who complete all the coursework components of the Programme, together with Philosophy and Methods of Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2, amounting to 120 credit points, may exit with the award of the Diploma of Research in Social Anthropology.

Students who complete all components of the Programme, including the Dissertation, amounting to 180 credit points, may exit with the award of Master of Research (M.Res.) in Social Anthropology.

2.10 Aims

The M.Res. programme introduces students to current directions of research in social anthropology, and fosters awareness and critical reflection on the epistemological, conceptual and ethical problems entailed in the conduct of research. Students learn how to access and use key sources of research material and are provided training in ethnographic fieldwork and related research methods. Students completing the programme should be adequately prepared either to undertake further research towards the PhD in Social Anthropology or a related discipline, or to enter employment as researchers in fields outside the academy, such as in museums and libraries, the media, business, or government and non-governmental organisations, where the knowledge and skills cultivated by the programme are in demand.

2.11 Learning outcomes

The M.Res. programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, along with intellectual, practical and transferable skills, in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding of History and current directions of research in social anthropology Basic principles of research design and strategy, including how to relate evidence to

theory, and to select methodology appropriate to the evidence The rationale for qualitative research methods, their epistemological implications, and

relations with quantitative methods. The use, interpretation and presentation of appropriate techniques of data collection and

analysis The ethical, legal and political issues involved in the conduct of research

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Intellectual skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to Reason critically Apply anthropological concepts to real world situations Apply a range of appropriate research methods and tools to research problems Embark on research involving the collection of data through participatory fieldwork,

and/or from other sources such as archives and museums Understand the theoretical questions that inform anthropological research, and the kinds

of empirical evidence that can be deployed in addressing these questions Appreciate the sensitivity of social or cultural knowledge and understanding to context,

and the problems of mediating between different cultural or epistemological frames

Practical skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to Identify and use library, web-based and other bibliographic sources Employ word-processing and other basic skills including spreadsheets and database

management Communicate and disseminate information about the topics and results of their research to

both specialist and lay audiences Manage the interpersonal and inter-cultural relations involved in research collaboration

with subjects or organisations

Transferable skills. On completion of the course the student should be able to Present work to colleagues and build networks for researching in the same field Apply basic survey, interviewing and documentary techniques Practise the essential skills of writing, presentation and dissemination Tailor written work to the needs of particular audiences Manage a project of research, including the definition of targets and the efficient use of

time and resources Work collaboratively alongside others, or as a member of a team Exercise critical and flexible judgement Take responsibility for the management of their own career

3. M.Res. courses

The courses making up the M.Res. in Social Anthropology provide a foundational training for postgraduate research students, by imparting essential skills that will stand them in good stead in their future careers as researchers as well as providing a base for completing a successful programme of research leading to the award of a higher degree. Besides offering training in methods of data collection and analysis, writing and presentation, these courses are designed to raise awareness of more general issues relating to theory, methodology, ethics and practice.

AT5029: Supervised Reading 1 (15 credits)Content: This course comprises a programme of reading and writing to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

Assessment: One 3000 word essay on a topic to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

AT5529: Supervised Reading 2 (15 credits)Content: This course comprises a programme of reading and writing to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

Assessment: One 3000 word essay on a topic to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.AT5031: Research in Social Anthropology 1 (15 credits)

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AT5032: Research in Social Anthropology 1 (Extended) (30 credits)AT5530: Research in Social Anthropology 2 (15 credits)AT5531: Research in Social Anthropology 2 (Extended) (30 credits)

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown

Teaching: One 90-minute class and one 90-minute student-led seminar per week.

Content: Research in Social Anthropology consists of two modules, which can be taken as either 15 credit or 30 credit versions. Students must take a minimum of 45 credits from these two courses. AT5031 and AT5530 (Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2) run for 6 weeks, whereas AT5032 and AT5531 (Research in Social Anthropology 1 and 2 – extended) run for 12 weeks. Students taking these courses will attend the same classes from University Teaching Weeks 10-15 inclusive and 28-33 inclusive. Students taking AT5031 and or AT5530 are strongly encouraged to attend the lectures for the extended versions of these courses as well.

The course introduces key issues of philosophy, theory and method raised by research in social anthropology. The first module (AT5031/AT5032 in the first semester) starts with an introduction to social anthropology and then provides classes on religion, the anthropology of death, medical anthropology, creativity and knowledge, and the anthropology of the north. The second module (AT5530/AT5531 in the second semester) will explore museums, linguistics, religion, ecology and environment, and politics and the state. The overall aims are to introduce students to some of the key directions of current research in anthropology and allied disciplines, and to allow students to become familiar with the approaches taken to them in Aberdeen.

Assessment: AT5031 and AT5530: One 3,000 word essay for each course, on topics to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

AT5032 and AT5531: One 6,000 word essay for each course, on topics to be agreed with the student’s supervisors.

AT5033: Research Skills in Anthropology (15 credits)Coordinator: Dr Jo Vergunst

Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.

Content: This course allows students to learn about and practice research skills in social anthropology through a series of workshops. It will encourage reflexive awareness of the role of research skill, technique and methodology in the discipline. Topics will include the history of methods in anthropology, participant observation, writing fieldnotes, interviews, analysis, and working with media technologies, historical resources and museums. Case studies of how these skills are combined in practical fieldwork will be held. Students will be expected to bring any previous experience of anthropological fieldwork to bear on the discussions, and to develop ideas for their future research practice.

Assessment: One 3000 word coursework assignment (see course guide for further details).

AT5532: Research Design and Practice in Anthropology (15 credits)

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Coordinator: Dr Jo Vergunst

Teaching: One 2-hour session per week.

Content: This course will introduce students to a range of conceptual and philosophical issues that are relevant to research design in anthropology, and will enable them to write their own research proposal. Taking its lead from critiques of knowledge production in anthropology, it will describe how the contemporary discipline has been shaped by the interplay of objectivity and subjectivity, the representation of the anthropologist and their informants, and new forms of ethical practice. Students will be enabled to respond to these trends by designing research in ways that are both theoretically informed and politically aware.

Assessment: One 3000 word research proposal.

AT5906: Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (15 credits)Course Co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown

Teaching: One full time working week, from Monday to Friday.

Content: The Scottish Training in Anthropological Research (STAR) programme was set up in 2007 as a consortium including departments of anthropology (or their equivalents) at the universities of Aberdeen, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The programme delivers courses and workshops which bring together research students, postdoctoral researchers and staff from all four institutions, creating the critical mass necessary for intense and productive intellectual exchange. Courses are offered both for research students undergoing initial training, prior to fieldwork, and for those in the later, post-fieldwork phases of analysis and writing-up. They make it possible for students get to know one another and share their experiences both before they leave for fieldwork and following their return, allowing them to follow the progress of each other’s work throughout its development. M.Res. Social Anthropology students will take part in the pre-fieldwork STAR event. It will comprise of a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related to anthropological methods and disciplinary practice. Specific topics will vary from year to year but may include participant observation, field notes, documentary research and the ethics and politics of anthropological research.

Assessment: Full participation at the STAR event, including presentation of group work. This will be marked on a pass/fail basis only, rather than according to the Common Grading Scale (see section 5.3).

AT5910: Dissertation in Social Anthropology (60 credits)Course co-ordinator: Dr Alison Brown

Teaching: One-to-one meetings with supervisors, averaging at least one hour per fortnight during teaching terms.

Assessment: Written dissertation of c.12,000 words, excluding bibliography

The dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research and writing. In it, students will demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the critical learning outcomes from their year of research training.

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For students intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation will take the form of a proposal for their forthcoming research. It should include the following components: a non-technical summary of no more than 1,000 words; a review of the literature, both theoretical and empirical, in the student’s chosen field of inquiry; an outline of the specific questions to be addressed, methods to be employed, and the expected contribution of the study to anthropological understanding; a discussion of the practical, political and ethical issues affecting the conduct of the research; a presentation of the schedule for the research, and its estimated budget.

Students are additionally required to discuss any potential health and safety risks they may face specifically in relation to their proposed fieldwork, and how they would seek to address these risks. In those cases where there are significant health and safety risks arising from the fieldwork, students may be required to produce written records of the risk reduction measures which they will implement and agree these with their supervisor(s), before work commences.For students who are not intending to proceed to a doctoral programme, the dissertation should report on a completed piece of original research.

The deadline for the submission of the dissertation is Monday 31 August 2015.

Two bound copies should be submitted to the School Office and a PDF should be uploaded to Turnitin, through MyAberdeen.

Other Level 5 courses Students may wish to take an appropriate Level 5 course outwith the core M.Res. programme, subject to the approval of their supervisor and the relevant Course Coordinator. There are a number of options taught by members of the Anthropology department, as well as by staff in other areas of the University. In Anthropology, these options include:

AT5008: Religion, Power and Belief (30 credit points)AT5009: Oral Traditions in the Modern World (30 credit points)AT5013: Understanding People and Environment (30 credit points)AT5016: Advanced Survey in the Anthropology of Myth (30 credit points)AT5017: Roads: Mobility, Movement, Migration (30 credit points)AT5026: The Museum Idea (30 credit points)AT5030: More than Human (30 credit points)AT5507: Materials, Technology and Power in the Andean Region (30 credit points)AT5508: Curating an Exhibition (30 credit points)AT5509: Reading Environmental Ethnography (15 credit points)AT5512: Religion and the Secular (30 credit points)AT5519: Culture and Society in Latin America (30 credit points)AT5030: More than Human (30 credit points)

Please note that these courses may not run every year. Students who may be interested in these courses should consult the online course catalogue at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/pgcourses/

4. Ethical guidelines for research

The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before work

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commences. The College Ethics policy and procedure is designed to meet the requirements of the various funders of arts, humanities and social science research, and addresses guidance from relevant professional associations as well as conforming to University policy and guidelines. Please consult with your research supervisor for assistance with completing and submitting your forms. The School Ethics Officer is Dr. Andrea Oelsner (a.oelsner@ abdn.ac.uk) who can provide further advice on the process of submitting an application for ethical review.

Postgraduate students in the Department of Anthropology are required to complete an ethics approval form for their research. The form will be reviewed initially by the students’ supervisors and where necessary will be forwarded to the School Ethics Officer.

The College of Arts and Social Sciences’ Research Ethics Guidance is appended to the end of this Handbook for information.

5. Skills training and research support

Postgraduate research students are offered training opportunities in generic skills and other forms of research support, with the aim of helping them complete their projects successfully and on time, and enhancing their employability once they graduate. For further information, and news of courses for 2014-15, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/develop

6. Assessment

6.1 Methods of assessment

Assessment takes place for each course in the M.Res. according the means listed in section 3.1.

6.2 Course weightings

Marks for the constituent courses of the programme are weighted in proportion to the credits available for each course. Courses are worth either 15, 30, or in the case of the Dissertation, 60 credits.

6.3 The Common Grading Scale

The University’s Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables students to compare their performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment.

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The Scale comprises 23 discrete Grades grouped into seven Bands with an associated Grade Point for each grade. These Grade Points are used for the purposes of aggregation to (i) determine the overall course mark from a number of components (e.g. end of course exam and essay mark) and (ii) determine overall progression and award within a taught postgraduate award. Each band has associated Descriptors; in looking at the Grade received, students should refer to these descriptors to help them understand their Grade. The Common Grading Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors, is available at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/common-grading-scale-2840.php

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6.4 PGT Progression and AwardProgression from Stage 1 to Stage 2, and then from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the Programme, should normally be based on marks at D3 higher in all courses for each of the respective stages.

Achievement of a Postgraduate Award is based on achievement of credit. The award of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s Degree with Commendation or Distinction is determined by the calculation of an aggregate Grade Point Average (GPA). The grade obtained at the first attempt will be used and not the reassessment grade.

The criteria for progression and award are as follows:

Award of Postgraduate Certificate Normally achievement of 60 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Postgraduate Diploma Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Postgraduate Certificate with Commendation*

Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 15 or above

Award of Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction**

Normally achievement of 120 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all and a GPA of 18 or above

Award of Master’s Degree Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all

Award of Master’s Degree with Commendation* Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 15 or above, and a grade of B3 or above in the project/dissertation

Award of Master’s Degree with Distinction** Normally achievement of 180 credits with a grade of D3 or better in all, a GPA of 18 or above, and a grade of A5 or above in the project/dissertation

* Candidates achieving a GPA of 14.1-14.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award of PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Commendation

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** Candidates achieving a GPA of 17.1-17.9 will be considered borderline for the purposes of award of PG Diploma or Master’s Degree with Distinction

6.5 ResitsStudents who fail, or who fail to attend or complete, a course for whatever reason and who wish to be awarded credit for the relevant course will be required to resit. Grades achieved at resit will be capped at a Grade of D3.

In order to be eligible to take a resit, a candidate must hold a valid class certificate. The validity of a class certificate is limited to the academic year in which it is awarded and to the academic year immediately following. Students holding a valid class certificate are permitted a total of two opportunities of assessment within this period.

PGT dissertation courses (or equivalents) are NOT eligible for resits.

Where a candidate fails a resit they will not normally be permitted to progress into the next stage of the programme.

7. Supervisory practice

Every applicant to the M.Res. programme is required to submit with their application a brief statement of their research intentions. This is used, in the first instance, to select appropriate supervisors. All new students are allocated to supervisors from the very start of their study programme, and are expected to meet with these supervisors during the first week of the first term to discuss and agree on the overall programme of study, courses to be taken, and the respective roles of the supervisors. Any additional training requirements (such as language learning) are also identified at this time.

It is normal, though not mandatory, for every research student to have two supervisors. This is to ensure continuity of supervision in case one or other supervisor is absent for a period, either on research leave or due to other eventualities. The precise division of functions between supervisors varies from case to case, but is normally agreed through discussion between both supervisors and the student at the outset of his/her programme of study. In some cases it is sufficient for a student to have only one supervisor (for example, where the studentship is part of a larger project involving other research staff). Occasionally, where circumstances warrant, a student may be allocated three supervisors.

Supervisors play a key role, formally and informally, in supporting students. They are expected to meet with their students, normally on a one-to-one basis, for at least one hour per fortnight (on average) during teaching terms. Supervisors are further expected to request written work on a regular basis, return such work with constructive criticism within a time period that does not impede the student’s progress, advise on when progress or standards of work are below what are generally expected, and ensure by advice and encouragement that the thesis is submitted within the allotted time. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to identify any further training that the student needs in specific or generic skills. To meet specific training needs, for example in specialised computing skills, foreign languages or bibliographic techniques, several courses and facilities are available from the University’s Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), the Language Centre, and the Library.

Each student will have a supervisory committee that consists of his or her supervisor(s), the Programme Director for the M.Res. and the student’s Head of Department. The supervision

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committee takes all decisions regarding transfer (see 8. below). It also advises candidates on submission dates and recommends external examiners.

8. Transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD registration

All postgraduate research students in Social Anthropology normally register in the first instance for the M.Res. programme. Those intending to continue to a higher research degree (MPhil or PhD) must achieve the award of the M.Res. with Commendation or Distinction (see section 6.4 above). However students who have already received appropriate research training at a postgraduate level may proceed directly to the MPhil or PhD.

In exceptional cases, for example where students have to devote a substantial amount of time during the first year to learning a foreign language in order to be able to write the research proposal, specific components of the M.Res. may be taken in the second year. In such cases the transfer to M.Phil. or PhD. registration can take place once all components of the M.Res. have been completed, and is backdated to the start of the second year.

Students admitted directly to the M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes may nevertheless be advised to audit particular components of the M.Res. programme, if this is considered appropriate to their training needs. This is indeed encouraged, since the participation of these more advanced students in the constituent courses and seminars of the M.Res. is valuable to those at the start of their research training.

Final decisions concerning transfer from M.Res. to MPhil or PhD. registration are taken by the student’s supervisory committee after the dissertation or research proposal is completed. These decisions are based on the quality of the student’s work to date including the requirement for the achievement of the M.Res. with Commendation or Distinction, and the committee’s assessment of the student’s future progress. In the event that a student requires an earlier decision (e.g. to facilitate applications for funding), the committee may make a provisional judgement on the basis of drafts. Where the committee expects that a student may not be permitted to transfer, the student will be warned before work on the dissertation commences.

The options available for students finishing the M.Res. are as follows: Complete the M.Res., be awarded that degree, and leave the University. Complete the M.Res., be awarded that degree, and apply to resume studies at the

University for an MPhil (normally taking a further two years though earlier submission is possible) or a PhD (normally taking a further three years although completion within a further two years is possible).

At the end of the M.Res. year, apply for transfer to MPhil or PhD registration. If the application is supported by the student’s supervisory committee and accepted by the University, the new status will be backdated to the start of the M.Res. year. In such cases the M.Res. is not formally awarded but an academic transcript will indicate courses taken and grades achieved.

9. Guidance and support

Upon arrival, students receive a copy of the University’s Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students, which describes the responsibilities of the Senatus and its Postgraduate Academic Standards Committee, Schools and supervisors, as well as the parallel responsibilities of students. The Code of Practice may be viewed at

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http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x4.pdf. It requires supervisors to identify and meet training needs at all stages of the student’s work. It is the formal responsibility of the Head of Department to monitor student progress and supervision, and to ensure that supervisors perform their duties as laid down in the Code.

While the University’s services and facilities relating to student guidance and learner support are available to all students, it is hoped that research students will develop a close working relationship with their supervisor(s) in terms of academic guidance and support. To foster this relationship, the University has put in place mechanisms in regard to monitoring the progress of an individual research student and to ensure that, as far as possible, the dissertation is submitted within the student’s registration period. These mechanisms are described below.

9.1 Postgraduate assessment forms

The University requires an assessment form to be submitted every 6 months for all postgraduate research students. The form is completed by the supervisor(s) in the presence of the student, signed by both, and endorsed by the Head of Department. Completed forms are monitored by the College Postgraduate Officer who deals with the admission, progress and examination of individual students on behalf of the University’s Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate).

9.2 Monitoring of supervision and facilities

In addition to the above, a confidential questionnaire seeking research students’ views on the supervision they received and facilities made available to them during the previous session are available as part of a central mechanism for monitoring the quality of supervision and the adequacy of facilities. Information arising from the questionnaires is collated by the Postgraduate Registry and considered by the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate), which will discuss any areas of concern. The outcome of the survey is then passed to Colleges and Schools.

9.3 The Postgraduate Programmes Committee

The Department of Anthropology’s Postgraduate Programmes Committee includes all members of staff involved in the delivery of postgraduate courses and the supervision of research students. The Committee meets once per semester to monitor the progress of all research students, and to advise on issues concerned with supervision arrangements. This ensures that any potential or actual problems or delays are promptly identified, and that remedial actions are collectively agreed. We recognise that circumstances in students’ lives, beyond their or our control, can sometimes delay completion, and that overly strict enforcement of deadlines in such circumstances can exacerbate the stress on students, leading only to further delays rather than more timely completion. Our policy is to handle requests for extensions sympathetically, when circumstances warrant. Formal extensions to submission deadlines require the approval of the supervisor(s), the Head of Department and the College Postgraduate Officer.

9.4 Problems and difficulties

The University aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for postgraduate research students. Nevertheless students do from time to time encounter academic problems and difficulties. These are raised in the first instance with the supervisor(s), but if this is not appropriate a student may consult the Programme Co-ordinator or the Head of Department.

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The student may wish to contact the College Postgraduate Officer (via the University Postgraduate Registry). When a student’s research interests diverge from what was originally intended it might be appropriate to be allocated to a new supervisor: again the correct approach is to discuss the situation with the current supervisor, then the Programme Co-ordinator and Head of Department, and then the College Postgraduate Officer if necessary.

9.5 Regulations

General Regulations for Postgraduate Study are outlined in the brochure which is sent on admission. This has information on fees and expenses, regulations for the preparation and submission of theses, and examinations. The information in this brochure is taken from the University Calendar which is available for students to consult in the Library and in all Departmental Offices. It can also be viewed on:www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar/postgraduate.php

10. Contact details and sources of further information

Administrative inquiries about the Research and Graduate Programme in Social Anthropology can be addressed to the Postgraduate Secretary in the School of Social: Mrs Kerry Boyne, Edward Wright Building F17, tel. 01224 272762, email kerry.boyne@abdn.ac.uk

Programme Director for the M.Res. in Social Anthropology: Dr Alison Brown, Edward Wright Building G20, tel. 01224 274355, email alison.brown @abdn.ac.uk

Head of the Department of Anthropology: Dr Alex King, Edward Wright Building G2, tel. 01224 272732, email a.king@abdn.ac.uk

Department of Anthropology webpage: www.abdn.ac.uk/anthropology

General information for postgraduate applicants including an online application form: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml. The Department’s Postgraduate Admissions Officer is Dr Maggie Bolton, email maggie.bolton@abdn.ac.uk

Appendix: College of Arts and Social Sciences Research Ethics Guidance

This document is designed to provide research active staff and students across the College with a quick reference guide to some of the issues that require ethical consideration in advance of the commencement of research. This should not be considered as an exhaustive list and further guidance is available from your School Ethics Officer.

The College’s Research Governance Policy and Procedures for Ethical Review are designed to ensure that all research carried out by staff and students (especially that involving human participants) is of high quality and maintains high ethical standards. The policy is designed to meet the requirements of various funders of arts, humanities and social science research, and reflects guidance from relevant professional associations whilst conforming to University policy.

Benefits envisaged as a consequence of the Policy are: Strengthening the eligibility and quality of research applications; Providing clear guidance for staff and students; Reducing risks to the University, the College and individual researchers;

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Demonstrating commitment to high-quality, transparent and accountable research practices at project level;

Codifying the College’s position on research governance and research ethics. This will help legitimise our ethics review procedures and affirm our commitment to high ethical standards;

Ensuring the protection of the dignity, rights, safety and well being of participants; Ensuring that all risks relating to research are considered and steps taken to

minimise them.

The University expects its researchers to adhere to the highest standards of integrity. The University Policy and Guidelines on Good Research Practice state the standards required from researchers throughout the institution.

While respecting the ethical traditions of disciplines, it is recognised that ethics are the common ground on which all disciplines meet. Ethics are about (1) research quality and integrity, to ensure the best possible research; (2) how research is conducted from start to finish;(3) how those involved in research (and those affected by it) are treated; (4) communicating research goals, procedures and findings as clearly as possible and recognising that research is supported by, and part of, the wider society.

The University requires that all research projects be subjected to ethical scrutiny before work commences. All applications for ethical review must demonstrate that the research follows the Good Practice Guidelines and addresses all relevant ethical issues. These include:

Safety and well-being; obtaining consent (including information given to participants); informed consent (including when the research involves vulnerable adults or children, or where it is proposed to use covert observation); payment to participants; principles of anonymity; potential personal gain; the use of artefacts; confidentiality; data protection and dissemination.

When research is carried out, especially that which involves human participants, researchers are expected to consider the ethical implications of their research. Considerations include the nature of the research and the cultural, economic, psychological, physical, political, religious, spiritual and social consequences for all participants.

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