GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN THE FACULTY 1. SCHOOL FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH (SGS&R) The School for Graduate Studies and Research has the overall responsibility for the development of Graduate Studies and research on all four (4) campuses of The University of the West Indies. The School is chaired by its Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC, Graduate Studies) and is governed by the Board for Graduate Studies and Research. There is a committee of the SGS&R on each campus called the Campus Committee for Graduate Studies and Research. The SGS&R works closely through these four (4) Campus Committees to manage and administer activities related to research and graduate studies. The School assists academic departments with the maintenance and development of coherent graduate studies programmes and, through the Board for Graduate Studies and Research, approves the establishment of new postgraduate programmes and the award of degrees. 2. TYPES OF GRADUATE PROGRAMMES OFFERED IN THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY The Faculty offers a wide range of certificates, diplomas, taught Master’s degree as well as research degrees (MPhil and PhD) (a) Taught Programmes The programmes for the Master of Science (MSc) degrees and for Postgraduate Diplomas consist mainly of a set of lectures, seminars, coursework assignments and either a project or a research paper. The Faculty also offers Diplomas and Certificates by distance. (b) (i) Research Degrees The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are research degrees. that primarily involve independent study, directed by one or more supervisors. All MPhil and PhD programmes of study culminate in the presentation of a thesis conveying the results of the independent study and research carried out by the graduate student. It is necessary that graduate students, supervisors, advisory committees and examiners ensure that the qualitative and quantitative distinction between the MPhil Degree and PhD Degree be understood and maintained. (ii) The MPhil Thesis The MPhil thesis reviews the state of knowledge in a particular field, creates and evaluates a new design or novel experiments in a particular aspect of an area of study or makes an appropriate critique or interpretation of the subject. The Master’s Thesis should be evidence of the graduate student’s ability to effectively review the relevant literature in the field, to undertake independent research and to present the results in a clear, systematic and scholarly form. It is normally expected that a Master’s Thesis will make some independent contribution to knowledge or understanding in the subject area in which the student is working. (iii) The Doctoral Thesis A Doctoral thesis must set forth a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding, adding to or critiquing through approved research methodologies the current theoretical underpinnings and empirical base in the student’s field of study. The thesis must be set forth in a scholarly manner demonstrating the original and independent investigations conducted and setting forth unambiguously its achievements, contributions and findings in a format appropriate to Doctoral Theses in the particular discipline. The Doctoral Thesis must reflect not only mastery of the subject area under investigation and competence in research techniques, but also the ability to select an important problem for investigation and to deal with it in a mature, competent manner. The Doctoral Degree is, by nature and tradition, the highest certificate of membership in the academic community. It is meant to indicate the presence of superior qualities of mind, intellectual interest and high attainment and knowledge in a chosen field. It is not conferred merely as a certificate for a prescribed course of study and research, no matter how faithfully pursued. Independent achievement at a high intellectual level is a prerequisite to its conferment. A Doctoral Thesis or parts thereof must be judged to be potentially publishable. The award of a PhD also requires the candidate to defend his/her thesis at a public oral examination. Many research degrees now contain a taught element. The intention of these taught courses is to provide students with research techniques and skills that will not only help them complete their current research topic, but will also stand them in good stead for life after University. With the exception of holders of MPhil degrees from recognised Universities, candidates interested in pursuing the PhD degree are normally required to register for the MPhil Degree in the first instance. If your Supervisors are happy with your progress, then provisions exist to upgrade your registration from the Master’s to Doctoral level without first submitting a Master’s dissertation. If you decide to pursue a research degree, it is very important that the thesis topic you choose is of genuine and sustainable interest to you.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:33:11 +0000
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