6.4 Joint Doctoral Award Scheme

6.4.1  A candidate may enrol on a Joint Doctoral Award Scheme which has been set up between Oxford Brookes University and another institution.  The Scheme must be approved by the Research Degree Committee and applications must be made and approval obtained from both institutions before a candidate is formally offered a place.  The proposed Scheme must operate in line with the agreed policies and procedures, including the terms and conditions set out below:

  • The candidate must lodge an application with both Universities concurrently according to the policies and procedures laid down in the Scheme.

  • The programmes will be full-cost.  The proportion of the fee due to each institution should be calculated on the basis of the pattern of attendance and should also include an amount to cover the cost of supervision at a distance, including travel for the supervisors if appropriate, and the University overhead.  The initial Agreement should state the fee to be charged by the other institution and what they would be providing for this.  Any change to this arrangement must be agreed by both parties.

  • Prior to offer, both Universities must agree which institution’s regulations, policies and procedures will apply for the duration of the candidate’s research degree programme, including the minimum and maximum period of registration.  The Research Degree Committee will ensure that the regulations, policies and procedures selected, or drawn up, maintain the standards set by those approved for use at Oxford Brookes University. 

  • Both Universities must approve the application and offer the candidate a place in line with all the requirements and regulations, policies and procedures appertaining to the Scheme and agreed by both institutions. Co-Director of Studies must be named by both institutions at this stage.

  • Members of both supervisory teams and the candidate must meet formally at least once per year.

  • The training programme for students and supervisors at the other institution must be approved by the Director of Researcher Training before any agreement was formalised.

  • The time spent at each institution must be agreed in advance, with a period of no less than the equivalent of 1 calendar year spent at Oxford Brookes University.

  • Examination arrangements must be agreed by both institutions at the outset and consideration must be given to the format and language to be used during the oral examination and the possible options available to examiners concerning the outcome of the examination and recommendations for the award.

  • Under this Scheme both Universities award the Doctor of Philosophy and a certificate is issued by Oxford Brookes University and the partner institution. The certificate must clearly state that the award was made for 1 doctoral thesis and name both Universities participating in the scheme, indicating that 2 certificates had been issued for this degree.

  • An institutional agreement or accompanying operational manual will be produced to assist those applying for the Joint Doctoral Award Scheme and shall specify any changes to the University’s Regulations for Study and the Research Degrees Policy and Procedures Handbook as set out in this document.