Having achieved University status in 2005 and research degree awarding powers in 2009, Liverpool Hope University has embarked on a strategic programme of change to sustain its academic ambitions and secure its distinctiveness in the future. The objective has been to establish a high quality ‘teaching led, research informed’ University, while reaching out to the most able from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the only ecumenical university in Europe, with over 7,000 students, Liverpool Hope works closely with faith partners locally, nationally and internationally, to provide access to a high quality learning environment and an educational philosophy to ‘educate in the round’, developing graduates with a sense of social responsibility and good global citizenship.
The University focus on excellence in research and scholarship is reflected in the latest REF submission, in which the University submitted work to 12 Units of Assessment. Selection of staff for inclusion in the submission was based on an internal review of research (using independent external advisers) and as a result 54% of eligible academic staff were returned for REF 2014. This represents a substantial increase from the previous RAE 2008 exercise and gives a promising picture of the University’s research profile, which reveals significant amount at internationally excellent quality.
To support this, the University has devoted significant time, energy and resources to developing its research profile. These pages are designed to support staff who are supporting PGR studies from a variety of backgrounds.
Useful contacts
In the first instance all staff queries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research administrators pgr@hope.ac.uk
Liverpool Hope University is committed to supporting our PGR students, not only with colleagues with the right research background, but also with the skills required to supervise students through to successful completion of their programme.
All Postgraduate Supervisors must undertake the following sessions that are available on the Postgraduate Research Hub Moodle Page.
PGR Supervisor Training Sessions
- Supervising Postgraduate Research
- Postgraduate research skills scheme: An overview
- Supervising Postgraduate research: Annual monitoring
- Research Ethics Processes at Liverpool Hope University
Research and Inquiry Sessions are advertised by the University throughout the year and can be booked via the online store. All Research Supervisors and Research Advisors are strongly encouraged to book onto these sessions.
Independent Chair Training
Any supervisor nominated for the role of Independent Chair of PhD/MPhil/EdD examination panel must undertake the following session that is available on the Postgraduate Research Hub Moodle Page.
- Acting as an Independent Chair in a PGR Viva
Liverpool Hope University is a teaching-led, research-informed university which aims for excellence in all aspects of its provision. An important element of that excellence will be working with organisations locally, nationally and internationally to enhance both the student experience and the academic profile and success of the University.
Within the area of Postgraduate Research we are the awarding board for doctoral awards at:
Maryvale is both a place of worship and a specialist Institute, providing distance learning opportunities in Catholic Theology, Evangelisation, Catechesis, Philosophy, Ministry and Religious Education at every level from short, informal courses to BAs, MAs and research degrees. The range of levels offered enables students from all backgrounds to develop their full potential and obtain nationally and internationally recognised qualifications.
Newman is a values-driven university where students are central to all that the university does. Students are encouraged to engage with theories and concepts, discuss ideas with tutors and become self-motivated, independent learners and creative thinkers able to make a difference in the world. Their Patron Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote extensively about universities and argued that the role of the university is to train the mind rather than fill it with information. He was a fine tutor who made time for his students. His work underpins much of the understanding of multiple modes of intelligence and understanding that continues to influence modern educational practice.
Colleagues at partner institutions wishing to discuss matters with Liverpool Hope, please contact pgr@hope.ac.uk
Regulations and code of practice
Staff and students at our partner institutions are expected to adhere to the same PGR regulations and code of practice used at Liverpool Hope.
Forms
Forms suitable for use by staff at our PGR Partners have been developed, and links to these are shown below. For procedures not covered by these forms, please use the main forms on the PGR Regs and Forms tabs on the PGR Information for Staff page.
Supervisor forms
Change of Supervisor Form - Partner
Confirmation of registration event for PhD
Confirmation of Registration Initial Report - Partner
Confirmation of Registration Final Report - Partner
Confirmation of registration from MPhil to PhD
Process Guidance: Confirmation of Doctoral Registration MPhil to PhD
Confirmation of Doctoral Registration MPhil to PhD Final Report
Intention to submit form
Intention to Submit - Partners
Appointment of oral examination panel
Independent Chair for Oral Examination Approval Form - Partner
Internal Examiner for Oral Examination Approval Form - Partner
External Examiner for Oral Examination Approval Form - Hope
Guidance for examiners
Notes for the Guidance of Hope MPhil Examiners
Notes for the Guidance of Hope PhD Examiners
Notes for the Guidance of Hope Prof Doc Examiners
Examination forms for MPhil
Examiners Initial Report Form - MPhil - Partner
Examiners Final Joint Report and Final Recommendations - MPhil
Minor Modifications Report Form - all PGR Awards
Major Modifications Form - MPhil at Partner Institution
Examination forms for PhD
Examiners Initial Report Form - MPhil - Partner
Examiners Final Joint Report and Final Recommendations - MPhil
Minor Modifications Report Form - all PGR Awards
Major Modifications Form - PhD
Examination forms for Professional Doctorate [EdD]
Examiners Initial Report Form - Prof Doc - Partner
Examiners Final Joint Report and Final Recommendations - Prof Doc
Minor Modifications Report Form - all PGR Awards
Major Modifications Form - Prof Doc at Partner Institution
PGR Application System
Designated Liverpool Hope staff can review and process applications by logging into our Online Application System.
Step 1
When applicants first enter the online application system, they are asked to create an account. Once they have done this, they are automatically taken to the applicant pages and application form.
Step 2
Applicants will need to fill in a short Expression of Interest. Once submitted, an automatic email is generated via the PGR Application system which is sent to the relevant Associate Dean Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange or nominee.
Step 3
The Expression of Interest is considered by the relevant Associate Dean Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange or nominee, who will then be required to Approve or Reject the Expression of Interest and the applicant is informed of any decisions automatically by email via the PGR application system. If the expression of interest is supported, the applicant will be invited to submit a full application.
PLEASE NOTE: A REASON FOR REJECTION SHOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE PGR APPLICATION SYSTEM. THIS CAN BE SEEN BY THE APPLICANT WHEN THEY LOG IN TO THEIR ACCOUNT SEE THE REASON BEHIND THE DECISION.
Step 4
Applicant completes the full application sections of the online application form using the guidance within the form.
Applications are unable to be considered without a research proposal.
Step 5
Applicants upload their supporting documents.
Step 6
Once applicants have submitted their full application they will be unable to re-enter and make any changes at this stage.
Step 7
Applications are considered by Associate Dean Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange or nominee, who will then be required to Approve or Reject* the application and the applicant is informed of any decisions automatically by email via the application system.
Shortlisting Process
When shortlisting, please ensure you have checked that the candidate meets the entry requirements listed on our website before setting up interviews.
If the application is supported by the relevant Associate Dean, Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange or nominee, details of the interview should be input into the PGR Application System.
Interview Panel
- Chair (Head of School or nominee)
- Proposed Primary and Secondary Supervisors
- Independent Reader
If approved, an automatic email is generated and sent to the Chair. The Chair is then required to contact the applicant by email to invite them to attend an interview at Hope (or via Zoom for students who live at a distance).
PhD/MPhil Interview Guidance
PrD Interviews are competencey-based and conducted by the Programme Director or nominee.
*PLEASE NOTE: A REASON FOR REJECTION SHOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE PGR APPLICATION SYSTEM. THIS CAN BE SEEN BY THE APPLICANT WHEN THEY LOG IN TO THEIR ACCOUNT SEE THE REASON BEHIND THE DECISION.
Step 8
After the interview takes place, the Chair of the interview panel is required to input the interview outcome on the PGR Application System and the following forms should be submitted to pgr@hope.ac.uk for approval by the Chair of RDSC.
Step 9
Upon approval by the Chair of RDSC, an offer letter will be sent to the applicant via Admissions.
