Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2008 Final report

Table 12. QAA Code of practice items
Items Mean % Disagree % Neutral % Agree
Student representations, complaints and appeals (precepts 25–27)
7.d. I know who to
approach, or where to find
this out, if I am dissatisfied
with any element of my
research degree programme
3.46 [3.56] 21 [20] 25 [21] 54 [59]
Feedback mechanisms (precept 21)
7.e. My institution values and
responds to feedback from
research degree students
3.32 [3.39] 20 [18] 35 [34] 46 [48]
Progress and review arrangements (precepts 15–17)
7.f. I understand the
requirements and
deadlines for formal
monitoring of my progress
3.85 [3.92] 11 [10] 19 [16] 71 [74]
Selection, admission and induction of students (precepts 6–10)
7.g. I understand my
responsibilities as a
research degree student
7.h. I am aware of my
institution’s responsibilities
towards me as a research
degree student
3.98 [4.01] 7 [7] 16 [15] 77 [78]
3.54 [3.32] 17 [23] 27 [30] 56 [47]
Students were most positive about understanding their responsibilities as research
students (77% agreed) and understanding the requirements and deadlines for formal
progress monitoring (71%: Table 12). Just over half of the students were aware of their
institution’s responsibilities towards them (56%), or knew who to approach if they had
problems with their programme (54%). Students’ views were most negative about their
institution valuing and responding to feedback from students (46% agreed, 20% disagreed).
The QAA items relating to professional and career development are analysed in more
details in Chapter 5.
The Higher Education Academy – PRES 2008 25