Dr Ania Plomien, COL 5.01J

This course is compulsory on the MPhil/ PhD in Gender Studies. This course is not available as an outside option.

The aim of this course is to give students experience and practice in presenting chapters or papers related to their current research for critical discussion. The focus of the seminar is on the research process and students are expected to present at least once per year. Some summer term sessions may be used for professional training, such as CV preparation, conference paper preparation, publishing and teaching organisation.

15 one-and-a-half hour seminars held fortnightly in the MT, LT and ST. First year students must also audit GI425 Gender Theories in the Modern World (lectures only) and GI402 Gender, Knowledge and Research Practice (full course). All students are expected to participate in courses run by the Department of Methodology or the Gender Institute as advised by their supervisors. Students are also expected to participate in research seminars and public lectures.

PhD chapters and articles suggested by students relevant to their topic.

First year students will be formally reviewed towards the end of their first year, normally in weeks 4-6 of the ST, by means of submission of written work and a viva. Students are required to submit a draft chapter of 8.000 to 10.000 words (e.g. literature review, theoretical approach, substantive analysis of research themes); a research design outline of 4-5 pages detailing the rationale for the research, the research question and objectives, and the methodological and /or theoretical issues relevant to the research; a chapter outline of the thesis of 2 pages indicating the chapters’ contents; and a timeline for completion of the PhD programme.  The work submitted is read and assessed by the main and advisory supervisors, and usually a doctoral convenor. The candidate is evaluated in a viva context. This assessment has to be passed before progress to the second year and upgrade from MPhil to PhD is permitted. If a student is not upgraded he/she is entitled to resubmit work and be re-examined under the same principles governing the first attempt within a further six months for a final decision. Students are reviewed on an annual basis until the thesis is complete. Arrangements for part-time students are made on a pro-rata basis.