New report on National Framework for Doctoral Education to be published
In autumn 2020, QQI together with the HEA, IUA and THEA commissioned EUA Solutions to undertake a Study on the Level of Implementation of the National Framework for Doctoral Education within Irish Higher Education Institutions.
The objective of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of postgraduate research (PGR) in Ireland and the level of implementation of the National Framework for Doctoral Education (NFDE) principles, which are:
- The core of doctoral education is deep engagement with a question, problem or hypothesis at the frontier of knowledge, and advancement of this frontier under the guidance of expert and committed supervision. To be awarded a doctoral degree, the candidate must have made an original contribution to knowledge.
- Successful completion and examination of the research thesis, comprising work of publishable quality, is the basis for the award of the doctoral degree. The thesis can be presented in a variety of formats.
- Doctoral education increases significantly students' depth and breadth of knowledge of their discipline and develops their expertise in research methodology which is applicable to both a specific project and a wider context. It provides a high-quality research experience, training (including a formalised integrated programme of personal and professional development) and output consistent with international norms and best practice.
- Doctoral education is conducted in a learning community where sufficient critical mass of internationally recognised research activity exists to allow students to gain access to a training programme of appropriate breadth and to interact with peers engaged in their field, nationally and internationally.
- Recognising that each doctorate is unique, doctoral education is also flexible so as to support students within individual disciplines or within interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary groups.
- Doctoral education is conducted in a research environment with a high degree of academic quality and infrastructure and where it is consistent with institutional strategies. Academic quality includes quality supervision and training for supervisors.
- The admission of doctoral students takes into account preparedness of the applicant, the availability of qualified, competent and accessible supervision and the resources necessary to conduct the research.
- Doctoral education is supported by established structures with: - supervision by a principal supervisor(s), normally with a supporting panel approved by the institution; - formal monitoring of progress to completion against published criteria, supported by institutional arrangements; - clearly defined examination processes, involving external examiners, assessment criteria and declared outcomes.
- A robust quality assurance system underpins all doctoral provision
The team conducted desk research, a survey, and a number of interviews with HEIs, research funding bodies and with the steering organisations. It has also made some useful and tangible recommendations to strengthen the NFDE and PGR education more generally with a particular focus on students.
The final report is due to be published following consideration of the recommendations made and the next steps by the members of the NFDE Advisory Forum. For those interested in doctoral education in an Irish context, the National Framework for Doctoral Education offers a concise overview.
