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D. Research students' responsibilities

54 The student should select his or her research topic, in consultation and agreement with the supervisor. In some cases, the choice may be determined by research projects in progress in the School or by an external funding body. Industrial needs may in appropriate circumstances influence the choice of research fields. With the consent of the student, employers may in appropriate cases be involved in planning the research and providing facilities to advance it.

55 A detailed research plan must be formulated in consultation between the student and the supervisor as soon as possible and no later than the end of the first term of study for full-time students or first two terms of study for part-time students, in the context of what is appropriate for the discipline. The student and supervisor will complete an agreed outline of the research plan, to include the scope and timescale of the programme of study, which will be submitted for approval by the School Sub-committee.

56 Publicly funded students must accept a commitment to make and maintain a research plan which ensures the completion of their thesis within the timescales specified by funding bodies. Funded students must familiarise themselves with the guidelines of their awarding body.

57 Students should monitor their progress against their research plan, and keep their progress under regular review by maintaining a written "research log" or other appropriate form of periodic written self-evaluation which is made available to the supervisor. A formal progress report must be submitted annually to the School Sub-committee for consideration in accordance with School procedures. These reports should be made on a standard School form and should include a self-assessment of academic progress, participation in the activities described in paragraph 2 above, supervision, provision of resources, administrative and any other relevant matters.

58 Students should take the initiative in notifying their supervisors of any additional training needs they have identified or any difficulties that have arisen with the progress of their work, however elementary these problems may seem.

59 Students should discuss with their supervisors the type of guidance and comment they find to be most helpful, and agree a schedule of meetings for reporting to their supervisor on the progress of their work.

60 Students should take full account of the scholarly guidance offered by their supervisors and attend the required and recommended training programmes and research seminars. Students should accept a commitment to developing their presentational skills by making oral presentations of their research in the School or College, and attending relevant conferences and workshops.

61 The student should decide when to submit the thesis, in consultation with the supervisor. The supervisor's guidance will be of crucial importance in assisting the student to make this decision. If School procedures require, the student must also consult with the School Sub-committee before reaching a decision.