Responsibilities of Students towards the University and their Supervisors

The general expectations of students, and what students can expect from the University, are contained within the Student Charter.  This sets out the values and standards we all commit to at Queen's: respect, integrity, connectivity, excellence and ambition. The responsibilities of students whilst engaging with their supervisor over the course of their research degree programme are highlighted at various stages throughout the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes. (See also Responsibilities of the Supervisor). Research students’ responsibilities include:

1. Personal and professional development, including, where possible, recognising when they need help and seeking it in a timely manner.
2. Maintaining regular contact with the supervisory team.
3. Preparing adequately for meetings with supervisors.
4. Setting and keeping to timetables and deadlines, including planning and submitting work as and when required, and maintaining satisfactory progress with the research degree programme.
5. Maintaining research records in such a way that they can be accessed and understood by anyone with a legitimate need to see them.
6. Raising awareness of any specific needs or circumstances likely to affect their work.
7. Attending any development opportunities (research-related or other) that have been identified when agreeing development needs with supervisors.
8. Recording training and development activities on QSIS to evidence the required minimum of 30 days training over the course of the degree programme.
9. Being familiar with the regulations and policies that affect them, including those relating to their award, health and safety, intellectual property, electronic repositories, and ethical research.

The student is responsible for the submitted work, and the eventual success or failure of their research degree programme.  (In endorsing the Notice of Intention to Submit form, which is completed and submitted by the student, the Chair of the School Postgraduate Research Committee, or nominee, does not confirm that the research degree submission is acceptable or will be successful.)

The Students’ Union Student-Supervisor Relationship Toolkit provides useful guidance on establishing the relationship between student and supervisor.

Addressing Concerns or Problematic Behaviour

Where concerns arise regarding the conduct or behaviour of a postgraduate research student that may impact the research environment, supervisory relationship, other students or broader academic community, the University will seek to address such matters promptly and constructively. In the first instance, concerns will normally be addressed through the Informal Resolution Procedure. This approach encourages early engagement, dialogue, and mutual understanding, with the aim of resolving issues without recourse to formal action under the Conduct Regulations. Supervisors, School staff, or relevant support services may facilitate informal discussions, and where appropriate, a Future Conduct Requirement may be put in place to manage and address behaviours which have been identified as problematic.  

Breach of the Future Conduct Requirement will normally result in investigation of the matter under the Conduct Regulations.  

Should informal resolution prove unsuccessful or inappropriate due to the nature or severity of the behaviour, the matter may be escalated in accordance with the University’s formal Conduct Regulations. 

The Appeals, Conduct and Complaints Team can support colleagues engaging in the Informal Resolution Procedure (appeals@qub.ac.uk). Students are encouraged to engage with the advice and guidance available from SU Advice, as well as the support from the Student Wellbeing Service. 

Students are also reminded of their obligations under the Student Charter.