RD4 proposal review
RD4 checks whether your project is realistic, achievable within your degree and supported by suitable resources and expertise. It also identifies risks, ethical issues and wellbeing needs.
Applies to research students except PhD by Published Works.
Prepare
- Complete every section of the official Formal Proposal Proforma from Forms directory. This is separate from the staff’s RD4 outcome form.
- Discuss feasibility, resources, ethical approval and relevant wellbeing risks with your team.
- Confirm the meeting format and any adjustments.
- Send the proposal to the panel at least one week before the meeting.
- Check the separate deadline for completed committee papers.
The Director of Studies arranges the meeting. The panel is your supervisors plus your Independent Panel Chair.
At the meeting
Discuss your proposal and agree the form, scope and focus of your RD5 work, its meeting format and any presentation. These must be documented in box six of RD4. You and the supervisors each have a confidential conversation with the IPC before everyone reconvenes.
Outcomes
The panel recommends proceeding, referral/resubmission, or termination where the proposal or aptitude is not satisfactory. A different target degree may be explored and must follow the formal process. The School RDC makes the formal decision on the recommendation.
The DoS is responsible for completing and submitting the RD4 form. Ask how the approved outcome and agreed RD5 expectations will be shared with you.
Source: Framework §4.3, pp. 39–41. Read the source.