Research knowledge and methodologies
This is the first of the Research Degree Graduate Qualities.
1. has an understanding of current research based knowledge in the field, its methodologies for creating new knowledge, and can create, critique, and appraise new and significant knowledge.
Introduction
The first generic quality refers to the higher degree by research (HDR) student's comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the literature of the research area, detailed knowledge of appropriate research methodologies, ability to perform critical analysis and, most importantly, ability to produce original knowledge.
How this quality will be elaborated and achieved is foreshadowed in
the HDR student's research proposal. The
supervisor's input is crucial here and
progress in achieving this quality is documented in successive
reviews of progress. The
review also comments on the steady
development of a detailed review of literature, the choice of
methodology and the progress of original thinking.
This quality is formally assessed by the examination panel appointed for
the thesis.
Generic indicators
A research degree postgraduate will:
- be informed by the forefront of their academic discipline or professional area
- be able to create new knowledge, making an original and significant contribution to knowledge or to the application of knowledge in their research area
- display critical awareness of current problems and new insights
- command highly specialised and advanced technical, professional research skills to extend the forefront of the discipline or professional area
- demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the research literature in their research area
- have a knowledge of appropriate research methodologies in their research area.