Glossary

A
1. Assessor
  An assessor will assist the Boards of Examiners with setting and marking examinations within departments. Find out more about assessors (pdf).
2. Assistant Supervisor
  Assistant Supervisors play a major role in supporting the day-to-day activities of research students. This role is usually carried out by Postdocs but there are other members of staff who can fulfil this role. Prior to a student enrolling at College, it is suggested that the main supervisor leads discussions with Assistant Supervisors to agree supervisory arrangements. Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of Assistant Supervisors.
C
1. CDT
  Centre for Doctoral Training
2. CID
  A College Identifier or CID is a unique number assigned to all individuals and organisations associated with Imperial College London. Students and members of staff are issued a CID when they begin work or start their studies.
3. Co-Supervisor
  The key roles of the co-supervisor(s) will vary according to the research project. In many cases the co-supervisor will play a major role in directing the research (for example when the project is the result of collaboration between the supervisors). In other cases the role will be more supportive. However, the co-supervisor does have a responsibility for the student’s progress, and will be expected to take an active role in the supervision process.
D
1. DPS
  Director of Postgraduate Studies. This person is responsible for overall postgraduate education in your department. Find out more about the DPS (pdf). In some Departments the DPS is called the Director of Postgraduate Research (DPGR).
E
1. ESA
  Early Stage Assessment. This is the first major review of your work, and takes place around 9 months into your research degree. Find out more about the ESA.
2. External Examiner
  The external examiner should be a recognised international expert and will review whether the student's research work and knowledge are of a standard which are comparable to those of students being examined at other institutions for the same degree. Find out more about the appointment of examiners.
G
1. GTA
  Graduate Teaching Assistant. This is a PhD student involved with the teaching, supervision and assessment of undergraduate and Master’s students. Find out more about GTAs.
H
1. H & S
  Health and Safety
2. HoD
  Head of Department
I
1. Internal Examiner
  The role of the internal examiner is essentially that of custodian of the College regulations and standards. Find out more about the appointment of examiners. Find out more about the appointment of examiners.
L
1. LSR
  Late Stage Review. This takes place around 18-24 months into your research. Find out more about the LSR.
M
1. Main Research Degree Supervisor
  The key roles of the main research degree supervisor are to assist and support a student throughout their academic studies and, where there is more than one supervisor associated with a research project and a particular student, to ensure regular communication between the supervisory team occurs in order to provide clarity of direction for the student. Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of the main research degree supervisor.
2. MPhil
  Master of Philosophy
P
1. PGR
  Postgraduate Research
2. PhD
  Doctor of Philosophy
R
1. RPC
  Some Departments ask students to produce a Research Plan Confirmation in the first 3 months. This is the process of getting your research plan approved. Speak to your PGR Administrator to find out whether your Department requires this.
S
1. Senior Tutor (PGR)
  A Senior Tutor is a source of pastoral support for Master’s level and postgraduate research students in their department. Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Senior Tutor (PGR).
2. SID
  School/ Institute/ Department
V
1. Viva Voce
  Often referred to as the "viva", this is part of the PGR assessment. The viva is a verbal defence of your thesis. Your thesis demonstrates your ability to put forward your argument in writing, and the viva demonstrates your ability to participate in academic discussion with research colleagues. Find out more about the viva.