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In some cases, the same academic regulations apply to postgrad students as to undergraduates, but there are extra factors  and regulations to consider for certain groups, for example, those undertaking research degrees and those in professional programmes.

Other aspects of university regulations, such as the need for ethics approval for research, are focused primarily on postgraduate students and rarely impinge on undergraduates

Academic discipline (Plagiarism, collusion and misconduct in research)

The same regulations and procedures apply to taught postgraduate students in relation toplagiarism and collusion – you can read our guidance here https://uea.su/pageassets/postgraduate/postgraduateadvice/postgraduateadvice_academic/Plagiarism-and-Collusion-A4.pdf

Graduate students:

  • should bear in mind that they will be treated as experienced students when the gravity of an offence is being considered, and
  • be aware of the risk of self-plagiarising – i.e. quoting their own previous work without making this clear or referencing it correctly, and
  • if their previous study has been at an institution outside the UK, familiarise themselves with the  expectations and conventions of academic writing in the UK.

Specific procedures apply in the case of misconduct in research (including the Research part of Professional Doctorates).  “Misconduct in research”  is defined in UEA procedures as “fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and or collusion , misrepresentation, impersonation, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the academic and scientific communities for proposing, conducting or reporting research” but not including “honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgements of data”

Where misconduct in research is suspected or alleged, the allegations will be investigated on a confidential basis. This is with a view to protecting both the person making the complaint and the reputation of the student being investigated.

If an allegation is made against you, you have the right:

  • to be fully informed about the case you have to answer;
  • to reply to the allegations; and
  • to be accompanied by a person of your choice at any meeting

Different procedures apply for students and staff.  Students are covered by  the UEA's procedures for investigating allegations of reseach misconduct which form part of the UEA General Reguations  https://portal.uea.ac.uk/documents/6207125/7465906/Section+3+Procedures+for+Investigating+Allegations+of+Research+Misconduct+Made+Against+Students.pdf/f23efb5f-852d-0da4-cf08-250b4aaec212

The process is started by a written complaint to the Head of School (“HOS”), giving full details of the complaint. If there is a conflict of interest the Head of School will pass the matter over to Dean of Faculty to appoint an alternative person to deal with the case.   

On receipt of a complaint:

  • the HOS will consider if any immediate action is needed for health and safety reasons or to preserve evidence.
  • Start an investigation – usually by appointing someone to investigate and report back.
  • For research council funded students, consider whether to make a report to the relevant research council.