Will the QAA incorporate the RDS into the CoP for research degree programmes?

Please note: The Researcher Development Statement is an evolution of the JSS, highlighting the range of knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities which the Councils expect researchers to develop over the course of their training. A much more detailed Framework is being developed, which is intended as a tool for researchers and HEIs to assist in planning, promoting and supporting the personal, professional and career development of researchers in higher education.

The Academic Infrastructure is a term used by QAA to cover a set of UK-wide nationally agreed reference points. These reference points give higher education providers a shared starting point for setting, describing and assuring the quality of the learning experience and standards of higher education awards or programmes which include research degrees.

The Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education: Section one postgraduate research programmes is part of the Academic Infrastructure. Section one of the Code includes Appendix 3: Skills training requirements for research students: joint statement by the research councils. This is commonly known as the ‘Joint skills statement’. The Researcher development statement (RDS) is an evolution of the Joint skills statement (JSS). It is anticipated that the RDS will be incorporated into the Code of practice, replacing the JSS in a similar way. 

However, the QAA are currently inviting discussion on the future development of the Academic Infrastructure. Further details and a discussion paper can be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/news/media/pressReleases/250210.asp. Until the evaluation of the Academic Infrastructure has been completed there will be no revision to this section of the Code of practice and currently the RDS is not included.

For more information on the relationship between the RDS and the QAA Code of practice go to QAA.