RDEM - Project Timeline, Benefits and Outcomes

What is coming and when?

Project Timeline*

[* please click on the image to enlarge]

RDEM timeline

Michaelmas term 2025

August

  • First look training material available for users
  • User acceptance testing takes place involving real users to validate and feedback on their experience of RDEM in eVision

September/October

  • RDEM goes live in eVision
  • Examination records start to be moved across from existing systems (GSO database & RTDS) to RDEM in eVision
  • University-wide briefing sessions showcasing the new system
  • Drop-in sessions to support Graduate Administrators
  • Training materials available

October

  • New postgraduate research outcome regulation changes come into effect (12 October)

November

  • Post outcome suspension released

December

  • All examination records now managed in RDEM
  • Old systems (GSODB & RTDS) retired

Hilary term 2026

January

  • Early life support for the system ends; Student Systems Support Centre and Research Degrees Team (RDT) take over supporting users with RDEM

Background

In 2017, Education Committee’s Research Degrees Panel initiated a review of the regulations and policy on postgraduate research (PGR) student degree outcomes. Following a consultation during 2018-19, it agreed a number of important regulatory changes. However, implementation of these changes was delayed because of the need for IT system development to support the underlying process. 

Separately, in early 2020, a number of processes relating to the PGR student journey were moved into eVision, including the steps undertaken by PGR students to initiate the examination of their research thesis. This stage in the process was prioritised for migration into eVision as it greatly improved the user experience for PGR students. However, the remainder of the examiner appointment and outcomes processes were not migrated at this point, due to the complexity of these stages. 

This project will enable the implementation of the previously agreed regulatory changes related to research degree outcomes and move the PGR examiner appointment process and outcomes stages into eVision. Working closely with stakeholders in Education Policy Support, Research Degrees, and divisions, the project will make process improvements wherever possible and facilitate the retirement of an MS Access database currently used to manage these activities. 

Benefits

The project outcomes listed above will deliver the following benefits:

  • A clearer and more logical set of outcomes following PGR student assessment
  • Future regulatory and policy changes can be implemented more quickly
  • Improved compliance with the regulations and more effective monitoring of policy adherence
  • Time savings for administrative staff
  • Increased student satisfaction with the process
  • Streamlined platform for examiners to engage with research examination process
  • Improved data quality and reporting
  • Reduced risk of data breaches
  • Reduced risk of system failure and data unavailability

Outcomes

The project will deliver the following results:

  • The approved changes to the regulations relating to postgraduate research degree outcomes will be implemented
  • The documentation of processes for postgraduate research outcomes, and consolidation of administration within eVision, will create a simplified solution
  • Information required to effectively manage postgraduate research outcomes will be more readily available and based on trusted and joined-up data
  • Personal data will be held centrally and securely in a fully supported system
  • Off-system communications and processes, notably with external examiners, will be significantly reduced

Contact

Related links