The focus of the event, Examining Research Degrees, was on supporting research students through the final stages of their PhDs by enhancing the professional practices of internal and external examiners and by improving understanding of what happens in vivas.

It was organised by Lancaster’s Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching and UKgrad NWHub, who partly funded the event.

Dr Moira Peelo, Co-ordinator of the Student Learning Development Centre at Lancaster University, organised the event as part of her National Teaching Fellowship project. Dr Peelo was successful in The 2004 National Teaching Fellowships and has played a major role in the development of academic support for students at Lancaster.

The regional event highlighted particular expertise at Lancaster through local speakers Carolyn Jackson and Lynne Pearce, and Chris Park in his role as Higher Education Advisor on PGR matters.