Services and Facilities
Our research students are based in a dedicated study area where they work in a supportive and forward thinking atmosphere and are supervised by staff within RIBM, many of whom have an international reputation. RIBM not only provides a home to our research students, it also provides the administrative support for their formal and informal training, and administrative support for research staff. The Research Training programmes are staffed by a faculty of research-active members, as well as regular visitors from outside; our doctoral programme offers students an MRes programme that gives a solid foundation on which to build their research as well as providing a sounding board for their ideas and a forum for students to engage in debate.
| Dedicated Administrative Staff | |
| Research Officer: | Miss Diane Smith |
| Study Area opening times during term time: | |
| Monday to Thursday | 07.00 - 21.00 |
| Friday | 07.00 - 17.00 |
| The Aytoun building is open for the Library only on Saturdays, unless classes are booked | |
| Saturday Library | 09.45 - 16.00 |
| Study Area opening times during vacation periods: | |
| Monday to Thursday | 07.00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07.00 - 17.00 |
Students will be informed by e-mail of any changes to the above times.
Desks
Desks are allocated as ‘hot desks’ for use by research degree students as required.
Lockers
There are a limited number of small lockers available. These are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Filing cabinets
Filing cabinets are normally allocated to full-time students.
Computers
All computers are networked, and have internet/email access. All students enrolling with the Research Institute will automatically be allocated a login ID and password to provide appropriate access.
Printers
There are dedicated printers available which can also be used for scanning and photocopying. Currently there is no charge for printing.
Email
All students enrolling with the faculty will automatically be provided with an email address. Students will be advised at induction regarding remote access to e-mail.
Software provision
The Research Institute normally provides software needed to complete studies, but where specialised software is required, a request would need to be submitted for approval. Where specialised software is installed on a computer, a label is affixed to the CPU stating which software/version is available.
Telephones
There are a number of direct-line telephones available for student use in the study area. These normally allow for internal and external national calls. These telephones are provided for use in relation to the research being undertaken, and students are expected to be sensible about phone usage. Each student will be given their own personal ‘pin’ number to dial before dialling the required external telephone number. The Research Degrees Administrator is regularly provided with a breakdown of calls and costs for each student.
Students can use any of the telephones. However, for full-time students a specific telephone extension number is identified, to enable messages to be left for them if required. Care needs to be taken when checking for your own messages – you should only delete your own messages.
The names of part-time students are only allocated to a telephone extension number if an MMU telephone number is being included on the business cards.
Instructions on accessing your voicemail on site (and remotely) are provided to all students (see separate section Telephone Numbers and Voicemail).
Overseas calls
Normally, overseas calls should only be made in relation to the research being undertaken.
Calls to Mobiles
Where possible, telephone calls should be made to landline numbers. Where calls to mobiles are unavoidable, these should be kept as short as possible.
Fax
A dedicated fax machine is available in the study area for student use, and provides internal, national and international facilities for faxing. Paper and consumables for this equipment are provided by the doctoral office. This is also operated by use of your PIN.
Stationery supplies
A limited range of stationery supplies is provided by the doctoral office, eg Letterhead paper; compliment slips; envelopes for external mailing; internal mail envelopes; overhead transparencies. However, stationery for teaching purposes must be obtained from the appropriate programme office.
Inter-library loans
Please visit http://www.library.mmu.ac.uk/keyinfo/other/ill/index.php for information.
Mail
The costs of all mail relating to your research will be covered by the faculty.
Incoming mail for students is distributed into pigeonholes in the doctoral study area.
Outgoing mail should be dealt with as follows:
- internal mail should ALWAYS be sent in an internal envelope. PLEASE DO NOT USE PLAIN MANILLA ENVELOPES FOR INTERNAL MAIL
- external mail related to your research should use PLAIN envelopes with MMU logo on the flap. The name/address to which the mail is being sent should be placed roughly in the centre or lower half of the envelope.
- airmail needs a blue airmail sticker in the TOP LEFT HAND CORNER
- personal mail should not be sent in MMU logo envelopes. The correct postage must be affixed to these items before they are put in the post tray.
Questionnaires
When questionnaires are being prepared for mailing out, there are points about which students need to be aware. Information about letterheads, mailshot size, envelopes, labels and costs should be discussed with your Director of Studies.
Business cards
Business cards are available to all research degree students.
The card will carry your name, will identify the subject group with which you are registered and will make clear your location. Contact details will be printed using the designation ‘Doctoral Researcher’ so as to allow you flexibility in their use.
English language support
A team of language tutors offer classes and/or individual assistance to international students in need of additional support and guidance in the completion of assignments, essays and dissertations. Please see http://www.mmu.ac.uk/international/courses/language.php for details. Additionally, various colleges/universities in the city centre offer classes during the summer.
Computer support
The Information Systems team members are always available, via the Help Desk, to assist with any technical problems. The Help Desk telephone number is 4646, email icts.helpline@mmu.ac.uk
Software training
Software training commences at Induction when students are introduced to our virtual learning environment and online literature databases. Training on other packages is also provided during the programme.
A number of training packages are available on line at Netskills. Netskills homepage is: http://www.netskills.ac.uk Modules cover a range from introductory to advanced topics about using the Internet, the technologies and web page design. Most of the materials are available to download as HTML pages, MS Powerpoint presentations and MSWord documents. There are also a number of Fact Sheets that cover using Netscape, Internet Explorer and some of the search engines.
Where a specific need is identified for specialist training, eg during your skills audit, if a course is not offered by MMU, the Institute will give financial support for attendance at Specialist Methods Modules run by other universities/agencies.
Teaching
Doctoral candidates are encouraged to gain teaching experience. The appointment process for this is through the divisions and openings for Associate Lecturers are advertised on the MMU jobs web page. Appointments are coordinated through the relevant Division and payment at the appropriate A/L rate is from Divisional budgets.
