Collaborative research is the process through which students undertake their dissertation research in collaboration with an external organisation. Within the College of Social Sciences, all students have the opportunity to choose to work with an external organisation when completing their research projects, with approval from their academic supervisor.

In return for providing this opportunity for a student, the external organisation will receive a brief summary of the key research findings and recommendations, in the form of a policy brief. 

The College Employability Team provides support for students, staff and external organisations engaged in collaborative research in the following ways:

  • Introduce the process of collaborative research and the potential to link with partner organisations (See College Employability Programme Making your dissertation work for you course)
  • Provide project guidelines and agreement form 
  • Support the development of an effective policy brief to communicate research findings to the partner organisations (See College Employability Programme Writing a policy brief course)

If you are a student, staff member or external organisation interested in collaborative research opportunities, please contact Emma Smith. 

You can find out more about the roles and responsibilities involved in collaborative research below: 

Hear from previous students about their collaborative research experiences and see examples of 

Roles & responsibilities

It is important that all students, staff and external organisations involved in collaborative research are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Guidance, along with an Agreement document will be provided by the College Employability team. You can find out more about these below.

Please note - in the majority of cases Intellectual Property produced by students is owned by students. Additionally, students are unable to sign up to non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements.

1. Responsibilities of the student

  • Should arrange a meeting between the organisation, student and supervisor to agree the scope of the project and lead on the completion ot the Project Agreement form.
  • In conjunction with the collaborative dissertation deadlines, the student MUST ensure they meet all the necessary academic deadlines associated with a dissertation.
  • Ensure that the research topic will allow them to meet the academic requirements of the dissertation.
  • The student MUST seek Ethics approval if the research will include the use human subjects. Support for this will be provided by the University of Glasgow Supervisor. 
  • To act in a professional manner and be respectful of the culture and working practices of the Organisation, whilst representing the University. 
  • Make the Organisation aware of any special requirements (e.g. relating to medical or additional support needs). 
  • Submit a Policy Brief/Executive Summary to the organisation within 4 weeks of the submission of the dissertation.
  • Must make the University representative (academic supervisor or College Employability Office) aware of any issues or concerns at the earliest opportunity.

2. Responsibilities of the organisation

  • To provide an Organisation Mentor to act as the main point of contact for the student and who will facilitate data collection (introductions to candidates to interview, sharing of secondary data etc.) 
  • Attend an initial meeting arranged by the students where the mentor, supervisor and student will discuss and agree the scope of the project and then sign the Project Agreement form.
  • To monitor the student’s project inputs on an on-going basis, whilst ensuring that the project remains exclusively the work of the Student.
  • To provide feedback to the University on the effectiveness of the process, quality of the project and engagement of the student during the project period. 
  • To contact the University Supervisor immediately, if there is a problem, complaint or grievance.
  • To seek approval from the student for the wider publication/use of their research.

3. Responsibilities of the supervisor

  • Agree to attend an initital meeting aranged by the student where the student, mentor and supervisor will discuss and agree the scope of the project, and ensure it meets the necessary academic requirements and learning outcomes, and then sign the Project Agreement form.
  • Work with the student to establish if Ethics approval is required. 
  • Engage with the student during the project to offer appropriate guidance.  
  • Support the student in the case of concerns, where issues have been brought to attention by the student or organisation.