Ethics and integrity

Frequently asked questions

How do I make an ethics application?

To make an ethics application you must use the ethics app. You can also find a shortcut to the app on the apps page of the portal.

When should I apply?

You should apply for ethics in advance of collecting any data - it is best to apply at the very start of your project as soon as your course tutor asks you to.

See also the criteria outlined in the University's ethics policy.

How long does it take to get approval?

You should always discuss your proposed project with your course team before you make an application.

Your supervisor will normally respond to your ethics application within 10 working days.

If your application requires review by an ethics standing panel, this can take another ten working days after your supervisor has reviewed it.

Please remember if amendments are required at any stage, this will reset the clock. It is important to apply for ethics as early as you can to make sure you get approval in good time.

Can I submit supporting documents with my application?

You can submit sample consent forms, draft participant information sheets, or other supporting documents directly within the form in the app.

Templates for supporting documents can be found below, these are editable through Adobe, or can be converted to a Word document. They are guides only, so if you need to change parts of them to better reflect your research, please do.

• Participant information sheet template
• Informed consent form template
• Risk assessment template

What should I do if I realise I've made a mistake on my form after I submit it?

You will be able to amend your application within the ethics app, please let your supervisor know that you intend to amend it first.

Will I be able to print approval of my ethics application?

Yes. You can download the approved application as a PDF - there is the option to download with or without the comments from the reviewers.

Ethics training on SOL for staff and students submitting an ethics application

This training is required to be undertaken by students in advance of submitting an ethics application for major projects and dissertations, as well as any staff member involved in their own research, or with responsibility for supervising research (including UG major projects and dissertations).

The training on is available now and is developed by external provider Epigeum (Sage Publications). The programme is called Research Ethics in Practice, and is made up of the following four modules, which must all be completed:

• Working with human participants. This module is designed to explain the following major ethical considerations when working with human participants: risk, consent, anonymity and confidentiality.
• Understanding research ethics approval. This module is designed to explain the function and purpose of research ethics committees, when approval is needed and how it can be sought.
• Working ethically in challenging circumstances. This module will highlight the importance of being an ethical researcher throughout an entire project and show how the application of the four values can help when unexpected challenges arise.
• Working ethically in a global environment. This module is designed to promote ethical awareness and sensitivity when working in environments where customs, traditions, regulatory and legal frameworks may be unfamiliar.

Students have access via the dissertations and major projects SOL page >

Staff should access the training via 'my development' on SOL >