Ethical Approval for Research conducted by Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students
What are ethics in research?
Ethics is not primarily about forms: all research has an ethical dimension. This comes with a responsibility to think about why your research matters, to whom it matters, and how it matters. However, there are also legal and university regulations that we must comply with when our research brings us into contact (direct or indirect) with any live human participants or their data. In these situations, which include research that involves oral histories, questionnaires, use of social media, or certain groups, ethical approval will be required. In most cases, ethical approval can be granted by the department, but in some cases, such as those involving the NHS, the military, acute ethical issues or high risk, we will consult with the University as to whether further formal approval is required.
Use the information below to determine whether you need ethical approval for your research.
Read more about Research Integrity.Link opens in a new window
The Ethics Approval Process
- Discuss the project with your module convenor or supervisor.
- Complete the Department Research Ethics Review Form and have it signed by your supervisor or module convenor.
- Submit the form and any accompanying documentation to your Year Director or PGT Director.
- If necessary, we will guide you through the University Ethical Review Process.
- Your form and your assignment will be held securely by the department.
Do you need Ethics Approval?
- Looking through this checklist will help you to know whether you are required to seek ethics approval for your research.
- You are advised to discuss your project, methods and ethical issues with your module tutor or dissertation supervisor BEFORE looking at this checklist.
- If you are required to submit a Department Research Ethics Review Form, you should not begin your research until your form has been approved by the relevant Year Director or PGT Director.
1. Does your intended research include any of the following methodologies?
- Interviews or oral histories
- Questionnaires or surveys
- Analysis of any kind of social media
- Ethnography or observation
- Any other methodology that involves live human participants or their data?
If you said yes to any of the above, then you will require ethics approval for your project. Please complete the History Department Research Ethics Review Form.
2. Does your intended research involve any of the following groups or their data?
- NHS patients, staff, or facilities
- Children aged under 16
- Vulnerable adults (those who may be unable to give informed consent or are in a dependent position)
- People engaged in criminal or illegal activities (including visiting websites even if there is no direct contact with individuals)
- Terrorist or extremist organisations (including visiting websites even if there is no direct contact with individuals)
- Ministry of Defence personnel
If you said yes to any of the above, please note that you may need additional approval from the University for your research. Please complete the History Department Research Ethics Review Form, and the department will advise if further approval is necessary. Please note that approval may take some time, so ensure that you seek ethics approval well in advance of beginning your research.
3. Will your research require any travel or take place in any 鈥渉igh risk鈥� locations?
- A foreign country (especially if there is a travel warning in place)
- Anywhere where you might put yourself at personal risk by visiting or with which you are unfamiliar
- Any other location you think might be "high risk"
If you said yes to any of the above, please note that you may need additional approval from the University for your research. Please complete the History Department Research Ethics Review Form, and the department will advise if further approval is necessary. Please note that approval may take some time, so ensure that you seek ethics approval well in advance of beginning your research.
If you said no to all of the above, then you are not required to seek formal ethics approval for your project.
If your answers to any of the above questions change, you will require ethics approval for your project - please remember: if you are required to submit an Ethics Review Form, you should not begin your research until your form has been approved.