Low risk taught student research projects
If you are a taught student (e.g undergraduate or taught masters (including MRes students)) in any of the following Schools (or an EdD/DMin student doing your IFS/MFS research) then you should use the online application process if your project is 'low risk':
Before you start
Please be aware: research involving human participants, or any other research activity that may require ethical approval, must not commence until full ethical approval has been granted. Any research activity that requires ethical approval, undertaken prior to full ethical approval being obtained will be treated as misconduct. As such, only data collected after ethical approval has been granted may be used towards your research project.
It is very important that you discuss with your supervisor whether your project is low risk before you continue. The application form contains some prompt questions to make sure your project is not 'high risk' but you should also bear in mind that if your project is very complicated or presents risks that you don't think can be properly addressed within the form, then you should apply to your local research ethics panel.
If you submit using the low risk processes and it is identified that your project is high risk or moderate/uncertain risk then it will be referred to a different review body by the reviewer - which could result in delays to your project.
What to do
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First ensure you have thoroughly read the application guidelines.
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Discuss your project with your supervisor and agree whether you should be using the on-line process.
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Prepare your information sheet(s) and consent form(s) for participants using the templates and guidance documents (self-completion questionnaire studies do not need a separate consent form).
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If you want to discuss your completed application with your supervisor prior to submitting it for review you can print off the application form without submitting it in order to view the list of questions.
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Login to the on-line application system (link on the left of this screen), complete and submit your application.
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Your application will automatically be forwarded to your supervisor. Your supervisor will authorise your form or let you know of any changes that you need to make. It is recommended that as soon as you submit your application you contact you supervisor to remind them to login and authorise/not authorise your form as they see fit.
Please note: this system is only Mac compatible when using Mozilla Firefox as the internet browser, provided the files you upload are Microsoft Word compatible.
It is suggested that you state in the application that you are using a Mac because the formatting of the attachments may change on submission.
Once your supervisor has authorised the form you will receive the outcome of the review within fifteen working days.
However, you are advised to allow more time than that in case your supervisor cannot authorise your form immediately, or your application is referred to another review body.
If you have any concerns about your application speak to your supervisor, for questions concerning review you can contact the Panel Administrator.
Once full ethical approval for your study has been granted, you will receive an email stating as such. It is important that you retain a copy of this email, as evidence that full ethical approval has been obtained may be required by your department at the point at which you submit your final report/dissertation.
For guidance on how long to store your research records, please click here.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback about the on-line application system and how it might be improved. Please email any comments to sshl@kcl.ac.uk.
If you have questions concerning the review itself then please direct these to the administrator of your local research ethics panel and copy your email to sshl@kcl.ac.uk.