Universal Design and the Doctoral viva

Description

We are seeing an increase in the number of students declaring a disability in Higher Education, with 15% of students in 2020/21 declaring at least one disability (HESA). We also recognise that such figures rely on student disclosure, and as many students choose not to disclosure, the actual numbers of disabled students may be significantly higher. This is especially true in doctoral research, whereby students may refrain from disclosing, as their supervisors may also be their future employers.
The following presentation will explore the research undertaken at The University of Birmingham to understand neurodivergent student’s experiences of reasonable adjustments within the doctoral viva. Our research suggests that many reasonable adjustments (RA) could often be implemented through the principles of universal design for learning, whilst continuing to uphold the academic rigor necessary in a viva examination. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) theoretical foundations lie in the belief that every human being is different and therefore planning for this diversity is needed from the beginning of any design process. The focus on human diversity reflects the principles of neurodivergence. In employing a UDL approach, universities can demonstrate that a diverse student population is valued, rather than a minority that needs adjustments to enable participation.
A graduated response system is to be presented, developed by the authors, which underpinned by an inclusive culture, outlines how UDL can be incorporated into the design and university policies surrounding the doctoral viva, By undertaking this approach the doctoral viva can become more accessible for all students, including those with undisclosed disabilities or different needs such as English as a second language, while also allowing for more targeted and personalised reasonable adjustments where necessary.

Period	21 Mar 2024
Event title	International Conference Developments in Doctoral Education & Training: Doctoral Outcomes: Evolution, Evaluation and Experiences
Event type	Conference
Location	Bath, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International