The Graduate Studies & Research Office (GSRO) at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) provides the operational environment supporting graduate studies, research, and scholarly publications. It plays a central role in advancing the University’s strategic objectives and in positioning UTB as a leading centre for quality education, research, and innovation.

To ensure that graduate studies and research activities remain relevant, impactful, and productive, GSRO actively fosters strong collaborations with government agencies, Industry partners, and external stakeholders. It also promotes interdisciplinary engagement across the Faculty, Schools, Research Centres, and Research Thrusts, thereby supporting research activities throughout the University.

GSRO is committed to enhancing the day-to-day management of graduate programmes and research activities, while maintaining robust quality assurance and control mechanisms. It supports UTB’s ambition to achieve national and international recognition in research, creativity, and innovation, contributing to intellectual, economic, and societal development. A key aspect of this role includes facilitating collaboration through UTB’s research centres and thematic thrusts, which serve as platforms for interdisciplinary research and innovation.

GSRO works closely with the University Graduate Studies Committee (UGSC) and the University Research Committee (URC), both of which comprise senior academic and management personnel, to ensure effective governance and strategic alignment.

UGSC

Terms of Reference

1. To report to the Senate on matters related to graduate studies.
2. To promote and enhance graduate Studies at UTB.
3. To ensure that graduate programmes at UTB meet international standards.
4. To maintain quality assurance and control of graduate studies by reviewing reports from the Faculty/Schools on:
   1. The procedure and assessment of research students; and
   2. The nomination of Supervisors, Examiners, and Assessors.
5. To approve the admission of graduate students and recommend the award of degrees based on recommendations from the Faculty Graduate Studies and Research Committee (FGSRC).
6. To consider appeals from graduate students regarding issues related to their studies and degree progression.
7. To advise on matters that cannot be resolved at the Faculty Graduate Studies and Research Committee level.

URC

Terms of Reference

1. To report to the Senate on research-related matters.
2. To promote and enhance graduate studies at UTB.
3. To support the University in achieving its research objectives.
4. To formulate, review, and recommend policies, guidelines, and regulations pertaining to research for approval and endorsement by the Senate.
5. To monitor knowledge transfer and commercialisation activities and align them with the University’s research strategies.
6. To consider and approve applications for University Research Fellows and Associates, based on recommendations from the relevant Faculty/Schools/Research Centres/Research Thrusts.
7. To consider and approve applications for Research leave.
8. To advise on and make recommendations regarding research matters arising from the Faculty/Schools/Research Centres/Research Thrusts.
9. To review and endorse recommendations from Research Centres/Research Thrusts, and to approve applications for research grants in accordance with established policies, guidelines, and regulations.