DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.

You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD is 36 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 3 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.


YEAR 1

Students are encouraged to:
*Attend the School induction for PhD students and other inductions/training required.
*Attend School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions.
*Complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) by the end of month 2.
*Attend training courses offered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD) and relevant graduate schools (i.e. the Scottish Graduate School of Arts & Humanities or the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences).
*Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
*Submit a Report in preparation for the 1st Year Progression Review panel toward the end of the First Year.
*Attend the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event, if conference not taking place).

Students are required to:
*Complete a 10 week review paper.
*Successfully complete the 1st Year progression review.

PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.

You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD is 36 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 3 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.


YEAR 2

Students are encouraged to:
*Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors.
*Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
*Submit a paper for the Progression Review toward the end of Year 2.
*Attend School Postgraduate Research Training Sessions.
*Present your work at the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event).
*Present your work (oral or poster) to your peers at relevant school events.
*Present your work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field.
*Participate in tutoring or demonstrating (after attending tutor training).
*Participate in committees relating to postgraduate research.
*Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
*Contribute to the academic life of the School, such as through the PGR community, reading/discussion groups, open days, and outreach activities.
*Pursue opportunities for study away or exchange visits.

Students are required to:
*Successfully complete the 2nd Year review.

PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.

You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD is 36 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 3 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.


YEAR 3

Students are encouraged to:
*Continue to discuss training and professional development with your supervisors.
*Update your Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
*Participate in tutoring or demonstrating (after attending tutor training).
*Participate in committees relating to postgraduate research.
*Attend relevant research seminars and lectures across the University.
*Contribute to the academic life of the School, such as through the PGR community, reading/discussion groups, open days, and outreach activities.
*Publish research work in appropriate journals, as agreed with your supervisors.
*Present your work at the School's annual PGR Conference (or similar school event), as well as at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to your research field.
*Write up and submit your thesis.

PROGRAMME AIMS:
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline, and a broad range of transferable skills.

You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You will work under the guidance of your supervisors. To be awarded a PhD you will submit a thesis and successfully defend this thesis in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
The prescribed period of study for a full-time PhD is 36 months, and your thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the third year. The University regulations do allow a further 12 months study time for completion of the thesis but students are recommended to aim to complete within 3 years. Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD.


YEAR 4

After three years of full-time enrolment (six years part-time), students are entitled to an additional period of registration. The thesis must be submitted by the end of this additional 12 months.

Completing the Thesis -
It is very important to complete your PhD thesis within the time allowed. Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances (illness, parental leave etc.).
About three months before completion of the thesis, students should submit the 'Notice of Intention to Submit form'. This requires discussion with your supervisor(s).

The PhD Examination -
The PhD thesis is examined in a viva voce examination with two Examiners. At least one examiner must be external to the University of Edinburgh.
The Examiners can recommend one of the following options:
a) that the dissertation is passed and the candidate is awarded the degree of PhD; or
b) that the dissertation is passed subject to minor corrections; or
c) that an additional oral examination is needed; or
d) that additional work is needed on the thesis up to 12 months but no further examination is required; or
e) that the dissertation requires substantial work, and is resubmitted up to 24 months: a second viva voce exam will be required by the Examiners; or
f) that the dissertation is awarded the degree of MPhil; or
g) that the dissertation is awarded an MPhil following minor corrections; or
h) that the dissertation requires substantial work before being submitted for an MPhil; or
i) that the dissertation is awarded an MSc by Research; or
j) no award is given.


FURTHER INFORMATION

PhD students in the School of Health in Social Science must also follow the additional information given in the School's Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (available on Registration).

The University's Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students and Supervisors gives further information about the requirements of a PhD at the University of Edinburgh:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/copsupervisorsresearchstudents.pdf