DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2025/2026

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The prescribed period of study for a part-time PhD is 72 months, and the thesis is expected to be submitted towards the end of the sixth 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 6 years. Progress during the PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether students progress on the PhD.

YEAR 1
Students are required to:

* Attend the induction for PhD students;
* Complete a Training Needs Assessment (TNA);
* Meet with supervisors regularly to develop the research proposal which will be the basis for the thesis, to develop thorough knowledge of the relevant literature;
* Successfully complete the first year review. In preparation for this students must complete the relevant paperwork, and provide a first year report as directed by the supervisory team, e.g. updated project plan, outline of literature review and overview of possible methodology.

Students are encouraged to:

*Complete relevant training courses delivered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD), and the School Research Hubs;
* Attend research seminars, reading groups and work in progress sessions in relevant and related School Research Hubs/Groups.

Students are required to:

* Update the Training Needs Assessment (TNA);
* Meet with supervisors regularly and undertake research;
* Successfully complete the second year review. In preparation for this students must complete the relevant paperwork and submit a second year report as directed by the supervisory team e.g. updated project plan, literature review and overview of potential methodology.


Students are encouraged to:

* Present work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field;
*Complete relevant training courses delivered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD), and the School Research Hubs;
* Attend research seminars, reading groups and work in progress sessions in relevant and related School Research Hubs/Groups.

* As per Year 2 above (with appropriate updates/revisions to the project plan as per progress).

* As per Year 2 above (with appropriate updates/revisions to the project plan as per progress).

* As per Year 2 above (with appropriate updates/revisions to the project plan as per progress).

Students are required to:
* Update their Training Needs Assessment (TNA);
* Meet with supervisors regularly and undertake research;
* Plan for submission of thesis for examination;
* Successfully complete the end of year review. In preparation for this students must complete the relevant paperwork.

Students are encouraged to:
* Prepare final version of thesis for examination.
* Complete a Notice of Intention to Submit (approx. two months prior to expected submission);
* Prepare for viva examination. This may include a mock viva as part of the annual review;
* Work towards publishing research work in appropriate journals and other outlets, as agreed with the supervisors;
* Present work at conferences or workshops, as appropriate to research field;
*Complete relevant training courses delivered by the Institute of Academic Development (IAD), and the School Research Hubs;
* Attend research seminars, reading groups and work in progress sessions in relevant and related School Research Hubs/Groups.

* Refer to the University Careers Service for guidance regarding employment preparation.