DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2025/2026

PhDs in their first year are required to:
- Take the compulsory course(s)
- Start the independent research that will form their thesis
- Meet regularly with their supervisory team
- Take part in the annual PhD presentations for their research subject group
- Complete the annual progression review

PhDs are encouraged to:
- Complete relevant training in line with their training needs assessment
- Be active in the School's research culture by attending workshops, seminars and other activities

Please note: The courses on the professional route (Group B) focus on the development of the research proposal by building your research skills under the guidance of your supervisor.

PhDs in their second year are required to:
- Undertake the main body of the research, usually with empirical data collection and analysis, or selection and analysis of defined primary theoretical sources
- Meet regularly with their supervisory team
- Take part in the annual PhD presentations for their research subject group
- Complete the annual progression review

PhDs are encouraged to:
- Complete relevant training in line with their training needs assessment
- Be active in the School's research culture by attending workshops, seminars and other activities

PhDs in their third year are required to:
- Undertake the main body of the research, usually with empirical data collection and analysis, or selection and analysis of defined primary theoretical sources
- Meet regularly with their supervisory team
- Take part in the annual PhD presentations for their research subject group
- Complete the annual progression review

PhDs are encouraged to:
- Complete relevant training in line with their training needs assessment
- Be active in the School's research culture by attending workshops, seminars and other activities

This is the final year of the prescribed period of study.


Year 4
PhDs in their writing-up year are required to:

- Complete a Notice of Intention to Submit (approx. two months prior to expected submission)
- Complete and submit thesis for examination
- Prepare for viva examination
A PhD must submit their thesis for assessment to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences within 12 months of the completion of their prescribed period of study

PhDs are encouraged to:
- Be active in the School's research culture by attending workshops, seminars and other activities