Milestones and progression
A series of milestones mark key stages in the progression of the PhD.
- short Feasibility Report at 2-4 months. To show that the project has been carefully planned and that the necessary facilities are in place
- a 1st Year Report at 10 months. To demonstrate that the research is progressing and following profitable lines of investigation. This sometimes takes the form of a CPGS.
- a 2nd Year Report at 22 months. To demonstrate that the research is progressing and following profitable lines of investigation. Includes a plan for completion and thesis outline
- a progress update at 36 months (for students funded for 4 years). To demonstrate progress towards completion, includes detailed thesis plan.
Each stage entails the writing of a report of progress and a summary of future plans. This is then discussed with two academic staff members. The first year report is a formal assessment. Students are initially admitted without being registered for a particular degree and are only registered for the PhD on completing a satisfactory report at the end of the first year.
Award of the PhD is based on examination of a student’s thesis by 2 examiners, who must be satisfied that it is clearly written, takes account of published work and represents a significant contribution to learning.