If you are unwell during your research degree

All periods of absence should be reported as soon as possible, as either an authorised absence, or suspension, in GRAD.  

Reporting absences 

If you're unwell and unable to work normally, please inform your supervisor as soon as possible. You must also record your absence in GRAD, even if you are still working but at a reduced capacity. 

• Short-term absences or reduced capacity: Record these in GRAD as an authorised absence.  
• Longer absences: You may need to apply for a suspension of your studies. Please refer to Taking time out of your research. 

Your Graduate School can advise you on how to report absences correctly in GRAD.

If you have any short or unreported absences (including periods of reduced capacity), you won’t receive any extra time on your deadlines. Instead, you will be expected to catch up with your work within your existing study dates.

Requests for authorised absence must be submitted within one calendar month of the absence. Any retrospective requests made after one month will be declined, except in extremely limited cases where the circumstances are demonstrably exceptional. 

Visa-sponsored postgraduate researchers (PGRs) 

If you are sponsored under a Student visa, please contact the Student Visa Advice team for guidance on how illness or absence may affect your visa status. 

Healthcare and support 

For information on accessing medical care and what to do if you're ill, please see Medical services and what to do if you’re ill. 

Funding and absence