Duration of study
As a postgraduate researcher, you will be expected to submit your thesis within the standard period of study for your programme.
How long does a postgraduate research degree take?
This table shows you the standard and maximum time periods to complete your research degree. The maximum period of study is the time limit you have for submitting your thesis.
| Degree | Mode of study | Standard period of study | Time limit for submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Full time | 3 years* | 4 years |
| Part time | 5 years | 7 years | |
| Split-site PhD | Split-site (Model A) | 3 years | 4 years |
| Split-site (Model B) | 5 years | 7 years | |
| Split-site (Model C) | 3 years | 4 years | |
| Integrated PhD | Full time | 4 years | 5 years |
| EdD | Full time | 3 years | 4 years |
| Part time | 5 years | 7 years | |
| DClinPsychol | Full time | 3 years | 4 years |
| DClinDent | Full time | 3 years | 4 years |
| Part time | 5 years | 7 years | |
| DPaedDent | Full time | 3 years | 4 years |
| Part time | 5 years | 7 years | |
| DHSC | Full time | 3 years | 4 years |
| Part time | 5 years | 7 years | |
| MD | Full time | 2 years | 3 years |
| Part time | 3 years | 5 years | |
| MPhil | Full time | 2 years | 3 years |
| Part time | 4 years | 6 years | |
| Mastership by Research | Full time | 1 year | 1 year |
| Part time | 2 years | 2 years |
*In some specified cases, the standard period of study may be 3-4 years.
Submitting your thesis on time
Postgraduate researchers are expected to submit their theses by the end of their standard period of study. You should keep in regular contact with your supervisor and let them know:
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if your project seems to be developing serious academic deficiencies
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if you are concerned about finishing your project in the required time
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if you feel you aren’t getting the technical or resources support that you need.
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Any personal/health difficulties which may have affected your progress
If you ever feel your supervision is inadequate inform your Director of Postgraduate Research Studies.
Submitting your thesis early
In some cases you may be able to submit your thesis early, before the end of your standard period of study (see the table above). Your Director of Postgraduate Research Studies must submit a recommendation to the Graduate Board’s Progression and Examinations Group for a ‘reduction’ to your standard period of study.
In practice, the approach operated is to allow a grace period and accept thesis submissions which are up to six weeks before the end of the standard period of study without the need for a reduction of study to be requested. Requests for reductions of study are required in cases where the thesis submission will be more than 6 weeks early.
If you think you will be in a position to submit your thesis early (more than 6 weeks before the end of your standard period of study) you must first of all discuss this with your supervisor(s). Early submission of the thesis can only be made where it is supported by your supervisor(s) and your Director of Postgraduate Research Studies.
A Director of Postgraduate Research Studies can only recommend a reduction to the standard period of study if:
(a) the thesis is complete and ready for submission and
(b) has been read by your supervisor in its entirety. Your supervisor must confirm in writing that they have read your thesis and that their view is that it is ready to be examined.
You must, however, take responsibility for the work that you submit. The Graduate Board is clear that no research degree candidate should think that the award of a degree is guaranteed simply because the supervisor has indicated general approval for the thesis before it is submitted.
It is your responsibility to check any implications of an early submission with your scholarship awarding body, sponsor or funding provider.
PGRs on a student visa are advised to contact the Student Visa Advice Team for immigration advice on the implications of early submission to their visa status.
No reduction of the period of study is permitted for the Masters by Research degree under the University’s regulations. Masters by research PGRs may still submit their thesis 6 weeks before the end of the standard period of study, using the grace period noted above.
There are limits to the length of the reduction that can be approved. With an approved reduction the earliest dates you can submit your thesis are:
| Programme(s) | Earliest submission date |
|---|---|
| PhD, EdD, DPaedDent, full-time | at the end of 2 calendar years of full-time study |
| PhD, EdD, DPaedDent, part-time | at the end of 3 calendar years of part-time study |
| PhD split-site | at the end of 3 calendar years of study under split-site arrangements |
| Integrated Degree of PhD & Master | at the end of 3 calendar years of full-time study |
| DClinPsychol | PGRs may submit their thesis in the May of year 3 of their studies (if they are in a position to do so) without the need for a formal request to be made |
| MD, MPhil full-time | at the end of 1 calendar year of full-time study |
| MD, MPhil part-time | at the end of 2 calendar years of part-time study |
| Masters by Research | 6 weeks before the end of the standard period of study, using the grace period |
Fee refund
If you are funding your studies yourself, you may be eligible for a partial refund of fees if you have an approved reduction to the standard period of study and you finish early subject to completion of a successful examination. This is not applicable to Mastership by Research students as a reduction to the standard period of study is not permitted under University regulations.
No refund will be made unless all academic fees have been paid in full for the year/session in which you are submitting, you are successful in your examination and have appeared on a pass list.
Please contact the Student Fees team for further advice on the fee refund arrangements.
The fee refund applies only to those submitting within the standard period of study. The Overtime period fee is a special concession that allows you to register for a reduced rate and is non-refundable, irrespective of the month of submission.