Policy on remote delivery in postgraduate research programmes (UKVI compliance)

The Home Office defines remote delivery as “timetabled delivery of learning where there is no need for the student to attend the premises of the student sponsor or partner institution which would otherwise take place live in-person at the sponsor or partner institution site.” They also define face-to face delivery as “timetabled learning that takes place in-person and on the premises of the student sponsor or a partner institution.”

The policy establishes a clear institutional framework for the control, recording, approval and monitoring of remote delivery within timetabled taught elements of PGR programmes. It also confirms that regular in-person supervision remains a core requirement of the majority of research degree programmes and continues to be expected throughout the period of study, in accordance with approved programme structures and research degree regulatory requirements.

This policy sits alongside the University’s institutional policy on remote delivery for taught programmes. It is required in recognition of the distinct academic structure of postgraduate research degrees, which are primarily research based and may include limited taught elements. Accordingly, this policy adopts a proportionate approach to compliance by assessing taught activity, and any associated remote delivery, in the context of the overall structure and length of the research degree programme rather than solely by reference to the taught component. 

For assurance purposes, this proportionate approach is informed by the notional credit framework normally applied to research degrees (for example, 180 credits per academic year of full-time doctoral study), without altering the research-based nature of the programme or changing the fundamentally research-based structure and expectations of the degree. This approach ensures that UKVI remote delivery requirements are applied appropriately and consistently, while avoiding the disproportionate application of taught programme delivery models to predominantly research-focused provision.

Remote delivery within postgraduate research programmes should normally not exceed 20% of timetabled teaching. Remote delivery above this level requires exceptional approval in advance through the Chair of the Programmes and Quality Committee (P&Q Committee) and, where required, by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Remote delivery in excess of 40% of timetabled teaching is not permitted.

The University’s approach to remote delivery within postgraduate research programmes is informed by the following principles:

• The University will ensure and be able to evidence compliance with UKVI remote delivery thresholds for visa-holding students, while recognising that limited and appropriate remote or hybrid delivery may form part of approved teaching models within postgraduate research programmes.
• Heads of School, normally through nominated Programme Managers, are responsible for ensuring that any option for remote or hybrid attendance at scheduled teaching sessions is accurately and explicitly captured within approved module and programme specifications programme specifications.
• Any significant deviation from the approved specification must be formally approved in advance by the Chair of the Programmes and Quality Committee, who will seek advice from the Student Immigration Compliance Manager, including where this involves switching any volume of delivery from on-campus to online.
• The University will ensure institutional monitoring of remote delivery through its programme approval processes, ensuring that clear information about modes of delivery is captured and scrutinised by the Programmes and Quality Committee prior to programme approval.

This policy applies to all postgraduate research programmes offered by the University to postgraduate researchers sponsored under the Student route where the programme includes credit-bearing taught modules and formally timetabled taught activity, whether delivered on the University campus or at an approved partner institution. This includes professional doctorates and integrated or structured research degree programmes.

The policy does not apply to independent research activity, supervisory meetings, non-credit-bearing training, placements, fieldwork, examinations or thesis-related work, which are not classified as taught delivery for the purposes of UKVI remote delivery calculations.

For postgraduate research programmes that include taught components, the University will control and monitor the proportion of timetabled teaching delivered remotely to ensure compliance with UKVI requirements.

Remote or hybrid delivery must be explicitly approved as part of the programme or module specification and must not result in visa-holding students exceeding the permitted proportion of remote attendance. Any material change to approved delivery modes requires formal institutional approval and, where appropriate, advice from the Student Immigration Compliance Manager prior to implementation.

Exceptional approval to exceed the standard UKVI thresholds of up to 20% remote or hybrid delivery will be granted only in highly limited circumstances, subject to advance institutional approval and, where required, formal authorisation from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Graduate Board has institutional oversight of this policy and retains authority for approval of highly exceptional cases where required.

• Programmes and Quality Committee is responsible for assuring the effective implementation of this policy in practice, including through scrutiny of programme design, approval and delivery arrangements, and for the consideration of exception requests prior to any escalation.
• Heads of School, normally through nominated Programme Managers, are responsible for ensuring that any option for remote or hybrid attendance at scheduled teaching sessions is accurately and explicitly captured within approved module and programme specifications. 
• Academic staff must deliver teaching in accordance with approved specifications and seek approval for any proposed material change.
• Curriculum and Timetabling will undertake annual analysis of timetable and attendance data.
• Student Immigration Compliance Manager provides expert advice and oversees institutional monitoring and UKVI compliance.
• Schools are responsible for responding to and addressing any compliance risks or issues identified through institutional monitoring.

The University will undertake an annual analysis of timetable data and student attendance data to identify instances where students may be approaching the 20% remote delivery threshold. This activity supplements institutional assurance provided through programme approval processes and provides additional ongoing oversight of compliance in delivery. This activity will be undertaken by Curriculum and Timetabling and overseen by the Student Immigration Compliance Manager.

Schools will be required to respond promptly to any issues identified, including taking corrective action where necessary to ensure ongoing compliance.

Policy owner: Graduate Board
Effective date: April 2026
Review date: This policy will be reviewed in response to changes in UKVI guidance.