Making changes
During your studies you might find that you need make changes to your research degree arrangements. This might be due to changes in circumstances, or because your research project develops in a particular direction.
Making changes might impact on fees, funding or your visa (including ATAS) so it is important that potential changes are identified as soon as possible so you can make an informed decision.
Changes you need to discuss with your Graduate School
Examples of change requests
- Change of mode of study (e.g. from full-time to part-time)
- Change of research project or focus
- Change of degree programme from PhD to MPhil or Masters by Research, requested by the PGR
- Change of degree programme from Masters by Research to Provisional PhD
- Change of supervisor
- Change of thesis title
- Reduction to the standard period of study
- Change of school
- Change between Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine
- Requests to change the period or pattern of attendance in Leeds for PGRs on Split-site, Dual Award or Distance-learning programmes
- Change of funding arrangements or sponsorship.
How to request a change
- Discuss any intention to make changes to your research degree with your supervisor if possible.
- Seek further advice from your Graduate School, and Director of Postgraduate Research Studies (DPGRS) if required, who will be able to talk through your options.
- Explore with your Graduate School options for support relevant to your situation such as academic, pastoral and wellbeing support. You can get independent advice from Leeds University Union.
What happens next?
Your Graduate School will complete a change request form, which will be authorised by the DPGRS and submitted for consideration by the Progression and Examinations Group. You will receive notification of any change to your research degree arrangements once it has been confirmed.
Changes you can request directly in GRAD
Suspensions and extensions of study
Requests for suspensions and extensions of study are covered by the Suspensions and extensions policy. If you need to request a suspension or extension of study, please visit the Taking time out of your research page.
Change of study location
Please visit the Change of study location page for information on what to do if you’ll be away from the University for part of your studies.
Visit the Graduate Record of Achievement and Development (GRAD) website.
Updated ATAS clearance for course changes
If your course required an ATAS certificate, you must apply for a new ATAS certificate if there are any changes to your research or study details.
You must apply for a new ATAS certificate if:
- Your course end date changes by more than three months (eg due to suspension or extension).
- Your course content or research project changes (eg you agree on a new or a change to your research project with your supervisor).
- Your main supervisor changes.
- You need a new Student visa and your current ATAS certificate is no longer valid.
What you need to do
If there are any changes to your research project or course details, you must inform your Graduate School immediately. This ensures your student record is updated and helps determine whether you need to apply for a new ATAS certificate.
If there has been a change and you're unsure whether you need a new ATAS certificate, contact your Graduate School or email the Student Visa Advice team: StudentVisaAdvice@leeds.ac.uk