Research Degree Process - Key Stages

• Research Degree Process
• Initial Review
• Annual Monitoring
• Transfer
• Final Thesis Submission

Research Degree Process

Full details of the research degree process is set out in the BU Code of Practice for Research Degrees.

Useful links:

• Code of Practice for Research Degrees
• Overview

1st Review

The 1st Review is an important milestone which should take place 3 months after registration for full time PGRs (6 months for part time) and focuses on:

• defining the proposed area and scope of the research
• identifying progress to date
• reviewing planned skills training
• undertaking risk assessment of health and safety and ethical issues related to the research
• agreeing the future research plan and activities

Useful links:

• Code of Practice for Research Degrees
• Overview

2nd Review

The 2nd Review is an important milestone which should take place 9 months after registration for full time PGRs (18 months for part time) and its purpose is to:

• clarify the PGR’s understanding of the research project;
• demonstrate research progress to date;
• consolidate future research plan and activities and review the timescale;

which will be assessed (via a report and mini-viva) by an independent academic.

Useful links:

• Code of Practice for Research Degrees
• Overview

Annual Monitoring

The annual monitoring review of progress takes place at the end of each academic year. The review, compiled by the PGR in consultation with the supervisory team, includes a record made of the achievements to date, any difficulties that have arisen and the proposals for the next period of research. It also includes a review of the skills development and training priorities (in line with requirements of external bodies, such as the Research Council, HEFCE and QAA).

Useful links:

• Code of Practice for Research Degrees
  

Transfer to Higher Award

The transfer process is an important milestone to ensure that PGRs and their research meet the required academic standards to continue at Doctoral level. The transfer to a higher award (usually MPhil to PhD) normally takes places after 18 months registration full-time study (36 months part-time study). Best practice for the transfer process is set out in the Code of Practice for Research Degrees.

Useful links:

• Code of Practice for Research Degrees
• Overview

Final Thesis Submission - Doctoral and MPhil Examination

Congratulations on your impending thesis submission!

This section provides you with all the necessary information required for final thesis submission including links with all the necessary forms. Please also consult the Code of Practice for Research Degrees (Section 7.2).

In summary, you should submit the following:

• At least one permanently bound thesis to your Academic School Research Administrator
• One permanently bound thesis to your School Subject Librarian
• One electronic copy to your School Subject Librarian
• One completed Deposit of and Access to a Thesis form*

You should arrange a meeting with your School Subject Librarian (01202 965959) to submit your thesis. If you are no longer in the country, you may have to speak to your Research Administrator who can assist you with your thesis submission.

No award will be conferred until the items above have been submitted and the integrity and completeness of the submitted thesis are confirmed by the Subject Librarian.

*All PGRs must complete and sign page 1 of the Deposit of and Access to a Thesis form. Only complete page 2 of the form where you are requesting restricted access to your thesis for which you must also obtain the signed agreement of the Dean of the Academic School.