Help CentreA process for PGR students who experience circumstances that are ‘unforeseen and unpreventable’ affecting their studies to request a ‘change’ or ‘adjustment to’ the arrangement of your studies.
What are these types of adjustments or change?
· Interrupting studies
· Change of mode (Full/part time
· Extensions to deadlines/final thesis submission
· Changing the Focus of Research
· Maternity/paternity leave
· Change to conditions of candidacy
· Withdrawal from PHD Programme
What if I need a short extension to a milestone submission date such as Project Approval, Annual Progression or Taught Module (professional Doctorate Programmes only)?
Up to four weeks may be granted though please note that the extension would normally be for the milestone affected, i.e., for which the extension was given. You may be expected to catch up for and meet the next milestone review or for thesis submission.
What is Standard Duration?
This is the length of your PHD programme up to and including initial submission of your thesis which is:
· 3 years for full time students
· 5 years for part time students
What is ‘Maximum Duration’?
This is the standard length (of your programme) and any extension for writing up which is:
· 4 years for full time students
· 7 years for part time students
What if I need an extension beyond the Standard Duration?
In ‘exceptional’ circumstances, it may be possible to extend a period of study for more than weeks from the standard to maximum duration date. This means that you would submit for your viva before your maximum duration date expires.
Please note that that the standard and maximum duration does not include ‘breaks in study’.
What is the maximum extension I can request beyond Standard Duration?
For writing up the maximum you can apply for is:
One year for full time students
Two years for part time students
What happens if I’ve been given more than one extension?
Multiple Extensions will be added together but extensions can’t go beyond the timescales above. So while you may be able to submit after your standard duration, your maximum duration date will be the same.
What happens if I am likely to go beyond the Maximum Duration date?
Only in ‘extraordinary’ circumstances may the University grant you the opportunity to re-register for the additional time of up to 12 months to complete your PHD programme and only one re-registration may be allowed.
Can I submit a Circumstances Affecting Progress Request if I experience circumstances affecting my performance in my viva or a face-to-face assessments?
Yes, this option is available to you if you experience unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances affecting or which compromises your performance. You must submit a Circumstances Affecting Progress Request Form and supporting evidence within 10 working days of your viva or face-to-face assessment taking place.
What if I experience circumstances or difficulties affecting my ability to submit assessed work by a deadline?
if you are going through unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances which significantly impact on your ability to meet a deadline then you can use this process to request an extension to complete your work.
What are Personal Extenuating Circumstances affecting assessed work?
These are unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances that have a significant impact on your assessed work. This means you didn’t know they were going to happen and couldn’t plan around them. If this is you, then you will also use this process.
Please see the PGR Circumstances Affecting Progress Form and Guidance for further information.
When should I submit my Circumstances Affecting Progress Form?
- At least 10 working days before the date of your request OR as soon as possible or you become aware of your circumstances
- No more than ten working days after an affected milestone
How do I make a Change of Circumstances Request?
- Complete PGR Circumstances Affecting Progress Form describing the circumstances, timescales so when they happened and their impacted on you, your studies and progress
- Indicate the change request for your circumstances
- Attach evidence to support your case
- Submit the form and evidence to graduateschool@northumbria.ac.uk
The PGR Circumstances Panel will consider your request at one of its monthly meetings and notify you of its decision in writing.
What is my request is rejected or if you are dissatisfied with the PGR Circumstances Panel decision:
The option to appeal the decision is available to you. Please see our ‘Academic Appeals’
The Advice Team are here to help you with your case. For personalised advice or to ask further questions please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk