Managing your PhD: part time students and staff Neil Sheerin Professor of Nephrology Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education

What constitutes a part time student Rules and regulations Specific things to consider as a part time student Questions

Staff and part time PhD students Most commonly refers to members of staff Also medical and dental graduates studying for a higher degree But you’re all judged by the same criteria: ‘A doctoral thesis should be a body of work which a capable, well- qualified and diligent student, who is properly supported and supervised, can produce in three years of full-time study (or equivalent for part-time study).’

Entry criteria and project approval Entry similar to those for FT students Perhaps slightly more flexible to reflect: Previous experience Different qualifications At the discretion of the PG Dean Project approval process: proposal in 6 months (vs 3 months) Supervisory team: as FT time students Appointment of assessors: as FT time students

But in addition: Provide details of the nature of employment Approval of the head of Institute of employment and study Usually the same ‘the applicant must hold a substantive post, defined as being a contract of employment of at least 25% FTE over a full 12 months period, and covering the annual period of registration with the University.’ You do not have to be employed for the whole of the proposed period of study

Minimum period of studentship Conditional period Status will be confirmed in the second year of study Compared with first year of FT study

This is where it becomes less clear Approval is given to one of three categories: a) as a student whose minimum period of advanced study and research in the University shall normally be not less than three years of full-time study; b) as a student whose minimum period of advanced study and research shall be not less than four years, of which normally not less than one year shall be spent in full-time study in the University, in periods of at least three months duration; c) as a student whose minimum period of advanced study and research shall be not less than six years of part-time study.

But….. Staff candidates shall be deemed to be registered as part-time students during their period of candidature and therefore, this shall normally be six years in length as outlined in Regulation 14(c). However, if the dean of postgraduate studies is satisfied that the greater part of the candidate's time is devoted to supervised research the candidature can be deemed to be 3 years of full-time study as outlined in Regulation 14(a) .

Assessment Yearly assessment until thesis is submitted 2nd year assessment will confirm candidature 2 assessors If making satisfactory progress will recommend progression to next year of study Usual outcome

Thesis submission Submission You have a year to write up a) within four years in the case of students proceeding under the provisions of Regulation 14(a); b) within five years in the case of students proceeding under the provisions of Regulation 14(b); c) within seven years in the case of students proceeding under the provisions of Regulation 14(c). You have a year to write up Plus one year extension ‘pending submission’ if recommended by a student’s assessment panel

Important Questions 3 years or 6 years? How much time will you be able to spend on your project? Your job is your project Fit your research around significant other commitments What will your other commitments be? General lab duties Support of other projects How long is your contract? Who will pay your fees? When are you going to write up?

Some tips You need a good working relationship with your supervisor Discuss the arrangements for your PhD at the start All the points about being a PhD student apply to you (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/fms/postgrad/skills/eInduction.htm) Assessment panels are important – gives you the opportunity to raise concerns Make use of the PG office for advice Start writing up early – you may not have dedicated writing time