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

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

3. 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).’

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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) .

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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 (
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