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’ studentship
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
Medical/dental/AHP graduates studying for a higher degree
Different, non-standard format
Bespoke depending on the needs and commitments of the individual student

4. Staff and part time PhD students
But you will be 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).’

5. Entry criteria and project approval
Entry similar to those for FT students
Two selectors
is a graduate of this or another approved university or other approved degree-awarding body or who holds other qualifications approved by the dean of postgraduate studies (or nominee);
has completed an approved application including:
i. evidence of the applicant's suitability to become a student in terms of academic ability and prior training and experience.
ii. evidence that the applicant’s English language proficiency meets the published requirements for the programme of research;
iii. a research proposal, if required;
has supplied details of two recent referees and evidence of prior qualifications and experience as the postgraduate admissions selectors and/or the dean of postgraduate studies (or nominee) may require.
Staff members:
details of the nature of the appointment held by the member of staff and its duration;
approval from both the head of the school of employment and the head of school of study.

6. But in addition: Staff members
‘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

7. Project approval Submit a learning agreement within 1 month
Project approval process: proposal in 6 months (vs 3 months)
Agreed by a school panel
Supervisory team: as FT time students
Appointment of progress panel: as FT time students

8. Minimum period of studentship
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.

9. This is where it becomes less clear
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 (or nominee) 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).

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

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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