University of Leicester Students' Union | Advice for Research Students

Advice and Information for Research Students

Board of Graduate Studies

The Board of Graduate Studies is responsible for looking after all postgraduate activities and will approve any changes to your academic status throughout your studies.

Graduate School Student Committee

Meets five times a year before each meeting of the Graduate Board of Studies and it allows students to raise to issues that are of interest or are concerning them. These issues can then be discussed at the board. Students are encouraged to join the committee since it gives them an opportunity to give feedback to the board.

Graduate Office

The graduate office is the main administrative centre for postgraduate students. They can supply advice and guidance to you on issues such as registration, submission, examination and graduation.

Induction and Research Training

Every research student is given the opportunity by the graduate school to attend an introductory programme during the first week of the Autumn term. This is then followed up by compulsory training sessions that you will need to attend. You will usually also be given an opportunity to take part in other activities e.g. conferences or seminars and it is important that you take advantage of the opportunities offered.

The difference between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study.

The major difference is that at undergraduate and even at Master level you would have been guided through a set programme of study. During your research degree there is no syllabus but a succession of goals that you must work to. Your supervisor will help you to structure your project and to set yourself sensible goals. Your supervisor is a very important persona and he is there to help you through your course but also to assess you and find out how well you've been doing.

Holidays

Generally you are allowed to take up to 8 weeks annual leave (if you are funded by research council this is how much you will get) in consultation with your supervisor. This figure includes bank holidays and usually the leave will have to be taken outside of term time.

Illness

If you are ill then you should inform your supervisor. If this illness extends for more then a week then you will need to forward a medical certificate to the Graduate Office. You should discuss any problem that is having a significant affect on your research with your supervisor as soon as possible.

Suspension of Studies

If you a suffering from illness, or have personal/professional reasons which you feel are stopping you working effectively then you should go and talk to your supervisor. He will work with you and with his support you can if you want to apply in writing to the Graduate Office for a suspension of studies. In most instances the period of suspension will be a maximum of one year although in exceptional circumstances a further suspension may be granted.

Complaints Procedure

If you feel that your research programme is not progressing the way you would wish (for whatever reason) then you should in the first instance speak to your supervisor. If after speaking to him the problem is not resolved then you should talk to the Postgraduate Tutor and if necessary the Head of Department. If you are still not happy with the resolution then you can make a formal complaint using the University Complaints Procedure

Will my progress be monitored?

Yes your Supervisor has to write a formal report at least once a year and present the findings to yourself. He also has to report regularly on your progress to the Head of Department.

End of First Year

You will be asked to produce a progress report and attend a oral examination. This oral examination could take the form of a departmental seminar. These two pieces of work will form the basis on which the department will decide whether or not to recommend that you transfer from APG status to the named Research Degree e.g. PHD or Mphil)

On a Yearly Basis

Students are required by the Board of Graduate Studies to complete an annual report. This is in addition to the report outlined above and gives you the opportunity to comment on your progress and also to bring up any matters of concern. Any concerns raised are considered by the Board of Graduate Deans and may be passed onto the relevant Dean/Sub-Dean for investigation.

Payment of Fees

(i)Self Financing Students

You can choose to either pay your fees in one go at registration or in three instalments across the year but it is important that each instalment is received within seven days of the beginning of each term. The first instalment should still be paid when you first register. If you are paying in instalments it is important that you meet the relevant deadlines since if you do you will be asked to pay the full amount.

(ii)Funded by a Research Council, employer, overseas government or another body

You need to ensure that you can provide written proof from your sponsors that they are going to pay your tuition fees. You will be asked to provide full details of you sponsor at registration. If you have been asked by your sponsor to complete a confirmation of registration form then you should take it to the Graduate Office will sign and stamp your form.

If you are funded by a Research Council and receive your award by cheque then this can be collected (bring along your student card) from the Cashiers office in the Fielding Johnston Building.

Writing Up.

It is quite common for students to require more time to write up there thesis. Ideally the university will want you to complete your dissertation within three years if you are a full time student. If however you need more time to complete the writing up of your thesis then you can register as a writing up student. To do this you need to have completed the research part of your thesis and been registered for the minimum time for the relevant degree. The maximum period for writing up is 1 year and the fee for this period is £100 (£50 if you complete within 6 months). You should still receive full support from your department and they sometimes allow you to still use the computing facilities offered at the University. During the write up year you are not officially classed as a full time student. This does mean that you will be liable for bills like council tax which you may not have paid in previous years. It is also worth bearing in mind that if your study has been funded through sponsors they will usually only fund you for three years.

If at the end of this year due to exceptional unavoidable circumstances you are unable to submit your thesis then you will need to register as a full/part time student and pay the appropriate fee.