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Periods of study

The minimum and maximum periods of registration indicate the normal expected duration of your research degree. It is expected that most students will complete their studies and submit within, or near the end of, the minimum period of registration. If your studies last longer than the minimum period of registration your supervisor will be asked if you require further supervised study or not. This decision will normally be taken in discussion with you. There are two options:

Your supervisor indicates that you will be writing up at the end of the minimum period. You will not be asked to re-register and will not be required to pay any other fees. However, you will not count as a full-time student and will not be eligible for Council Tax exemption status. You may also receive less support than full-time students who will take priority for some departmental resources. You will still be able to use the library but will need a letter from your supervisor to say that you are still a student.
Your supervisor indicates that you will require further supervision, you will be asked to re-register and pay fees for the period you require supervision (counted in the number of months for which you require supervision).

In either case if you go beyond the maximum period of study you will be eligible for a fee of roughly £160 to extend your period of study. This fee will be applicable for every year, or part of a year, you go beyond the maximum period of study.

Given that there are financial implications if you go beyond the minimum period of study it is in everyone's interest to make sure that you complete either within the minimum period of study or as close to it as possible. It is very difficult to complete your PhD if you have to move away from the department or take on additional work to support yourself.

If there are problems with your PhD progress, for example personal or family problems, it is possible to have the minimum or maximum period of study extended. If you fall into this position please discuss with the Postgraduate Monitor or your supervisor you can give advice.