Normally, PhD students register for an MPhil, and within 12 months (24 months for part-time study) they are expected to transfer to the PhD programme. This transfer requires the production of a detailed research proposal, which the candidate will be expected to defend at a transfer viva. The formal transfer is subject to approval by the University's Research Committees
Students are assigned a supervision team consisting of a Director of Studies (first supervisor) and usually one second supervisor. Students are expected to work independently on their research projects under the advice and direction of the supervision team.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of your time will be spent in independent study and research. It is expected that you will meet with your academic supervisors monthly as a full-time student or every two months as a part-time student; however, the regularity may be flexible depending on your circumstances and the stage of your programme.
