PGR time limit extensions
You should aim to submit within your registration period wherever possible and plan the scope of your project accordingly.
PhD students are usually registered for 3 or 3.5 years (full-time) and 6 or 7 years (part-time) depending when you started your degree and, for funded students, on any specific Research Council requirements. MPhil students are usually registered for 2 years (full-time) and 4 years (part-time).
You not plan to extend into your 'submission pending period' previously called 'writing up period', however this period is available if it becomes necessary for you have a little more time. For full-time students this is normally 6 months (where the registration period is 3.5 years) or 1 year (where the registration period is 3 years). Similarly for part-time students this is usually 1 or 2 years.
You do not need to apply for an extension to use your submission pending period but additional continuation fees will become payable.
If you are experiencing any difficulties that might affect your ability to submit your thesis on time it is important that you speak to us as soon as possible. You should speak to your supervisor(s), personal tutor, or a member of the postgraduate support team.
We can talk to you about the options available to you and offer support. You can visit during office hours or you can email to arrange a discussion at an alternative time.
Requesting an extension beyond your writing up period
The Department will assist you in every way to complete your postgraduate work within your maximum period of registration. Where completion within this period is not attainable for a particular reason, you can apply for an extension.
Extensions can only be granted by Research Services and are not granted lightly. The department will respond sympathetically to significant illness or injury or to serious personal problems and these should normally be mitigated by leave of absence. An application for an extension must be accompanied by good reasons for the delay in submission, together with both evidence that work is being carried out efficiently and a realistic schedule for completion.
Application process:
You should discuss your circumstances with your supervisor
Complete an extension request form and submit it to the Postgraduate Student Experience Manager
Your application will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies
If supported, your extension request will be submitted to RS for consideration
The outcome of your request will be notified to you by RS
If your extension is granted a fee will be payable