Formal Reviews of Progress (PhD / MPhil)

All PhD postgraduate researchers (but not MA/MSc by research postgraduate researchers) are subject to formal reviews of progress from the first to second, and from the second to third, year of their programmes. The purpose of formal reviews of progress is to ensure that you are making satisfactory progress with your research project and other elements of your PhD programme. A formal review of progress should give you a clear sense of the progress you are making on your degree but the decision of a progression panel does not serve as a prediction for the outcome of the final examination.

Formal reviews of progress take place on an annual basis, towards the end of each year of enrolment, for full-time PhD postgraduate researchers, and on a biennial basis for part-time PhD postgraduate researchers. Formal reviews of progress are not required for entry into a continuation period, where this is permitted.

You have a maximum of two opportunities to meet the relevant University progression criteria at each formal review of progress. If you have not met the relevant University progression criteria after two attempts you will have failed the progression point and will be transferred to an alternative programme or your enrolment will be terminated.

In a formal review of progress, you will be assessed against University progression criteria which set out the threshold requirements for progression to the next year (or equivalent period for part-time postgraduate researchers).

The assessment is undertaken by a progression panel, which is independent of your supervisor(s) to gain an external perspective on the progress that you are making, and to ensure that your relationship with your supervisor remains focused on your development as a researcher.

The Progress Review Panel will consist of

1. the Director or Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research or their nominee;

2. the Director or Deputy Director of Research or their nominee;

3. a member of the appropriate subject group not a member of the supervisory or TAP team.

Your department determines what evidence (oral and/or written) its PhD and MPhil postgraduate researchers should provide to demonstrate that they have met the relevant University progression criteria (see below for details). The evidence you provide is considered alongside a supervisor’s report on your progress and agreed TAP reports.