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Transfer from MPhil to PhD

Below is a summary of the key points of the transfer process (for further information please follow the Quick link to our Regulations - Section 11 - given on the right of this webpage).

In order to transfer a recommendation must be made by the Dean (or his/her nominee) of the School to the Research Degrees Committee:

• For full-time students this will be between 12 and 18 months after initial registration
• For part-time students this will be between 24 and 36 months after initial registration

Only in exceptional circumstances, are transfers permitted before 12 months for full-time and 24 months for part-time.

The transfer must be achieved:

• Within 24 months after initial registration for full-time students
• Within 36 months after initial registration for part-time students

The detailed arrangements for assessment prior to transfer vary from one academic area to another.  The following are minimum requirements set by the University:

• Students should submit a full written report on the research to-date and a detailed timetable for further work  
• The Supervisor is required to submit a full written report on the progress made by the student
• The request to transfer will be considered by a panel (Transfer Review Panel) generally consisting of the Director of Postgraduate Research and one or more members of academic staff
• Reports from the student and the Supervisor are to be available two weeks prior to the meeting of the Transfer Review Panel
• The student should be given the right to comment on any aspect of their Supervision in the absence of the Supervisors

The panel should make one of the following recommendations:

1. Candidate be permitted to transfer from MPhil to PhD
2. Further work is required by the candidate before transfer is approved (to be approved by Chair¿s Action)
3. F urther work is required by the candidate before transfer is approved. A further review will take place at a future time
4. Capability Procedure to be initiated (either Informal or Formal)

Exceptionally, procedures could be instigated which could lead to the termination of the student's registration.

Further points to note are:

• One member of the panel is required to write a report on the review
• A copy of the completed form should be given to the student (this is circulated to the student by the School)
• Students must be informed of the decision of the Transfer Review Panel
• Students required to take modules on the Diploma or Master of Research Methods will be expected to have achieved a pass mark on the assessed coursework for the programme
• A student who is not permitted to transfer registration may appeal against the decision

MPhil students may change their registration to PhD if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. Having been registered for MPhil for 12 months (if full-time) or 24 months (if part-time) they submit for assessment a report with a summary appraisal of the results of their investigation to-date, together with proposals for further investigations to be made if they are to proceed to submit for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
2. The students' Supervisors and the Dean of School having considered the report makes a recommendation for transfer to Research Degrees Committee
3. The Research Degrees Committee approves the recommendation

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