How long am I registered on to a PhD course?
A Full Time PhD course is expected to be completed in 3 calendar years from the point you are admitted on to the course. Your offer letter will show the duration of the course as 3 years.
A Part Time PhD course is expected to be completed in 6 calendar years from the point you are admitted on to the course. Your offer letter will show the duration of the course as 6 years.
How many years shall my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) be granted for?
For A Full Time PhD course your CAS will be for 4 years, which cover the 3 years of the course plus a 12 month grace period is granted to cover the viva voce examination and any minor corrections decided by the examiners following your viva.
Applicants applying for a part-time block taught Professional Doctorate course are entitled to undertake the course on a part-time Tier 4 visa for the two year taught period of the course only. Applicants are alternatively able to attend on a Standard Visitor Visa, providing that the main purpose for the person entering the UK on this visa is not solely for the study (i.e. family or business interests). The student must not exceed the maximum of 30 days study throughout the entire period of their Standard Visitor Visa. The University can confirm that the Professional Doctorate taught element of the course does not exceed 30 days of study. If the Standard Visitor Visa expires before the taught element of the course is completed, the student must apply for further leave to enter/remain to enable them to continue to pursue the course.
What can I do between handing in my thesis and waiting for my viva voce examination?
As a Tier 4 student you are expected to stay in regular contact with your First Supervisor and supervisory team and you are only entitled to work 20 hours a week until you have been awarded your Research Degree.
When is the submission date for my thesis?
3 years from the start date of the course (i.e. if you start on 1st October = Submission for Thesis for Examination will be 30th September at the end of the third year or if you start on 1st February = Submission for Thesis for Examination will be 31st January at the end of the third year)
Where do I submit my thesis?
Email one complete thesis with your Ethics Review (UPR16) included in the appendix to researchdegrees@port.ac.uk
What do I do once I have submitted my thesis?
Talk to your supervisor about the arrangement for the Viva. Please see the Student Guide to Viva Voce Examination.
How do I request an interruption to my studies?
During your study you and your supervisory team should be tracking your progress in order to submit your thesis for examination by the deadline. If at any time during your studies you are experiencing extenuating circumstances that are affecting your studies then you may need to consider if an period of interruption would be appropriate with your supervisory team. Please refer to the University's CAS issuance policy.
What happens to my Tier 4 Visa is if I interrupt my studies?
An interruption in your study will mean that the University is not able to sponsor you on a Tier 4 visa during this period. You will be required to apply for fresh Tier 4 entry clearance at the point you decide to continue your studies.
As you are reaching your thesis deadline you will need to ensure that you are able to submit your thesis by the required date. If, for whatever reason, it is looking unlikely that you are not going to make this thesis submission deadline then you will need to speak with you supervisory team and discuss whether you would need to apply for an extension. For full details please see the Research Degrees Operation Handbook - Part 2, Section 4 - Registration.
What do I need to do with my Tier 4 visa if I have been given an extension to my thesis submission date?
As a Tier 4 student you shall be required to apply for a Tier 4 visa extension at the point you have been granted an extension to your submission date by your Faculty Research Degree Committee. You will receive notification from researchdegrees@port.ac.uk to confirm that your extension has been approved and what your new extended thesis deadline is.
On receipt of this confirmation of extension, please contact the International Student Advice Team, First Floor of the Nuffield Centre, drop in service 10am-3pm Monday to Friday or email international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk to support you with the Tier 4 visa extension process. The period of your Tier 4 extension will be the extra time you have been granted to submit your thesis.
Do I require another Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate if I apply for a Tier 4 visa extension?
If you are studying a course in science or technology subjects you may be required to apply for ATAS clearance. Please follow this link for further information about ATAS. You will require a new ATAS certificate if there are any changes to the duration of your studies (over 3 months) or research proposal. A new ATAS certificate is one of the conditions of the issuance of a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If I have submitted my thesis by the original submission date but the outcome of my viva voce examination requires amendments can I apply for a Tier 4 visa extension?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will only be issued if the amendments to your thesis cannot be completed within your current Tier 4 leave period or if the amendments cannot be completed overseas. For minor amendments (up to 3 months) the University will only issue a CAS if you are required and can continue to meet with your First Supervisor.
Where the Examiners have recommended re-examination or referral either prior or post Viva, you will be required to extend your studies for 12 calendar months in order to complete the course. If the study period is greater than your current Tier 4 leave, Department of Student and Academic Administration, Student Life Team will issue you with a CAS for your Tier 4 visa extension to cover the re-examination period.
If I am outside of the UK and need to attend my viva voce examination at the University what visa do I need?
If you are currently outside of the UK and are required to return to the University to attend viva voce examination, the University will not assign a CAS, you will be given a supporting letter for you to apply for a Short Term Student Visa.
General Information for PhD students who would like to work in the UK
This link will provide you information about the hours you can working during and after your PGR programme.
Doctorate Extension Scheme
This link will provide you information about the Doctorate Extension Scheme
General Information for PhD Students
This link will provide you with general information about the viva voce examination process.
For further information, please contact: researchdegrees@port.ac.uk or +44(0)23 9284 7707.