Current PGR Students
The FAQs below give information for current postgraduate research students. Please see our intranet site for further resources to support you during your research degree. You may also be interested in details of our our researcher development programme, training and events and key research policies. You can also get in touch with the relevant contact detailed in the sections below.
Frequently asked questions
What format should a thesis have?
The formatting requirements for a thesis are given in the Framework and Regulations for the Award of Higher Degrees by Research Section B4.3vi. A separate pdf document covering format requirements is also available from Research & Enterprise Office.
When do I have to submit my thesis?
You will submit according to your own progress and timetable for submission. Full-time students should aim to submit their thesis in around three to four years. Part-time students should aim to submit their thesis in around six to seven years. The maximum time for full-time students is four years, and seven years for part-time students. If you do not submit within this period, you will need to apply for an extension of registration or your submission will be invalidated.
Where and how do I submit my thesis?
All theses should be submitted to Research & Enterprise Office. Contact Dr Andrew Rawnsley at a.rawnsley@tees.ac.uk for further information.
How are viva examinations arranged?
Viva examinations are arranged by Research & Enterprise Office and not by Schools. Contact Dr Andrew Rawnsley at a.rawnsley@tees.ac.uk for further information.
Who do I talk to if I have a problem with my supervisor(s) or my School?
The first thing to do to resolve a problem is to discuss it with your supervisors. If the issue is not resolved, then the postgraduate tutor should be able to help, or you may be referred to the Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) – or equivalent – or the Dean of School. If all avenues have been tried with no result, then please discuss the issue with staff in Research & Enterprise Office.
When do I re-enrol?
You MUST re-enrol annually. This applies to everyone studying for a research degree, regardless of stage or status. You will need to re-enrol on the anniversary of your original start date. If you do not re-enrol annually you are no longer formally a student and are likely to be withdrawn. You cannot submit your thesis if you are not enrolled. If you think you'll have problems paying your fees you should still re-enrol as it may be possible to make alternative arrangements with Finance. If you encounter problems with re-enrolling, contact Research & Enterprise Office immediately.
Where can I find out about English language courses?
English language courses are available through our School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law. Two types of courses are available: generic English language courses for basic English, taught in classes along with undergraduate and other taught degree students, and some specialised English language courses for research students. Please contact Research & Enterprise Office for further details.
Find out more
Who do I talk to if I have a problem about enrolment or administration?
All research degree admissions are handled by Research & Enterprise Office, so if you have a problem with enrolment you should inform us first. Enrolment is completed online (using e-Vision) and Finance can advise if you have any issues. The administration of your degree is managed by Schools and by Research & Enterprise Office. If you have a question about routine matters of administration then the first person to approach is the postgraduate tutor or the secretary/administrator for the School. If you are still unsure about an aspect of your degree administration, then talk to staff in Research & Enterprise Office.
How do I get a student visa extension?
Visa extensions are issued on the basis of evidence that you are still a student and require more time to complete your programme. The best place to go for advice on visas and extensions is Student Life. Immigration is complex and it is always best to get expert advice. Please note that there are fees for visas and extensions.
Where can I find funding for conferences or travel to events?
If you are funded by a Research Councils UK studentship, extra funding to attend training events is provided. For other students, please enquire within your School. Each School has a small fund to support each research student to attend at least one conference or event over the course of their research degree.
How does academic progress review work? What do I have to do?
Annual Review is an important element of your degree where the University determines whether your work has progressed sufficiently for you to be allowed to continue your programme of research. It takes place at the end of each year for all students, both full and part time, and is aligned with the anniversary of your first date of enrolment. The date of enrolment and subsequent annual review dates is given to you in your offer letter. Each year, you will be sent a reminder to submit for annual review and invited to attend a meeting where you will be asked questions about your report and your research. Annual review assessors make a recommendation to the School and then to the Postgraduate Research Assessment Board. Students who successfully pass the annual review progress further on the degree of registration, with two further review stages if required. Students who have not met the standard required after three unsuccessful review stages may be recommended to progress further on a lower degree (MPhil rather than PhD) or recommended for withdrawal.
How do I find out about the awards ceremonies?
Awards ceremonies take place annually. Your degree must have been ratified in sufficient time for you to attend the following ceremony. You will be invited to attend by Finance, who are responsible for arrangements at awards ceremonies. Research & Enterprise Office do not organise awards ceremonies and cannot issue invitations or issue you with tickets for guests.
Common abbreviations
- Research & Enterprise Office - REO
- School of Computing & Digital Technologies - SCEDT
- School of Health & Life Sciences - SoH
- School of Arts & Creative Industries - SACI
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law - SSSHL
- Teesside University International Business School - TUBS
- University Research Degrees Committeee - URDC
- University Research Ethics Committee - UREC
- University Research Degrees Board - URDB
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