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Research

Annual review

The annual review is a formal process to assess your academic progress and ensure that you are on track with your research degree. It takes place once a year, around the anniversary of your start date.

Key steps in the review process

1. Prepare and submit your application

One month before your review application is due, you will be sent an email asking you to complete your annual review form.

You will be asked to provide:

  • a summary of your research progress
  • a plan for the next year
  • a bibliography or reference list
  • proof of ethics clearance (if required for your PhD project).

You will be asked to submit your form by a specified deadline.

2. Prepare a short presentation

As part your review, you will be asked to prepare a 15-minute oral presentation on your progress to date (with no slides or visual aids). The review will typically last around 60 minutes.

Your presentation should focus on your progress and future research plans. The aim is to assess how well you explain your research project and the work you have undertaken.

3. The review meeting

Your review meeting will take place with:

  • a chair (an independent member of academic staff, who is external to your supervisory team)
  • at least one assessor (who is not part of your supervisory team)
  • a member of your supervisory team (usually your Director of Studies).

Format of the review meeting

  • The chair will typically introduce and explain what will happen in the meeting.
  • You will give your presentation.
  • The assessors will discuss with you your review application and presentation.
  • You will have the opportunity to discuss your supervision (your supervisor will not be in the meeting at this point).
  • You will be asked to leave the room while a discussion takes place regarding whether your progression to the next year of study is approved.
  • Finally, you will be invited back into the meeting to discuss the outcome and next steps.

4. Review outcomes

The possible outcomes from the review are:

  • Satisfactory: you will continue to the next year of study.
  • Unsatisfactory: you will be required to attend a follow-up review in three months.

If progress remains unsatisfactory, a special review may be scheduled. This could lead to a change in registration (from PhD to MPhil) or withdrawal.

Requirements to keep in mind

  • Ethics approval must be in place by your first annual review.
  • Training: mandatory training sessions listed in your offer letter must be completed.