Prospective Students

Applications to study for a research degree should be made direct to Julie Proud in the Graduate School Administration Office. All applicants should ask two referees to complete the reference form. Application and reference forms can be obtained from the Graduate School Administration Office, please call 01695 584752. Once completed you can send them directly to the Graduate School Administration Office. All applicants who are appropriately qualified, and where there is a vacancy for a research student in their chosen area, will be offered an interview.

• Advice Sheet for Applications [PDF]

When a research student is admitted to Edge Hill, s/he needs to enrol with the institution using the appropriate form which will be issued by the Graduate School Administration Office. This form should be completed and returned immediately as access to the library and ICT facilities is dependent upon formal enrolment.

In the first instance students wishing to register for a research degree usually enrol on the Postgraduate Certificate in Research. This is a structured programme of study and training under the guidance of a supervisory team to facilitate the production of a detailed research proposal. Submission of an appropriate research proposal and successful completion of a viva voce examination within the first twelve months of study leads to registration for a research degree (initially MPhil/PhD) following approval of the examination panel’s recommendation by the Research Degrees Committee.

Edge Hill University requests supervisors to submit annual reports providing information on the progress made by research students. Supervisors are asked to comment on whether the student has been in regular contact with the supervisor, whether a formal report on the year's work has been submitted by the student, whether acceptable progress has been made during the year, and whether the supervisor is confident that an acceptable thesis can be produced within the appropriate timescale.

The supervisors are also invited to make any other relevant comments on the progress of their students. Research Students are also asked to complete and return a similar pro-forma on their progress.

Full time students wishing to transfer from MPhil to PhD must apply to do so no later than 18 months after the date of their initial registration. Part time students should do so no later than 36 months after their date of registration (taking account, in both cases, of any periods of intercalation). The recommendation to transfer may be prompted by RDC as a result of the annual appraisal exercise or may be initiated by the student and supervisors. The process involves both student and supervisor.

If illness or personal difficulties prevent a student from continuing with their studies, they may apply for suspension of registration (or period of intercalation). This application should be made by the supervisor to the Graduate School Administration Office.

In certain circumstances it may be possible to extend the normal period of registration to allow extra time in which to complete the requirements of the award. Again, in the first instance, this application should be made by the supervisor to the Graduate School Administration Office.

It should be emphasised, however, that students should aim to complete their studies including writing their thesis within the appropriate initial maxiumum period of registration. In relation to suspensions and extensions of registration, students should note that there are minimum and maximum periods of registration, all these details can be obtained from the Graduate School Administration Office, Programme Leader and the handbook.

The degrees of MPhil and PhD are awarded on the examination of a thesis containing the results of the student's research. For both PhD and MPhil an oral examination will be held. Supervisors should give notice to the Graduate School Administration Office at least three months in advance of an expected submission date so that arrangements can be made for the appointment of examiners. ‘A Notification of Intention to Submit a Thesis’ form should be completed and submitted to the Graduate School Administration Office to enable an exam team in place.

Self-funding Students

Self-funding students will be invoiced automatically on an annual basis for the MPhil/PhD supervision fee. This fee includes all registration and validation charges, and is set on an annual basis.

Continuation Fees

The payment structure for this fee has been devised to encourage students to complete and submit their theses in a timeous manner.

For more details of the continuation fee and all other fee information please contact the Graduate School Administration Office.

In starting your work you will have a supervisor whose expertise should extend to include the focus of your project. The supervisor is responsible for academic progress, administrative matters and 'pastoral' or personal support.

There should be regular meetings at which academic advice is given and through which your progress is monitored. It is important that you establish a clear programme and timetable with your supervisor complete with expectations and deadlines.

Ideas should be worked through together and should be based on your initiative. For more information on support for research students and information on supervision, please visit the Current Students webpage.