Guidance Notes on Intermission
1. Students are expected to pursue their research degree programmes on a
continuous basis. It is recognised, however, that students may encounter
circumstances that seriously disrupt their research and a period of
intermission may be permitted if a student needs to suspend their research
due to circumstances largely beyond their control. Please see sections 4.15 –
4.18 of the Research Degrees Regulations for further information, particularly
relating to requirements for Tier 4 visa holders.
2. With effect from September 2015, the Research Degrees Regulations were
changed to allow students to apply for up to a maximum of 6 months
intermission, excluding requests for maternity, shared parental or adoption
leave. These regulations apply to all students, even if current students have in
the past already had a period of approved intermission. From September
2015, all students may now apply for a maximum period of up to 6
months intermission.
Grounds on which an application to intermit may be made
3. A period of intermission may be granted for personal or medical situations
where a student is temporarily unable to continue their course of study.
During the period of intermission, registration and access to facilities such as
the Library and IT services are suspended. No tuition fees are payable during
the period of approved intermission. The student is not expected to be
continuing with their research during the period of intermission and
supervision will not be provided. Towards the end of the period of intermission
the student should contact their supervisors to confirm arrangements for their
return.
Grounds on which applications to intermit are considered include:
a) Health grounds, such as a serious illness or a significant medical
procedure.
b) Compassionate grounds such as:
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The serious illness of a partner or a close relative
Distress caused by an unforeseen and traumatic event
Serious personal problems such as family or relationship crises
Bereavement.
The following are examples of what would not normally be considered acceptable
grounds for intermission. The list is not exhaustive.
a) The student is engaged in voluntary service overseas;
b) The student is registered on another programme of study;
c) The student is engaged in a temporary teaching position of lectureship;
d) The student is involved in a long-term holiday or vacation;
e) The student has experienced difficulties with the English Language;
f)
Delays have occurred due to proof-reading of the thesis.
4. The period of intermission should be the briefest possible that allows for the
circumstances to be resolved. Students may apply for up to a maximum of six
months intermission, excluding requests for maternity, shared parental or
adoption leave. Any further requests would need to be approved by the Chair
of the Research Degrees Subcommittee. The student’s expected and latest
submission dates will be extended by the corresponding period.
5. Intermission will not be granted retrospectively, unless it is impossible for the
student to apply when the situation arises. In such cases, evidence must be
provided that demonstrates why it was impossible for the student to apply for
intermission at the correct time.
Application process
6. All requests to intermit must be made in writing to the Secretary to the
relevant Faculty Research Degrees Subcommittee, stating the period of
intermission requested and the reasons. Candidates must discuss their
request for intermission with their First Supervisor, who will be asked for their
comments on the request. Requests for intermission will be considered by the
relevant Faculty Research Degrees Subcommittee (or Chair for consideration
by Chair’s action) which will decide whether or not to approve the request.
Chair of RDSC
October 2015