PhD Programme Structure
ITS takes pride in ensuring that each research student gains the maximum personal benefit from their studies. To help achieve this, we support each individual through a series of milestones. The timeline below outlines a typical full-time route to successful completion of a PhD:
(Note - different timescales /milestones apply to MPhil and part-time PhDs.)
Of these various milestones, some are of particular importance:
Assessment of the first year
Students seeking a PhD are initially registered with 'provisional' status. At the end of the first year progress is reviewed and the registration status changed, subject to a successful upgrade. This upgrade is an assessment of performance and takes the form of a written report and oral presentation to a panel. The primary aim of this and other processes is to help keep the student on-track for successful completion.
Feedback at the end of the second year
Towards the end of the second year students submit a paper about their progress, which is considered by both supervisors and the Postgraduate Tutor. This includes an updated plan to detail the student's path to submission, for approval prior to registering for year three.
Viva examination
At the end of their studies, after submitting the thesis, students undertake an oral exam. This is done by a panel consisting of at least one external examiner and an independent internal examiner - supervisors do not assess the viva, but may attend.
