Important milestones along the way

When you successfully complete the coursework relating to your research training, and present a satisfactory research proposal to the Upgrading Panel, your registration will be upgraded from MPhil to PhD at the end of your first year.

If you are a full-time doctoral researcher, at the start of year three, you will be asked to present a summary of your research and a timetable for completion and submission to a Completion Review Panel. This will assess whether you are on track to finish and submit your thesis by the end of year three, or whether you should be allowed to continue into year four in order to finish. For part-time Doctoral researchers, this review will normally take place at the start of year four.

All full-time researchers are required to submit their thesis for examination within four years of the start of their registration. Part-time researchers should finish within seven years.

Mapping your progress

Each research project is very individual, so timetables vary considerably, but following gives an idea of key stages for full-time doctoral researchers:

0-3 months	Problem definition: some of your (background) literature review has been completed. You are participating in the core research training programme and other modules, if appropriate.
3-6 months	Project definition: a manageable topic and research plan has been agreed with your supervisor. You have determined the scope and depth of your research. You are starting to formulate your hypothesis and identified specific areas for data collection, including any fieldwork. You are attending research training courses and have completed the two written assignments.
10 months	The field and relevant literature have been comprehensively reviewed; relevant contacts including other researchers working in the area have been identified; a draft introductory chapter has been prepared. The research questions or hypotheses, strategy and fieldwork requirements have been developed. The research proposal has been prepared and presented to the Upgrading Panel.
12 months	Further training requirements have been identified. The research strategy is finalised with your supervisor. Data collection begins.
18 months	Data collection is nearly concluded. Any changes or new requirements can be reviewed.
24 months	A clear analytical framework has been developed and any problems involved considered. Data collection is completed. The final structure of the planned thesis has been agreed. Further training has been completed.
26-28 months	Review of research so far and timetable for completion and submission has been presented to Review Panel.
30 months	All research material has been gathered and analytical work has been substantially completed.
34 months	Substantial progress has been made in final writing-up of the thesis. You are writing your final conclusions. A mock viva (oral examination) has taken place. Job hunting is underway. Formal registration is finished at 36 months.
35-38 months	Your thesis is submitted and the viva is held.