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PhD via distance learning

Making enquiries 

If you are interested in doing the PhD via distance learning, you should get in touch with a potential supervisor to discuss your research area and proposal with them. You can find areas of supervision and staff contact details at 

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/courses/phd-supervision-105.php).

The supervisor(s) can decide if the project is viable by distance learning. Your supervisor(s) may feel that occasional visits are necessary and if this is the case, you may want to look at making campus visits on a student visitor visa (further information can be found at 

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/visiting/student/).

 Admission requirement 

Academic 

A first or upper-second class Honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant subject. A Master’s degree is preferable. 

Language 

If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously in an English institution, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test. Further details found at 

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/international/english-requirements.php 

Minimum periods of study 

For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy – not less than 36 months full-time or 60 months part-time 

Maximum periods of study, extensions and exceptional circumstances 

A thesis must normally be presented at 36 months for full-time students or 60 months for part-time students. Extensions can be granted up to a maximum of 12 months in the first instance, but the combined period of supervised study and Extension Period will not normally exceed 48 months for full time students or 72 months for part time students.

 Extensions beyond the above limits will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, namely, where the candidate’s work has been hampered by medical or personal or unexpected academic circumstances or exceptional circumstances arising from employment. 

In all such circumstances, supporting documentary evidence must be made available. Students submitting an application for an “exceptional extension” must also demonstrate clear evidence of progress and must submit a thesis plan giving target dates for completion of each chapter. 

In no case will any extension be approved beyond 60 months for full time students or 84 months for part time students. 

Supervisor 

Students will need to hold monthly meetings with their supervisor(s). The preferred method of communication is via Skype. If this is not possible, email or telephone correspondence may be used in agreement with your supervisor(s). There may be times when it is a requirement to have a Skype meeting which students will be expected to comply with. 

Monitoring Progression 

Students will need to submit bi-annual reports which will be used to assess whether progress has been satisfactory. If progress is deemed unsatisfactory, the Senatus Academicus has the power to terminate the candidates’ studies. It is the duty of every candidate whose performance has been or is likely to be impaired by any circumstances to inform the Clerk to Senatus Academicus and the Head(s) of the relevant School(s) accordingly in writing at the earliest opportunity, but in any case not later than the date on which the candidate submits the thesis for examination. 

Forms - can all be found at 
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/registration/changes-to-studies.php 

Suspension -

if you need to take a break from your studies for medical or other good reasons, you can for a fixed period. You should first consult the Code of Practice for Research Students and discuss your suspension with your supervisor(s). 

Extension - 

you are expected to submit your thesis by the end of your supervised study period (the period for which tuition fees are charged). 

However, if in exceptional circumstances (for instance, if prolonged illness is causing delays) you can apply to extend your submission date for up to 12 months. 

You can also find applications to change from full-time to part-time study and applications to withdraw from studies here too. 

Fees Full fees apply. Please visit 

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance.php for further details. 

Useful contacts Postgraduate Secretary 

E: dhp-pgs@abdn.ac.uk – applications current

-pg@abdn.ac.uk – once registered T: 01224 272890 

Postgraduate Officer: Dr Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner E: m.ehrenschwendtner@abdn.ac.uk 

Head of School: Dr John Morrison E: j.c.morrison@abdn.ac.uk 

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