Postgraduate Researcher Development

Northumbria is committed to enabling students to develop their full potential, both in completing their research degree programme successfully, and in career planning for the future. Supervision, training and feedback are therefore central to each individual student’s research degree programme.
A research degree will involve a programme of active research typically three years full-time or five years part-time, with the support of a supervisory team (including a specialist in the chosen research field). Additionally, all postgraduate research students have access to a structured training and development programme, to support development of research skills and techniques relevant to the student’s programme, so that they can undertake the research effectively.

Feedback is provided throughout the programme to support students towards the timely completion of their research programme. Formal supervision meetings take place between the student and their supervisors on a monthly basis. At project approval, the project and associated support required is considered in detail. At the end of each programme year, students will demonstrate their progress as part of the annual progression process. Submission readiness will be assessed six months prior to the expected submission of their thesis. The thesis will be assessed via a viva voce (oral examination).

Further information and documentation for current students can be accessed here.