Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees By Research & Thesis

3. Application and Registration Procedures

Prior to submitting an application, the candidate must consult with the appropriate School on the proposed programme of study and must ascertain whether or not the School would be prepared to recommend his/her application to Academic Council. In the case of candidates not meeting the normal entry requirements or holding overseas qualifications, the relevant School must articulate specific and cogent reasons in support of such candidates (on Form PGR1).
All applications to undertake postgraduate studies must be submitted on the University's official Postgraduate Studies Application Form. The completed application form together with the necessary supporting documentation must be submitted to the Registry.
The Registry will acknowledge receipt of properly completed forms, once verification of the supporting documentation has been carried out. Application forms which are incomplete or lacking the relevant documentation will be returned to the candidate.
Using an appropriately designed pro forma, the Registry will refer a summary of all completed applications to Academic Council for its consideration and recommendation. Academic Council will ensure:
- that the candidate possesses, or will possess, the required entry qualifications;
- that the relevant expertise and facilities are available within the University to support the research programme indicated;
- that there are adequate arrangements for supervision;
- that the research programme is appropriate for the award of a higher degree.
Where questions arise regarding a candidate's application (e.g. possession of the required entry qualifications), Standing Committee will refer the documentation to the Research Committee for its consideration and advice.
Successful candidates will then be notified by the Registry and will be required to register formally with that office. The Registry will also notify the relevant School and will be responsible for ensuring registration of all postgraduate applicants approved by Academic Council.
Successful candidates will be admitted as registered postgraduate students subject to the payment of the appropriate fees.
All postgraduate students are required to re-register on an annual basis. Such registration is subject to payment of the appropriate fees and satisfactory progress certified by the supervisor.