Supporting your Study

6 months after first enrolment (12 months part time), PGRs shall meet with the Supervisory team for a formal review.

Following admission to a research degree, PGRs will undergo an initial review to gain Programme Approval for their project.  (Within the first 3 months of full time study, or 6 months for part time).  

Prior to annual re-enrolment PGRs will undergo a formal review of their progress conducted by the Supervisory team, to determine their eligibility to continue with their studies.

PGRs are expected to meet regularly with members of their team (either individually or jointly), with a minimum requirement of ten formally recorded meetings per academic year (pro rata for part time PGRs). 

A typical expectation is that most meetings would take place with the Lead Supervisor, with whole team meetings, or meetings to include external sponsors, once or twice annually.

A log or record of meetings should be kept by the PGR and shared with their Supervisors to ensure an accurate record of what work and actions have been agreed.

The Review Panel will consist of the Lead Supervisor, at least 1 Co-Supervisor and an Independent Assessor who review the Confirmation Submission and conduct the oral assessment.  

PGRs must submit evidence to demonstrate that their work has PhD potential; during the oral assessment they are expected to ‘defend’ their submission and plans for the project moving forward. Candidates are expected to submit:

Prior to the oral assessment, the Review Panel must prepare and submit preliminary reports based on their assessment of the PGR's submission. Reports are circulated between Assessors in advance.

Following the oral assessment, the Review Panel shall jointly complete a final joint report and recommendation. The Lead Supervisor or Independent Assessor must submit a copy of the Preliminary Reports and Joint Assessment Panel Report to The Doctoral Academy.

When PGRs enter year 4 (full time) and year 5 (part time) their status will change to Thesis Pending (formerly writing up).  

When a PGR is preparing for their final submission, they must submit their 'final' draft thesis for review by the Supervisory team. This a formal requirement and a candidate cannot proceed to submission until this has taken place. The opinion of the Supervisory team is advisory and cannot be guarantee the final decision of the Examiners. Irrespective of the Supervisor's opinion, the decision to submit rests with the Candidate. 

Pre-submission Review (Submission Planning) Form

PGRs should submit their thesis for examination electronically as a single PDF document to PGRExaminations@ljmu.ac.uk, along with a completed Thesis Declaration Form.

Thesis Declaration Form. 

If a PGR's thesis is submitted for examination within four calendar weeks of the anniversary of the start date, the enrolment status will be amended to "submitted". Later submission will incur the standard annual writing up fee.

Whilst we always prefer that viva voce examinations take place in person, we realise that this may not always be possible. In light of the current pandemic we have updated on our online guidance for candidates and examiners to ensure we support virtual vivas to take place wherever reasonably practical to do so. 

PGR Guide to Online Viva Voce Examinations 

Examiner Guide to Online Viva Voce Examinations

The examination of a Research Degree normally involves two stages: first, the submission and preliminary assessment of the thesis; and second, the defence of the thesis by the Candidate at a viva voce examination. The Lead Supervisor must demonstrate the proposed examination team has appropriate prior experience and expertise to examine the research degree.

Appointment of Examiner Form

External Examiner Information Sheet

Prior to the viva voce examination, the Examiners must prepare and submit preliminary reports based on their assessment of the thesis.

Preliminary Report Form

Preliminary Re-examination Report Form

Following the viva voce examination, the Examiners shall jointly complete and submit a final joint report form, along with a list of any amendments required to the thesis (if applicable).

Final Joint Report Form

Re-examination Final Joint Report Form

To be eligible to attend one of the University Graduation Ceremonies you must have fully completed your award AND have registered to attend the graduation by the deadline set by the Awards Team. 

For information relating to graduation please visit the following sites:

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-registry/student/registry-services/awards

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/students/graduation

Degree certificates are produced by the Awards Team and are normally issued via post. Further information is available at: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic_registry/student/registry-services/awards