Milestone Applications
All research students (DPhil and MSc by Research) are admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS), in the first instance.
DPhil students
Before final Submission of your thesis, two milestones must be completed; Transfer of Status and Confirmation of Status.
Details of the process, required documents, and possible outcomes of each milestone can be found on the MSD Graduate School Canvas page. All forms for these milestones can be accessed via the My Student Record section of Student Self-Service.
Milestone Timeline
Full-time DPhil students are required to complete Transfer of Status by the end of the 4th term after admission.
For students on a three year course, we advise that Transfer of Status is completed by the end of their 3rd term.
Confirmation of Status
Having successfully transferred to DPhil status, full-time students are expected to apply for Confirmation of Status by the end of their 9th term.
For students on a three year course we advise that you complete Confirmation of Status by the end of their 7th term.
Maximum Submission Date
This is the final date that students should submit their thesis. Full-time students are expected to submit by the end of their 12th term.
Students should check whether they are required to submit sooner by any funding body supporting their studies.
Figure 1. Summary of the DPhil career and the process of submission and examination
MSc By Research Students
At an appropriate time before the end of the 4th term from admission, as advised by your department, it will be necessary to decide whether to apply for transfer to MSc status or to DPhil status. It is possible to transfer to MSc status initially and thereafter to DPhil status, if appropriate.
Students that Transfer to DPhil status will be required to complete further milestones, as per the above DPhil timeline.
Students that Transfer to MSc status are not required to complete Confirmation of Status.