Research Student

Administration (RSA)

Split-Site PhD:
Capacity Building Partnerships
(Model B)

Information pack for use by

Faculties/Schools

JYF/KS/AH/SEH
June 2012

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Table of Contents
Background Information for the Capacity Building Partnerships Split-site PhD (Model
B)..................................................................................................................................2

Contents of this Information Pack.................................................................................2

Description of the Model...............................................................................................4

Submitting a Formal Proposal for Model B...................................................................8

Proposal Form for Model B.........................................................................................10

Six Month Progress Report by the Student................................................................15

Progress Report Form to be completed by the student.............................................16

Six Month Progress Report by Supervisor.................................................................20

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Background Information for the Capacity Building
Partnerships Split-site PhD (Model B)
The University’s Split-Site PhD Programme Model B provides opportunities for collaboration
in research projects and the supervision of research students between experienced research
degree supervisors at Leeds and other academic institutions (see Ordinance XIX article 9).
These institutions may be in the UK, EU or other areas of the world. Successful completion
of the degree programme will result in the award of the degree of PhD from the University of
Leeds.

Contents of this Information Pack

1. Description of the University Split-Site PhD Model B (including academic fee
structure for the programme) (p4)

2. Submitting a proposal for a Split-Site PhD Programme (Model B) (including pre-

conditions and procedures for consideration within the University) (p8)

3. Formal Proposal Form for Model B to be completed and submitted to the University
Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD Programmes (p10)

Please note there is an opportunity to request the inclusion of specific requirements

or amendments to the Agreement within the Formal Proposal Form (section 1.5 and
1.6).

For completion by:

(i) Head of School/Faculty
(ii) Faculty Pro-Dean for Research
(iii) Director of the Faculty Graduate School

For return to Research Student Administration for consideration by the

University Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD programmes who may
identify issues for further discussion.

4. University of Leeds Split-Site Model B Agreement (p22). The School/Faculty is

responsible for ensuring the partner has understood and agreed ‘in principle’ to the
terms under the Agreement.

Following approval by the University Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD

Programmes, the Split-Site Model B Agreement must be prepared for signature by
Leeds and the partner institution. A copy of the signed Agreement should be
returned to Research Student Administration.

5. Please note that Research Student Administration will not be able to send out formal
offers of admission to any candidates until the Split-Site Model B Agreement has
been approved and signed by the University of Leeds and the Collaborating Partner
Organisation.

6. Examples of the forms relating to the requirements for monitoring the progress of
candidates accepted under Model B.

(i) Template Progress Report Form to be completed by the candidate (p15)

(ii) University Progress Report Form to be completed by the supervisor(s)
(p20)

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)
Description of the Model

Background

1. The Partnership must accord with the University’s current research activities.

2. The partners will be academic institutions which engage in research activity

(see Ordinance XIX article 9).

3. Groups or individual students may be accepted under these arrangements.

4. The programme will result in the award of a Leeds degree and NOT a joint
award.

5. It is intended that this collaboration will lead to further research collaboration

between the institutions.

6. The Partnership must comply with the University of Leeds Split-Site: Capacity
Building Partnerships (Model B) Agreement and other documents produced
by University of Leeds.

Characteristics

1. General entry requirement: Applicants will normally be required to have

obtained a relevant degree of at least equivalent to a UK second class
honours degree.

2. English language requirement: International students will normally be

required to have achieved at least 6.5 on IELTS (with no component below
6.0) or an equivalent English language qualification. Some Schools may
require higher levels of English language.

3. Method of study: Candidates accepted under these arrangements are

normally expected to study on a full-time basis.

4. Duration of programme: 3 year standard period of study with a maximum

time limit for submission of the PhD thesis of 4 years for those students
commencing their study from session 2013/141.

5. Requirements for supervision: a supervisor(s) is appointed at the University

of Leeds and a ‘local’ advisor is appointed at the Partner Institution.

Requirements for the supervisor(s)

The expectation is that a full-time student has a right to a minimum of 10
supervision meetings per year and records will be kept of supervision

1
The standard period of study for those students commencing their study from 2007/08 – 2012/13 is
3.5 years.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 meetings in accordance with the University of Leeds Code of Practice for
Research Degree Candidatures.

The appointed Leeds supervisor(s) is expected to provide supervisory support

in accordance with usual practice. i.e. conduct at least 10 formal supervisory
meetings a year, although these do not need to be face-to-face. However,
whatever medium of communication is used detailed minutes should be kept
and use made of the University Postgraduate Development Record (PDR).

Requirements for the ‘local’ advisor

The local advisor would normally be expected to be based in the institution

where the candidate will be conducting research and should be readily
available for consultation. Sometimes other individuals may be appropriate
for appointment as “local advisor” and schools should put forward information
to support these cases. The “local advisor” should be familiar with the UK
system for the award of research degrees.

The local advisor is NOT required to meet the University criteria as a

supervisor and as such is not responsible for providing the same level of
advice and guidance as the appointed Leeds supervisor(s).

The candidate should not be disadvantaged by the split-site arrangements so

it is important that the local advisor can help the candidate access appropriate
facilities and resources and provide advice on adhoc and day-to-day issues.
An advisor is just that, an advisor not a supervisor.

6. Visit by supervisor(s): The Leeds supervisor(s) is normally expected to visit

the Partner Institution at least twice during the candidature

7. Attendance requirements: The candidate is normally required to be in full-

time residence at Leeds for at least 18 months over the course of the
candidature.

6 months should be spent in Leeds at commencement of study to develop the

research project (and resolve any relevant ethical approval processes, which
may not have been dealt with at admissions stage) so that appropriate
research and generic training can take place. A training plan should be
agreed in the first month and schedule agreed to ensure the candidate is able
to attend appropriate training at Leeds during the course of the candidature.

The candidate must also be present in Leeds for the transfer assessment and
then at a later stage for the examination of the thesis.

8. Progress monitoring during the candidature: The candidate is required to

complete a Progress Report at six month intervals during the standard period
of study (i.e. at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months). It is the normal expectation
that the Transfer assessment will be completed by the end of Year 1.

Two types of progress report are required (the expectation is that these will be
uploaded into the PDR system – instructions for administrators on how to set up
split-site progress reports in the PDR system are available from RSA):
Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)
 i. 6 monthly progress reports from the candidate (i.e. at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30
and 36 months).

These reports must be approved and signed off by the Supervisor. The
reports must be reviewed by the Postgraduate Research Tutor and
then (if no particular issues require investigation) be retained within the
PDR system.

A template Progress Report Form is available on the RSA website – a

sample is enclosed as Annex A.

The Transfer Assessment should be completed by the end of Year 1

(12 months) and the student’s transfer submission may be substituted
instead of the 12 month progress report.

A progress report is not usually required at 42 months, as the normal

expectation is that candidates will submit their theses within 3.5 years
(i.e. the standard period of study). In the event that the candidate does
not submit within 3.5 years, progress reports will continue to be
required at 6 monthly intervals until completion.

ii. 6 monthly progress reports from the supervisor (in the case of two or
more supervisors this report must come from and be signed by all or
uploaded into the PDR system by one of the supervisors on behalf of
all). The Six Month Progress Report by Supervisor form is available on
the RSA website from www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/forms/forms_induction.html
– a sample is enclosed as Annex B.

Following completion and uploading into the PDR system this report
will be downloaded by RSA for consideration by the University Steering
Committee for Split–Site PhD Programmes.

9. Award of PhD: Successful completion of the programme will result in the

award of a PhD by the University of Leeds.

10. Academic fees: The rates charged by the University are a proportion of the
Standard University full time fee as indicated in the following section.
Up-to-date details of the standard academic fees are available on the RSA
website.

Note:
Schools may negotiate an additional bench fee; however this should be
agreed and clearly indicated at the start of the proposal.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Split-Site PhD Model B – Fees (full-time)

A University fee level will be set2,3 which will be “front loaded” as follows:

 Year 1: 75% of the standard University full-time fee

 Year 2: 50% of the standard University full-time fee
 Year 3: 40% of the standard University full-time fee
 Year 4: 20% of the standard University full-time fee

NB: Fees are chargeable at either the UK/EU rate or the international rate, as appropriate to
the relevant fee status of the candidate. Please bear in mind that the standard levels of
academic fees for UK and EU students normally increase each year to take account of
inflation. However, the standard fee levels for international students will remain the same
throughout the candidature.

2
Deans of Faculties in consultation with Faculty Finance Officers may negotiate a different fee level in particular
cases
3
Form 21 to be completed for Accounts Receivable authorising Faculty payment of any residual fees that will not
be met by the student / sponsor

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Submitting a Formal Proposal for Model B
1. Pre-conditions

The partnership must accord with the University’s current research activities. The
Partner will be an academic institution which engages in research activity (see
Ordinance XIX article 9).

2. Process of establishing a new full-time PhD Split-Site Capacity Building

Partnership

(i) the School/Faculty should ensure that the proposed partnership has the strategic
support of the Faculty Executive and that the relevant School committees and
Faculty Graduate School Committee support the proposed arrangements .

(ii) The School/Faculty is responsible for ensuring the proposed Partner has
understood and agreed ‘in principle’ to the arrangements for Split-Site PhD
programme Capacity Building Partnerships (Model B) as outlined in these
documents and in the standard Split-Site Model B Agreement (p Error: Reference
source not found)

(iii) Using the standard form, a proposal should be put forward from the
School/Faculty after consideration of all the relevant issues.

(iv) The proposal form should be submitted to the Faculty Pro-Dean for Research for
review and possible support.

(v) The Pro-Dean for Research should take responsibility for investigating the
proposed arrangements from a Faculty strategic and academic perspective as well
as investigating any financial implications (in discussion with the Faculty Finance
Officer). The Dean of the Faculty must be made aware of the development and
his/her support obtained.

(vi) The completed Proposal Form (with relevant sections completed by the Pro-
Dean for Research and the Chair of the Faculty Graduate School Committee after
consideration by the Faculty Graduate School Committee) should be forwarded to
Research Student Administration for consideration by the University Split-Site PhD
Steering Committee. The recommendations should include any requested
amendments to the standard agreement form4.

(vii) After approval has been obtained from the relevant University bodies, the Split-
Site Model B Agreement is to be prepared by the University’s Legal Advisor for
signature by Leeds and the partner institution.

(viii) Please note that Research Student Administration will not be able to send out
formal offers of admission to any candidates until the Split-Site Model B Agreement
has been approved and signed by the University of Leeds and the Partner
Organisation.

4
In some cases, the University Legal Advisor will be consulted to approve amendments to the
standard agreement.
Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)
 Approval Process of Formal Proposal for Model B

Faculty/School initiates a proposal

Completes the form and sends to Faculty Pro-Dean for Research

Faculty Pro-Dean Research reviews:

 Consults Dean about the strategic and academic perspective;
 Consults Faculty Finance Officer about the financial credibility;
 Makes enquiries about the proposed partner.

If the Faculty Pro-Dean Research is satisfied then the form is

forwarded to Director of Faculty Graduate School.

Director of the Faculty Graduate School ensures consideration is

given to the proposal by the Faculty Graduate School Committee. If
satisfied he/she forwards the form to Research Student
Administration.

Research Student Administration places the proposal before the

University Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD programmes.

The proposal is sent to Programmes of Study and Audit Group for

consideration.

If approved the proposal is sent to Graduate Board for consideration.

If all above is satisfied then the Split-Site Model B Agreement is to be

prepared by the University’s Legal Advisor for signature by Leeds and
the Partner Organisation.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 Proposal Form for Model B
Before preparing this proposal, the Head of School/Faculty should inform the
University Research Student Administration (RSA) that it is being discussed. RSA
will then be able to ensure that the University Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD
Programmes is kept informed. Please ensure that the procedure laid out in the
document “Submitting a Formal Proposal for Model B” is followed.

Please attach additional pages where additional information would be helpful to the
case.

Section 1. Proposal from School/Faculty

1.1 Completion of Proposals for Split-Site PhD Programmes (Model B):

Please ensure that you have informed Research Student Administration that a proposal is to be
made at an early stage and prior to the completion of the proposal form.

Guidance Notes For Heads of Schools/Faculty

Particular issues to bear in mind:

 Ensure the partner institution has understood and agreed ‘in principle’ to the
arrangements for delivering split-site PhD programmes under Capacity Building
Partnerships (Model B) as set out in the Split-Site Model B Agreement and other
documents produced by the University of Leeds.

 The partner institution must be an academic institution which engages in research

activity (see Ordinance XIX article 9). Leeds regards itself as a “leading” university.
Collaborators are expected to be similar in standing to the University of Leeds. They
may be UK or internationally based organisations.
 A suitable local advisor must be identified; who is able to provide support and ensure
the student has access to necessary resources at the Partner Institution throughout the
candidature.

 Health and Safety and Risk Assessment issues must be addressed at School/Faculty
level and undertakings provided that (after appropriate consideration) the
School/Faculty is satisfied with the arrangements at Leeds and at the collaborating
partner institution.

 The ethical review and approval process of the University of Leeds must be
followed in respect of all research activities pursued under these Model B
arrangements.

 Any students admitted to this programme must meet specified entrance requirements.
Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree of at least
equivalent to a UK second class honours degree. International students will normally be
required to have achieved at least 6.5 on IELTS (with no component below 6.0) or an
equivalent English language qualification. Some Schools may require higher levels of
English language.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 Guidance Notes for Faculty Pro-Deans for Research

 Please bear in mind that in supporting any proposal you are taking responsibility on
behalf of the University for the academic, financial, and intellectual property
arrangements that are to be made, and for verifying the statements made by the
School/Faculty. (Consultation with the Dean of the Faculty and the Faculty Finance
Manager will be required).

 Other issues, for example intellectual property rights, may require more detailed
consideration by the University.

1.2 Contact details (to be completed by the Leeds School/Faculty proposing the
arrangements)

Name of School

Name and address of proposed Partner Institution

Name and address of Responsible Officer at the Partner

Institution

Name of Leeds supervisor

Name of local advisor at Partner Institution (including

job title and period of employment)

Qualifications and experience of local advisor (please      

summarise or attach a brief CV)

1.3 Description of area of research for the PhD research      

student(s)

1.4 Confirmation that all necessary facilities and resources

can be provided by the Partner Institution to allow
successful completion of the PhD
Provide details of the existing facilities at the Partner
Institution and also indicate if Leeds staff have visited the
partner institution, giving details of the purpose and length of
the visits (it is recommended that any specific requirements
be provided for inclusion under ‘Schedule 2’ of the Split-Site
Model B Agreement).

1.5 Negotiations with the Partner Institution Yes No

Have the relevant Heads of Schools/Officers of the proposed
Partner Institution been consulted and given preliminary
approval to this collaboration under the arrangements set out
in the Split-Site Model B Agreement?

Has the Partner requested any variants to the Split-Site Yes No

Model B Agreement?
If yes, please provide further details      

Is the School/Faculty satisfied that the Partner Yes No

Institution understands the University Code of Practice
for Research Degree Candidatures and can fully meet
the requirements of the Code
If no, please provide further details      

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

1.6 Description of Proposed Research Area
Briefly explain its research significance and give an
indication of how many PhD students will be involved initially.
You may wish to attach any relevant documents.
1.7 Numbers of students
How many research students is it envisaged will be admitted
under these arrangements? Please indicate the size of
proposed cohorts if new admissions will take place in
subsequent years.

1.8 Health and Safety Issues

Health and Safety and Risk Assessment issues must be addressed at School/Faculty level and
undertakings provided that (after appropriate consideration) the School/Faculty is satisfied with
the arrangements at Leeds and at the collaborating partner institution.

Is the School/Faculty satisfied that appropriate risk assessments have been made (after
appropriate consideration) in relation to the conduct of the research activity at:

The University of Leeds Yes No

The Partner Institution Yes No

1.9 Arrangements for the Research Degree Candidatures

Are the normal University approved arrangements to be Yes No

followed?
If no, please provide details of the proposed changes

Note: Approved variants to the candidature will be outlined

under ‘Schedule 3’ of the Split-Site Model B Agreement

Section 2: Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 Background and Foreground Intellectual Property that has Yes No*
been created by a party will remain under that party’s
ownership. Subject to any third party rights the Student and
the other party may use Background and Foreground for the
purposes of completing their commitments under the
Programme

*If no please give details on a separate sheet

2.2 All Foreground created by the Student shall belong to Leeds. Yes No*

* If you wish a deviation from the above, please speak to and

agree with the University legal adviser, Adrian Slater .

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Section 3. Financial Arrangements

3.1 The approved financial arrangements will apply Yes No

3.2 Indicate if special financial arrangements will apply, for

example, are there additional bench fees?
Section 4. Signatures

4.1 Proposed Leeds supervisor(s)

4.2 Head of School/Faculty

4.3 Date
Section 5. THIS PROPOSAL SHOULD NOW BE FORWARDED TO THE FACULTY PRO-DEAN FOR
RESEARCH FOR COMPLETION. THE FOLLOWING SECTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE
PRO-DEAN FOR RESEARCH (please refer to the guidance notes for Pro-Dean for Research)

5.1 Name of Faculty

5.2 Name of Pro-Dean for Research

5.3 Consultation with Faculty Officers

The Faculty Finance Officer has approved the financial Yes No
arrangements.

5.4 Intellectual Property Rights

The arrangements regarding Intellectual Property Rights Yes No
above have the support of the Faculty.

5.5 Advice from the Pro-Dean for Research

The proposal has the support of the Faculty Dean and other Yes No
relevant bodies.

5.6 Further general comments

Please use this space to make any further general      
comments to be drawn to the attention of the Steering
Committee for Split-Site PhD Programmes.

5.7 Signature of Pro-Dean for Research

5.8 Date

Section 6: THIS PROPOSAL (WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS) SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE

DIRECTOR OF THE FACULTY GRADUATE SCHOOL (OR THE CHAIR OF THE FACULTY
GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMITTEE), FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENDORSEMENT (IF
APPROPRIATE) BY THAT COMMITTEE

6.1 The proposals above have been considered by the Yes No

Faculty Graduate School Committee and the
arrangements have been approved.

6.2 The following issues/comments should be drawn to the

attention of the Steering Committee for Split-Site PhD

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 programmes:

6.3 Signature of the Director of the Faculty Graduate School

Committee

6.4 Date:

The fully completed proposal (and any attachments) should now be forwarded to Research
Student Administration for consideration by the Steering Committee on Split-Site PhD
programmes.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 Annex A
Six Month Progress Report by the Student

Available to download from www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/forms/forms_induction.html

Introduction
This Student’s Progress Report is intended to help students reflect critically on progress that
has been made, to identify and to keep training needs under review, to detect and resolve
any incipient problems and to ensure the timely submission of the PhD thesis within the
standard period of study.

The student is required to complete a Progress Report at six month intervals during the
standard period of study of 3.5 years (i.e. at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months in the
candidature).

It is the normal expectation that the Transfer Assessment will be completed by the end of
Year 1 (i.e. by 12 months). Therefore, the student’s transfer submission may be substituted
for the 12 month progress report.

A progress report is not usually required at 42 months, as the normal expectation is that
candidates will submit their theses within 3.5 years (i.e. the standard period of study). In the
event that the candidate does not submit within 3.5 years, progress reports will continue to
be required at 6 monthly intervals until completion.

Completing the Progress Report Form

Where relevant, students should prepare draft responses to sections 1-4 of the Progress
Report Form and then send it electronically to their supervisor(s). Alternatively, students may
wish to discuss the preparation of their Progress Report with their supervisor(s) in advance.
Once the supervisor(s) has commented on the draft report, both the student and
supervisor(s) should sign the report which should then be uploaded into the PDR system.

The supervisor(s) is also expected to complete a report on the student’s progress at six
month intervals during the standard period of study. On completion of the relevant University
report form (available from the above web page), the form should be uploaded into the PDR.
The form will then be considered by the University Steering Committee on Split-Site PhD
Programmes.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Progress Report Form to be completed by the student

Section 1: Details of the candidature

1.1 Student details

Name      

Student Registration Number      

Programme of Study      

School/Faculty at Leeds      

Standard period of study 42 months (3.5 years)

Maximum period of study 48 months (4 years)

Research topic      

1.2 Supervisor details

Name of Leeds supervisor(s)      

Name of local advisor      

1.3 Reporting period:

From (1st of month)      /     /     
To (last day of month):      /     /     
This is the 6 12* 18 24 30 36 (42)** month student progress report

* It is the normal expectation that the Transfer Assessment will be completed by the
end of Year 1. Therefore, the 12 month report should normally be the Transfer Report.
** The normal expectation is that students will submit their theses within 3.5 years (i.e.
the standard period of study).

Section 2: Progress during the reporting period

2.1 Brief report on progress against your previous objectives.
Please refer to the guidance notes at the end of the form for some suggestions on
possible matters for report. If this is your first Progress Report (i.e. mid-year report,
Year 1), please provide details of your progress and achievements since you started.
     

2.2 Dissemination of research and networking

Please provide details of your attendance at any conferences, symposia, workshops etc
in the last six months
     

Please list any conference presentations/published works in the last six months
     

2.3 Placements/visits
Provide details of any placements/visits associated with your research that you have
undertaken in the last six months
     

Describe any associated work or research benefits of the placements/visits and/or good
Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)
 practice that you may have developed
     

2.4 Generic and subject/professional skills training and development

Give details of any training that you have undertaken in the last six months
     

2.5 Taught modules

Provide details of any taught courses/modules you have undertaken in the last six
months
     

2.6 Ethical Review Process

Have any ethical implications been identified in your Yes No
research project?
If ethical implications have been identified, have you Yes No
applied for ethical review?
Please provide details on the progress of your application for ethical review
     

2.7 Other information

You may wish to use the space below to provide further information
     

Section 3: Arrangements for the support and supervision of students

3.1 Supervision
Detail the regularity and frequency of supervision meetings
     

Describe the usual form of meetings (e.g. conference phone call, webcam, email etc.)
     

Is the necessary expertise still available to support the research?

     

You may wish to use the space below to comment on the supervision you have
received.
     

3.2 Additional guidance and help

Have you taken advantage of the opportunity to meet with the Postgraduate Research
Tutor, in the absence of the supervisor(s), to review progress and to comment upon the
nature of the supervision received and to draw attention to any matters of concern?
     

3.3 Facilities/resources
Have you encountered any problems with the facilities needed to undertake your
research? Have these been resolved?
     

Section 4: Objectives for the next six months

4.1 Research activities to be undertaken

     

4.2 Priorities for generic and subject/professional skills training and development
     

4.3 Work on the thesis

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

      

4.4 Other action necessary

     

Section 5: Summary of student’s progress report

To be completed by the supervisor(s)

I have read and commented on the above report and confirm that (please complete as
appropriate):
The student’s progress is satisfactory

The student’s progress is unsatisfactory, but the

course of action proposed in section 4.4 of this form
should remedy the situation.

Other (please specify).

     
NB: the supervisor(s) should also complete a report on the student’s progress at six month
intervals during the 3.5 year standard period of study. The appropriate University report form is
available from www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/forms/forms_induction.html and when completed this
should also be uploaded into the PDR. The supervisor report will be made available to
Research Student Administration for consideration by the University Steering Committee for
Split–Site PhD Programmes.

Section 6: Approval of the student’s progress report*

To be signed by the student and supervisor(s)

Signature (student) Date

           

Signature (supervisor(s)) Date

           

* Once the supervisor(s) has commented on the draft report, both the student and
supervisor(s) should sign the report which should then be uploaded into the PDR system.
The student’s progress report will be reviewed by the Postgraduate Research Tutor and will
be retained in the PDR system.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

Notes for Guidance for Students when completing the Student’s
Progress Report Form

Section 1: Progress during reporting period

1.1 Brief report on progress against your previous objectives

This section asks for a brief report on progress made during the current reporting period. As
a guide you should use around 800 words as a maximum limit.

The following are suggestions of the type of information you might include:

 Describe your success (or otherwise) in achieving the objectives specified in your
previous Progress Report including reference to progress made against the agreed
training plan
 Provide a summary of the progress made in collecting and/or analysing data
 Comment on what you have accomplished in your generic and subject/professional
skills development
 Describe any associated work benefits as a result of the progress you have made
 Give details of any difficulties you have encountered - for example any problems
associated with fieldwork (e.g. access to the field) or other research (e.g. library or
laboratory-based or practice-led work). Have these been overcome? Are there any
outstanding issues? How do you propose to resolve them?
 Describe any difficulties you may have experienced in obtaining access (e.g. to the
field, data, facilities or other resources)
 Explain how any ethical issues have been addressed (please refer to the research
ethics policy, review and advice http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-research-ethics-
resources.html)
 Give details of any problems arising as a result of the chosen methodology/ies or any
problems arising as a result of modifications
 Provide details of any changes in the direction of the research
 Describe progress of the thesis

If this is your first Progress Report (i.e. mid-year report, Year 1), please provide details of
your progress and achievements since you started. The following are suggestions of the
type of information you might include:

 Describe your induction process and comment on how it went

 Refer to your Training Needs Analysis and Training Plan and provide details of any
progress made against the Training Plan
 Provide details of any generic and subject/professional skills development
undertaken since starting your research degree
 Comment on the research project plan that was developed at the time of application.
Is everything proceeding as planned?

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

 Annex B
Six Month Progress Report by Supervisor
Available to download from www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/forms/forms_induction.html

Introduction
The supervisor(s) should complete this report on the student’s progress at six month intervals
during the 3.5 year standard period of study. A report is required at 6, 12, 18, 24, months etc. A
report is not required at 42 months if the student will submit their thesis within the standard
period of study. In the event that the candidate does not submit within 3.5 years, progress reports
will continue to be required at 6 monthly intervals until completion. Reports should be completed
at 6 month intervals, irrespective of periods of suspension.

On completion, the supervisor report should be uploaded in the PDR system using the naming
convention “split-site X month supervisor report”. Please note that reports will be visible to
students and copies are sometimes requested from RSA by sponsors.

Supervisor Progress Reports are considered by the University Steering Committee for Split Site
Programmes. Any concerns arising will be raised with the relevant PGR tutor. Students complete
a separate progress report which they should upload in the PDR, however this is only reviewed
at School/Faculty level.

Completing the report on progress

Ethical issues and matters relating to health and safety must be addressed as part of the
research design and management process and should be subject to regular review. (Information
on research ethics is available at http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-research-ethics-
resources.html). In addition to this, the report should address the following areas as a
minimum:

1. Details of the candidature

Name of student:      

Student Registration Number:      

School/Faculty at Leeds:      

Name(s) of supervisor(s):      

Name of “local advisor”:      

Period covered by report: From (1st of month):      /     /     

To (last day of month):      /     /     

This is the 6 12 18 24 30 36 (42) month report (delete

as appropriate).

Please indicate the length of any period of suspension

during this period:      

Location of student during Time spent in Leeds:       months

period covered by report
Time spent at home institution:       months

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)

2. Research activities
Please comment briefly on the student’s research activities:

3. Training and development

Please comment on the student’s accomplishments in generic and subject/professional skills
development:

4. Ethical Issues
Please comment briefly on whether any ethical implications have been identified as part of
the students research project. Please make reference to the progress of any ethical review
form submitted for consideration:

5. Academic progress
Please comment briefly on the student’s academic progress. Please make reference to the
quality and quantity of work completed and the progress that has been made towards
objectives:

6. Modifications
Please comment on whether any changes to the candidature are required (e.g. changes to
the arrangements for supervision, changes to the student’s registration or research topic).

7. Action needed
Any agreed action that needs to be taken:

8. Approval
Signature*: ……………………………………………………… Date……………………….
(supervisor)
Signature*: ……………………………………………………… Date……………………….
(supervisor)

* If this form is being uploaded by one of the supervisors via the PDR system, no signatures are
required, however please include names of all supervisors who have contributed to/approved the
report.

Split Site Model B – June 2012 (amended September 2013)