Concurrent registrations for research degree candidates

Candidates for research degrees are not normally permitted to register concurrently for two programmes of study at this or another Higher Education Institution.

Exceptions to this regulations are considered by the Programmes and Quality Group (P&Q) on an individual basis. Favourable considerations include:

  • Where a Postgraduate Researcher PGR is on a programme run by more than one institution eg programmes as part of a Centre for Doctoral Training
  • Where a PGR is registered on a programme leading to a joint or dual award with another institution
  • A PGR registering on a part time programme at the University of Leeds or a different institution where the PGR and supervisor are satisfied that there is no duplication of content between the two programmes and that the research degree programme at Leeds can be completed in the stated period of study

P&Q would not normally look favourably upon a request from a PGR, in their overtime period, to register concurrently on two programmes of study.

Where a concurrent registration is agreed any subsequent request for a suspension or extension citing academic or other commitments linked to the other registration will not normally be approved.

The following programmes are exceptions to the rule:

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP)

PGRs registered for a research degree at Leeds may concurrently register for the PGCAP.   The PCCAP is a post-induction programme for staff who make a significant contribution to Student Education at Leeds. The course is studied over 3 semesters (18 months) and it is heavily grounded in participants’ current academic practice and it is strongly ‘work-based’ in its philosophy and approach. Participants’ own experience of student education forms the basis of the learning. Further information on the PGCAP is available on the PGCAP page of the OD&PL website.

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research

PGRs registered in the School of Medicine for the degrees of PhD and MD may register for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research concurrently with their research degree studies.   This arrangement has been available to part-time PGRs since February 2001 and was extended to full-time PGRs with effect from 2019/20.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research

In September 2004 the Group gave approval to a one-off special case for a PGR to be permitted to proceed to Postgraduate Diploma level in Health Research. It was made clear that this had been approved as an individual case and did not set a precedent. If any further PGRs also wished to continue to diploma level a request would need to be made on an individual case by case basis for consideration.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Nuclear Fission – Next Generation Nuclear

From session 2014/15 the Group gave approval to PGRs registered on the Next Generation Nuclear 4 year PhD programme to also be registered for a Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Manchester, as part of the CDT. The PG Diploma is not a progression requirement and will not form part of the transfer process, but a separate award to the PhD.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Integrated Tribology

From session 2014/15 the Group gave approval to PGRs registered on the Integrated Tribology 4 year PhD programme to also be registered for a Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Sheffield, as part of the CDT. The PG Diploma is not a progression requirement and will not form part of the transfer process, but a separate award to the PhD.