Split site PhD

Find out more about the key characteristics of split site programmes. 

Key Characteristics of Split Site Programmes

  • There are 3 models of Split site PhD. Model A is full time, Model B is part time, and Model C is full time with a lower requirement for attendance at Leeds.
  • Whilst other institutions will be involved to some extent in the delivery of the split site research degree, it will lead only to a Leeds PhD.
  • Standard requirements for admissions apply to split site PhD and applicants must attain a band score of 6.5 in IELTS with no component below 6.0.
  • Model A will require an Agreement to be drafted by the University’s Legal Advisor.  Model B and Model C will require an Agreement where multiple candidates are to be recruited.
  • Schools will ensure the availability of appropriate facilities to undertake the research for the duration of the degree, either through a site visit or, where appropriate, through discussion with the partner; this information to be provided in the Split-site Recommendation Form.
  • There will be a local advisor/supervisor appointed and details of this will be included in the Agreement.
  • The attendance requirements at Leeds are based on key milestones of induction, transfer, annual progress monitoring and examination.
  • Specific study, assessment and examination arrangements must be discussed and confirmed at the application stage.
  • Supervisions by video conferencing or telephone call are permitted when the PGR is not resident at Leeds. Email exchanges do not meet the requirement for a supervisory meeting.
  • PGRs registered on a split site research degree will use GRAD to lodge all notes of meetings and for progression milestones.
  • In cases where a number of PGRs are recruited each year from a named institution a link Academic Tutor will be nominated for the programme to maintain academic oversight.
  • The collaborative arrangement is added to the University’s Collaborative register

Where a provider works in partnership with other organisations, it has in place effective arrangements to ensure that the academic experience is high-quality irrespective of where or how courses are delivered and who delivers them (QAA core practice for partnerships, 2018)

 

Features of Model A

  • Full Time
  • Cohort based
  • Intended for PGRs in either a research institute or university
  • Standard period of study is 3 years
  • Milestones and progression points mirror those for the standard full time PhD
  • At least 18 months (50%) of the standard period of study must be spent at Leeds
  • The first 6 months of year 1 to be spent at Leeds for the induction and introductory training sessions, defining the project, ethical approval discussions, and relevant research skills training
  • Transfer takes place at the end of year 1 and must be at Leeds University
  • 12 months in total must be spent at Leeds across years 2 and 3
  • The Viva and examination of the thesis will take place at Leeds University

 

Features of Model B

  • Part time
  • For individual PGRs or a cohort
  • Standard period of study is 5 years
  • Milestones and progression points mirror those for standard part time study
  • At least 8 months of the standard period of study must be spent at Leeds
  • The first 2 months of the first year of the candidature to be spent at Leeds for Induction and introductory training sessions, defining the project, preliminary ethical approval discussions, and planning for specific research skills training
  • The remaining 6 months residence at Leeds to be divided across the remaining 4 years of the standard period of study
  • Transfer takes place at the end of year 2 and must be at the University of Leeds
  • It is suggested that the second 2 months residence is timed to accommodate Transfer and to ensure that sufficient time is built in prior to the Transfer to book on the relevant ODPL training courses on preparation for Transfer
  • Annual progress reviews continue from year 3 onwards until Thesis submission in year 5
  • The Viva and examination of the thesis will take place at the University of Leeds

 

Features of Model C

  • Full time
  • For individual PGRs or a cohort
  • Standard period of study is 3 years
  • Milestones and progression points mirror those for standard full time study
  • At least 6 months of the standard period of study must be spent at Leeds
  • The first 2 months of the first year of the candidature to be spent at Leeds for Induction and introductory training sessions, defining the project, preliminary ethical approval discussions, and planning for specific research skills training
  • Two months must then be spent in Leeds in each of the following 2 years of the standard period of study
  • Transfer takes place at the end of year 1 and must be at Leeds University
  • Annual progress reviews continue from year 2 onwards until Thesis submission
  • The Viva and examination of the thesis will take place at Leeds University

 

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Original version: May 2019

Version 2: May 2021