Confirmation

The purpose of the confirmation meeting is:

• to evaluate the candidate's approach to the research problem in terms of the theory and proposed or adopted research methods, in order to establish that the future objectives and methods are feasible, appropriate and likely to form a suitable and sufficient programme for PhD candidature;
• to ensure that the candidate has maintained the motivation to complete a thesis/portfolio and within a reasonable timescale;
• to consider evidence that modules/courses designated specifically for research students or identified and agreed with individual students as a requirement necessary to support their research studies have been completed satisfactorily;
• to provide the candidate with an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the research and its presentation;
• to consider arrangements for supervision and facilities for the work and ensure that both are appropriate for the efficient completion of the project.

Candidates will be required to submit a report and sit an oral examination. The requirements of the report vary from discipline to discipline so it is advisable to consult your handbook and discuss the precise requirements with your supervisors.

The confirmation panel will consist of:

• the candidate;
• at least one supervisor
• one other member of the faculty, who is independent of the candidate's research programme, and who will chair the meeting;
• if appropriate, an external assessor with knowledge of the field but independent of the candidate's research programme;

Candidates are allowed up to two attempts at the confirmation.

First confirmation meeting

The outcome of the first confirmation meeting can be:

• that the student be permitted to continue registration on the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy or
• that the student’s PhD registration should not be confirmed but that the student wishing to continue on the programme will be required to re-apply for confirmation of registration on a single occasion only, normally three months later

Download the PhD confirmation review (initial review) form.

Second confirmation meeting

The outcome of the second confirmation meeting can be:

• that the student be permitted to continue registration on the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy or
• that the student should be registered for the Degree of Master of Philosophy or
• that the student’s registration be terminated

Download the PhD confirmation review (second review) form.

To help you prepare for the Confirmation, the Researcher Development Programme offer training. Attendance at this session is compulsory for all PhD students.