Part-time candidates may be given a final date of between 6.5 and 8 years after admission. The University is aware that a variety of factors can legitimately affect the rate of progress towards completion and has not set an inflexible maximum length of candidature. A decision on the appropriate length of candidature in each individual case is based on the information supplied in progress reports. The student must also provide to the supervisor such other reports, thesis drafts, calculations, and other data as the supervisor from time to time may require. Part-time candidates must, in the progress report, indicate the dates and times of attendance and supervisors are required to certify that candidates are attending as desired.
Progress reports constitute a major method of monitoring student progress.
They provide an opportunity for both student and supervisor to review and evaluate progress on the project, and can provide the head of department and the Dean of Postgraduate Students with indications of difficulties in candidature. For these reasons, progress reports must be completed with candour and with care. The candidate is entitled to read the supervisor s comments and is required to sign the supervisor s section of the form. The candidate also has an opportunity to reply to any adverse comment. The PhD Rules provide that a full-time candidate may undertake up to 18 hours of paid employment per week at the University if the head of department and supervisor are satisfied that the candidate s progress will not be impeded.