Triangle

Here is everything you need to know as a new postgraduate research student, from before you arrive at the university, through to navigating your first weeks at the university.

What you need to do

Arrival at the University of Nottingham 

There is a lot to remember when starting at the University and once you have arrived, these to-do lists break down all the important tasks to consider so you can start your journey smoothly:

Before you arrive

When you arrive

Home Students

International Students

Home Students

International Students

 
Your University Card

Your university card is your multifunction student ID card, which you need to apply for in the lead up to your arriving at the university.

Please see below for information on applying for your student card.

Applying for your university card

 
Admissions enquiries (and deferrals)

If you have queries about your application and admissions processes, you can contact the admissions team in a variety of ways, which you can find on the contact us webpage.

If you are yet to register and need to defer your start date, please contact the admissions team through the student enquiry centre as soon as possible to avoid any issues.

 
 
Getting around Campus

As you familiarise yourself with our campuses, we can provide detailed maps that can help you get around. You can find these maps on the about campuses webpage.

About campuses

 
Registration

Periods of registration (also referred to as registered period of study) for postgraduate research degrees are set out in the University of Nottingham Qualifications Framework (UNQF) and may vary depending on the degree you are on. You can find the different processes and policies that may apply during this stage of your journey.

For a PhD you would normally be registered for 4 years (full-time) or 8 years (part-time).  Regulations set out the minimum and maximum period for your degree. This may vary depending on the terms and conditions in your individual studentship. 

You are expected to be undertaking your research in this period, with full access to research facilities and submit your thesis by the end of that time. 

You must complete the university’s formal registration process upon joining the university (admissions to the university), and re-register for every academic year. For more on registration see our registration website.

Only a registered researcher may follow a programme of study leading to a university award, and actively perform research, with full access to relevant services and facilities.

Registration regulations (UNUK and UNM)

 
Finance and Funding

To find out more about scholarships, funding opportunities and other financial support and guidance on how to pay your outstanding charges please visit our Student Fees and Payments section of the website.

You should contact the Funding and Financial Support team to discuss the funding implications of your changing circumstances, like interruptions, transfers, withdrawals, etc. 

 
 
Training and induction

As a registered researcher you should receive appropriate training to enable you to undertake and present research effectively and efficiently.

The quality manual outlines what information should be provided to you, and what your responsibilities are. Please see the induction and training webpage in the quality manual for more information.

Induction and training

During your induction, your relevant school will invite you to join the sharepoint site for your school, which will include valuable resources around any training, module enrolment and induction relevant to you. 

If you are having issues accessing your school’s sharepoint site, we recommend you contact your supervisors or the school directly to request assistance.

 
Engagement and employment
Engagement

You must attend all activities necessary for the pursuit of your studies, undertake all associated assessments and attend meetings and other activities as required by your school. You are expected to participate in planning and progressing your studies, you must familiarise yourself with university, faculty, and school requirements and procedures for research study.

You must follow safety codes and participate in any mandatory training. See the regulations governing attendance and engagement - UNK for more inforamtion relating to engagement.  

It is equally important you ensure you are aware of your responsibilities as a researcher, see the responsibilities of the student for further guidance. 

Please also note the university sets out the management of non-engagement, this can also be found in the quality manual.

Engagement regulations - UNUK

Your engagement will be monitored through your supervisory meetings and progression review meetings. You can find information on these processes on the academic progression and attendance webpage.

Employment

It is expected that during periods where you should be engaging with your programme, the prime focus should be on your studies. You should not arrange any employment or other activity that will cause you to be unable to attend and engage with required activities.

When considering any employment opportunities, you should always consult your supervisor.  

Full-time researchers may only undertake part-time employment with the permission of their school and in accordance with the requirements of any scholarship they hold.

Note: there are additional restrictions for international researchers. Please visit the regulations on student employment during studies for further guidance.

Regulations on employment during studies

 
Visiting Researchers

If you are a visiting postgraduate research student, you can find extra information and guidance on our visiting students webpage.