What is a reduction in the minimum period of registration?
The end of minimum period of registration is the earliest date on which you may submit your research degree thesis for examination.
The end of the maximum period of registration is the latest date on which you may submit your research degree thesis for examination.
You can find these dates on the top of the online GRS2 supervision form.
In normal circumstances you are required to complete the minimum period of registration before transferring to writing up status (also referred to as thesis awaited status) or submitting your thesis for examination. Minimum and maximum periods of study for each qualification are set out in Regulation Section 6: Programmes of Study Research Degree Programmes.
In very exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Research Progress & Awards Sub Panel, a postgraduate researcher may be permitted to transfer to writing up status before the end of the minimum period of registration.
Each request for a reduction in the period of registration is considered on its merits and are normally only considered on academic grounds. Financial difficulties, work commitments or taking up employment are normally not considered valid reasons for requesting a reduction in the period of registration/early transfer to writing up status.
A reduction in the minimum period of registration will also reduce the maximum period of registration and thus the deadline for submission of your research degree thesis.
How to apply for a reduction in the minimum period of registration
Requests should be submitted at least three months before the proposed transfer to thesis awaited status.
You should complete Part A of the request form and then pass the form to your supervisor to complete Part B. The Head of School (or nominee) should complete Part C.
If you are a research council sponsored postgraduate researcher, your local Research Council administrator will need to complete Part D of the form. You should be aware that if your request is approved, your stipend payments may stop at the end of the month in which you transfer to thesis awaited status.
Incomplete forms will be returned, causing delays in the process.
The completed form should be emailed to PGRLETForms@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
You and your supervisors will be notified by e-mail of the result of the request.