As a University of Birmingham (UoB) PGR student, you have been asked to do your best to engage with your studies during the period affected by COVID-19.
If you have been unable to complete essential research tasks as a result of COVID-19, you have been advised to log the extent of the problem clearly on the online GRS2 form each month (pro rata for part-time PGRs) in discussion with your supervisor.
You are encouraged to mitigate the disruption as best you can and in discussion with your supervisory team you should consider, for example and where appropriate, re-directing research, altering methodologies, and working on new or amended research questions.
It is likely that engaging in best efforts to mitigate the restrictions to planned research will result in altered theses. Therefore, under some circumstances the disruption to a PGR’s planned research caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may need to be taken into account in milestone and thesis assessments. Some PGRs may need or wish to complete their milestone or thesis examination on time, but have not been able to conduct all of the work they intended.
The University of Birmingham has therefore published a process to allow students to declare disruption to research caused by COVID-19. Further information can be found on the COVID-19 statement on disruption to research webpage.
In addition, if you and your supervisory team (either your supervisors, mentor, or Department/School PGR lead) feel that COVID19 has significantly delayed your research progress it is possible to apply for either:
- An extension to your studies. (You can apply for an extension if you have experienced significant delay, whether you are normally registered or in thesis awaited), or
- A Leave of Absence (LOA)
The most appropriate option(s) for you will depend on the extent to which your research has been affected, and the evidence contained in your GRS2 forms.
Please see the COVID-19 Extensions Policy and the COVID-19 Statement on Disruption to Research webpages for further information.
Further advice for international students is available on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs for students webpage, which includes advice for PGRs who have been unable to return to the UK following a period of authorised absence.
UKCISA has posted helpful advice for international students during COVID-19.