Graduate School Network
Forms and Guidance
Most Forms that concern progression through the student journey, e.g., requesting a study break, can now be found on PGR Manager. Otherwise, you should be able to find the form you need below.
Please get in touch with us using gsn-webmaster@open.ac.uk if you require accessible versions of any of the following documents.
Academic engagement and attendance policy (for Student Route PGRs)
Academic engagement and attendance policy (for Student Route PGRs)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
For students studying with the University on a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa who are subject to particular requirements to ensure that their attendance and/or engagement pattern meets UKVI expectations
Who is this for?:
Academic Freedom Principles Statement
Academic Freedom Principles Statement
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Statement of Priniciples of Academic Freedom
Who is this for?:
ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Accessibility statement
Accessibility statement
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Who is this for?:
Advocacy appointment form
Advocacy appointment form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Research students who are experiencing difficulties communicating with The Open University and require a third party to communicate on their behalf can use this form to appoint an advocate
Who is this for?:
ARC Student, OU Student
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - EdD/DHSC
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - EdD/DHSC
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to recommend admission for an EdD/DHSC Professional Doctorate applicant
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, Non-UK
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, Non-UK
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to recommend admission for an MPhil/PhD applicant from overseas
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, Transfer
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, Transfer
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply to transfer your MPhil/PhD registration to The Open University
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, UK only
Applicant recommendation form (ARF) - MPhil/PhD, UK only
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to recommend admission for an MPhil/PhD applicant from the UK
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Applicant recommendation form - ARCs
Applicant recommendation form - ARCs
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request admission for an ARC-based applicant
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor
Application form - ARCs
Application form - ARCs
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form for applications to an ARC.
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor
Application form - Non-UK
Application form - Non-UK
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request admission for an applicant from overseas
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Application form - Professional doctorates (EdD/DHSC)
Application form - Professional doctorates (EdD/DHSC)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for a professional doctorate
Who is this for?:
Application form - Transfer
Application form - Transfer
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for a research degree if you are applying transfer your registration to The Open University
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Application form - UK only
Application form - UK only
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for a research degree if you are a UK student
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Candidate declaration form - PhD by published work
Candidate declaration form - PhD by published work
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to inform the Research Degrees Team that you wish to submit for a PhD by published work examination
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Candidate declaration form
Candidate declaration form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to inform the Research Degrees Team that you wish to submit for a research degree examination
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Ceremonies
Ceremonies
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Link to the Ceremonies website
Who is this for?:
Closure Days 22/23
Closure Days 22/23
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
OU Closure Days (when the University is closed for business) for 2022-23.
Who is this for?:
Code of Practice for Research Integrity
Code of Practice for Research Integrity
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
The Code of Practice for Research (Research Integrity) sets out the standards for research at the OU that all researchers are expected to adhere to (including PGRs) and underpins our research integrity framework. This is the publicly accessible version.
Who is this for?:
Code of Practice for Research
Code of Practice for Research
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
The Open University Code of Practice for Research policy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Code of Practice for Student Discipline
Code of Practice for Student Discipline
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Code of practice for student discipline policy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Complaints and appeals
Complaints and appeals
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Complaints and appeals policies
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Computing - Student Computing Policy
Computing - Student Computing Policy
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Computing code of conduct policy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Computing health and safety advice
Computing health and safety advice
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Computing health and safety advice policy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Conditions of Registration for PGR Students
Conditions of Registration for PGR Students
File:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Conditions of registrations for PGR students
Who is this for?:
Copyright and your thesis online training
Copyright and your thesis online training
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Guidance on seeking the correct copyright permissions for your thesis
Who is this for?:
Corrected thesis form
Corrected thesis form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form should be used when examining a thesis following corrections and minor modification or substantial amendments
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Covid - assistance for PGRs and the Research Degree Regulations
Covid - assistance for PGRs and the Research Degree Regulations
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
How to interpret the Research Degree Regulations during the covid pandemic
Who is this for?:
Covid study tracker template (FASS)
Covid study tracker template (FASS)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Form to articulate covid-related disruption caused to progression; used in the FASS faculty.
Who is this for?:
Covid study tracker template (WELS)
Covid study tracker template (WELS)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Form to articulate covid-related disruption caused to progression; used in the WELS faculty.
Who is this for?:
Covid-19 funding extension application form (where funding ends after 1 April 2021)
Covid-19 funding extension application form (where funding ends after 1 April 2021)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form should be used by Research-Council- and University-funded Postgraduate Research Students at The Open University seeking a funding extension to their studentship due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, where funding ends after 1 April 2021.
Who is this for?:
Covid-19 funding extension application form (where funding ends between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021)
Covid-19 funding extension application form (where funding ends between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Provides information on how Postgraduate Research Students whose Open University funding ends between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021 can apply for additional funding
Who is this for?:
Creative writing research at PhD level
Creative writing research at PhD level
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance for students registered for a research degree that includes creative writing
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Data: storing research data
Data: storing research data
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Advice on storing and transferring research data securely
Who is this for?:
Dependants fund form
Dependants fund form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for the dependants fund
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Dignity and Respect Policy
Dignity and Respect Policy
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Student code for dealing with bullying and harassment
Who is this for?:
Disability Support Form
Disability Support Form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Form to describe what adjustments might be needed to support research student with a disability
Who is this for?:
Doctoral Loans (Wales)
Doctoral Loans (Wales)
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information on doctoral loans for research students in Wales.
Who is this for?:
Doctoral Loans
Doctoral Loans
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information about doctoral loans for research students.
Who is this for?:
Employee Assistance Programme (information on Student Wellbeing page)
Employee Assistance Programme (information on Student Wellbeing page)
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information about the Employee Assistance Programme.
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership pages (STEM)
EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership pages (STEM)
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) doctoral training partnership scheme
Who is this for?:
Equality and Diversity website
Equality and Diversity website
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
OU website covering the OU's commitment and approach to equality and diversity
Who is this for?:
ESPRC DTP page in STEM faculty
ESPRC DTP page in STEM faculty
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Link to the ESPRC DTP webpage in STEM
Who is this for?:
eTheses advice
eTheses advice
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Guidance on the process of depositing your eThesis on Open Research Online
Who is this for?:
Ethical approval for research
Ethical approval for research
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information on research ethics at the Open University
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Exam Panel Chair Training Guidelines
Exam Panel Chair Training Guidelines
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Supervisor
Examination arrangements form
Examination arrangements form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to inform the Research Degrees Office of examination arrangements
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Examination guidelines for research degrees
Examination guidelines for research degrees
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Examination guidelines for MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorates (EdD/DHSC)
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Examination panel chair aide memoire
Examination panel chair aide memoire
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Exam Panel Chairs may use this checklist to help manage the viva process
Who is this for?:
Examination panel nomination form
Examination panel nomination form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to nominate an examination panel
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Examination panel report form - PhD by published work
Examination panel report form - PhD by published work
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
Examination panels should complete this form after a PhD by published work examination has taken place
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Examination report form
Examination report form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Examination panels should complete this form after a research degrees viva has taken place
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
External examiner acceptance form
External examiner acceptance form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to accept an appointment as an external examiner
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
External examiners and supervisors - eligibilty to work in the UK
External examiners and supervisors - eligibilty to work in the UK
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Right to work guidance for external examiners and supervisors working in the UK
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
External staff expenses claim form
External staff expenses claim form
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
External staff should use this form to claim expenses associated with examining or supervising a research degree student
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
External supervisor acceptance form
External supervisor acceptance form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to accept an appointment as an external supervisor (for Directly Supported students only)
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
FASS student handbook
FASS student handbook
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidelines specific to Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences research students
Who is this for?:
Fee rules (affiliated research centre students)
Fee rules (affiliated research centre students)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This document sets out the University’s policy on setting and charging fees for postgraduate research students registered through an Affiliated Research Centre. It covers fee liability, including probationary reworks, write up, continuation and resubmission fee policy. There are also sections on grant extensions, refunds, debt and support for study related costs.
Who is this for?:
Fee rules (directly registered students) 2022-3
Fee rules (directly registered students) 2022-3
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This document sets out the University’s policy on setting and charging fees for directly registered postgraduate research students. It covers fee liability, including probationary reworks, write up, continuation and resubmission fee policy. There are also sections on grant extensions, refunds, debt and support for study related costs.
Who is this for?:
Fees (in Research Degrees Prospectus)
Fees (in Research Degrees Prospectus)
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Annual fee amounts for the current academic year
Who is this for?:
First year full-time timeline example (student-authored)
First year full-time timeline example (student-authored)
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
First year full-time timeline example (student-authored in 2020) to be used as a starting point with your supervisor
Who is this for?:
Fitness to study policy
Fitness to study policy
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Sets out how we can support you with regards to your studies if a mental, emotional or physical disability affects the way you interact with the Open University community
Who is this for?:
Freedom of Information Code of Practice
Freedom of Information Code of Practice
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This code of practice explains the two main responsibilities of the University under the Freedom of Information Act (2000), how information will be shared and what information is exempt
Who is this for?:
Funding for study-related costs
Funding for study-related costs
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Students in the UK can apply for funds to help with study-related costs such as computers, internet access, travel and childcare costs. Students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales can apply through Funding for Study-Related Costs. Students in Scotland can apply through the Discretionary Funds.
Who is this for?:
Funding, Additional (in Research Degrees Prospectus)
Funding, Additional (in Research Degrees Prospectus)
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
You may be entitled to additional financial support from the University or from other funding bodies depending on your circumstances
Who is this for?:
GDPR: research guidance
GDPR: research guidance
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Guidance on applying GDPR principles to research. Includes Data protection principles, Specific processing situations, Individuals’ rights, Exemptions and Checklist
Who is this for?:
Grand Union DTP ESRC Application Form
Grand Union DTP ESRC Application Form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Who is this for?:
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbook: Professional Doctorates
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbook: Professional Doctorates
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Handbook explaining Professional Doctorates at the Open University: support available, milestones and facilities
Who is this for?:
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbooks
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbooks
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Research Degrees Handbook (should be read prior to registration and referred to throughout registration)
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Induction - Frequently asked questions: a guide for new PGR students
Induction - Frequently asked questions: a guide for new PGR students
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Frequently asked question for new PG research students starting at the OU: ID badges, bank accounts, stipends etc.
Who is this for?:
IT advice for PGRs
IT advice for PGRs
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
IT guidance for PGRs, including logging in
Who is this for?:
IT Helpdesk
IT Helpdesk
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
IT helpdesk and opening hours
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
IT induction pages
IT induction pages
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Help with getting started with OU IT systems
Who is this for?:
IT support for PGRs
IT support for PGRs
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: pptx
What is this for?:
Presentation on IT support for new PGRs
Who is this for?:
Joint Academic Coding System (JACS)
Joint Academic Coding System (JACS)
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Joint Academic Coding System (JACS) guidance
Who is this for?:
Managing unsatisfactory progress
Managing unsatisfactory progress
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance for managing unsatisfactory progress
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Mini Vivas: Remote Mini Viva by Skype Guidance C19 (for examiners)
Mini Vivas: Remote Mini Viva by Skype Guidance C19 (for examiners)
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance for Mini Vivas for facilitators
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Supervisor
Open Access Policy
Open Access Policy
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
In line with its mission, The Open University (OU) believes that the ideas and knowledge from its research should be made available and accessible for public use. This policy covers how PG research students should make their research outputs open.
Who is this for?:
Open Research Data Online (ORDO) policies
Open Research Data Online (ORDO) policies
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Explains the terms of use of ORDO when working with live research data, and for depositing archival data for preservation and publication
Who is this for?:
Open Research Data Online (ORDO): PG Researcher’s Guide
Open Research Data Online (ORDO): PG Researcher’s Guide
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Open Research Data Online (ORDO) is The Open University's research data repository
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Completing Your Progress Report
PGR Manager: Completing Your Progress Report
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
PGRs completing their progress report using PGR Manager
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Event Updater Guide
PGR Manager: Event Updater Guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guide for OU staff adding events to the PGR Manager Calendar
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Exam panel nomination
PGR Manager: Exam panel nomination
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
The process for nominating an exam panel via PGR Manager
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Examiner and EPC guide - ARC
PGR Manager: Examiner and EPC guide - ARC
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Pre- and post-viva PGR Manager step-by-step guide for examiners and exam panel chairs at Affiliated Research Centres
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Examiner and EPC guide - directly registered
PGR Manager: Examiner and EPC guide - directly registered
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Pre- and post-viva PGR Manager step-by-step guide for examiners and exam panel chairs for directly registered PGRs
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Faculty Administrator Guide
PGR Manager: Faculty Administrator Guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Faculty Administrators
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Logging into PGR Manager (Directly Supported PGRs)
PGR Manager: Logging into PGR Manager (Directly Supported PGRs)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Guidance for logging into PGR Manager for Directly Supported PGRs
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Student User Guide
PGR Manager: Student User Guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Directly Supported Students and Affiliated Research Centres (ARC)
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Supervision meeting notes guide
PGR Manager: Supervision meeting notes guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance to upload your supervision meeting notes to PGR Manager
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Supervisor and Approver Guide
PGR Manager: Supervisor and Approver Guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Supervisors and Approvers for both Directly Supported and Affiliated Research Centres (ARC)
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Upgrade extension guidance for +4 students only
PGR Manager: Upgrade extension guidance for +4 students only
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Who is this for?:
PGR Manager: Upgrade guidance for supervisors and assessors
PGR Manager: Upgrade guidance for supervisors and assessors
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
The process for Upgrade using PGR Manager, for supervisors and assessors
Who is this for?:
Plagiarism and research misconduct policy for research students
Plagiarism and research misconduct policy for research students
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
This policy defines plagiarism in the context of an Open University research degree. It sets out how incidences of plagiarism and other research misconduct committed by postgraduate research students will be investigated and provides a simple graduated framework of penalties when plagiarism or other research misconduct is confirmed.
Who is this for?:
Plagiarism guidance for Postgraduate Researchers
Plagiarism guidance for Postgraduate Researchers
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This activity looks at different forms of plagiarism and how to avoid them during the production of your thesis.
Who is this for?:
Pre-viva report form - PhD by published work
Pre-viva report form - PhD by published work
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form enables an examiner to comment on a submission prior to examination for the award of PhD by published work
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Pre-viva report form
Pre-viva report form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form enables an examiner to record their independent view of a thesis prior to the viva examination
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Preparing for the viva: a guide for doctoral candidates (UKCGE)
Preparing for the viva: a guide for doctoral candidates (UKCGE)
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guide to help PG research students prepare for their viva voce examination
Who is this for?:
Prevent principles
Prevent principles
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
OU Prevent (counter-terrorism) Principles agreed by The Council November 2015.
Who is this for?:
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Personal information held by the University, and the purposes for which it is used
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Professional doctorates application process
Professional doctorates application process
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Guidance and links for applying to a professional doctorate
Who is this for?:
Professional Doctorates Framework
Professional Doctorates Framework
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Guidance for academic staff who want to create a new professional doctorate qualification
Who is this for?:
Progress report form
Progress report form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form should be used to monitor and report on the progress being made by a research student
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Prospectus (Research degrees prospectus)
Prospectus (Research degrees prospectus)
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Information for new applicants, also contains info on fees and funding
Who is this for?:
Public Interest Disclosure (whistleblowing)
Public Interest Disclosure (whistleblowing)
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This Public Interest Disclosure policy provides guidance to staff and students wishing to raise their reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of the University or of the activities of colleagues within the University.
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
RDRAC scrutiny form
RDRAC scrutiny form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Research Degrees Examination Result Approval Committee (RDRAC) should use this form to confirm the outcome of a research degree following examination, resubmission or corrections to the thesis
Who is this for?:
Reasonable adjustment regulations
Reasonable adjustment regulations
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Regulations for which a waiver can be made where a case for a reasonable adjustment has been put forward by a student who has registered a disability with the University
Who is this for?:
Recommending a student be registered for an alternative research degree
Recommending a student be registered for an alternative research degree
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance to supervisors, faculties and students where it is recommended that a student’s work is not of the required academic standard for the research degree they are registered for and they should be registered for an alternative research degree
Who is this for?:
Recruitment and registration guidelines for ARCs
Recruitment and registration guidelines for ARCs
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidelines for recruiting and registering research students based at an Affiliated Research Centre (ARC)
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor
Recruitment guidelines
Recruitment guidelines
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidelines for recruiting research students to the directly registered programme
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Registration transfers
Registration transfers
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
Guidance to faculty admissions staff on the process and required documentation for a research student applying to transfer to The Open University
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Regulations - Research Degree Regulations
Regulations - Research Degree Regulations
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
These regulations are the definitive statement on the regulatory framework governing Research Degrees at The Open University
Who is this for?:
OU Student
Research data management
Research data management
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This policy defines the standards that govern the management of research data at the Open University.
Who is this for?:
ARC Student, OU Student
Research Degrees Handbook: Professional Doctorates
Research Degrees Handbook: Professional Doctorates
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This handbook provides information regarding the services available to research degree students; the policies that apply to registration; and gives advice about what to do at key points in the student journey.
Who is this for?:
Research Degrees in Affiliated Research Centres Handbook
Research Degrees in Affiliated Research Centres Handbook
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Research Degrees in Affiliated Research Centres Handbook (should be read prior to registration and referred to throughout registration)
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor
Research proposal for professional doctorates
Research proposal for professional doctorates
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
Research proposal form to be submitted with 'Application form - Professional doctorates (EdD/DHSC)'
Who is this for?:
Return to study
Return to study
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
This form should be completed as part of the return to study meeting following a period of suspended registration
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Right to Work
Right to Work
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Guidance on immigration and right to work checks
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Supervisor
Sponsorship agreement form
Sponsorship agreement form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Complete this form if all or part of your research degree fees will be covered by a sponsor
Who is this for?:
Staff fee waiver form - Associate Lecturers
Staff fee waiver form - Associate Lecturers
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Complete this form if all or part of your fees will be covered by a staff fee waiver and you are employed as an Associate Lecturer (AL)
Who is this for?:
Staff fee waiver
Staff fee waiver
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Complete this form if all or part of your fees will be covered by a staff fee waiver and you are employed by the University (excluding Associate Lecturers)
Who is this for?:
Student Charter
Student Charter
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
This Charter, developed jointly by the University and the OU Students Association, sets out what our responsibilities are and what we can all expect of each other
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Student reference request form
Student reference request form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Faculties may use this form to request a reference for a research degree applicant
Who is this for?:
Student Route visa holder responsibilities
Student Route visa holder responsibilities
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the student is aware of their responsibilities to The Open University as the sponsor for their Student Route visa
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Student Route: research student attendance record (for Student Route PGRs)
Student Route: research student attendance record (for Student Route PGRs)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Student Route students and their supervisors should complete this form and submit it to the Research Degrees Team on a monthly basis
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Summative assignment deadline extension request (EdD/DHSC)
Summative assignment deadline extension request (EdD/DHSC)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
EdD and DHSC students should use this form to request an extension to their summative assignment deadline
Who is this for?:
Supervision, Guide to Online Supervision (UKCGE)
Supervision, Guide to Online Supervision (UKCGE)
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
The UK Council for Graduate Education has published this guide to online supervision, created to help research supervisors navigate the challenges of remote doctoral supervision
Who is this for?:
Supervisor change form
Supervisor change form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request changes to a student's supervision team
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Supervisor guidelines - PhD/MPhil
Supervisor guidelines - PhD/MPhil
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
This document contains guidance and policy for research degree supervisors
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Supervisor guidelines - professional doctorates
Supervisor guidelines - professional doctorates
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance for supervisors of Professional Doctorate students
Who is this for?:
Supervisor training guidelines
Supervisor training guidelines
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Sets out supervisor training obligations and links to relevant resources
Who is this for?:
Team guidelines
Team guidelines
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Lays out standards for how we will use our Team spaces and how moderation will work
Who is this for?:
Terrorism-related research registration
Terrorism-related research registration
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to register a research degree that will require materials related to terrorism to be accessed
Who is this for?:
ARC Student, OU Student
Thesis deposition form
Thesis deposition form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to authorise the Open University Library to make your print and electronic thesis available to readers, subject to any restrictions relevant to the thesis
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Please use PGR Manager unless you have been advised otherwise)
Thesis submission guidelines
Thesis submission guidelines
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Guidelines for thesis submission for examination and the final electronic copy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Third party monitoring guidelines
Third party monitoring guidelines
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidelines for third party monitoring of a research student
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Transgender Staff Policy
Transgender Staff Policy
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
The Transgender Staff Policy
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Visiting student nomination form
Visiting student nomination form
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
Use this form to nominate a visiting student
Who is this for?:
Visiting students terms and conditions
Visiting students terms and conditions
Guidance:
Filesize: doc
What is this for?:
Terms and conditions for visiting students to The Open University
Who is this for?:
Vivas: Conducting vivas by videoconference during COVID-19 pandemic (for examiners)
Vivas: Conducting vivas by videoconference during COVID-19 pandemic (for examiners)
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Advice for chairs and examiners conducting vivas online
Who is this for?:
Vivas: Conducting vivas online: a guide for institutions and candidates (UKCGE)
Vivas: Conducting vivas online: a guide for institutions and candidates (UKCGE)
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Guidance to assist institutions and candidates who, in the light of Covid-19, are rapidly adapting to online vivas
Who is this for?:
Wellbeing and mental health policy
Wellbeing and mental health policy
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Formalises existing good practice around PG research student mental health, including information on different roles, study breaks and support mechanisms
Who is this for?:
Wellbeing resources
Wellbeing resources
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
GSN page collating student resources to support wellbeing
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Writing Covid-19 into your thesis
Writing Covid-19 into your thesis
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Suggestions of how the influence of the pandemic might be referenced in the usual chapters in a thesis
Who is this for?:
MOP RD-01 Research Degree Regulations
MOP RD-02 Research Degrees Handbook
MOP RD-03 Student Charter
MOP RD-04 Conditions of Registration for Postgraduate Research Students
MOP RD-05 Research Degrees Prospectus
MOP RD-06 Student Privacy Notice
MOP RD-07 Ethical Approval for Research
MOP RD-08 Code of Practice for Research
MOP RD-09 Statement of Principles of Academic Freedom
MOP RD-10 Procedure for dealing with allegations of research malpractice or misconduct
MOP RD-11 Intellectual Property Rights
MOP RD-12 Disability Support
MOP RD-13 Fees Policy
MOP RD-14 Financial Support
MOP RD-15 Grant Extension Policy
MOP RD-16 Invoicing
MOP RD-17 Applications
MOP RD-18 English Language Requirements
MOP RD-20 The Higher Education Classification of Subjects (HECoS)
MOP RD-21 Academic Technology Approval Scheme
MOP RD-22 Tier 4 Guidance
MOP RD-23 Admission and Offer
MOP RD-24 Accommodation
MOP RD-25 Graduate School Network
MOP RD-26 Induction
MOP RD-27 Registration and Re-registration
MOP RD-28 Transfer of Registration
MOP RD-29 Upgrade
MOP RD-30 Academic Progress
MOP RD-31 Plagiarism Policy
MOP RD-32 Writing-up
MOP RD-33 Thesis Submission Guidelines
MOP RD-34 Non-Book Thesis
MOP RD-35 Creative Writing Thesis
MOP RD-36 Examination Guidelines - MPhil and PhD
MOP RD-37 Examination Guidelines - Professional Doctorate
MOP RD-38 Thesis Embargo and Confidentiality Periods
MOP RD-39 Post Award Requirements
MOP RD-40 Attendance and Residency Requirements
MOP RD-41 Annual Leave
MOP RD-42 Authorised Absence
MOP RD-43 Appointment of Supervisors
MOP RD-44 Supervision Meetings
MOP RD-45 Supervisor Training
MOP RD-46 Code of Practice for Supervisors and Students
MOP RD-47 Third Party Monitors
MOP RD-48 Internships and Placements
MOP RD-49 Extension of Registration
MOP RD-50 Study Break
MOP RD-51 Maternity, Paternity, Shared and Adoption Leave
MOP RD-52 Return to Study
MOP RD-53 Change of Study Mode
MOP RD-54 Failure to Meet Deadlines
MOP RD-55 Unsatisfactory Progress
MOP RD-56 De-registration
MOP RD-57 Withdrawal
MOP RD-58 Skills Audit
MOP RD-59 Right to Work (Students)
MOP RD-60 Computing Code of Conduct
MOP RD-61 Encrypt a Memory Stick
MOP RD-62 Encrypt File
MOP RD-63 ZendTo
MOP RD-64 Health and Safety
MOP RD-65 Risk Assessment
MOP RD-66 Oyster Cards
MOP RD-67 Video Conferencing
MOP RD-68 Viva by Video Conference
MOP RD-69 Meeting Room Bookings
MOP RD-70 Travel and Subsistence
MOP RD-71 Hospitality and Gifts
MOP RD-72 Business Class Travel
MOP RD-73 Right to Work (Staff)
MOP RD-74 Visiting Student Policy
MOP RD-75 Collaborative Provision
MOP RD-76 Code of Practice for Student Discipline
MOP RD-77 Dignity and Respect
MOP RD-78 Whistleblowing Policy: Public Interest Disclosure
MOP RD-79 Student Religion and Belief
MOP RD-80 Equality and Diversity
MOP RD-81 Anti-Bribery and Corruption
MOP RD-82 Ethics
MOP RD-83 Student Complaints
MOP RD-84 Complaints Procedures
MOP RD-85 Administrative Appeals Procedures
MOP RD-86 Academic Appeals Procedures
MOP RD-87 UK Quality Code for Higher Education
MOP RD-88 Success Measures and Performance Indicators
MOP RD-89 Committees
MOP RD-90 Research Degrees Committee
MOP RD-91 Research Degrees Examination Results Approval Committee
MOP RD-92 ARC Management Group
MOP RD-93 Student Representation
MOP RD-94 Access to Taught Modules
To see all of this page's content, sign in to the OU’s Graduate School Network.
You are here
Forms and Guidance
Explore
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Policy
