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 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
Application and applicant recommendation form - ARCs
Application and 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 - 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:
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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?:
Coronavirus FAQs
Coronavirus FAQs
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Advice on how to handle sick leave, study disruption, funding problems, examination and support available during the Covid-19 pandemic
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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: docx
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
De-registration form
De-registration form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
To request that a student be de-registered from their programme of study. It should not be used to request a withdrawal from study - please use the separate 'Withdrawal form' for this process.
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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?:
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
What is this for?:
Guidance on applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
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?:
EdD Programme Guide
EdD Programme Guide
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Assistance Programme
Guidance:
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
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?:
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
Examination panel report form - PhD by published work
Examination panel report form - PhD by published work
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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: docx
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) 2020-1
Fee rules (affiliated research centre students) 2020-1
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) 2020-1
Fee rules (directly registered students) 2020-1
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, 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?:
Grant extension application
Grant extension application
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for a grant extension
Who is this for?:
OU Student
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbook
Handbook - Research Degrees Handbook
Guidance:
File:
Filesize:
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
Hardship - Unforeseen Financial Hardship Support Application Form
Hardship - Unforeseen Financial Hardship Support Application Form
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Form to apply for financial support towards unfunded study costs, in cases of unforeseen financial hardship
Who is this for?:
IT Guide for PGRs
IT Guide for PGRs
Guidance:
File:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Summary of IT services for PGRs, issued at induction
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?:
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
Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Leave Policy PROPOSAL
Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Leave Policy PROPOSAL
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Research Degrees Committee paper containing a proposal for a change to the Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Leave Policy
Who is this for?:
Mini Vivas: Remote Mini Viva by Skype Guidance C19 (for examiners)
Mini Vivas: Remote Mini Viva by Skype Guidance C19 (for examiners)
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Guidance for Mini Vivas for facilitators
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Supervisor
Monthly attendance monitoring for Tier 4 students
Monthly attendance monitoring for Tier 4 students
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Tier 4 students and their supervisors should complete this form and submit it to the Research Degrees Office on a monthly basis
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, 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?:
OU taught module access for PGRs PROPOSAL
OU taught module access for PGRs PROPOSAL
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Research Degrees Committee paper containing a proposal for a policy for enabling postgraduate research students to register for Open
University (OU) taught modules
Who is this for?:
OUSET financial support applications
OUSET financial support applications
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to apply for financial support from the Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET) fund
Who is this for?:
OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
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 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 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?:
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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: docx
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 extension requests
Registration extension requests
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request an extension to the final registration deadline
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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 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?:
Study break request form
Study break request form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request a study break to your registration
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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 policy PROPOSAL
Supervision policy PROPOSAL
Guidance:
Filesize: pdf
What is this for?:
Research Degrees Committee paper containing a proposal for a change to the Supervision Policy
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?:
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
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
UKVI Tier 4 Roles and Responsibilities
UKVI Tier 4 Roles and Responsibilities
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
UKVI Tier 4 Responsibilites
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
Upgrade deadline request form
Upgrade deadline request form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to request an extension to a student's upgrade deadline
Who is this for?:
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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: docx
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
Withdrawal form
Withdrawal form
Guidance:
Filesize: docx
What is this for?:
Use this form to withdraw registration from a research degree
Who is this for?:
ARC Co-ordinator, ARC Student, ARC Supervisor, OU Co-ordinator, OU Student, OU Supervisor
(Only for use by PGRs who will submit on or before 30 June 2021)
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
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