Research away from the University – Remote Location

The University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to study for a part-time MPhil or PhD of the University through work carried out at overseas locations.

1. Qualifications

To qualify for consideration for admission to the Remote Location scheme candidates must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• be an International or European Union (EU) based student
• meet the normal entry requirements for MPhil or PhD students at the University of Sheffield
• accept adequate supervisory arrangements for the research scheme acceptable to the relevant Faculty of the University
• prove access to the necessary library, computing and other research facilities required to successfully undertake the programme of research within the required period

2. Application procedures

Interested applicants should submit an application using the online application form. This will be forwarded to the appropriate department.

If the department is able to provide a supervisor for the proposed research, and a candidate's entry qualifications are acceptable, the candidate will be invited to discuss and agree the proposed programme of research.

The applicant and academic department will develop a proposal outlining the arrangements for supervision and access to facilities, which will then be submitted for University approval.

The University will not issue a formal offer of a place until the necessary approval has been gained. Formal offers will be made via the Admissions Service and not by any other authority within the University.

3. Restrictions

Remote Location research can only be undertaken through part-time candidature, subject to academic approval.

Approval to study as a remote location candidate can only be sought during the application process and will not be given to candidates who are already registered as full-time or part-time students of the University.

4. Registration and Examination

Remote Location students will be registered for the degree of MPhil in the first instance.

The candidate's progress will be formally reviewed after approximately 24 months and, providing that both student progress and the arrangements relating to supervision have been satisfactory, the student may then be recommended for the upgrading of candidature to PhD.

As part of the upgrading process, the candidate may be required to undergo an oral examination. As part of the final examination of the PhD degree, students will be required to undertake a viva voce (oral) examination.

The costs associated with attendance at these assessments or examinations, which must be held in Sheffield, will be borne by the student.

The period of registration will be determined by the University during the application process. The normal period of registration will be four years whilst studying towards MPhil qualifications and a further two years (ie six years in total) if studying towards the qualification of PhD.

Candidates will be informed of the normal period of study for their research studies in their offer letter. This period is the standard duration for which students are liable to pay full tuition fees. Failure to meet these costs will result in the University withholding the award of the degree.

5. Student Progress

Whilst undertaking the programme of research at the remote location, the student will be subject to the University's Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations.

The student's academic progress and the effectiveness of the supervisory arrangements will be monitored and evaluated at regular intervals. The supervisor will be required to submit formal progress reports to the departmental research committee (or equivalent body) at least every six months, and also an annual report on the student's progress and the supervisory arrangements to the relevant faculty. These reports will be prepared by the supervisor.

The frequency with which students will meet with their primary supervisor will be agreed in the application process. This must include a least one face-to-face meeting per year, with additional student-supervisor contact maintained at least on a monthly basis.

During the programme of research the University reserves the right to call a student to Sheffield, or alternatively, in some cases it may be necessary for the supervisor to visit the student at a location away from Sheffield. Should either prove necessary, the cost of the visit will be borne by the student.

Students should maintain a file of all correspondence between the student and supervisor. This file must be made available to the University upon request.

6. Costs

The tuition fee for the 2013-14 session is £4250 per year. This is expected to increase in line with inflation in future sessions. In addition, students will be liable for any costs associated with their academic progress as outlined above. Academic departments can also increase the tuition fee by £500, £1000, or £1500 if they feel that an enhanced fee is necessary for the applicant's field of research.

Before commencing studies the student will be required to demonstrate that they can meet the financial demands of this type of study, ie tuition fees and the costs of meeting their supervisor at least once each year for a face-to-face meeting.

7. Sponsorship

Remote location students will not be considered as eligible for any University award, nor for entry as part of the University's Overseas Research Studentship competition quota. University awards are only open to those students who are studying in-situ at Sheffield.

8. Further Information

Applications should be submitted using the University's online application form.

You can find full details of how to apply, funding and other frequently asked questions by visiting www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate.