When a student fails to make progress
If a student's progress is poor, it is expected that departments will take action to identify whether any additional support or guidance is required and can be offered, either by the academic department or by other support services. Depending on when the issues are identified, they may be dealt with via the Confirmation Review process, which is intended to confirm a student's potential for doctoral-level study. A student who fails to demonstrate sufficient progress and potential at their Confirmation Review may be transferred to MPhil via this process.
If problems persist, departments should be clear with the student in identifying their concerns and should seek ways to address the situation. If this still does not result in an improvement in the student's performance, an academic department may request a review of a student's academic progress, on certain grounds, which are specified in the University Regulations. This process is primarily to determine whether or not a student should be permitted to continue their programme of research, and if so, on what terms.
Where a department is concerned about the academic progress of a research student they are advised to discuss this matter at an early stage with the relevant Faculty Administrator in Research & Innovation Services. Further information is also available here.