In line with UKRI guidance, funded students (University, UKRI and co-funded) are able to apply for short-term paid Compassionate or Emergency leave:

• This provision was introduced for University and co-funded students as of 1 April 2023 (i.e. the incident in question must have taken place since then) but was available to UKRI-funded before that (although retrospective claims more than two months after the event would not normally be considered).
• Paid Compassionate or Emergency Leave will normally be restricted to the death of a close family member (e.g. partner, children, parents, siblings, grandparents) or occasions where a close family member suffers a life-changing illness or injury, requiring the student’s involvement and care for the person concerned.

How long can the paid leave be for?

• For bereavement, UKRI provides up to two weeks paid leave.  For other emergencies and/or compassionate leave, UKRI provides a maximum of five days paid leave.  Where your studies are affected beyond that, it is recommended that you consider requesting a standard, unpaid, interruption.

How does this paid Compassionate or Emergency Leave affect my funding and submission deadline?

• Your funding end date and your submission deadline will be extended by the duration of the leave approved.

How do I apply for it?

• An Emergency or Compassionate Leave request form should be completed and returned to the Doctoral School with supporting evidence.  Please note that such requests are subject to the approval of your Director of PGR Education