If you have interrupted your studies due to ill heath, you are not normally expected to return from interruption until you are fully fit to resume your studies.  However, if you are funded and are returning from an interruption of at least 12 months due to ill health (either physical or mental), you may be eligible for a phased return to your studies:

What does a phased return entail?

• A phased return would involve you returning for the first four weeks after your interruption at 50% of your normal research rate, i.e. if you are a full-time student, you would receive a two-week extension to both your funding end date and your upgrade / submission deadlines.
• Please note that the phased return should only be used where the four weeks is likely to be adequate to enable you to resume study at your normal rate.  If the 4 weeks of phased return is not sufficient, you would need to request an extension to your interruption (via a new interruption request form).  Alternatively, if you are currently studying full-time, you may wish to consider changing to part-time.

 How do I apply for it?

• Discuss this with your supervisor.
• Write a plan with your supervisor of the work you will do during this phased return.
• Obtain a 'Fitness to Work' certificate from your GP.
• Complete the request form, obtain academic approval and return to the Doctoral School for processing with the medical certificate.
• Please note that all phased return requests are subject to the approval of your Director of PGR Education.