A phased return would involve you returning for a period of time at 50% of your normal research rate, i.e., if you are a full-time student and request a phased return of four weeks, you would receive a two-week extension to both your funding end date and your upgrade/submission deadlines.

Note that you will continue to receive your normal stipend during the period of phased return.  For UKRI funded students, this may be accounted for from a period of leave allowable under the UKRI terms and conditions (such as medical leave or family leave), as appropriate.

Where no appropriate funded leave is available, it can also be accounted for from annual leave accrued during your absence. However, where annual leave needs to be used, it will not be possible to extend your deadlines.

Please note that a phased return to studies should only be considered where you expect to return to your normal studies within four weeks. 

Your period of phased return must commence from the date your resumed your studies.

If a longer period of time is needed, and if you are currently studying full-time, then you may wish to consider changing to part-time mode.

• Discuss with your supervisor
• Write a plan with your supervisor of the work you will do during the phased return
• Obtain a 'fitness to work' certificate from your GP to support your request
• Complete the request form and obtain academic approval from your supervisor
• Forward to the Doctoral School for processing within 7 days of the end of your period of leave (note: the period of phased return must start from the date you were expected to resume your studies following your absence).

If you are not University funded, then you must also check that your funder supports a phased return to studies before submitting your request.  Please forward any confirmation emails from your funder to the Doctoral School along with your form and supporting evidence.

Please note that all phased return requests are subject to approval from your Department PGR Lead. The Doctoral School may also need to contact your funder to confirm approval of the request.

Expectation of ten days engagement over the four weeks, gradually building up to 100% of your normal research rate by the end of this period.

Full-Time

Example one:

• Week 1 - return for one day
• Week 2 - return for two days
• Week 3 - return for three days
• Week 4 - return for four days

Example two:

• Week 1 - return for two days
• Week 2 - return for two days
• Week 3 - return for three days
• Week 4 - return for three days

 Part-Time

Example three:

• Week 1 - return for one day (0.5 day FTE)
• Week 2 - return for two days (1 day FTE)
• Week 3 - return for three days (1.5 days FTE)
• Week 4 - return for four days (2 days FTE)

Non-funded students are not eligible to apply for phased return to studies. Instead, you may be able to request a change to part-time status, an interruption of studies or an extension to your deadlines (if in the writing-up year), depending on your circumstances. Please contact DoctoralSchool@rhul.ac.uk for further advice.