Applying for a Writing-up Period

Candidates can only apply for the writing-up period if they are at the end of their final year of study and they need additional time to finish writing their thesis. During the writing-up period, candidates should expect minimal supervision, usually meeting once every two months. Students will not be allowed access to laboratories / specialist equipment during the writing-up period, as PGRs are not allowed to conduct research during the writing-up period. At the end of the writing-up period, no further time will be allowed and candidates must submit their work for examination.

Fees

The fee is set at a lower rate for this period to reflect the reduced access to facilities and academic support:

  • £450 for Professional Doctorates, Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Enterprise;
  • £100 for Masters by Research, Masters in Research or a Master of Philosophy.

Please note that the writing-up fee is a set fee and no refund will be provided if you submit your thesis earlier than the maximum period permitted.

Maximum writing-up period

The maximum writing-up period for University of Huddersfield research degree awards is as follows:

Master’s by Research (MA / MSc (Res) / MEnt)

4 months FT & PT

Master in Research (MRes)

4 months FT & PT

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

4 months FT & PT

Professional Doctorate (EdD / DBA / DPA)

12 months FT & PT

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Enterprise (EntD)

12 months FT & PT

How to apply for a writing-up period

Please complete the Application for a writing up period and email it to your main supervisor no later than three months before the end of your programme.

An application for a writing-up period should also be accompanied by:

  • A brief written report outlining progress to date, including progress made with writing-up.
  • Explicit confirmation that all primary research/laboratory work has been completed.
  • A detailed plan for submission within the maximum period permitted.

Following receipt of the full application, the supervisory team will review it and submit it to the Director of Graduate Education for approval. The Director of Graduate Education will confirm whether or not the candidate has demonstrated satisfactory progress to be enrolled for the writing-up period. The Director of Graduate Education may recommend:

  • That the candidate be allowed to enrol for the writing-up period;
  • That the candidate not be allowed to enrol for writing-up, but may have the option to apply for additional time.

The candidate will normally be advised of the decision within 10 working days of application.