Research student FAQs
If you can't find the answer to your question on this page or in the Surgery & Cancer Research Student Handbook, please contact c.greenhill@imperial.ac.uk
Q: Why haven’t I received my bursary this month?
A: This might be because you haven’t enrolled for the academic year via your student eService account or because the period covered by the last bursary form has expired. You should check eService first and then talk to local administration if that isn’t the problem.
Q: How do I pay my tuition fees?
A: If you are self-funded, see http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/studentfinancialsupport/tuitionfees
Q: Do I need to buy my own computer?
A: The Department will provide the necessary computing facilities, but many students like to have their own laptops to take them off-site. If buying a laptop, you can take advantage of preferential rates by purchasing it through College.
Q: How many transferable skills courses do I have to do?
A: See http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/graduateschool/transferableskillsprogramme/transferableskillsrequirement. MD(Res) students don’t have to do any, but may attend as many as they wish. The courses are free and please remember that various courses are aimed at late-stage students, so don’t assume you have to stop attending them after your first year.
Q: How do I book onto transferable skills courses?
A: A booking form can be downloaded from http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/graduateschool/transferableskillsprogramme/bookingforms
Q: A form says the Head of Dept needs to sign – who should I give it to?
A: The form actually needs to be signed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies – just email/post/give the form to Charlie Greenhill and he will arrange the signature.
Q: Who is my local PGEC member?
A: There is a list of PGEC members at: http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/about/divisions/surgeryandcancer/teaching/postgraded/
Q: What are the time scales for completing the research degree milestones?
A: These are set out in the Department's research student handbook.
Q: Where can I get hold of forms from?
A: Departmental forms are at: http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/about/divisions/surgeryandcancer/teaching/postgraded/forms/
Q: Can I submit electronic copies of Departmental forms?
A: Yes – all forms can be submitted electronically (this is actually preferred). Originals are only required for degree certificates and funding letters.
Q: Do I have to pay for conference attendance to present a paper?
A: Some fellowships include funds for travel to conferences and some host groups fund the cost of conference attendance. It is usual for students to be supported to attend at least one major national or international conference to present a paper; this should be discussed with your supervisor
Q: How much holiday do I get and how do I book it?
A: Full-time students may take up to 8 weeks of leave. You should book this through your supervisor, although there may be local procedures in place - please check with local administration.
Q: What should I do if I’m ill/absent for a significant period?
A: You should submit an IC/B form to request an interruption of studies, but please note that this will also interrupt any bursary payments. If you’re unsure what to do, please contact Charlie Greenhill.
Q: How should I raise concerns about my supervision?
A: You can submit a confidential student report form at the next reporting window (Dec/Jan or Jun/Jul) or, if you want the issue addressed sooner, please contact Charlie Greenhill.
Q: Can I switch from MD(Res) to PhD registration?
A: Yes. This is best done at the first review stage (9 months). Please contact Charlie Greenhill to discuss this.
Q: Why has my access card stopped working?
A: This is usually because you have reached the end date of your registration on the College database. If you’re a staff student, you will need to send a contract extension to Charlie Greenhill, if you’re funded through a bursary, you need to talk to your supervisor/local administration and if you’re self-funded, please contact Charlie Greenhill.
Q: What happens when my funding expires?
A: Shortly before it expires, you will receive an email from Charlie Greenhill asking whether you wish to (a) extend your registration, (b) enter writing-up status or (c) have your record completed. Extension of registration requires evidence of further funding, while writing-up status incurs a £100 administration fee, but allows continued access to College facilities (except laboratories). Completion of record terminates access to College facilities, but thesis submission is still permitted within the existing deadline.
Q: Who pays the writing up fee?
A: The default expectation is that the student pays the writing-up fee, but it may also be paid from a grant held by the supervisor.
Q: How should I format my thesis?
A: The College does not prescribe any particular format and does not provide detailed guidance other than the instructions at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/thesisandvivas . You should:
- Follow academic standards
- Use common sense
- Consult your supervisor
- If still unsure, google instructions from more prescriptive institutions for comparison
There may well be copies of previous students’ theses available in the section for you to consult – if your supervisor doesn’t have any of these, I suggest asking one of the local PGEC reps.
Q: What should I do if I don’t think I’m going to make my submission deadline?
A: Please inform Charlie Greenhill as soon as possible. Full-time PhD students should make every effort to submit on time, as submission rates affect the Department’s ability to obtain Research Council funding. Special cases will need to be approved by the College for all students that submit late – please note that clinical workload is not considered sufficient reason in itself by the College.
