Confirmation is a formal progression point that all PhD students and EngD Research Engineers must successfully pass to continue with their doctorate. It is one of the principal ways in which the University determines that students are progressing well with their research and that their project is appropriate for continuation at doctoral level.
Over the last academic year, following feedback from a range of students and staff across the faculties and the School, the Doctoral College has made it a priority to develop and update the current Confirmation process. The changes, which come into effect in November 2018, will clarify the process, help to increase efficiency, and help to track progress electronically.
Specifically:
Doctoral students and staff can now complete their forms for Confirmation (PGR3 - Confirmation of Registration and PGR14 - Nomination of Progression Board of Examiners) through SAMIS, in the same way that Candidature and Progress reporting is currently undertaken.
Comprehensive guidance, with clear timescales, for students and staff about Confirmation has been produced to complement local-level guidance provided by Supervisors, Departments and/or School:
Confirmation Guidance for students
Confirmation Process Guide for staff
If you are due to go through Confirmation shortly, or one of your students will be, you will receive an email providing further information. For any queries in the meantime, please refer to the guidance above or contact Sarah Ibbitson, Data and Process Improvement Officer or your Doctoral Programmes Administrator.
Feedback will be sought from staff and students later in the academic year to inform further improvements to the Confirmation process.