Advice by stage

The pages in this section contain links that will support you at particular stages during your research degree.

Research degree timelines

Research degree timelines have been visualised in several different formats, which you may find helpful:

First year part-time PhD timeline (October start)

First year full-time PhD timeline (October start)

First year full-time PhD timeline (February start)

First year part-time PhD timeline (February start)

The Open University PGR Experience (by Dr Vicky Bowskill) - colour version 

The Open University PGR Experience (by Dr Vicky Bowskill) - outline version 

What differs between Faculties?

Each Faculty may have its own policy and procedure around stages and actions including:

• how you can spend any funds related to your training, e.g., a training grant
• health and safety, including work stations and risk assessments for fieldwork
• arranging travel for conferences and fieldwork
• equipment and specialist software
• Third Party Monitor allocation and any subject-specific buddying/mentoring.

We recommend you start by talking with your Faculty Administrator about what happens in your Faculty (mailbox address on Contact us | Graduate School Network).