Dealing with disruption and life events

This page contains links that will support you if you experience disruption during your research degree.

The University aims to support students throughout their research degree and recognises that academic progress can be affected by personal or project‑related difficulties. Students experiencing problems – such as illness, bereavement, financial issues or stalled research – should speak with their supervisor or third‑party monitor, who can help identify solutions, request a study break or adjust deadlines. Whatever support we can offer is likely to be dependent on your issue and circumstances (e.g., mode of study and funding) so it is important to talk to us early if you experience disruption so we can signpost to appropriate guidance.

Student tip: “It is always being better to speak up early and get support in place, rather than waiting several months and then realising the issue has had a major impact on your progress.”

Forms and Guidance

Note: if any of these links are broken try searching on the main Forms and Guidance page.

Posthumous awards: Policy and guidance for aegrotat and posthumous research degrees awards

Reasonable adjustments and study breaks: Guidance on Reasonable Adjustments

Return to study form

Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Leave Policy

GSN Pages

Concerns and complaints | Graduate School Network

Fees, funding and cost of living | Graduate School Network

Student wellbeing

Training resources

The following modules are part of OLCreate: Research skills for PhD students | OLCreate (enrolment keys are here RESEARCH-SKILLS: Enrolment keys | OU online).

• Managing your wellbeing as a PhD student
• Managing professional relationships.

Other helpful resources

Complaints and appeals procedure

Dignity and respect policy

Disability Support Form

Fee rules (separate documents for directly registered PGRs and ARC PGRs)

Fitness to study

Funding for study-related costs

Mental Health Casework and Advice Team | learn3

Report + support

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., Research Training Support Grant (RTSG or Research Student Support Fund/RESSF)
• 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).