Extension Fees
Should you find that you need to extend your studies beyond your current submission deadline, you should apply for an Extension of Time via the Change Requests section of PhD Manager.
The first extension after your main period of registration is for a fixed period of 4 months, and any subsequent extensions are for fixed periods of 3 months. You can submit at any time within that fixed period.
Your first extension is free of change and subsequent extensions incur a fee, details are below.
| Extension | Duration | Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| First extension | 4 months | Free |
| Second extension | 3 months | £305 |
| Third extension | 3 months | £420 |
| Any further extensions | 3 months | £725 |
*Fees are correct at time of posting, please refer to Miscellaneous Fees - Academic Year 2023/24 - Student Guide (ulster.ac.uk) for the most up-to-date information
When to use 'Extenuating Circumstances' and what are they?
This can be used if the request for an extension of time is for reasons beyond your control and you are requesting a subsequent waiver of the extension fee.
Your reason for requesting the extension should fall within one of the following categories:
| Category | Suggested Evidence | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | A statement from your doctor/healthcare professional indicating that you should refrain from working for a specified period of time or that your circumstances have led to you being unable to work for a percentage of your time. | A medical condition that has inhibited completion of project. |
| Personal | A statement from your doctor/healthcare professional indicating that you should refrain from working for a specified period of time or have been unable to work for a specified period of time. | Issues such as bereavement or illness with family members. |
| Ethical Approval | A statement from Research Governance confirming delays. | Issues relating to delays in ethical approval processes or related factors associated with delays in the recruitment of patients or other research participants. |
Physical Resources Issues | A statement from your supervisors, supported by the Research Director, confirming factors which have impeded the progress of your study. Note that supervisors may provide this on the PhD Manager form also, instead of in a separate statement. | Issues relating to breakdown or inaccessibility of necessary equipment or other physical resources required for your study. |
Supervisory issues | A supporting statement from the Research Director confirming supervisory issues. Note that your Research Director may provide this on the PhD Manager form also, instead of in a separate statement. | Issues could include illness or unavailability of supervisory support, which resulted in a delay in receiving feedback or guidance. |
Information supplied for this request will be held in confidence and will only be distributed to those involved in considering and processing this application.