PhD External Study Leave is defined as being a period of time away from College (minimum two weeks) to undertake research which counts towards the degree registration. Ordinarily, this is either fielwork or a placement, but also covers split-PhD. It will be recorded as External Study Leave Milestone and the duration of PhD will not be affected. Before taking a period of external study leave, supervisors and students are advised to check the terms and conditions of the student's funding body which may stipulate restrictions on taking this type of leave and may impact on the stipend.

For further informaton please see the College's Guidelines for external study leave

To apply for postgraduate external study leave:

1. Student submits External Study Leave Request form and External Study Leave Proforma, together with the three forms below, to the EEE Postgraduate Office eeepgoffice@office.ac.uk‌‌‌. Only documents with fully completed forms will be reviewed. Please do not sent any of these forms separately. You should explain, in detail, the purpose and relevance of external study leave to your Phd and how this extenral study leave will be assessed.

• Placement Risk Assessment completed jointly by supervisor and student, and sent to the Postgraduate Office.
• Emergency Contact and Checklist  – completed by student and sent to the Postgraduate Office. Once sutdy leave is approved, student should send a copy of this form to supervisor/co-ordinator at the Placement Provider.
• Placement Provider Information Form (word)  – student sends to the third party /company and company sends completed form back to the Postgraduate Office directly.

   2. Student will be informed, via email, once/if the placement is approved by the Department. Forms are filed by the Postgraduate Office.

Split-PhD students only. Please submit External Study Leave form to PG manager annualy so your tutition fees are calculated accurately. Students on this programme are required to physically attend the College for a minimum of 12 months out of the normal 36 months duration of a PhD programme.

Travel Insurance

College provides travel insurance for students travelling within the UK or worldwide on University activities. Please see Student travel insurance page for further infromation.

Due to the ongoing travel situation caused by the pandemic, your department will consider whether your travel plans or placement is “essential”.