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Research Degrees in Biological Sciences (Biology, Plant Sciences and Zoology)

All research students will be admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student in the first instance. Individuals may hold this status for a maximum of four terms. The provisions for extension to this time limit are set out in the General Regulations Governing Research Degrees: Part 4 Residence and other Requirements of Probationer Research Students. Candidates should discuss with their supervisors whether to apply for transfer to MSc status or to DPhil status, and the most appropriate time at which to apply. It is possible to transfer to MSc status initially and thereafter to DPhil status if this is appropriate.

  • 1. Admission of students to the status of Student for the MSc by Research

    Applicants should submit the material specified in clause 1 of the Regulations for the Degree of Master of Science by Research: Part 3 Admission of Candidates; the board does not normally require any further test under Part 3, cl. 2. Candidates may obtain full details from the course handbook.

  • 2. Admission of students to the status of Student for the MSc by Research of the Doctor of Philosophy

    The form of written work to be submitted by candidates for admission as Students for the MSc by Research, and the mannger of its examination, are as required by Regulations for the Degree of Master of Science by Research, Candidates may obtain full details from the course handbook.

  • The form of written work to be submitted by candidates for admission as Students for the Doctor of Philosophy, and the manner of its examination, are as required by clause 2 of the Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy: Part 3 Admission of Candidates. Candidates may obtain full details from the course handbook.

  • 3. Confirmation for Status of Student for the Doctor of Philosophy

    The status of Students for the Doctor of Philosophy will be confirmed by the board under the provisions of clause 2 of the Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy: Part 4 Confirmation of Status, when it has received a certificate from the candidate's head of department that he or she is continuing satisfactorily to conduct research. Details may be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies.

  • 4. Theses

    MSc by Research theses should normally be not more than 25,000 words in length, exclusive of bibliography, appendices, diagrams, and tables. In exceptional circumstances the permission of the board can be sought to exceed this limit, but in no case may a thesis be longer than 40,000 words.

  • DPhil theses should normally be not more than 50,000 words in length (approximately 170 sides of A4 paper), exclusive of bibliography, appendices, diagrams, and tables. In exceptional circumstances the permission of the board can be sought to exceed this limit, but in no case may a thesis be longer than 75,000 words.

    Candidates with some published work may also include that as part of a traditional thesis, normally as an appendix.

    Approval to submit a thesis using this format must be sought in advance from the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies.