Updated PGR FAQs: continuing research, returning home, tuition fees, reviews
25 Mar 2020
Frequently asked questions will be updated regularly
This advice is correct at the time of publication of this news article.
If you have health concerns then you should refer to the NHS website as recommended by Public Health England, however to make other queries regarding the current situation you can email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.
We will be updating the staff frequently asked questions on a regular basis.
The latest questions are:
What if I am unable to continue my research remotely?
PGRs should work from home wherever possible. If you are unable to continue working, you should make your supervisor aware of this and discuss the options with your supervisor and local PGR team; these options might include an interruption or extension request, depending on the length of time you are impacted. Keeping a log of any lost time is strongly advised, whether that is due for example, to lack of access to appropriate resource, a period of illness, you need to attend to caring responsibilities, or a return to clinical duties.
Should I return home?
If you wish to and are able to you can return home. Please continue to check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and UK travel restrictions for updated guidance and continue to work remotely if you can. PGRs should inform their supervisor and local PGR support team of their decision.
Will the University be refunding me part of my tuition fees?
We expect PGRs to continue with their research remotely, and the University continues to support all PGRs to achieve their outcomes. As such we will not be refunding tuition fees. If you are struggling to conduct your research remotely, please contact your supervisor and local PGR support team to discuss an interruption/extension request.
Will I still need to do my annual review / continuation review?
Yes, you should continue with your annual review / continuation review as scheduled in order to review your progress over the last year and enable you to raise any issues you have encountered or foresee over the next progression period. The review should be completed remotely using, for example, Zoom or Skype.
Where can I find COVID-19 advice and information from the major funders of grants and studentships?
Visit research FAQs and useful links for more information.