Updated PGR FAQ: Funding extensions, childcare, reporting illness
23 Apr 2020
Frequently asked questions are 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. For other queries regarding the current situation, email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.
The following questions have been updated:
What about funding of my project?
Many postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are understandably concerned about their research and funding. UKRI and the Wellcome Trust have announced up to 6 months funded extensions for their PGRs in the final year of programme. We are discussing extensions and funding arrangements for all other PGRs who are not funded by UKRI or the Wellcome Trust and will update this page as soon as possible. Please be assured that our Senior Leadership Team are involved in wider discussions with other institutions and major funders and will communicate further information about this as soon as possible, including information on extensions and interruptions requests.
Can I apply for an interruption or extension to my research?
Yes, PGRs have always been able to apply for an interruption or extension to their research. If the progress of your research has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak you should contact your supervisor to discuss whether an extension is needed. While extensions to your submission date may be granted, the funding of any extension will be dependent on the source of funding for your studentship.
I am worried about my visa status. What should I do?
The Home Office website publishes regular updates. The latest advice is that all foreign nationals whose UK visas expire any time from 24 January 2020 and who cannot leave the country because of travel bans or self-isolation, should contact the Home Office if they wish to extend their stay in the UK. Visas will be extended to 31 May 2020. Details on what to do to obtain this visa extension are on the Home Office website.
You can contact the University’s student immigration team for further advice.
I think I may have contracted coronavirus (COVID-19), do I need to report this to the University?
If you feel unwell and think that you may have the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should follow the latest advice from the NHS. PGRs should also inform their supervisor and local PGR team, and visit Staff FAQs for more information. If you are unable to carry on with your research because of coronavirus related illness you may self-certify for a period of up to 14 calendar days.
The following new questions have been added:
My illness is not related to COVID-19, do I need to report this to the University?
Yes, please inform your supervisor and local PGR support team. You may self-certify for a period of up to 14 calendar days.
What advice do you have for PGRs who are juggling working remotely on their research and caring for children?
We understand that balancing your caring responsibilities with continuing with your research is challenging, and appreciate that you may not be able to commit to carrying out a full or 'normal' day of research in these circumstances. Please discuss this with your supervisor. Keeping a log of any lost time due to caring responsibilities will support you in putting forward any future extension requests.