Studying in Zoology

Milestones

Doing a PhD takes a minimum of three years, and because of that you are given milestones along the way in order to evaluate your progress and make sure you’re on the right track. You are expected to write three reports at different stages of your studies, which will be read by two advisors. Your advisors’ comments will be returned to you, so that you can meet with them and discuss their remarks. Writing these reports will also help you to reflect on what you’ve done so far, to start analysing data and to organise your bibliography.

The advisors are two people from the department that you choose, based on their expertise. Apart from commenting on the reports, your advisors are also part of your support network (along with your supervisor, uncle and auntie), and they’ll be available for you to discuss any academic problems.

Don’t worry about forgetting the reports’ deadlines, because Linda will send you a reminder one month before the due date!

Feasibility Report

Your first report is due two months after you’ve started. It’s a very short report (500 words) and its purpose is to show that you have decided on a project and on a research plan, making sure you’ve taken into account any requirements you will need to complete your work (consumables, facilities, space, etc) and that they are available.

You are also asked to list any courses that you intend doing, both transferable skills and subject-based ones.

First Year Report

This report is due 10 months after your starting date and it should be no longer than 3000 words. Once your advisors have commented on the report, you will meet them both and discuss your work (viva). It is the outcome of the viva that will determine if you are recommended for registration to the PhD degree (during your first year you’re in probation).

Even though this stage is essential for you to continue your PhD, don’t worry if you don’t have any results. The advisors are aware that it depends on the nature of the project how quickly results are obtained.

Second Year Report

Your last report before you hand in your dissertation is due 22 months from your start date. It’s the longest of the three (4000 words) and in addition to the usual report sections (summary, introduction, results, methods, etc) you are asked to write an outline of the chapters for your thesis. Although the final dissertation can deviate from this outline, it will help you think about out to organise your work into a logical story.

For more information on postgraduate degrees, and on the rules of dissertation submission, go to the Board of Graduate Studies and to the Graduate Union websites.