The requirements for part-time students are the same as for full-time students, but the timings and deadlines are different. The table below sets out some of the main deadlines:

First year requirements for part-time students

As part-time students have almost five, rather than three, terms to complete their first year requirements (two taught modules, an RDC and the First Year Report), there is some flexibility in when the modules and RDCs are taken.

As the RDCs are a year-long programme, we recommend that part-time students start these in Michaelmas (October), if possible, but it is possible to join them in Lent (January) and finish at the end of the following Michaelmas (December). You should have completed a whole year's RDC programme before your First Year Report deadline.

Modules exams are examined in April, and the results are not available until August, so Michaelmas Term starters need to take these within their first year (as the exams are too late for the first year assessment in the second year). Lent Term starters can take modules during their their first or second year - or a combination - if preferred (which may allow for a greater choice of modules).

Keeping in touch

As a part-time student, you should expect to have 2 - 4 meetings with your supervisor per term. Having a discussion with your supervisor early on about expectations regarding frequency of meetings, preparation expected and receiving feedback can help to clarify what each party would like, and it is also a good idea to have a written agreement. Supervisions do not need to be face-to-face; you can also make use of online collaborative tools (the University subscribes to some services and tools that might be useful).

If you have any changes to your circumstances that impact on your ability to work on your PhD, you should keep both your supervisor and College Tutor informed. This is both so that they can provide you with any necessary support, and also to ensure that you are aware of any relevant University regulations - the section below outlines some of these.

University regulations

Some University regulations for graduate students do not apply to part-time students, or apply differently. Please find a summary of some of the key differences and similarities below.

Working restrictions

Full-time research students may not work more than 10 hours per week

Part-time research students are not restricted in the hours that they may work, but should agree with their supervisor, before admission, how they will balance their work and study, and keep this under regular review.

Working (studying) away from Cambridge

Full-time students must apply for leave to work away if they will be undertaking work towards their PhD away from Cambridge for longer than two weeks.

Part-time students must apply for leave to work away if they will be undertaking work towards their PhD away from their normal place of residence for longer than two weeks.

Minimum terms of research

Full-time students must undertake at least three terms of research within the University (this should coincide with the first year, in order to meet the first year requirements)

Part-time students must undertake at least five terms of research within the University (this should usually coincide with the first five terms, in order to meet the first year requirements)

Intermission

Full-time students should apply for intermission if they are experiencing health (including mental health) issues which mean that they are unable to study. Intermission pauses the clock on the PhD until the student is ready to resume.

Part-time students should apply for intermission if they are experiencing health (including mental health) issues which mean that they are unable to study. Intermission pauses the clock on the PhD until the student is ready to resume. Intermission can also be applied for when a break from study is needed for non-medical reasons.

Terms of residence

Full-time students are required to live within 10 miles of Cambridge city centre, unless they have been granted an exemption.

Part-time students have no residence requirements but are required to attend the University on a regular basis (and must keep five terms of research at Cambridge, as above).