Key PGR Publications and Regulations

Code of Practice for PGR students  (PDR: 444.4 kB) sets out the University’s standards for its research programmes. Familiarise yourself with this document at the start of your degree.

The research handbook provides advice and guidance for PGR students and research supervisors and highlights key activities. You’re encouraged to read this document thoroughly as it provides a useful first point of reference for queries during your studies

The University Regulations for all degrees are updated annually. These provide important information covering all stages of a degree including admission, progression, supervision, submission and examination arrangements. 

Specific Regulations for Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication (in association with FERA) are available here.  Any queries should be directed to the HaSS and SAgE Graduate School at gradschool@ncl.ac.uk

The Student Charter is a summary of commitments agreed by the University community and signed off by the Vice-Chancellor and the President of the Students’ Union.

Important sections include the 'Statements of Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities' and 'Behavioural Expectations', along with information on relevant key policies and procedures. You should familiarise yourself with this document at the start of your studies.

The Handbook for Examiners of Research Degrees by Theses provides staff with guidance on key stages of the examination process including the procedures for nominating, selecting and appointing examiners, and good practice guidelines for the conduct of examinations.

The Academic Query and Appeals Procedure provides details of how to submit an appeal if you’re unhappy with the outcome of an annual progression review or final examination

The Student Complaints and Resolution Procedure sets out the University’s formal complaints procedure for submitting a complaint about a school, service or member of staff.

View our full list of documents, policies and forms.

If you are a UKRI funded student please be aware that UKRI have updated their terms and conditions effective from 1st October 2025. 

The revised UKRI policy documents are available and you are encouraged to review these.  If you have any queries regarding these updated terms and conditions, you should contact your Doctoral Training Grant Management Team or your Graduate School: 

Updated standard terms and conditions of training grant

Updated training grant guidance

Disabled Students' Allowance Framework (DSA)

Newcastle’s response to the changes: 

One major change to the terms and conditions is that UKRI now require all Postgraduate Researchers to record all types of leave. Therefore, the following action should be taken depending on the length of your leave: 

• For leave under 4-weeks please use absence system in the Student Portal: My Requests
• For leave over 4-weeks please complete the mitigating circumstances form in the NU Reflect Code of Practice system: https://postgrad.ncl.ac.uk/

Any requests for stipend funding extensions related to medical leave must be considered by your Doctoral Training Grant Management Team in the first instance. 

Further details of the changes can be found here - UKRI T&Cs Update October 2025 (PDF 0.6MB).