Fieldwork, research and work away
During your PhD, you may need or choose to carry out research or work away from the University. In all cases, this must be formally requested in advance to ensure your time away is accurately recorded with the University and the Doctoral Academy for compliance and regulatory purposes.
If the activity is an essential part of your programme, you will still be required to register your time away, though a formal interruption may not be necessary.
For activities that are optional or unrelated to your programme, you may need to submit a change of circumstances request or apply for an interruption to your studies.
If you are studying on a Student Route visa, it is particularly important that you complete the required processes so the Doctoral Academy can confirm your location, as failure to do so could have implications for your visa.
Types of research and work away from the University:
- Fieldwork
- Mandatory Placements
- Optional Placements
- Internships
- Exchanges
- Institutional Visits
- Summer Schools/workshops.
These provisions are available to all full-time and part-time PGRs, as well as relevant University of Manchester staff.
PGRs on a Student Route visa may face restrictions or refusals on their request to complete research or work away from the University, especially if it is outside the UK or not integral to their programme. Contact the Student Immigration Team and your Faculty Doctoral Academy before making arrangements.
Research or work away will be considered if:
- It is integral to your research and training
- The institution or location is suitable
- A work plan is agreed with your supervisory team
- Adequate supervision arrangements are in place
- Export controls, compliance, and risk protocols are followed
- Visa and immigration regulations are considered.
For detailed guidance, please refer to the PGR Research and Work Away from the University Procedure.
How to apply for PGR fieldwork and study away using My Placement
Applications for off-campus PGR fieldwork and study away for more than 48 hours should be made through the My Placement system. You do not need to complete an application for fieldwork/study away that does not involve an overnight stay or for on-campus activity unless you have been advised to do so.
Navigate to your chosen activity and then choose the appropriate programme for the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Click the 'Apply Now' button to create your application and complete all the requirements before submitting. To return to your application in future, go to My Placement, select 'LOGIN', log in with your campus ID or your portal account credentials.
Application requirements include details of your intended activity, your supervisor supporting statement, evidence of ethical approval (if required) and confirmation of an approved risk assessment. More details of these requirements can be found in the application.
Review and approval of your application is administered through My Placement.
Travel booking
Key Travel is the University’s Travel Management System and should be used for booking travel and accommodation.
Bookings for overseas travel must comply with The University of Manchester Travel Policy. This policy applies to all students at the University who are required to travel outside the UK for learning or research purposes as part of their degree programme of studies.
Please contact your departmental Operations team to book PGR travel. They will explain the process and assist with travel bookings.
Recording your location in Submission Pending
If you are in Submission Pending on a Student Route visa and plan to leave the UK, you must inform the University at least six weeks in advance, in line with your visa conditions.
PGRs are also required to notify the University if their location changes after leaving the UK during the Submission Pending period.
If this applies to you, you must submit an application using the form available on the My Placement system.
Once your application has been submitted, the Progression and Support Team will review it and notify you of the outcome. You can track the status of your application through MyPlacement.
Should you have any queries in relation to your application, please contact the DA Progression team.