The First Progression Review takes place within a period of 8-10 months from enrolment (or equivalent pro-rata for part time students). The review includes a viva voce, which is conducted by an internal independent assessor, proposed by the supervisor, and approved by the Director of the Graduate School. A member of the supervisory team will normally be in attendance. In exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the Director of the Graduate School, an external independent assessor may be appointed.
Prior to the review, the student is required to submit written work. This should be done at least four working weeks in advance of the decision deadline to allow the panel to consider the material, hold a viva voce, and make a recommendation within the specified timeframe. For instance, in the case of the full-time PhD programme, for the first attempt at the First Progression Review, the respective written report must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the end of Month 10.
Failure to submit a written report by the specified deadline will result in a failure of the respective progression review attempt.
Following the Review, the assessors will recommend either to:
1. progress to the next stage of candidature; or
2. re-assess.
If re-assessment is recommended, the research student will be given written guidance on preparation for their second (and final) attempt.
The second attempt at the First Progression Review will have the same format as the first attempt, and will usually be conducted by the same panel as for the first attempt. In exceptional circumstances, the Director of the Graduate School may wish to appoint a third panel member. The second attempt at the First Progression Review will involve another viva voce. However, if the assessors deem that the Report is sufficient to progress, the viva voce will be cancelled. The assessment panel will include an independent chair.
In exceptional circumstances, an independent note taker will be appointed by the Director of the Graduate School. The second attempt at the First Progression Review will lead to one of two recommendations:
1. to progress to the next stage of candidature; or
2. to terminate the student's candidature.