Extension of Studies

Masters degree by Research

Current regulations state that the minimum number of years for a full time student
undertaking a Master’s degree by Research is one year from the date of first registration for the programme. The maximum number of years allowed is four years or in the case of the Faculty of Arts, five years, (unless shorter periods are specified in
the programme regulations). The number of years for part-time students is determined on a pro-rata basis. Students who do not complete within the maximum number of years  and require an extension, must, having first consulted with their supervisor, get a letter signed by the Head of Department and forwarded to the Graduate Studies Office. This is forwarded to the relevant Faculty and the Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee for approval.

Registration by Submission Only (Masters degrees by Research and Coursework candidates only)

Masters candidates that have completed their full-time/part-time registration and programme requirements and who are not currently using supervision, but wish to writing up their theses, can register by submission only.  

Only Masters Students who have completed all the coursework/research requirements for their programme of study and who are NOT using any college resources, including Supervision, will be allowed to register “for the submission of a Master’s thesis/dissertation”.  Students will have access to Library and computer facilities.

The following procedure should be followed by Masters Candidates, when making an application to Register by Submission Only:

Students should fill in an application form for ‘Registration for Submission of a Master’s Thesis/Dissertation’ which is available from the Graduate Studies Office, West Wing, University College Cork or from the Graduate Studies website on http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/thesis-submission/Submission/

This form need to be completed by the candidates Supervisor AND the Head of Department and returned to the Graduate Studies office. Once the request has been approved at the Graduate Studies Office, you will receive a letter of confirmation and registration details from the Graduate Students Office.

PhD Degree

Current regulations state that PhD students have six years from the date of acceptance to complete the Degree. Students who do not complete within the specified six years must arrange with the Head of Department/DGSC to seek ACGSC approval for an extension.

The Student Records and Examinations Office is informed by the Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee of all such approvals.

For more information see Guidelines for a Code of Practice for PhD Supervision at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/phd/