Codes of Practice and regulations

It is important you read the University documents, listed here, which govern the policy and practice of your PhD programme.

Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students

The University publishes a Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students containing information on many important topics including:

  • roles and responsibilities of the student, the supervisors and the School
  • formal aspects of the progress of research students
  • writing up, submission of thesis and examination
  • resolving problems
  • appeals
  • plagiarism and cheating
  • other useful information

Read the University’s Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students

It is particularly worth noting the "Resolving Problems" section in the Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students.

The IAD also provides:

Checklist for students based on the Code of Practice (MS Word doc)

This is a self-reference checklist for you to complete after reading the Code of Practice.

University of Edinburgh Degree Regulations

The University’s Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS) provides information on the programmes of study offered by the University of Edinburgh, and sets out the regulatory framework by which these are governed, together with the regulations and codes that govern the general context of a student’s academic career at the University.

Postgraduate policies

The University’s Academic Services unit produces a range of policies and guidance notes, aimed at research students, which cover:

  • admissions
  • thesis submission
  • assessment
  • academic appeals
  • student complaints
  • student discipline (including guidance on academic misconduct, and avoiding plagiarism.)

University of Edinburgh Code of Practice for Research

The University of Edinburgh replaced its Code of Good Practice in Research (November 2002) by adopting the UK Research Integrity Office’s Code of Practice for Research.

School handbooks

During induction into your PhD you should have received a handbook from your school. This will cover all of the essential advice and information needed to progress through our research. In addition it will cover the vital milestones you are required to meet, and give you details of all of your school contacts and resources. If you haven’t received a handbook, please contact your graduate school office.