Key facts about your enrolment on a post graduate research degree at the University of Huddersfield

When you enrol or re-register as a student with us, we ask you to confirm that you agree to follow our regulations, policies and procedures. These along with your programme details form your student contract with us.

By enrolling or re-registering with us, you are deemed to have accepted our regulations, procedures, policies and the details of your research degree.

We are committed to supporting you through your studies. To do this we have highlighted below those regulations and policies that you will be expected to follow and are the most likely to affect your studies. It is important for you to become familiar with the information below. We review our regulations annually with any changes being highlighted.

If you would like direct support on any of the information below, you should contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre: advice-centre@hud.ac.uk or the Student Support Team in your School. The University iPoint service can also assist you and refer you to our specialist support services including Wellbeing and Disability Services, International Office, Careers and Employability and the Student Finance Office.

Annual re-registration

A penalty applies to students who fail to re-register during the official re-registration period. If you fail to re-register by three weeks of your annual re-registration date or when you return from a period of interruption, you will lose access to the University IT Systems, including your e-mail account and may also be withdrawn.

Attendance and engagement

You will get the best out of your research degree if you engage regularly with the supervision and training we provide for our postgraduate researchers, both online and on campus. If you are taking annual leave or need a break from study for any other reason, you must let us know through the correct procedures.

If you fail to engage with your supervision and research programme in the way set out in the regulations, you risk being withdrawn from the University.

Behaviour

The University is a community and the way you and staff interact with each other, whether in person or online, can affect our environment and your achievement. We have a Community Code of Conduct which highlights the expectations of you as a student with us. If you breach the code of conduct, you may be subject to disciplinary proceedings which could result in serious precautionary measures and serious penalties being applied.

We also have a PGR Charter that sets out the responsibilities of both you and your supervisor.

Covid-19

In order to comply with government guidance around the management of Covid-19, the University may need to apply social distancing and additional hygiene measures to promote the safety of students and staff. If you breach these requirements, you will be subject to disciplinary proceedings which could result in serious penalties being applied.

Tuition fees and student finance

It is very important that you follow the Financial Regulations for students and ensure your fees are paid on time. If you do not, we may refer your debt to our external debt collectors and you may incur further charges or be withdrawn from your course.

Research misconduct

We take research misconduct very seriously. Our Regulations for Postgraduate Research Students contains our rules on how we expect you to behave when you are conducting your research and being examined or assessed. It also sets out the consequences if you breach our research conduct regulations.

Consideration of personal circumstances

We understand that sometimes your performance will be affected by things outside of your control. Our regulations contain the procedures you must follow if you need to interrupt your studies or require additional time to complete an examination or assessment. You may also completely withdraw from your studies.

Appealing a result

We have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that decisions about student progression, assessment and award are made in a way which is fair and equitable. If you believe you have been unfairly assessed, then you may submit an appeal.

Complaints

As part of our commitment to you, we recognise that there may be occasions where you may have a valid complaint.

Other policies and procedures

In addition to the regulations referred to above, you should familiarise yourself with the following policies, which all apply to your studies at the University:

  1. Data Protection – this sets out how your personal data should be processed by members of the University in order to be compliant with data protection legislation.
  2. Student Privacy Notice – this sets out how the University of Huddersfield processes personal data and who it shares your information with.
  3. Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy– this document sets out our commitment to the promotion of providing an inclusive learning and working environment at the University of Huddersfield.
  4. Freedom of Speech and External Speakers Policy – this policy protects your right to express an academic opinion and sets out the rules for speakers coming on to campus.
  5. Health and Safety Policy – sets out how you can ensure you study in a safe and secure manner.
  6. Intellectual Property Policy – Intellectual Property (IP) forms an important function within the University. The default position for PGRs is that all generated IP belongs to the University unless the PGR is studying either an MEnt or EntD, or they are sponsored and a formal studentship agreement is in place. Please see this policy for more information regarding IP and who to contact if you have a query.
  7. Research Ethics and Integrity Policy – sets out your responsibilities to ensure any research you undertake is conducted in an ethical manner and is properly approved.
  8. Safeguarding Policy – sets out your responsibilities in relation to vulnerable members of the University community.
  9. Whistleblowing Policy – sets out the procedure to follow if you wish to draw attention to any wrongdoing to the University's attention.
  10. Social Media and Communications Policy – sets out your responsibilities when using social media which directly or indirectly represents or refers to the University, its staff, students and partners.
  11. Audio and Video Capture Policy – sets out how we will use our  Hudstream audio and video lecture system.
  12. Proof Reading and Machine Translation Policy – you are advised to read this policy if you are considering using proof-reading services in connection with assessed work.
  13. Credit Control and Debt Management Policy – sets out how we manage any debts owed by students.
  14. Student Protection Plan – sets out a summary of the policies and procedures which we have put in place to ensure the continuity and quality of your study from enrolment to completion of your studies.
  15. Computing Facilities Policy – sets out our expectations when using the University’s computing facilities.
  16. IT Security Policy – set outs how we manage IT Security and what actions we will take if that is breached.
  17. Policy on Support for Pregnant Students and New Parents – this document sets out how the University will support new parents and pregnant students.
  18. Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Framework and Guidance- this document sets out how we intend to support you if you are experiencing mental health difficulties.
  19. Student Contract Terms and Conditions - this document sets out the terms and conditions on which we supply services to students.