A guide for progression or transfer to PhD. An introduction to the requirements of the RD2 progression form and the transfer report and what to expect in the transfer viva.

1. Progression Review
• After 12 months f/t, 24 months p/t
• MA by Research transfer to PhD after 6
months f/t or 12 months p/t

2. The review consists of several parts:
• The cover sheet.
• Details of changes to supervisory team
• Supporting Programme
• summary of workshops, seminars and
conferences both internal and external to the
Faculty and University that you have attended
• changes to ethical status

3. The report. 5-6k words in length
The scrutineers will consider:
• Research Question
• the structure and presentation of your report;
• A critical appraisal of the research context: commonly a critical
review of practices, scholarly literature, theories, and/or histories
(as appropriate to your field of enquiry).
• the appropriateness of the aims and objectives and how they may
have changed since registration (RD1)
• a detailed rationale of any substantial changes
• the appropriateness of the research methods
• the results and discussion of progress to date;
• the conclusions and indication of the way forward,
• the expected significant contribution to knowledge (if PhD) and a
description of the widening scale of the work that is to take the
project to PhD level

4. Abstract
• Up to one side of A4
• Main conclusions
• Description of the project
• Results so far
• Projected contribution to the field

5. Appendix
• An Appendix normally accompanies the
Progression Review Report.
• a selection of written or practical work providing
evidence of work at the appropriate academic
standard.
• could include a literature review or other chapter,
a relevant conference paper or published article,
documentation of an exhibition or art and design
practice.
• Texts no more than 8k, or 4k supporting text
when combined with practice

6. The Report will be read by two independent scrutineers who will feed
back to you their initial assessments.
• they will scrutinise and assess the abstract and report
• comment on the portfolio.
They will focus on
• Aims and objectives
• Methods
• Literature review/context
• Research plan
• Contribution to the field
To help you prepare for the mini-viva you will get the reports in
advance

7. Review viva
• 1 to 1.5 hours, depending if you are giving a presentation
• Presentations normally reserved for submissions which involve an
element of practice
There are a number of possible outcomes
Progression recommended
• Progression approved
• Minor revisions (2 weeks f/t, 4 weeks p/t)
Progression not recommended
• Major revisions with or without another viva (4 or 8 weeks)
• Do not pass go return to start of the review process
You will receive a detailed report detailing any amendments after the
viva.