School of Pharmacy

It is important to avoid time being lost in the earlier stages of a PhD project through lack of direction and planning. It is therefore a requirement within the University that each new postgraduate student completes a 3 Month Review of their proposed research project, the purpose of which is:

1. to assess the feasibility and quality of the proposed research project
2. to develop a detailed plan for the project,
3. to assess the training needs of the student.

It is expected that both the student and their supervisors will take part in this review process.

Please note that it is not the intention at this stage to monitor students' progress; this is performed at 9 months (for full-time students), when a detailed written report must be submitted and an evaluation of progress is made. Students who successfully complete this 9 month review will be differentiated to full PhD status.

Following submission of the 3 month review, the School Postgraduate Research Committee will review the feasibility of the project, taking into account the required timeframe of a PhD, and satisfy themselves that the necessary steps are being taken by supervisors to provide appropriate project management.

COMPLETING THE 3 MONTH REVIEW

The 3 Month Review process requires submission of short report in two sections. Section 1 is written by the postgraduate student and Section 2 by the main supervisor.

Section 1 (completed by the student)

The student should provide a structured abstract of the proposed work, including:

1. Proposed Title of Research
2. Background to the Research Topic
3. Brief Description of the Proposed Project
4. a table detailing a Forward Plan for the project

You may use the attached Gantt chart template, Gantt, to provide a forward plan. Please use these headings in the report. (Max. 2 A4 pages)

Section 2 (completed by the supervisor)
The supervisor should comment briefly on (i) the suitability of the project for a PhD, (ii) the Adequacy of Resources, and (iii) the Student's Training Requirements. Please use these headings in the report. (Max. 1 A4 page)

The student should combine the two sections of the report and forward a single document report, via email attachment only, to the School's postgraduate email address
(pharmacypostgrad@qub.ac.uk)