The University is committed to ensuring that students are provided with the appropriate information and support during the initial registration period.  Through the Welcome and Registration Portal, students can complete the registration process for general enrolment, finance, and accommodation.  Students can also access specific information and checklists, which signpost students to the relevant Schools to complete the registration and induction process.

The Graduate School provides a range of activities during the University Welcome Week, and induction sessions in early October and February, to provide NI/GB/EU and international students with a comprehensive induction programme and access to a wide range of information and advice.  In addition to helping students with the orientation of the wider University, the programme provides a range of activities which encourage postgraduate research students to engage and build up relationships with their peers.  The Graduate School also provides access to videos and online support to accommodate new students registering throughout the course of the academic year.

As part of the University-wide induction sessions, students are introduced to this Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes, and the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes.  As such, students are briefed on the regulations, processes and practices regarding:

1. Student registration (regulation 2)‌.
2. External students and students working away from Queen’s (regulation 3).
3. Periods of study for RDPs, including the minimum, normal and maximum periods of study (regulation 4), and how to request, in light of extenuating circumstances, an extended period of study and thesis submission date using the RDP Exception Request - Registration and Thesis Submission Form (Microsoft Word)‌.
4. Temporary withdrawal (regulation 5), including how to request, in light of extenuating circumstances, an extended period of temporary withdrawal using the RDP Exception Request - Temporary Withdrawal Form (Microsoft Word)‌.
5. Progress, including supervision, regular progress monitoring, and Annual Progress Review (regulation 6).
6. Assessment, including the requirements for the RDP awards, and the assessment/examination process (regulation 7).
7. The Academic Appeal Regulations (Research Degree Programmes) procedure.

In addition to specific University induction programmes run by the Graduate School, School induction programmes provide a range of information including information relating to School facilities, research support, and School health and safety procedures.  Schools also facilitate an initial meeting with the supervisory team, where the student and supervisors agree on plans for the RDP.

Information on on-going training opportunities is available through the Graduate School.  The Student Gateway provides students with a wide range of links to sources of information and advice on all aspects of student life, including access to support services, financial advice, and careers advice.  (See also Useful Contacts). 

The general expectations of students, and what students can expect from the University, are contained within the Student Charter.  The responsibilities of students whilst engaging with their supervisor over the course of their RDP are highlighted at various stages throughout the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes.  (See also Responsibilities of the Supervisor).  Research students’ responsibilities include:

1. Personal and professional development, including, where possible, recognising when they need help and seeking it in a timely manner.
2. Maintaining regular contact with the supervisory team.
3. Preparing adequately for meetings with supervisors.
4. Setting and keeping to timetables and deadlines, including planning and submitting work as and when required, and maintaining satisfactory progress with the RDP.
5. Maintaining research records in such a way that they can be accessed and understood by anyone with a legitimate need to see them.
6. Raising awareness of any specific needs or circumstances likely to affect their work.
7. Attending any development opportunities (research-related or other) that have been identified when agreeing development needs with supervisors.
8. Being familiar with the regulations and policies that affect them, including those relating to their award, health and safety, intellectual property, electronic repositories, and ethical research.

 The student is responsible for the submitted work, and the eventual success or failure of the RDP.  (In endorsing the Notice of Intention to Submit Service Request, the Chair of the School Postgraduate Research Committee, or nominee, does not confirm that the thesis is fit for submission or that the submission will be successful.)

The Students' Union has developed a Student-Supervisor Relationship Toolkit, which provides useful guidance on establishing the relationship between student and supervisor.