Do PhD or MPhil degrees always have to start at the beginning of the academic year (mid-late September)?
It is much better for all concerned if PGR students start at the conventional time, the commencement of the academic year in mid to late September. This is because the University and research council administration and student induction are heavily geared to this start date, and because PGR students (except recent Newcastle graduates) typically begin by sitting in on selected MSc modules which also commence in late September or early October. Starting late can also cause accommodation problems, because of lack of available places in University halls, or a more limited choice of available private rental accommodation after the year has started. Under exceptional circumstances students may be allowed to commence at other times, although they may still be required to take any helpful MSc modules they may have missed at the next possible time. Anyone who believes that they may not be able to commence at the normal or agreed time should give us advance warning as soon as they can. Overseas
