Associate Postgraduate Research Students

Applying for PhD Associate Research study
 

Overview

An Associate Postgraduate Research (PGR) Student is a student who is currently registered for a research degree at another institution and is approved to undertake a temporary period of research at Queen Mary University of London in support of that degree.

This route enables visiting research students to access academic expertise, facilities, and the wider research environment at Queen Mary for a defined period.

Associate PGR registration is temporary. It does not constitute enrolment on a Queen Mary research degree and does not confer the rights of a registered PGR, including formal supervision, progression, examination, or eligibility for an award.

The standard maximum duration is 12 months. Extensions beyond this are exceptional and subject to approval by the host School or Institute.

Entry Requirements

This route is available to postgraduate research students who:
· are currently enrolled on a research degree at another recognised institution
· wish to undertake a defined period of research at Queen Mary related to their degree
· have the support of an academic host at Queen Mary

This may include students requiring access to laboratories, specialist facilities, archives, or academic collaboration.

This route is not intended for:
· informal or ad hoc research visits
· academic staff undertaking research activity
· students on taught programmes (including Master’s degrees)
· individuals not currently registered on a research degree elsewhere
· applicants seeking admission to a full Queen Mary research degree
· individuals seeking to use this route as an alternative to formal admission

Start dates

Associate PGR Students normally begin on the first working day of a month. Start dates in August and December are not normally permitted and require approval from the Research Degrees Office.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted and approved before the visit can begin. 

Before applying, applicants should contact the relevant School or academic host to confirm that the visit can be supported.  Full details on this process can be found here: Choosing a project and supervisor.
When corresponding with a potential supervisor, it is essential that you include the following

• A short version research proposal. The short-version research proposal sets out what you intend to do during your degree and establishes your research in relation to other work in the field. The proposal should be maximum 1,000 words long and include an indicative bibliography (not included in the word count).
• Your CV.

Once you have established contact with and received positive feedback from a suitable supervisor, you can submit your application .

Applications will normally require:
· confirmation of registration on a research degree at another institution
· a summary of the proposed research activity
· proposed start and end dates
· written confirmation of support from a Queen Mary academic host
· evidence of academic qualifications
· evidence of English language proficiency (where required)

We aim to review applications within two weeks where all documentation is provided.

For full details and to apply, please visit: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/associate/

Fees

Associate PGR Students may be required to pay fees for their period of study. Fees are set by the host School or Institute and may include a bench fee or research-related charge. 

Fee arrangements will be confirmed as part of the application and offer process.

English Language Requirements

For postgraduate research associate study of more than 6 months (or for any length non-credit bearing Research Associate students that require a Student Route Visa), you must meet the English Language requirements for entry to research programmes in the School of Society and Environment. More information on English language requirements here.

For non-credit bearing postgraduate research associate study for less than 6 months duration (and who do not require a Student Route visa), applicants may self-certify that they have a sufficient level of English Language before entering and undertaking any academic study or activities. This must be supported by a statement from the directly responsible academic supervisor within Queen Mary.

Visa and Immigration

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet UK immigration requirements before beginning their visit. Visits of six months or more will normally require a Student Route visa. Visa requirements may affect start dates

Further information is available here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/registry-services/student-information/my-immigration/ 

If you are currently in the UK on a Student Route visa sponsored by another UK university, you will be required to provide: a letter from your current institution confirming that they are happy for this arrangement and that they will continue to be responsible for the student’s compliance while you are studying at QMUL. Template for Visiting Research Associate letter.

What you receive

Associate PGR Students may receive access to relevant University facilities and services for the duration of their visit. This may include:
· a Queen Mary ID card
· access to libraries and online resources
· access to buildings and research facilities (where appropriate)
· access to IT systems required for research

Access will depend on the nature of the visit and arrangements with the host School or Institute.

Responsibilities

As an Associate PGR Student, you are responsible for:
· agreeing arrangements with your academic host and School or Institute
· submitting a complete application via MySIS (the QMUL student records system) in advance of your start date
· applying for ATAS clearance (if required)
· securing the appropriate immigration permission (if required)
· completing enrolment when invited
· meeting the academic expectations agreed with your host

Extensions

Requests to extend the period of study must be submitted before the original end date. Extensions require approval from the host School or Institute and may be subject to additional fees and immigration requirements. In some cases, a new visa may be required.

Further information

If you are unsure whether this route is appropriate, please contact the Research Degrees Office or the relevant School or Institute before applying.