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Writing up status for research students policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Research students at Birkbeck, University of London (hereafter referred to as 'the University' or 'Birkbeck') who have completed the research element of their programme and are now engaged in writing up their thesis are entitled to apply for 'Writing up' status, which has a reduced tuition fee.

1.2 Such students are required to actively engage with the remaining work and must submit their thesis within one calendar year (full-time) or two calendar years (part-time).

1.3 The maximum period of registration specified in the Research Degree Regulations includes time spent in writing up status.

1.4 The basis for the reduced fee for writing up status is that having completed the research-active phase of their research, a student may require lower levels of use of University facilities and supervision.

1.5 The University's responsibilities in terms of supervision, access to facilities etc. are laid out in the Postgraduate Research Student Code of Practice. During the period spent on writing up status these expectations still apply and the level of support provided must enable students to submit their thesis in accordance with their thesis submission deadline.

1.6 It is the responsibility of schools to proactively monitor the progress of writing up status research students, to ensure that they are progressing satisfactorily towards a timely completion, specifically within four years (full-time) or seven years (part-time), based on the date given in Research Track.

1.7 Access to the Library and to the Birkbeck estate, including any necessary restricted areas, will be maintained during writing up status.

1.8 Students who are unable, for medical or other reasons, to continue writing up their thesis, should apply for a break in study in line with the University's Interruptions Policy.

2. Procedure

2.1. Recommendation for 'Writing up' status is at the discretion of the supervisor(s) and is considered by the PGR School Lead and Faculty Head of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (RIKE). There is no automatic right to move to Writing up status after a given length of time on full tuition fees.

2.2 Any request to move to writing up status can only be considered on the basis of a full timetable for completion of the remaining work which has been approved by the student, the supervisor and the PGR School Lead. This should include a detailed thesis plan.

2.3 The Head of RIKE may approve a request from the PGR School Lead that 'Writing up' status is extended, if there is evidence that circumstances have significantly constrained their ability to submit, provided that the maximum registration period is not exceeded. A case must be made that:

  • 2.3.1 explains why the work has not been completed in accordance with the timetable of work that was originally approved
  • 2.3.2 explains how the student will be able to complete their thesis within a final year of writing up
  • 2.3.3 provides an explanation why writing up status is the appropriate status of enrolment rather than a return to full fees - please note financial hardship is not a sufficient justification on its own
  • 2.3.4 includes an updated plan of work which has been approved by the student and the supervisor and demonstrates how the work will be actively monitored by the PGR School Lead
  • 2.3.5 their research remains current.

2.4 Extensions to writing up mode status will be reported to Research Strategy Group in order to ensure cross-institutional consistency.

2.5 If extension to writing up status is not approved, the student will revert to full fees.

2.6 If a student enrolled in Writing up status requests extension to the maximum registration period, they should do so in accordance with the relevant section of the Research Degree Regulations.

2.7 Where a school considers that a student is making insufficient progress in writing up their thesis they can, at any time, apply the University's Discontinuation of a Student's Registration Policy.

Policy review

  • Created: June 2017
  • Latest update: June 2026
  • Date of next review: 2030-31 academic year
  • Owner: Director of Registry
  • SLT owner: DVC Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
  • Committee oversight: Research Committee for Academic Board