Fieldwork, Placements and Risk Assessments
Permission to undertake fieldwork/study away from the University
The Ordinances and Regulations that govern the degree of PhD allow students to conduct fieldwork or research away from the University if:
- it is in the interests of the student's research and training;
- the institution or location of proposed study is suitable;
- a suitable work-plan for the period of study outside the University is agreed with the supervisory team;
- satisfactory supervision arrangements are in place.
For the purposes of this policy fieldwork is defined as primary, first hand data collection that takes place away from the University of Manchester for a period of two weeks or more.
The probationary period of the degree is normally spent in attendance at the University. Subsequently the regulations allow students to spend part of the degree away from Manchester undertaking research, and many students undertake fieldwork or travel abroad as part of their degree. Applications must be made via the form available from the Graduate School website well in advance of departure, but the Committee will normally grant permission if it is assured that there has been adequate preparation and progress during the period of attendance at Manchester, and that during the period of fieldwork there will be regular contact between student and supervisor(s) (including submission of written material where appropriate).
The student must also be engaged full-time in research during this period; there must be no question of employment or other conflicting commitments. If the end of a period of fieldwork coincides with the end of the prescribed period of the degree, students will normally be expected to return to Manchester for consultation with their supervisor(s) before writing up the thesis, and the School may extend the period of a student's degree to ensure that such consultation takes place.
Under University regulations, students are not permitted to spend more than 50% of their total research degree away on fieldwork.
Risk assessments
In accordance with the University's code of practice, students should complete a formal risk assessment for all activities that have the potential to cause harm. This involves identifying hazards, evaluating the associated risk and devising suitable control measures to eliminate, or reduce, the risk to an acceptable level.
It is the duty of students and supervisors to carry out risk assessments of their activities if such do not already exist, or to follow the control measures defined by existing risk assessments.
Risk assessments are particularly important for off-campus activities, this includes:
- Events off campus external to the University organised by the School, Departments or Student Representatives
- Fieldwork, data collection for research projects
All staff and students involved with these activities must complete a full risk assessment or, if applicable, sign one of the risk assessments that cover low hazard activities. Please go to the Risk assessment section of the School Intranet below for more details.
Advice on travel health, vaccination, and protection
PGRs who are travelling outside of the UK for fieldwork or other study visits should see the Occupational Health Service's website for advice on safe travelling, vaccination and protection recommendation.
Application process
Applications to undertake fieldwork should be made using the Postgraduate Research Fieldwork Application Form and send to hums.doctoralacademy.support@manchester.ac.uk at least 3 months in advance of the start of the fieldwork.
COVID guidance
The University takes PGR's safety in the COVID environment seriously. Please familiarise yourself with the following guides on how you can keep safe while working on and away from campus:
Export control
PGRs travelling internationally need to be aware of the export controls that apply to goods, technology, software and/or knowledge "exported" outside of the UK.
If you are uncertain whether export controls apply to you, please contact the Export Controls Compliance (CCC) Team at ecc@manchester.ac.uk for assistance.