Progress Reviews

All research students at Edinburgh Napier University will go through a series of formal reviews as part of their course of study.

The three types of review are commonly referred to by the form on which the review panel records their recommendation: RD4, RD5 and RD6.

The director of studies is responsible for ensuring these meetings take place on time and outcomes are properly recorded using RD forms.

You can find more detailed information on progress reviews in Section 4.2 of the Research Degrees Framework.

RD4 - ‘Determination of Thesis Topic and Programme of Study’
The RD4 review is the process by which a student formally submits the proposal for their course of study and a working title for their thesis. The student is expected to present a developed research proposal; details of what should be included in this can be found in the Research Degrees Framework.

The expected timing of the RD4 is different for each degree:

In all cases the paperwork must be submitted to the School RIC for approval within six months, for full-time students, and nine months, for part-time students.

There is no requirement for PhD by Published Works candidates to undertake a determination of thesis topic review or a confirmation of target degree review.

​​RD5 - Confirmation of target degree
Although it ought to be clear from the outset what a student’s target degree is, students will only be formally registered for their target degree upon completion and approval of their RD5. The key purpose of this review is to assess whether or not the student is working at the required level for the award at which they are aiming. For this reason, the review centres around a major piece of work produced by the student.

The timing of the RD5 and length of the student’s report will vary depending on the target degree:

In all cases the paperwork must be submitted to the School RIC for approval within 12 months, for full-time students, and 18 months, for part-time students.

RD6 – Biannual Progress Reviews
In addition to the milestone reviews (RD4 and RD5), all students, regardless of target degree and regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time, must go undergo a progress review twice a year. These biannual progress reviews are held every October and every March for all students. Like the RD4 and RD5, they are organised by the DoS, chaired by the IPC and attended by the student and the review panel (supervisory team plus IPC).

You can find more detailed information on all progress reviews in Section 4.2 of the Research Degrees Framework.

All progress review (RD) forms can be found here.

Further advice and information:
Your School Research Degrees Programme Leader is your first point of contact for advice and information about progress reviews.