D.Phil. in Computer Science

FIRST YEAR COURSES

All DPhil and MSc by Research students are initially registered as Probationer Research Students (PRS). Students should note the new MPLS Division requirement that PRS students must transfer to DPhil status within four terms. It follows that PRS must apply for transfer by submitting the application form and all documents in fulfilment of the three transfer of status requirements no later than Friday of the 0th week of their fourth term. This is a guide to the transfer of status requirements, and the work PRS are expected to do in order to meet the requirements.

Transfer of Status Requirements:

I. A Portfolio of courses and practicals attended (with marks where available) and training received by the PRS.

II. Three pieces of assessed work. An assessed work is either a lecture course or a term paper. At least one of the assessments must be a term paper. PRS are expected to achieve an average mark of 65%.

III. A qualifying dissertation, consisting of an extensive literature review and a thesis proposal. There is no formal word limit, but as a rough guide, the literature review should be around 5000 words (or more), and the thesis proposal should be around 6 pages.

The transfer requirements are designed to gather evidence in respect of the three criteria for transfer to DPhil status:

(i) knowledge of sufficient depth and breath

(ii) basic competence in independent research

(iii) a viable DPhil research programme.

When you have completed the requirements for transfer you need to submit your written work together with Form GSO.2 and Form MAT.1 You will then be ready for your Transfer of Status Examination