Academic Regulations

1. Admission

Admission is by competitive selection on academic merit, research potential and fit with available supervision. The minimum entry standard for each programme is published on the programme page and may be raised in any year if applications exceed supervisory capacity.

2. Registration & duration

Post-Graduate Diploma: minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years.
Taught master’s (MA, MSc, MBA, MPH): minimum 18 months, maximum 4 years.
MPhil: minimum 2 years, maximum 5 years.
Professional Doctorate / PhD: minimum 3 years, maximum 7 years from initial registration.

Candidates must re-register at the start of each academic year. Failure to re-register without approved leave results in lapse of registration.

3. Supervision

Every research-track candidate is assigned a primary supervisor and at least one co-supervisor. Supervisors and candidates sign a supervision agreement specifying meeting frequency (minimum monthly), feedback turnaround, and authorship arrangements for joint publications.

4. Progression

Taught programmes: progression is by accumulation of credits with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 / 4.00.
MPhil/PhD: confirmation of registration within 12 months; annual progress review thereafter.
A candidate who fails progression may be required to withdraw, transfer to a lower award, or repeat the year on the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee.

5. Examination

Taught modules are examined by coursework and final assessment in proportions specified in the programme handbook. Dissertations and theses are examined by one internal and at least one external examiner. Doctoral candidates additionally defend in an oral viva conducted by an examination panel.

6. Academic integrity & plagiarism

All submitted work is screened for textual similarity. Plagiarism, contract cheating, fabrication of data, and unauthorised use of generative AI in assessed work are treated as academic misconduct and may result in disqualification of the candidate.

7. Leave of absence

Candidates may apply for leave of absence on medical, compassionate or professional grounds. Leave is granted for up to 12 months in the first instance and does not count towards maximum registration period.

8. Appeals

A candidate aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Graduate Studies may appeal in writing within 21 days of notification. Appeals are heard by an Appeals Panel constituted by the Academic Board, whose decision is final.

9. Graduation & award

Graduation lists are approved by the Board of Graduate Studies and ratified by the Academic Board. Awards are conferred by the Chancellor at the annual congregation.

One rulebook, every graduate award.