Friday 13-11-2020 - 14:39

Response to the UKRI announcement

The announcement from UKRI earlier this week, which advised doctoral students to adjust their projects to allow them to finish within their funded time period, has unsurprisingly caused anger, frustration and heartbreak amongst the PGR community.

The provisions given by UKRI at the beginning of the pandemic provided support to around 92% of students in their final year. This ensured that PGR students were able to complete their work to the standard it deserves. The announcement this week, however, has failed to recognise the continued impact of the pandemic on doctoral research and the ability of PhD students to complete their thesis by the original deadline. The findings of UKRI’s report itself note that 77% of students who were not in their final year would also require an extension on average of 5.1 months, however it failed to commit to this. Instead, UKRI encouraged students to change their projects and complete their research within the original time scale.

This is unacceptable. UKRI’s announcement highlights a lack of understanding of PhD students’ experience during the last eight months.

Doctoral research has been heavily disrupted by the pandemic, whether this is the collection of data, access to collections or labs, cancelled placements, or the ability to focus during a global crisis to write up a thesis. PhD students who were not in their final year when the UK first went into lockdown are less likely to have completed their necessary research to now be able to write up their findings. In this constantly changing situation, we have seen PhD students adapting to this situation, but even those who have managed to change the scope of their research are now behind schedule because producing high quality research requires time to adjust. There is also a disregard for PG students who teach, who have the added pressure of teaching during a pandemic, both in online and face-to-face settings.

By making this decision, UKRI has disproportionately disadvantaged certain students. Those with the financial means to take an unfunded extension will be able to finish their studies to their desired standard and capitalise on publishing opportunities, whereas those who cannot will have to submit their work at a lesser standard than it deserves. The impact of which will continue when these students look for work after they complete their studies. 

It is even more insulting that UKRI only informed students of this approach eight months after the start of the pandemic. If this had been the original stance, PhD students would have been able to work with this in mind, whereas now they are being told to alter their projects so they can finish by their deadlines.

Not only does this decision affect students, but staff too. It adds to the pressure placed on academic staff supervising PGR students, who are already dealing with increased workloads. .

What about other funding bodies and self-funded students?

This decision has a wider impact than just those who are UKRI funded students, as other funding bodies were basing extension decisions on UKRI’s decision. By setting this as an example, I am concerned that others will follow suit. Furthermore, there is a lack of support for self-funded students who are also experiencing the same pressure and stress.

UKRI’s decision implies to institutions that students should be left without further financial support, or extensions, despite the profound and ongoing impact of Covid-19. This is both incorrect and disrespectful of students who have continued to do amazing work in extraordinary circumstances. Institutions should continue to support their students as far as possible, both financially and in terms of extensions, in spite of UKRI’s position on students it funds. 

What support is available to you?

If you are worried about changes to your thesis, the best person to speak to is your supervisor. They will be able to give you further guidance on how to best change your topic, and what extra funding options may be available to you. If you are struggling financially, you can apply to the Student Support Fund to help with costs incurred due to the pandemic. You can also contact our Advice Service, which can give you impartial advice and support at this time.   

Next steps

I have signed a letter from SU Postgraduate Officers across the country, asking UKRI to change their position and resume funding for students for as long as it takes them to finish their studies. I am also lobbying the University for the continued waiving of fees for extensions and a continuation of stipends to make sure that students are not left without funds to continue, as was agreed in the last national lockdown. If you have any concerns or feedback that you would like me to bring to the University’s attention, please send me an email at su.pgacademic@durham.ac.uk.

This is an incredibly stressful time for everyone, if you need support please do reach out whether that is for your wellbeing or discussing something with your supervisor or if you want to have a chat with me feel free to send a message or an email. You are all doing amazing work, and don’t forget that.