4.12 Holidays and Illnesses
As a postgraduate researcher you will be working during vacations as well as term time. You may take holidays, but you should first advise your supervisor of periods when you will be away – particularly if you are a full-time researcher.
Holidays
If you are funded by one of the Research Councils, you may take up to eight weeks holiday each year including public holidays but excluding University closed days – the University is normally closed for six days each year in addition to the normal public holidays, usually four days between the Christmas and New Year holidays and two days around the Easter holiday.
It is expected that other postgraduate researchers not funded by the Research Councils will take a similar approach with regards to leave.
Illness
If you are a full-time postgraduate researcher and are absent because you are ill, you should let your supervisor know as soon as possible. If you are absent for more than one week, you should also submit a medical certificate to the Graduate School Office.
If you are suffering from an illness which you feel is seriously affecting your studies (whether you are working full-time or part-time), you should discuss this with your supervisor and, if appropriate, speak to the Graduate School Office about temporarily suspending your registration.
