CDT Student Responsibilities

CDT students have responsibilities and expectations set out by the University, School of Informatics and CDT funding body, UKRI.

University and Funder Regulations

It is your responsibility to comply with guidelines and procedures set out by the University, School of Informatics and UKRI, including: 

Reporting Requirements

The CDT must regularly report to its funder, UKRI, to ensure accountability and demonstrate its efficiency and research impact. As a part of these reporting obligations, all CDT students are required to provide the following information:

  • notify the CDT Coordinator of any published papers, presentations and public engagement activities
  • notify the CDT Coordinator of changes to your supervisory team, thesis abstract and title
  • notify the CDT Coordinator of any internships, academic or industry events
  • annual submit information on research outcomes to UKRI via Researchfish
  • appropriately acknowledge UKRI in publications, posters and other materials (see Acknowledgements page for instructions)
  • update your University record via the Student Personal Details channel on MyEd as soon as your address and/or other details change.

Absences and interruptions

It is your responsibility to notify the Informatics Graduate School and CDT administration of any absences from the place of study, including sick leave, holidays, internships, periods of study away and other cases. The notification procedures are described on the IGS portal:

Limitation on interruptions

According to the CDT grant's restrictions, the total length of interruptions in the 4-year study period must not exceed 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances prevail. All interruptions beyond 12 months will be subject to the funder's approval.

Annual leave

In MScR year, you should not be taking annual leave during term time, as it could interfere with classes and assessments. Once on your PhD project (i.e. years 2-4) holidays should be agreed with your main PhD supervisor but should not exceed 8 weeks a year.

Academic Requirements

It is your responsibility to complete all academic components of the MScR and PhD stages of the CDT programme on time and to the required academic standard (see the Study Programme section). In addition, you are expected to attend as many CDT training sessions, seminars and other events as feasible for your schedule. 

Public Engagement

Students are expected to take part in public engagement activities and events, expanding their horizons and networks by interacting and collaborating through the many opportunities offered via the programme, industry partners, the School, Informatics Ventures, and Edinburgh at large. The UKRI calls on students and supervisors "to actively communicate the research to the public at both local and national level, and to raise awareness of the role of science and research in any related issues of public interest".

Paid Work & Internships

Internships are permissible during the undertaking of the programme. If you undertake a paid internship, your funding will be suspended for its duration, as per UKRI requirements. 

You are free to take teaching or demonstrating work, so long as it does not interfere with your studies. The UKRI recommends dedicating no more than 6 hours per week to such activities. 

CDT Communications 

You will regularly receive messages from CDT staff, as well as communications from the University, School of Informatics and UKRI. Each student is responsible for reviewing all communications, taking action and providing information requested by these parties in a timely fashion.

All information related to your studies is sent to your University email account, so ensure to check it regularly or set up email forwarding to another service.

While you may receive courtesy reminders from CDT administration, please remember that it remains your responsibility to meet all the requirements associated with your studies. 

If at anytime you are uncertain of which University or School regulations apply to you, please contact the CDT Coordinator for CDT-specific advice or help in redirecting your query, where appropriate.

Industry-Funded Students

Industry-funded students typically have additional responsibilities to their funders. These may include undertaking a placement / internship with your funder or acknowledging your funder in academic publications. Student responsibilities should be outlined and reviewed by the student and primary supervisor prior to signing the studentship agreement.  If you are uncertain on any terms, please consult your supervisor.