Your graduate career
During your research degree you must complete milestones to ensure your progress is on track. You can find the exact dates of when your transfer of status, confirmation of status (for DPhil candidates) and submission are due on Student Self-Service.
Transfer of Status
By the end of your fourth term, you must have completed your Transfer of Status from Probationer Research Student (PRS) to DPhil or MSc by Research student.
Confirmation of status
By the end of your 9th term, you must have completed your Confirmation of Status as a DPhil student.
Thesis submission
Having transferred to MSc by Research or DPhil status within your first 4 terms and, if appropriate, having confirmed your DPhil status before or in your 9th term, you are permitted to submit a thesis for examination and in a position to apply for appointment of examiners via the ‘GSO.3’ form.
Forms you may need to complete during your studies
Throughout your degree, you will need to complete GSO forms at various points. These can be found on the Graduate Forms page (or the Graduate Forms for Exceptional Purposes page), and some are also referenced on the pages relating to the milestones. The following table gives an overview of a number of the GSO forms and their purpose. Note, some of these forms may be completed via Student Self-Service.
| Form | Purpose |
| GSO.2 MSD | Transfer of Status in Medical Sciences |
| GSO.14 MSD | Confirmation of Status in Medical Sciences |
| GSO.3 | Appointment of Examiners |
| GSO.25 | Change of Supervisor (or Appointment of Joint Supervisor) |
| GSO.6 | Change of Thesis Title (note this can also be specified on the GSO.2 MSD or GSO3) |
| GSO.2b/GSO.14b | Deferral of Transfer/Confirmation of Status |
| GSO.17 | Suspension of Status (also GSO.17b for maternity/paternity/adoption leave) |
| GSO.15 | Extension of Time |
| GSO.28 | Change of Programme of Study |
| GSO.29 | Notification of Withdrawal from Programme of Study |