The nature of research is that success cannot be guaranteed; if it could, then it wouldn’t be research. Negative results are not a bad outcome, but practical problems that lead to no results most certainly will be. An important role of the progression panel is to spot difficulties with the direction of the project at an early stage, and recommend appropriately.
Why do projects fail?
Occasionally there is a mismatch between the student’s skills and the specialist needs of the project; we can’t all be an expert in everything. But far more often, a project struggles for a far more mundane reason: unavailable or broken equipment; unforeseen failure of a key analytic technique; poor recruitment to a clinical study. That’s research.
Change in research direction
Often a change in direction is all that is needed. This might require a change of supervisors to bring new skills to the team, but it would be hoped that work to date would not be wasted. Often there is no significant disruption to the degree programme but in other cases an extension or interruption of studies might be appropriate.
Change in project
In rarer circumstances, it is appropriate to consider a complete change of project. If this seems likely it is important to consult the postgraduate team as soon as possible. Depending on particular circumstances there can be considerable administration involved.
If possible and appropriate we would try to establish an alternative project in the same area and with the same supervisors, in order that work and productive relationships built so far are preserved, but this isn’t always possible. The Programme and School Transfer Form may be appropriate, but you should speak to us and the graduate school if you think this is relevant.
If an in situ isn’t possible, then the situation is in many respects similar to that of a new application. We will work with you to find a match between project, student and supervisory team. this will be particularly important for those on studentships, who will certainly need to involve their funding body in the discussion.
In the unfortunate case of a complete restart, students will normally have to go through the application process again. It is a formality from the University’s perspective, but most international students would need to obtain revised paperwork that corresponds to the new subject and timelines. See the pages on visas and ATAS approval.
Who pays?
That’s a very difficult question to answer, and might depend on who is funding the project and what went wrong. However, the University is sympathetic to the fact that research does go wrong. Often this is through no fault of the student; we are always reluctant to lose good students, and it may be possible to wipe the slate clean with no disadvantage. Every case is considered carefully at senior level on its own merits.