In this article we have identified the key areas where adjustments may be required to support you to succeed in your research degree:
We have developed a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Disability Adjustments Planner to help you navigate communication with your supervisor and address disability related needs. Register with the Disability Support & Inclusion team to request a PGR Disability Adjustments Questionnaire and we will help you to create a personal Disability Adjustments Planner.
To contact the team, read our article How can I contact the Disability Support & Inclusion team?
If you have medical conditions that require regular medical appointments, it's useful to discuss this with your supervisor in advance so that any planned meetings can take your needs into account.
Your home study environment being comfortable and accessible is important for your success. You might need to consider having a workspace that is free from outside interruption and is ergonomically supportive with a suitable chair, desk and computer set up.
You might need support in mitigating the hours you work due to fatigue, pain or other factors.
Campus study environments
You might study on campus or in laboratory environments. Your academic department are responsible for ensuring these spaces are accessible. Disability Support & Inclusion can work with departments (and IT and Estates if required) to support your accessibility needs.
Disability Support & Inclusion can support with access funding to obtain specialist equipment if required and we can also source support workers if you need practical support, such as help with laboratory work.
Equipment, resources and software
Disability Support & Inclusion can help with accessing additional equipment, resources and/or software. You may need an external specialist assessment arranged by a Disability Advisor in order to access this.
Your studies may require you to travel to various sites to meet research participants, undertake fieldwork or research in external archives or libraries. You can discuss your access needs with your supervisor, who can support you with a referral to the Disability Support & Inclusion team.
Supervisor communications
Where you have support needs, it's a good idea to discuss these with your supervisor. You may find that having time in supervision meetings to share information is all the support you need, or you may need additional help.
What support can I get from my supervisor?
- Follow up notes confirming main points of discussion and/or meetings to be recorded
- Longer meetings to accommodate slow processing speeds, anxiety or fatigue (as well as additional conversations related to disability)
- Understanding that completion of research/writing may require additional time
You may face challenges in completing research and/or writing and meeting deadlines but there is support available.
If you're neurodiverse, it might be helpful to allocate more time to the reading and writing process. Disability Advisers can offer study skills support via Learning Support Tutors and we can also provide proofreading support for drafts (not for the final submissions). We recommend using assistive software such as Read Aloud to support you with proof reading.
Planning ahead for your final viva examination will give you the best chance of success. Your supervisor may provide support at upgrade stage and offer a practice viva if helpful.
How can I inform my viva examiners about my disability & request reasonable adjustments?
How can I inform my viva examiners that I have a disability?
When you enter for a viva examination, you can request to inform your examiners of your disability by contacting Disability Support and requesting a “disability note for examiners” within your email. The Disability Support Team will contact you to arrange a discussion about what should be included in the disability note.
How can I request reasonable adjustments in a viva examination?
To request reasonable adjustments in a viva examination, you will need to contact Disability Support and request a "disability note for examiners" within your email. The Disability Support Team will contact you to arrange a discussion about what should be included in the disability note.
What type of adjustments can be made for me?
You can request different arrangements are made to the adjustments listed below, but all requests will need to be supported by medical evidence.
The evidence you provide can be from a medical practitioner or Disability Support.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with Specific learning differences (SpLDs)?
Possible viva adjustments for students with Specific Learning Differences (SpLD's) can include:
Requests to repeat information and questions if needed.
Use of notes and prompt cards by the student (brief aide memoirs rather than exhaustive notes).
Students can note questions before answering.
Rest breaks for fatigue or attention issues.
Examiners can be requested to redirect/prompt students if they stray off topic (ADHD).
The use of a digital recorder for the part of the viva where corrections are discussed.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) / Asperger's Syndrome?
Possible viva adjustments that are made for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) / Asperger's Syndrome can include:
Opportunity for students to meet the examiners beforehand (online).
Examiners to be made aware of the potential for ticks, repetitive behaviours, or other ASD related behaviours in advance (if applicable)
Examiners to be made aware that the student may not be able to make direct eye contact when answering questions and engaging in discussion.
Examiners to avoid the use of metaphorical language, to be prepared to re-phrase/ask questions in more explicit concrete terms if requested.
Examiners to be requested to redirect/prompt the candidate if they stray off topic or have difficulty judging how much information is required.
Requesting permission for an appropriate person to attend in a supportive capacity; it should be made clear that this person is not permitted to participate in the viva by, for example, interpreting the examiners’ questions for the student.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with mental health difficulties?
Possible viva adjustments that are made for research students with mental health difficulties can include:
Request consideration of scheduling (e.g., morning or afternoon start).
Examiners to be made aware the student is likely to experience greater anxiety than would typically be expected.
Students can request permission for an appropriate person to attend in a supportive capacity; it should be made clear that this person is not permitted to participate in the viva by, for example, interpreting the examiners’ questions for the candidate.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with hearing impairments?
Possible viva adjustments made for research students with hearing impairments are as follows:
Arrangements to facilitate the student’s use of communication aids – this could include hearing support systems compatible with hearing aids (infra-red/loop systems installed in the room, or portable individual technology).
Arrangements to ensure examiners wear/use a microphone can be made in advance.
Arrangements for communication support such as British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
Students can request for examiners to speak clearly without covering mouths (for students who lip read).
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with visual impairments?
Possible viva adjustments for research students with visual impairments can include:
The use of assistive technology for reading, writing and note taking (e.g., to access an electronic version of the PhD thesis).
Printed documentation in an accessible format (students must state the required format in advance).
Examiners are informed in advance if students will be accompanied by a sighted guide or a registered assistance dog.
Correspondence between examiners and the student following the exam (for example receiving a list of agreed corrections) sent in an electronic format.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with chronic medical conditions and unseen disabilities?
Possible viva adjustments for research students with chronic medical conditions and unseen disabilities can include:
Request consideration of scheduling (e.g., morning or afternoon start).
Comfortable / ergonomic seating.
Rest breaks.
What viva adjustments can be made for research students with physical disability and mobility impairments?
Possible viva adjustments for research students with physical disabilities and mobility impairments can include:
