Flexible Study (Postgraduate Research Students only)
Flexible study is a formal arrangement that allows full-time postgraduate research students to adjust their pattern of study to suit specific personal circumstances without changing their student status or reducing their overall academic commitment. You are still required to reside in Cambridge and fulfil residency requirements.
Flexible study may be considered if specific circumstances such as equipment availability, parental or caring responsibilities, repeated medical appointments, disability, or religious observance mean you would conduct research more effectively outside standard hours for a defined period. You should discuss your request for flexible study with your supervisor.
Flexible study is particularly relevant for students who are expected to study in a laboratory or other facility for set hours. It is intended for those who have a clear and specific need to tailor their schedule to personal circumstances, while continuing full‑time study. In some cases, however, requesting to move to part-time study, taking leave, or intermitting will be more appropriate.
Flexible study is not intended to capture minor adjustments, and many students will not need formal arrangements.
Modes of flexible study
- Compressed Hours – Longer study hours over fewer days. Useful for students who conduct extended experiments.
- Flexitime – Choosing study hours around other commitments, typically outside of your departmental core hours.
- Studying outside of your department – Short-term arrangements to study in your College, University Library, or your place of residence within Cambridge instead of in your department/faculty (this option is not available for students on student visas).
Please be aware that requests for flexible study will not be approved if:
- Your circumstances indicate part-time study is more appropriate
- You are experiencing significant, ongoing disruption which would necessitate leave or a medical or non-medical intermission
- The request would undermine academic progress or the viability of your project
- There are any health and safety restrictions that prohibit certain research activity or equipment use outside of core hours
- Your request is primarily for employment purposes. See Working while studying for further information.
Flexible study cannot be used to bypass residency requirements or visa conditions. You must remain actively engaged in-person in Cambridge and in line with residence requirements unless formally approved to work away.
Length and timing of flexible study
A trial period is encouraged to assess feasibility, and arrangements should be regularly reviewed. For example, a reasonable timeframe might be a four‑to‑six-week trial period with fortnightly reviews. Once the agreed upon period for the provisions has ended, you can request to extend them for a fixed period or make them permanent.
Requests for flexible study
To request flexible study:
- Discuss your proposal for flexible study with your supervisor. Where possible, you should do this at least two weeks before the proposed arrangements begin, to allow time for review and any follow-up discussions.
- Complete the Flexible Study Request Form, including start/end dates and requested changes
- Obtain approval from your supervisor
If required, your supervisor may decide to consult your Secondary Supervisor (if appointed) and College Tutor, and/or your department Director of Postgraduate Education. Your supervisor is entitled to decline your request if they feel that it would significantly disrupt your research, or other measures may be more appropriate. While you are strongly encouraged to reach an agreement with your supervisor, if your request is declined you will have the opportunity to appeal their decision to the Degree Committee.