http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/research/resgroups.htm

As an example, this was very easy to find. I am surprised that you did not find this. It takes very little effort to track down such information using a search engine such as google and a little navigation through a web site.

That said, I hope this helps answer in part at least one of your questions.

in particular, section 10

Hi Lara,

you probably should ignore what I said,

I have found this which may be more relevant

http://www.studentadmin.qmul.ac.uk/students/theses.pdf

oops, sorry just realized i pointed to wrong university regs (qmu not qmul). The same/similar rules will probably still apply. Hope this helps.

this may be of some help with respect to the binding of a thesis for examination at QMU, but still confirm this with your supervisors.

see section 3.6.2

http://www.qmu.ac.uk/quality/documents/prof_doc_regs_june08.doc

Hi Lara,

I finished my PhD a few years ago when the maximum registration period was eight years, but at my university the rules have changed and the maximum registration period for part time and ex full time students who have converted to part time is now six years. At my university an additional maximum of one year is allowed for suspension due to illness over the duration of the registration.

I recommend that everyone checks the rules and regulations for their own university, in force at the time of their own registration. The rules on completion are becoming increasingly strict.