As a four- year taught doctorate programmes, the DPA requires that the candidate completes 240 credits over the duration of the programme (these credits are also audited by STEaPP PhD candidates). 120 credits are awarded for successful completion of the pilot study and successful completion of the viva. The purpose of the progression point (also called 'upgrade' for the PhD) is to assess the candidate's progress and ability to complete their doctoral programme in a reasonable time frame. If candidates wish to proceed to a PhD or DPA, they must progress from the initial stage of the doctoral degree to the final stage. Since PhD candidates are initially registered for the MPhil degree, their registration must be changed accordingly; DPA candidates do not undergo a formal change in registration (although candidates who did not progress to the final stage cannot complete their DPA).

In this assessment, the criteria defined below should be applied. The assessment should not be confined to the research material presented by the candidate but should also consider the candidate's demonstrable academic, policy and generic skills. UCL Research Degree Regulations state for PhD candidates that progression (upgrade) cannot be done less than nine months after initial registration for the MPhil degree for full-time candidates; at STEaPP the aim is not to do the progression less than twelve months after initial registration (both PhD and DPA). There should be two possible attempts at progression; the first between 9 and 18 months and, if the candidate fails at the first attempt, the second between 15 and 24 months. The period between the first and second attempt should normally be no more than 6 months. For part-time candidates, whose programme of study at UCL is typically 5 years (6 years for the STEaPP DPA/PhD), the first possible attempt at progression should take place between 15 and 30 months and, if the candidate fails at the first attempt, the second between 25 and 40 months. The period between the first and second attempt should normally be no more than 10 months. It is expected that most candidates will successfully complete progression on the first attempt. Two attempts only will be permitted at either aspect.