This guide is intended for candidates and examiners, examination advisors, chairs of department, directors of graduate study and supervisors. It sets out the expectations of the University with regard to the examination of research degrees and the procedures to be followed in the conduct of research degree examinations.

The guide is divided into three parts: Although students, staff and examiners will find the most important information relating to their roles and responsibilities in the part addressed directly to them, cross-referencing has been used to help users of the guide find relevant information as easily as possible.

Part I - Guidance to Students on Submission and Examination of the Thesis

1. Timing of Submission
2. Appointment of Examiners and Examination Advisor
3. University Requirements for the Award of Research Degrees
4. Presentation of Thesis
5. Binding and Submission to the Doctoral College
6. Conditions of Acceptance by the Library (Including Restriction of Access)
7. What Happens After Submission?
8. Award of Your Degree
9. Additional Information & Resources
   • Appendix A: Model Title Page
   • Appendix B: Guide to Hard-Binding your Thesis
   • Summer Graduation Deadline - Pass List
10. FAQs

Part II - Guidance to Academic Departments and Supervisors on Research Degree Examinations

1. Responsibilities of Supervisors
2. Criteria for the Appointment of Research Degree Examiners
3. Appointment of the Examination Advisor
4. Responsibilities of Departments
5. Approval of Examiners and Dispatch of the Thesis

6. Approval of the Examiners' Recommendation

7. Resubmission
8. Correspondence between the Doctoral College and the Department

Part III - Guidance to Examiners and Examination Advisors on the Conduct of Research Degree Examinations

1. Appointment of Examiners and Role of the Examination Advisor
2. General Procedure for the Examination
3. Requirements for Each Degree
4. The Independent Reports
5. Recommendations available to Examiners
6. The Oral Examination (or Viva Voce Examination)
7. The Joint Report and Submission of Examiners’ Reports
8. Guidance for Revising the Thesis
9. Confidentiality of Reports
10. Examination of a Resubmitted Thesis
11. Additional Information & Resources
    • Appendix C: Role of Examination Advisor for Research Degree Examinations: Notes of Guidance

Return to the PGR Assessments root page