Internal examination

Each thesis is examined by two internal examiners. Within the School of Medicine, these will normally be the Convenor and Tutor of the student’s Review Committee, with the Review Committee Convenor becoming the Convenor of the Examining Committee. Once the thesis has been submitted, the PGR administrative team will provide the internal examiners with the thesis and an Independent Examiner Report form for each examiner.  Students must notify the PGR administrative team ([email protected]) once they have submitted their thesis in MMS before it can be released for examination.

The School aims for the independent examination of the thesis to be completed within one month of the thesis being distributed to the internal examiners. This is an encouraged School timescale within the wider University examination timeframe, which allows up to three months for completion of the examination process, including external moderation. If it is not possible to complete the independent examination within one month, examiners should let the PGR team know.

Viva and examination reports

Each examiner assesses the thesis independently and completes an Independent Examiner Report. The Convenor of the Examining Committee is responsible for agreeing a viva date with the student and second examiner. The PGR administrative team can assist with the practical arrangements for the viva, including booking a room if required. Both Independent Examiner Reports must be submitted to the PGR administrative team no later than five working days before the viva.

Once both Independent Examiner Reports have been received, they will be shared between the internal examiners prior to the viva. The Convenor will also be sent the Joint Report in advance of the viva. Following the viva, the examiners will discuss and agree an outcome from the options set out in the Postgraduate Senate Regulations, and the Convenor will complete the Joint Report on behalf of the Examining Committee and return it to the PGR administrative team.

University guidance and further information (including joint/final examination form) can be found in the PGR resources for staff in Academic Schools in Moodle.

External moderation and outcome

The thesis and examination reports are then moderated by an External Examiner before final approval by the Associate Provost. Registry will formally notify the student of the approved outcome and any next steps.