GRS Seminar Thesis Examination - postgraduate.uwa.edu.au · • Revisions • Submission of final version of theses • Oral examination NOTE: The current slides were developed during

GRS Seminar

Thesis Examination

Graduate Research School

Seminar Series 2020

Seminar Outline

• Nomination of examiners

Conflict of interest

• Thesis Submission

Formatting your thesis – front page requirements

• Examination

• Classification

• Revisions

• Submission of final version of theses

• Oral examination

NOTE: The current slides were developed during the COVID-19 crisis. While

all thesis examination processes can be managed remotely, some processes

may be managed in person when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Please

refer to the GRS thesis webpages for the most up-to-date advice.

Thesis Examination Staff

Fung, Mr Gavin Manager

Thesis Examination

6488 3535 gavin.fung

@uwa.edu.au

Chenhall, Ms Daranee Administrative Officer

Thesis Examination

6488 4280 daranee.chenhall

@uwa.edu.au

Examination Process managed by Thesis Examination Officers in GRS

Nomination of Examiners

• Prior to submitting the nomination of examiners form - school representative will contact examiners to

• secure their agreement to examine the thesis (extended abstract)

• check examiners OK to examine electronic copy thesis

• Supervisors should complete nomination form at least 3 weeks prior to intended submission date

(will ensure thesis is sent for examination as quickly as possible)

• include copy of thesis abstract

• 2-3 examiners for PhD (and reserve) – at least 2 external to WA

• 2 examiners for Masters (and reserve) – at least 1 external to WA

• Final approval of examiners by Dean of GRS

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/

students/thesis/examination/submission

http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/

students/forms

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/

policies/examiner-independence

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/

policies/examiner-independence

Selecting Independent Examiners

University policy on conflict of interest in examination

At UWA, examination of theses prepared for Higher Degrees by Research

(HDR) is wholly external. The process for examination and classification

of theses assumes that examiners undertake the task independently,

without bias. Professional and personal relationships between examiners

and a student and their supervisor/s, and relationships between

examiners and the University, have the potential to introduce bias and

thus reduce the independence of the examination, in fact or perception.

Conflict of Interest

Independent thesis examination– defining feature of Australian HDR programs– measure of quality of the examination process & course

Potential for actual or perceived conflict of interest must be declared in the nomination form

The aim of the conflict of interest guidelines is to protect the candidate, examiner and the university against potential negative perceptions during the thesis examination process. It is not a presumption that an individual will behave inappropriately.

Declare any known prior or current personal, professional or legal relationships between the examiner and the student, a supervisor(s), other examiners, or UWA

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/

policies/examiner-independence

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/814807

/Examples_-

_conflict_of_interest_and_examiner_independence.pdf

Other issues arising in nomination of

examiners

• Finding an appropriate examiner in small fields

• Balancing the examination team — subject expertise, experience as an examiner/supervisor, familiarity with the Australian system

• Managing co-tutelle examination arrangements

Thesis Format

• Very few GRS specifications

• Follow disciplinary conventions / what best suits your research

• Front page templates available to download with logo, declarations, authorship declarations

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/

thesis/style

Thesis Submission

• 4 Step Process – outlined onlinehttp://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/examination/submission

• Email Completed Thesis Submission Form

• Email 1 electronic copy (PDF)

http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/style/temporary-binding

• Enrolment status changed to discontinued & scholarships cease[International students - check VISA does not expire during examination period]

• Provided forms complete & accurate – sent for examination

• Official email sent stating thesis has been sent for examination

Tracking examiners reports

Thesis Examination

• Requested examination time is 6 weeks• Average time of examination is 4-5 months

• Examiners will provideWritten report (1-2 pages)Scores against 6 criteriaRecommendation for classification

• Board of the Graduate Research School will consider all examiner reports and classify your thesis

• Official email notifying you of examination outcome• includes graduation information

www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/

thesis/examination/classification

Viva Voce examination

http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/oral-examination

All PhD students enrolling from 1 JAN 2018 will be required to take a viva voce exam

1. Two examiners are nominated to examine the written thesis

2. Examiners mark the thesis and the examiner reports are sent to the GRS Board. If positive, approval to proceed to viva voce

3. Supervisors are provided with a copy of the examiner’s reports for disussion with student in preparation for viva voce

4. Zoom meeting involving 2 examiners, student, and chair

Thesis Corrections

• Time allowed for corrections- 4 months normally- 12 months for resubmit

• Writing a report of thesis revisions http://wwwpostgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/examinations/revisions

Submission Thesis Final Version

• 5 step process – details available online

http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/style/permanent-binding

• Hard copies no longer required (see UniPrint for personal hard copies)

• Completed Certification of Final Version of Thesis form

• Electronic copy (PDF) for the UWA Thesis Repository

• Printed & signed copy of Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement

100 word abstract - completed in StudentConnect

The University of Western Australia

Make an appointment with a GEO

http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/resources/workshops