3. Thesis examination
If you have submitted your thesis for examination via UQ eSpace please read this document for information on how your examination will progress.
You can track the progress of your examination via UQRDM.
The examination process begins when you upload your thesis submission through your UQRDM thesis dashboard. The entire process, from thesis submission to examination outcome usually takes 3-6 months.
As your thesis progresses through each step of the examination process, your UQRDM status will update. If, at any point in the process, your UQRDM status seems to have stalled, please email the Graduate School thesis team, and we will give you an update.
1. Receiving examiner reports
Once your thesis is submitted, the Dean of the Graduate School will invite two examiners from the list of examiners nominated by your Principal Advisor.
Each examiner is asked to provide a written report with feedback about your thesis. Examiners are requested to return their written reports within:
- four weeks for an MPhil, or
- five weeks for a PhD.
You will receive your examination reports only when both examiners have completed and returned their reports and the Dean has determined the outcome. Following the receipt of these reports you will then either:
- proceed to an oral examination, or
- receive your examination outcome.
Role of Chair of Examiners
Once your thesis has been submitted for examination, your school will appoint a Chair of Examiners who will ensure any changes requested by examiners are implemented.
The Chair of Examiners is an academic staff member at UQ who is familiar with your research discipline and will advise the Graduate School on the outcomes of your thesis examination.
Further details regarding the Chair of Examiners can be found in the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy.
Late Examiner Reports
The Graduate School sends regular reminders to examiners to ensure reports are returned in good time. We email before the report is due and follow up twice over two weeks if a report is overdue.
If the report is not received after this time, the Dean of the Graduate School may choose to replace an examiner. The Dean of the Graduate School may contact the examiner directly prior to making the decision to appoint a third examiner.
For more information see the Higher Degree by Research Examination (with Oral Examination) Procedure and Higher Degree by Research Examination (without Oral Examination) Procedure. A timeline of the entire examination process is also available:
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