Examination and Thesis
This page explains
the process of examination and the submission of thesis and viva assessments. Further detailed information about exam arrangements, the thesis and the viva can be found in the Research Degrees Framework and all forms can be accessed online.
Examination arrangements
The Director of Studies should make an application for approval of examination arrangements at least three months before the student is expected to submit the thesis. The application must include:
A checklist is available to help with completing the application.
The thesis
All research students must submit a thesis for examination as soon as possible after the end of the standard period of registration.
What to submit for examination
Where to submit for examination
For more detailed information about the thesis, see section 6 of the Research Degrees Framework.
The viva
- A viva voce (oral) examination is compulsory for students registered for MPhil, PhD or DBA.
- The viva may be held either in person or remotely. No prior permission is required to hold the viva remotely, but the Guidance on Remote or Hybrid Viva Examinations must be consulted and adhered to.
- Students registered for MRes may be examined on the basis of the thesis alone, although the examiners may decide that a viva should be held.
For more detailed information about assessment, see section 7 of the Research Degrees Framework.
Post viva
Formal notification of the outcome of assessment will be provided in writing to the student. This will include full details of any amendments required by examiners and information about resubmission of the thesis.
For more detailed information about post-viva amendments, see section 7 of the Research Degrees Framework.
All amended theses should be submitted in pdf format to researchdegrees@napier.ac.uk.
Approval of award and final thesis submission
The final recommendation of award made by a team of examiners must be considered and formally approved by the University’s Research Degrees Committee (URDC).
A research student whose recommendation of award has been approved by URDC is eligible to graduate at the next ceremony for the conferment of awards, providing they:
- apply to graduate
- submit the final copy of the thesis before the graduation ceremony
- have no outstanding fees to pay
Submission of the final approved version of the thesis
The final version of the thesis should be submitted after the examiners’ recommendation of award has been approved by the Research Degrees Committee (RDC) and before graduation. Items to be submitted are:
These items should be sent to researchdegrees@napier.ac.uk
For more detailed information about the final version of the thesis, see sections 6 and 8 of the Research Degrees Framework.
Further help