NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS
FOR THE EXAMINATION OF PHD THESES
VALIDATED SCHEMES OF STUDY
Dear Colleague,
These notes and appendices are intended for Internal and External Examiners and Chairs
and apply to PhD examinations at all institutions validated by the University of Wales.
Yours Sincerely

Huw Flynn Hughes
Director of the Validation Unit
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 1 – Examination Criteria
1.1
Overall Criteria for the Degree of PhD
Examiners are asked to bear in mind the University of Wales’s criteria for the award of the
degree of PhD, as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to these notes of guidance
(‘Regulations for the Degree of PhD’ and ‘Academic Protocol 3’). Examiners are also asked to
consider the following extract from the QAA framework for higher education qualifications in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) (second edition revised August 2008):
‘Doctoral Degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:




the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other
advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the
discipline, and merit publication;
a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is
at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
The general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation
of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and
to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic
enquiry;
Typically holders of the qualification will be able to:

Make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of
complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and
effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced
level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas and
approaches.
and holders will have:

the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of
personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable
situations, in professional or equivalent environments.’
In judging the merit of a thesis submitted in candidature for the degree of PhD, the
examiners should bear in mind the standard and scope of work, which it is reasonable to
expect a capable and diligent student to present, after a period of two to three years (as
appropriate) of full-time study, or its part-time equivalent.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 2 - Duties of the Examiners and Chair
2.1
Duties of the Examiners
Internal and External Examiners are required to complete a report on the thesis prior
to the oral examination. (see section 5 for details).
Internal and External Examiners are required to conduct an oral examination (viva
voce) of the candidate (see Section 3 for details). Where the examination of a resubmitted thesis is being conducted, a further oral examination may be waived at
the discretion of the examining board.
During the examination process, the Examiners shall:
o
consider the thesis and abstract(s) submitted by the candidate. Any part of the
thesis which has already been accepted, or is being concurrently submitted, for
any other degree or qualification in the University of Wales, or elsewhere shall
be excluded from the examination.
o
report on the scope, character and quality of the work submitted .
o
satisfy themselves by examination, oral or written, or both, whether the
candidate possesses a good general knowledge of the particular field of learning
within which the thesis falls.
External Examiners will notify the University of Wales Registry immediately if they
receive draft theses prior to commencement of the formal examining process, and will
decline any suggestion that a thesis should be returned to a candidate for
improvement and re-consideration prior to completion of the Examining Board’s
formal deliberations.
2.2
Duties of the Chair
The Chair will be present at the oral examination of the candidate (see section 3 for
details). The Chair of the Examination Board will normally be the Head of the
Department/School concerned, except in such instances where this function has
been delegated to a senior member of the academic staff of the institution; this
must be the case if the Chair of the Board is also the candidate’s supervisor.
2.3
Examination Timetable
Members of the Examining Board are expected to complete the examination of the
candidate and submit their report as soon as reasonably possible (normally no later
than twelve working weeks from receipt of the thesis). If this proves to be
impossible, examiners are asked to notify the Convenor and Secretary of the Board
of the reasons for the delay. The University of Wales is, however, concerned to
avoid candidates facing lengthy delays during the examination process.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 3 – Oral Examination (Viva Voce)
3.1
Criteria for Oral Examination (Viva Voce)
3.1.1
The oral examination will normally be conducted at the institution at which
the candidate commenced their scheme of study. At the discretion of the
Vice-Chancellor, however, the oral examination may be conducted at
another location or by other means subject to circumstances; The
‘Guidelines for the Conduct of Viva Voce Examinations by Electronic
Means’ are available on request from the University of Wales Registry.
3.1.2
In the case of a candidate resident at the time of submission elsewhere than
in the UK, the oral examination may be deferred until the candidate returns
to the UK, in line with the requirements for the deferral of examination
stipulated in the Regulations for the Degree of PhD. The examination may
not be deferred for a period in excess of twelve months from the date of
submission of the thesis.
3.1.3
Examining Boards, in recommending a candidate for the degree, shall certify
that the thesis submitted by the candidate substantially covers the scheme
of research approved by the University of Wales.
3.1.4
The following must be present at the oral examination:
o
o
o
3.2
3.1.5
The members of the Examination Board shall be appointed in accordance
with the University of Wales’ Regulations and Academic Protocols for the
Degree of PhD. The candidate’s supervisor will not be appointed as an
Internal Examiner; however he/she may be invited to attend the oral
examination (viva voce) in an advisory capacity.
3.1.6
The Chair of the Examination Board shall be responsible to the Vice
Chancellor of the University of Wales, for the conduct of the oral
examination.
Purpose and Conduct of the Oral Examination (Viva Voce)
3.2.1
1
The Chair of the Examination Board
The External Examiner
The Internal Examiner / Second External Examiner (in the case of a
Staff Candidate)1
The purpose of the oral examination is to enable the examiners to assure
themselves that the thesis is the candidate’s own work, to give the candidate
the opportunity to defend the thesis and to clarify any obscurities in it and
to enable the examiners to assess the candidate’s knowledge in his or her
particular field of learning.
‘Academic Protocol 3’ – Paragraphs 29, 32
3.3
2
3.2.2
At the oral examination, care should be taken to ensure that candidates are
encouraged to feel at ease so that they can display their knowledge and
abilities to best effect; the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the thesis
should be acknowledged and explored. At an early stage in the proceedings,
candidates should be given an opportunity to explain precisely what their
thesis is intended to achieve and what they believe to be its significance as a
contribution to knowledge. If there appears to be a major discrepancy
between the candidate’s aims and the content of the actual thesis, the
reasons for this should be explored. Likewise candidates should be asked to
explain their choice of title when there appears to be an imperfect
correspondence with the contents of the thesis. Candidates should also be
given the opportunity to explain any apparent failure to use important
materials, whether primary or secondary, or neglect of relevant approaches
or methodologies.
3.2.3
It is important that, where a thesis reveals significant deficiencies which
might lead to a report which is not unequivocally favourable, a
representative sample of these should be drawn to the candidate’s attention
and time for explanation and defence allowed for within the examination.
3.2.4
It is possible for examiners to disagree in their evaluation of the work,
therefore, it is desirable for the examiners to confer before the oral
examination takes place; significant divergences of opinion should be
identified, and a strategy to resolve these differences by agreed means
(which might include the careful structuring of the oral examination) may
be devised. Although it is desirable that the examiners strive to resolve their
differences, should it prove impossible for them to do so, the Chair of the
Board must report this fact to the University of Wales so that an Arbitrating
External Examiner may be appointed 2.
3.2.5
The oral examination is an integral part of the examination process for a
research degree, with the specific purposes set out above. Examiners are
asked to exert great care to avoid giving the impression at any time during
the oral examination that the oral examination is, in any sense, a mere
formality.
Role of the Chair
3.3.1
There should always be an independent Chairperson present throughout an
oral examination.
3.3.2
The Chair does not need to be a subject specialist, does not need to have
read the thesis and is not directly involved in examining it.
3.3.3
The role of the Chair is to manage the viva process, ensuring that the
candidate is treated fairly, to provide guidance on academic regulations and
to ensure that the outcome of the examination is communicated to the
student. The Chair has a general responsibility for ensuring correct
procedures are followed. This might include, for example, stepping in to
curtail an inappropriate line of questioning.
‘Academic Protocol 3’ – Paragraph 46
3.3.5
The Chair is responsible for welcoming the candidate, explaining the format
of the examination and drawing questions to a close where appropriate. The
Chair sets the tone for the examination, which should be conducted in a
courteous spirit of academic debate.
3.3.5
The Chair may wish to agree with the Examiners an agenda for the oral
examination prior to its commencement. This might include, for example, an
estimated duration of the viva, an order of questioning or an approach to be
adopted when questioning the candidate (thematic, process, page by page).
3.3.6 The Chair may also arbitrate in the cases of disagreement between the
examiners as to the outcome.
3.4
Guidance for Examiners
3.4.1
The University of Wales is aware that both PhD theses and examiners’ reports
can vary in format and style however, when examining a candidate for the
award of PhD examiners may wish to consider the following questions:

Were the aims and purpose of the research made clear in the thesis and were
these aims substantially achieved?

Does the thesis provide a sufficiently comprehensive investigation of the topic?

Does the candidate show sufficient familiarity with, and understanding and
critical appraisal of, recent and relevant literature in the field of study?

Is the methodology adopted appropriate to the subject matter and is it properly
justified and applied?

Are the findings suitably displayed and accompanied by adequate exposition
and interpretation?

Are conclusions and implications appropriately developed and clearly linked to
the nature and content of the research framework and findings?

Is the literary quality and general presentation of the thesis of a suitably high
standard?

Does the thesis as a whole constitute a substantive original contribution to
knowledge in the subject area to which it deals?

Does the thesis contain suitable matter for publication?
3.4.2







Examiners may also find it useful when writing their reports to use headings
or categories where appropriate to the field of study:
Academic Area of Study
Nature and Purpose of Thesis
Methods of Research
Engagement with Literature
Presentation of Data
Writing and Presentation
Examiners Conclusion / Reflection on Thesis
3.4.3
The University would welcome any other comments of a general nature that
may be of assistance to fellow examiners, the candidate and supervisors.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 4 – Examining Board’s Result Recommendation Options
The following options are available for the consideration of the Examining Board with regards
to the examination of PhD theses:
(a)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to completion of such
minor corrections as may be required by the Examining Board.
A thesis may be passed subject to the correction of minor or typographical errors prior
to the work’s deposit in the libraries. Such errors might consist, for example, of poor
punctuation, mis-spellings, sentences which lack total clarity, badly-labelled graphs,
figures or photographs, which do not detract from the view of the examiners that a
sound piece of work has been presented.
The Examining Board may stipulate that the corrections made shall be scrutinised by
either/both examiner(s) prior to the award process being initiated. Where appropriate,
the examiners should indicate which of their number should be responsible for agreeing
that corrections have been made satisfactorily.
Corrections should be capable of being completed within a period of four working
weeks from the date of the official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the
examination by the Institution Registry.
(b)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to such corrections
and amendments as may be required by the Examining Board.
A thesis may be passed subject to the completion of minor corrections prior to the
work’s deposit in the libraries. Such corrections might consist, for example, of misspellings, sentences which lack total clarity or the restructuring of a chapter. Such
corrections should not be substantial enough to detract from the view of the examiners
that a sound piece of work has been presented and should not require the candidate to
significantly rethink the argument, structure or methodology of the thesis.
The corrections made shall be scrutinised by either or both examiner(s) prior to the
award process being initiated. Where appropriate, the examiners should indicate which
of their number should be responsible for agreeing that corrections have been made
satisfactorily.
Corrections should be capable of being completed within a period of twelve working
weeks from the date of the official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the
examination by the Institution Registry.
(c) 3
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD but be allowed to modify
the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of PhD on one further occasion, upon
payment of a re-submission fee.
Should the examiners be agreed that the research design and execution are flawed
and/or the thesis itself requires substantial re-working either on intellectual or
presentational grounds, they may - provided that they can see some evidence that the
candidate is capable of the modifications required (which may take months, as opposed
to weeks, of concentrated work) - permit the candidate to re-submit the work. Defects
3
This option may not be applied in respect of a re-submitted work.
might, for example, consist of illegible or poorly-argued passages, sub-standard figures,
graphs or photographs, or misinterpretation of some data. The examiners should be
satisfied that there is evidence that the candidate knows what he/she is doing, that the
work substantially addresses the problems or issues posed but that its execution in
thesis form requires modification of a scale capable of being accomplished by the
author in a period of concentrated, uninterrupted work.
If the research design and execution are flawed and/or the thesis itself requires
substantial re-working either on intellectual or presentational grounds, the examiner
may - provided that they can see some evidence that the candidate is capable of the
modifications required (which may take months, as opposed to weeks, of concentrated
work) - permit the candidate to re-submit the work within two years.
The re-submission shall take place within a period not exceeding two years from the
date of the official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the examination by
the University of Wales.
(d)
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD, but be approved instead
for the degree of MPhil subject to completion of such minor corrections as may be
required by the Examining Board.
A thesis may be deemed, on the grounds of scope, approach, execution, originality etc,
to fail to meet the standard required for the award of the degree of PhD, but
nevertheless to satisfy the requirements for the award of an MPhil. The award of the
Degree of MPhil should only be made to candidates who have submitted work which is
equal to that completed on an extended Masters course and involves a substantial
element of research or equivalent enquiry. When deciding whether to recommend that
a candidate be awarded an MPhil, the examiners must be satisfied that the University’s
criteria for the award of the Degree of MPhil (reproduced below) have been met in full.
Criteria for the award of the MPhil
The degree of Master of Philosophy may be awarded by the University in
recognition of the successful completion of a course of further study and
research, the results of which are judged to constitute a critical evaluation and
analysis of a body of knowledge and/or an original contribution to knowledge.
Provided that the academic requirements are met, the MPhil may be awarded
subject to the correction of minor or typographical errors prior to the work’s
deposit in the libraries. Such errors might consist, for example, of poor
punctuation, mis-spellings, sentences which lack total clarity, badly-labelled
graphs, figures or photographs, which do not detract from the view of the
examiners that a sound piece of work has been presented.
The Examining Board may stipulate that the corrections made shall be
scrutinised by either/both examiner(s) prior to the award process being
initiated. Where appropriate, the examiners should indicate which of their
number should be responsible for agreeing that corrections have been made
satisfactorily.
Corrections should be capable of being completed within a period of four
working weeks from the date of the official notification to the candidate of the
outcome of the examination by the Institution Registry.
(e)
4
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD, but be allowed to modify
the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of MPhil on one further occasion, upon
payment of the examination fee.
A thesis should be deemed to fail to meet the standard required for the award of the
degree of PhD, but the candidate be allowed to modify and resubmit for the degree of
MPhil upon payment of the full fee, if the research, design and execution are flawed
and/or the thesis itself requires substantial re-working either on intellectual or
presentational grounds - provided that the examiners can see some evidence that the
candidate is capable of the modifications required (which may take months, as opposed
to weeks, of concentrated work).
If the research design and execution are flawed and/or the thesis itself requires
substantial re-working either on intellectual or presentational grounds, the examiner
may - provided that they can see some evidence that the candidate is capable of the
modifications required (which may take months, as opposed to weeks, of concentrated
work) - permit the candidate to re-submit the work within one year.
A thesis should be deemed to fail, with no provision for re-submission, if the research
design and execution and /or the thesis itself is flawed to such a fundamental extent
that there are insufficient grounds for the examiners to believe that the candidate can
salvage it.
(f)
that the candidate be not approved for the award of a degree.
A thesis may be deemed to have been failed, with no provision for re-submission for
either of the degrees of PhD or MPhil, where the research design and execution and/or
the thesis itself are flawed to such a fundamental extent that there are insufficient
grounds for the candidate to believe that the candidate might salvage it.
4
This option may not be applied in respect of a re-submitted work.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 5 – Completion of the Examiners’ Result and Report Form
The ‘Examiners’ Result and Report Form’ is included as an appendix to these notes of
guidance. The following notes detail how this form should be completed both prior to and
following the Oral examination (viva voce). This Form is intended for the reports of the
both the External and Internal Examiners, and is used by the whole of the examination
board when making a formal recommendation to the University of Wales on the outcome
of the examination process.
Examiners are advised that under the terms of the 1998 Data Protection Act and the
subsequent Freedom of Information Act, candidates have the right to request access
to any comments made about them in these reports.
5.1
5.2
Prior to the Oral Examination
5.1.1
The External Examiner should complete Section 1.1 – ‘External Examiner’s
Report on Thesis’ of the ‘Examiners’ Result and Report Form’ and take the
whole of the form to the Institution at which the oral examination is to be
held.
5.1.2
The Chair of the Examining Board should arrange for the Internal
Examiner’s to complete Section 2 – ‘Internal Examiner’s Report on Thesis’ of
the ‘Examiners’ Result and Report Form’. Additional pages may be
appended to Section 2, however the Internal Examiner must sign and date
each additional page.
5.1.3
The form and content of the examiners’ reports should be sufficiently
detailed to allow members of the University’s staff to assess the scope and
significance of the thesis, and to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses.
Reports should, as far as possible, be expressed in terms that may be
understood by those who are not specialists in the particular field of the
thesis. Ideally the report should include, near to its beginning, a statement
of what the thesis purports to do, and an account of what it actually covers.
Evaluative comments should be as full as possible and should include an
indication of strengths as well as weaknesses, limitations and lacunae.
Following the Oral Examination
5.2.1
Completing the Examiners’ Result and Report Form
Following the Oral Examination of the candidate, the Internal and External
examiners should complete the ‘Examiners’ Result and Report Form’, as
follows:
o
The External Examiner should complete Section
Examiner’s Report on Candidate at Oral Examination’.
o
If necessary the External Examiner should complete Section 1.3 –
‘Matters of General Concern or Interest […]’.
o
The External Examiner, together with the Internal Examiner, should
complete Section 3 – ‘Joint Report by External and Internal Examiners’.
1.2
– ‘External
Additional pages may be appended to Sections 1.2, 1.3 and 3 of the
‘Examiners’ Result and Report Form’, however the External Examiner
must sign and date each additional page.
5.2.2
Completing the Confirmation of Completion of Corrections Form
In the event that the examination board stipulates that the candidate should
effect minor corrections to the thesis, it is the responsibility of the External
Examiner to review the resubmission and confirm that the criteria for the
either the Degree of PhD or the Degree of MPhil have been met (depending
on the decision of the Examination Board), bearing in mind the time limits
imposed by the Examination Board (See section 4 for details).
The Convenor should ensure that the ‘Confirmation of Completion of
Corrections Form’ has been completed and attached to the ‘Examining
Board’s Formal Recommendation of Result Form’ prior to the submission
of the result to the University of Wales.
5.2.3 Completing the Examining Board’s Formal Recommendation of Result
Form
The examiners should arrange with the Chair of the Examining Board for the
completion and signature of the ‘Examining Board’s Formal
Recommendation of Result Form’. The examination board should indicate
one of the following options (See Section 4 for details):
(a)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to
completion of such minor corrections as may be required by the
Examining Board;
(b)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to such
corrections and amendments as may be required by the Examining
Board;
(c)
5
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD but be
allowed to modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of PhD
on one further occasion, upon payment of a re-submission fee;
(d)
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD, but instead
be approved for the degree of MPhil subject to completion of such
minor corrections as may be required by the Examining Board;
(e) 6
that the candidate not be approved for the degree of PhD, but be
allowed to modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of MPhil
on one further occasion, upon payment of the examination fee;
(f)
that the candidate be not approved for the award of a degree of PhD.
The ‘Examining Board’s Formal Recommendation of Result Form’ should
then be signed by the Internal Examiner, the External Examiner and by the
Chair of the Examination Board, who should also enter the date.
In the event of a dispute between the examiners as to the result of the
examination, the form should not be signed, but instead the Chair should
notify the University of Wales.7
5
6
This option may not be applied in respect of a re-submitted work.
This option may not be applied in respect of a re-submitted work.
The ‘Examining Board’s Formal Recommendation of Result Form’ should
only be returned to the University of Wales Registry once a final mark has
been indicated; any corrections stipulated by the Examination Board must
have been completed within the set time limit, or the candidate should be
marked as a fail.
7
‘Academic Protocol 3’ – Paragraph 46
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
Section 6 – Payment of Fees and Expense Claims
6.1
Payment of Fees and Expense Claims
The payment of fees and expenses to External Examiners is the responsibility of
the University of Wales Registry. A ‘Fees and Expenses of External Examiners
(Higher Degrees)…’ claim form should be completed by the External Examiner and
submitted to the University of Wales Registry.
A fee of £132 is payable for the examination of a PhD thesis. Any travelling and
subsistence expenses should be detailed clearly on the claim form, and any receipts
attached.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
APPENDIX
1
Academic Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded by the University in recognition of the
successful completion of a scheme of further study and research at a collaborative partner
institution, the results of which are judged to constitute an original contribution to learning
and to give evidence of systematic study and of ability to relate the results of such study to the
general body of knowledge in the subject.
In judging the merit of a thesis submitted in candidature for the degree of PhD, the examiners
shall bear in mind the standard and scope of work which it is reasonable to expect a capable
and diligent student to present after a period of two or three years, as appropriate, of full-time
study, or its part-time equivalent.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy may not be conferred honoris causa.
Methods of Candidature
A candidate may qualify for the degree by one of the following methods:
A
by pursuing full-time research in a partner institution;
B
by pursuing part-time research externally;
SECTION A
Candidates Pursuing Full-time Research in a Partner Institution
A1.
A candidate for the degree under this section must be enrolled as a full-time student
at a partner institution of the University for the minimum period defined in paragraph
A6 below and must pay the appropriate fees.
Entry Conditions
A2.
A candidate for the degree of PhD must hold one of the following qualifications prior
to commencement of research:
1.
2.
3.
an initial degree of the University of Wales;
an initial degree of another University approved for this purpose or of the CNAA;
a non-graduate qualification which the University has deemed to be equivalent
to graduation.
A3.
Irrespective of a candidate’s qualifications, an institution must satisfy itself that a
candidate is of the required academic standard to complete the scheme of research
proposed.
A4.
A candidate who has not already done so, is required to matriculate in the University
at the commencement of his/her scheme of research.
Registration and Time Limits
A5.
Subject to the agreement of the University, a candidate may commence his/her period
of research on the first day of any calendar month.
A6.
All candidatures for the degree of PhD under this section shall extend over a minimum
period of three years or nine terms of which the first year shall be regarded as the
probationary year during which a candidate will be expected to demonstrate his/her
ability to proceed with further research. Exemptions from the probationary year may
be granted where a candidate:
(a)
holds the degree of Master from an approved University obtained by research or
advanced study which, in the judgement of the University, provides sufficient
academic background to permit the completion of the proposed research in two
years;
(b)
has completed a minimum of one year’s full-time or two years’ part-time
supervised postgraduate work in the same academic discipline as the proposed
PhD scheme of research to the satisfaction of a partner institution;
(c)
has submitted postgraduate research work of a standard approximate to that of a
Master’s degree and approved by the partner institution on the recommendation
of the Head of the appropriate Department;
(d)
has had at least one year’s relevant experience since graduation, such approval
to be granted by the University on the recommendation of the Head of the
appropriate Department.
No other exemptions will be granted.
A7.
Tuition fees are payable on an annual or termly basis in respect of a candidate’s
period of study as an enrolled student. The partner institution may also, at its
discretion, charge fees at a level deemed appropriate in respect of students who
continue to receive supervision and/or the provision of other facilities after the expiry
of their stipulated period of study.
A8.
Not later than three months after the beginning of the candidate’s period of study as a
research student, the partner institution shall notify to the University:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
A9.
the full name of the candidate;
details of his/her initial degree;
the name of his/her department/school of study;
the name of his/her supervisors;
the subject area in which he/she will pursue his/her research;
the start date and duration of his/her period of study as an enrolled student (see
paragraphs A5 and A6 above);
reason for exemption from probationary year (where applicable) (as prescribed
in paragraph A6 (a)-(d) above).
A candidature shall lapse if a thesis is not submitted, in the form and manner
prescribed by the following time-limits:
.1
in the case of three-year candidatures (the first year of which is regarded as the
probationary year):
-
.2
five years - from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study as
a research student, as prescribed in paragraph A5 above:
in the case of candidates exempted from the probationary year:
-
four years - from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study as
a research student, as prescribed in paragraph A5 above.
These time-limits may be extended by the University of Wales, but in exceptional
cases only and in accordance with criteria laid down in the Academic Protocols for
Research Degree Awards. A reasoned application, supported by appropriate
independent evidence, must be submitted by the candidate’s department for
consideration by the University.
A10.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may, on the special recommendation of
the institution concerned, allow a candidate to pursue his/her scheme of study for not
more than one year in an institution other than an approved institution. The scheme
of study in such cases should indicate the amount of supervision to be provided.
A11.
Approved fieldwork or other research may be undertaken outside the institution
subject to the satisfaction of the University that adequate supervision can be
maintained and provided that the scheme of study in such cases indicates the amount
of supervision to be provided.
Supervision
A12.
The partner institution shall ensure that each candidate is supervised, on a regular
and continuing basis, in accordance with its general procedures for postgraduate
supervision.
A13.(a)For each candidature the University shall approve two supervisors via the Validation
Board.
A13.(b) The following categories of staff are eligible for appointment: a full-time or a parttime member of the academic staff of the partner institution; a full time or part time
member of the academic staff of an accredited institution of the University of Wales.
Wherever possible the institution shall make provision for one of the two supervisors
assigned to the candidate to be a member of staff of an accredited institution of the
University of Wales.
At the request of the institution, the University may also approve a third supervisor,
who may be external to either the partner institution or to the University.
A14.
A candidate’s supervisor(s) shall have the right to convey to the Chair of the
Examining Board any concerns relevant to a candidate’s research project, the
resulting thesis or its examination which the supervisor(s) consider(s) the Board
should take into account prior to reaching its decision. The supervisor(s) shall convey
these concerns, in writing, both to the Chair and to the candidate, as soon as
practicable after the presentation of the thesis and in any event, early enough to allow
the candidate sufficient time prior to the examination of the thesis (including any oral
examination) to consider the points made and to prepare a response.
It shall be the responsibility of the Chair of the Examining Board to ensure that the
candidate is satisfied with the time allowed for consideration of and response to the
points made by the supervisor(s), and to secure for the record a written statement by
the candidate to this effect. (See also paragraph A31 below).
A15.
A candidate’s supervisor shall not be appointed internal examiner, although he/she
may be invited by the Chair of the Examining Board to attend the oral examination in
an advisory capacity.
A16.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate
internal examiner from within the Department concerned, the University may approve
the appointment of an internal examiner from another Department of the partner
institution concerned.
A17.
If it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate internal examiner from another
Department of the partner institution concerned, the Vice-Chancellor may, on the
special recommendation of the Head of Department concerned, appoint an internal
examiner from another approved institution. In appointing such an internal examiner,
the Vice-Chancellor may take account of, but need not be bound by the nomination
made by the Head of Department.
A18.
The Vice-Chancellor shall not consider the appointment of an internal examiner from
another approved institution under the provisions of Paragraph A17 above unless
he/she has considered and accepted an assurance from the Head of Department
concerned that all appropriate steps have been taken to appoint an internal examiner
from within the candidate’s own institution.
A19.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate
internal examiner either from within the institution concerned, or from another such
approved institution, the Vice-Chancellor may, on the special recommendation of the
Principal of the institution concerned, appoint a second external examiner in lieu of
an internal examiner. In appointing such an external examiner, the Vice-Chancellor
may take account of, but need not be bound by any nomination made by the Principal.
A20.
The Vice-Chancellor shall not consider the appointment of a second external examiner
in lieu of an internal examiner under the provisions of paragraph A19 above unless
he/she has considered and accepted an assurance from the Principal that all
appropriate steps have been taken to appoint an internal examiner from within the
institution or from another approved institution.
Submission of Thesis
A21.
Every candidate’s research shall be completed by the presentation of a thesis
embodying the methods and results of the research. Candidates in the Faculty of
Music who have qualified for the degree of Master of Music in the University of Wales
may submit a major work or works of original composition, and any candidate in the
Faculty of Music may submit a major work or works of original composition together
with related analytical work.
A22.
In order to allow for the examination to be completed, a candidate is permitted to
submit a thesis six months before the expiry of the period of study approved in
his/her case. Hence a candidate pursuing a two year period of study may submit one
and a half years from the date of initial registration with a partner institution and a
candidate pursuing a three year period of study may submit two and a half years from
the date of such registration.
A23.
Except as provided below in paragraph A36, a candidate may not amend, add to, or
delete from the thesis after it has been submitted.
A24.
For the purpose of the examination, a candidate shall submit the following to the
institution:
1.
Two typed and bound copies of the thesis, each of which shall contain:
-
a summary not exceeding three hundred words;
-
a statement, signed by the candidate, showing to what extent the work
submitted is the result of the candidate’s own investigation;
acknowledgement of other sources shall be made by footnotes giving
explicit references. A full bibliography should be appended to the work;
-
a declaration, signed by the candidate, to certify that the work has not
already been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not being
concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree;
-
a signed statement regarding availability of the thesis (see also paragraph
A27 below).
2.
An additional copy of the summary prepared by the candidate on a form
obtainable from the University.
3.
A completed form of notice of candidature, copies of which are obtainable from
the University.
4.
A certificate provided by the partner institution to show that all financial
obligations have been fulfilled.
A25.
For every higher degree Examining Board there shall be a Convenor & Secretary who
shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct administrative procedures for the
submission and examination of the thesis are carried out. The Head of Department
may act as Convenor & Secretary or may delegate this function to a senior member of
the academic staff of his/her Department.
A26.
The Convenor & Secretary shall forthwith send one typed and bound copy of the thesis
to the Director of Academic Affairs of the University, or nominee, for the use of the
external examiner together with the additional copy of the summary, form of notice of
candidature and the certificate provided by the partner institution as specified in
paragraph A24 above.
A27.
A thesis submitted for a higher degree of the University shall normally be openly
available and subject to no security or restriction of access. However, the University
may, on the special recommendation of a partner institution, place a bar on
photocopying and/or access to a thesis for a specified period of up to five years. It
shall be the responsibility of the candidate’s supervisor to initiate an application as
soon as is reasonably practicable. Normally the partner institution will forward a
recommendation to the University at the time of registration of the candidate’s
scheme of research. This bar would also apply to members of staff.
On submission a candidate shall be required to sign a statement indicating
either:
1.
that the thesis, if successful, may be made available for inter-library loan or
photocopying (subject to the law of copyright), and that the title and summary
may be made available to outside organisations;
or
2.
that the thesis, if successful, may be made so available after expiry of a bar.
Normally, the title and summary of the thesis shall be freely available.
A28.
A candidate is at liberty to publish the whole or part of the work produced during the
candidate’s period of registration prior to its submission as a whole, or a part of a
thesis, provided that in the published work it is nowhere stated that it is in
consideration for a higher degree. Such published work may later be incorporated in
the thesis submitted to the University.
Examination
A29.
An Examining Board is required to conduct an oral examination of a PhD candidate
who submits a thesis for examination. This requirement may be waived, at the
discretion of the Examining Board, when an examination of a re-submitted thesis is
being conducted (see paragraph A36 below).
A30.
An Examining Board shall be comprised as follows:
Chair & Convenor
Internal Examiner
External Examiner
The candidate's Head of Department may act as Chair to the Examining Board, or may
delegate his function to a senior member of the academic staff of the partner
institution concerned except where the Head of Department is also one of the
candidate's Supervisors, in which case the role of Chair of the Board must be
delegated to a senior member of the academic staff of the institution concerned.
A31.
An Examining Board shall consider any written submission to the Chair by a
candidate’s supervisor(s) and any response by the candidate in accordance with the
provisions of Paragraph A14 above.
A32.
The examiners may also require a candidate to sit a written examination.
A33.
The oral examination will normally be conducted at the partner institution. At the
discretion of the Vice-Chancellor, the oral examination may be conducted at a place
other than at the institution.
A34.
In the case of a candidate resident at the time of submission elsewhere than in the UK,
the University may defer the oral examination until the return of the candidate to this
country, provided that:
1.
each candidate shall give not less than two months’ notice to the Director of
Academic Affairs of the dates between which he/she will be available for oral
examination in this country;
2.
the oral examination may not be deferred for a period exceeding twelve months
from the date of submission of the thesis to the University;
3.
any additional expense caused to the University in the conduct of the deferred
oral examination shall be borne by the candidate.
A35.
Examining Boards, in recommending a candidate for the degree, shall certify that the
thesis submitted by the candidate substantially covers the scheme of research
approved for him/her by the University.
A36
Examining Boards may recommend one of the following options:
(i) that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to completion of
such minor corrections as may be required by the Examining Board. The
Examining Board may stipulate that the corrections made shall be scrutinised by
either/both examiner(s) prior to the award process being initiated. Corrections
shall be completed within a period of four working weeks from the date of the
official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(ii)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to such corrections
and amendments as may be required by the Examining Board.. Corrections and
amendments shall be completed within a period of twelve working weeks from the
date of the official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(iii)* that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD but be allowed to
modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of PhD on one further occasion,
upon payment of a re-submission fee. The re-submission shall take place within a

In the case of the examination of a staff candidate, there shall be instead two external examiners.
Candidates who are, or who become at the time of submission, members of staff at a partner (or of another
University/ institution) other than that at which he/she has registered for study shall be examined as a
student candidature – i.e. there shall be a Chair and normally one external and one internal examiner.
period not exceeding two years from the date of the official notification to the
candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(iv) that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD, but be approved instead
for the degree of MPhil subject to completion of such minor corrections as may be
required by the Examining Board. The Examining Board may stipulate that the
corrections made shall be scrutinised by either/both examiner(s) prior to the award
process being initiated. Corrections shall be completed within a period of four
working weeks from the date of the official notification to the candidate of the
outcome of the examination.
(v) that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD, but be allowed to
modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of MPhil on one further
occasion,upon payment of the examination fee The re-submission shall take place
within a period not exceeding one year from the date of the official notification to
the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(vi) that the candidate be not approved for the award of a degree.
A37
A candidate awarded the degree of MPhil on the basis of his/her PhD candidature
under the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(iv) or (v) above cannot later submit for the
degree of PhD without pursuing a new scheme of research.
A38
An Examining Board may attach to a thesis which has not been approved by the
examiners any decisions or recommendations or comments which they may desire the
Director of Academic Affairs, or nominee, to communicate to the candidate after the
termination of the examination including a decision that the thesis may not be
submitted for re-examination until at least one year has elapsed since the date it was
first submitted for examination.
A39
Two copies of every work of research approved by the examiners shall become the
property of the University. One copy shall be deposited by the Convenor & Secretary
in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth; the other shall be deposited by the
Convenor & Secretary in the library of the partner institution at which the candidate
has pursued his/her research.
Candidates whose research was pursued at a partner institution which participates in
the British Library Document supply service may be asked to provide, for
microfilming by the British Library, an additional unbound, validated, non-returnable
copy of their examined thesis, which conforms to BSI specification No. 4821. Such
candidates may also be asked to complete the British Library’s access agreement form.
SECTION B
Candidates Pursuing Part-time Research Externally
B1.
A candidate for the degree under this section must be enrolled as a part-time student
at an approved partner institution for the minimum period defined in paragraph B6
below and must pay the appropriate fees.
Entry Conditions
B2.
A candidate for the degree of PhD must hold one of the following qualifications prior
to commencement of research:
1.
2.

an initial degree of the University of Wales;
an initial degree of another University approved for this purpose or of the CNAA;
These options are not available in the case of candidates who have re-submitted a thesis for examination.
3.
a non-graduate qualification which the University has deemed to be equivalent
to graduation.
B3.
Irrespective of a candidate’s qualifications, a partner institution must satisfy itself
that a candidate is of the required academic standard to complete the scheme of
research proposed.
B4.
A candidate who has not already done so, is required to matriculate in the University
at the commencement of his/her scheme of research.
Registration and Time-Limits
B5.
Subject to the agreement of the University, a candidate may commence his/her period
of research on the first day of any calendar month.
B6.
All candidatures for the degree of PhD under this section shall extend over a minimum
period of five years or fifteen terms of which the first two years shall be regarded as
the probationary period during which a candidate will be expected to demonstrate
his/her ability to proceed with further research. Exemptions from the probationary
period may by granted if a candidate:
(a)
Holds a degree of Master of an approved University obtained by research or
advanced study which, in the judgement of the University, provides sufficient
academic background to permit the completion of the proposed research in three
years.
(b)
Has completed a minimum of one year’s full time or two years’ part-time
supervised postgraduate work in the same academic discipline as the proposed
PhD scheme of research to the satisfaction of a partner institution on the
recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Department.
(c)
Has submitted postgraduate research work of a standard approximate to that of
a Master’s degree and approved by the partner institution on the
recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Department.
(d)
Has had at least two years’ relevant experience since graduation, such approval
to be granted by the University on the recommendation of the Head of the
appropriate Department.
No other exemptions will be granted.
B7
Tuition fees are payable on an annual or termly basis in respect of a candidate’s
period of study as an enrolled student. Partner institutions may also, at their
discretion, charge fees at a level they deem appropriate in respect of students who
continue to receive supervision and/or the provision of other facilities after the expiry
of their stipulated period of study.
B8.
Not later than three months after the beginning of the candidate’s period of study as a
research student, the partner institution shall notify to the University:
(a)
the full name of the candidate;
(b)
details of his/her initial degree;
(c)
the name of his/her department/school of study;
(d)
the name of his/her supervisors;
(e)
the subject area in which he/she will pursue his/her research;
B9.
(f)
the start date and duration of his/her period of study as an enrolled student (see
paragraphs B5 and B6 above);
(g)
reason for exemption from the probationary period (where applicable)(as
prescribed in paragraph B6 (a)-(d) above).
A candidature shall lapse if a thesis is not submitted, in the form and manner
prescribed by regulation, by the following time-limits:
.1
In the case of five-year candidatures (the first two years of which are regarded
as the probationary period):
-
.2
nine years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study as
a research student, as prescribed in paragraph B5 above;
In the case of candidates exempted from the probationary year:
-
seven years from the official beginning of the candidate’s period of study as
a research student, as prescribed in paragraph B5 above.
These time limits may be extended by the University of Wales, but in exceptional
cases only and in accordance with criteria laid down in the Academic Protocols. A
reasoned application, supported by appropriate independent evidence, must be
submitted by the candidate’s department for consideration by the University.
B10.
The candidature must be sponsored at the outset by the Head of a Department or
other appropriate academic section within the partner institution at which the
candidate proposes to register as a postgraduate student.
B11.
Application for such sponsorship must be made by the prospective candidate to the
Head of the Department concerned and shall include a written statement from the
applicant indicating that he/she would have access to all the appropriate sources of
material.
Supervision
B12.
The partner institution shall ensure that each candidate is supervised, on a regular
and continuing basis, in accordance with its general procedures for postgraduate
supervision.
B13.(a)
For each candidature the University shall approve two supervisors via the
Validation Board.
B13.(b)
The following categories of a staff are eligible for appointment: a full-time or a
part-time member of the academic staff of the institution concerned; a full time or
part time member of the academic staff of an accredited institution of the University
of Wales
Wherever possible the institution shall make provision for one of the two supervisors
assigned to the candidate to be a member of staff of an accredited institution of the
University of Wales.
At the request of the institution, the University may also approve a third supervisor,
who may be external to the partner institution or to the University.
B14.
A candidate’s supervisor(s) shall have the right to convey to the Chair of the
Examining Board any concerns relevant to a candidate’s research project, the
resulting thesis or its examination which the supervisor(s) consider(s) the Board
should take into account prior to reaching its decision. The supervisor(s) shall convey
these concerns, in writing, both to the Chair and to the candidate, as soon as
practicable after the presentation of the thesis and in any event, early enough to allow
the candidate sufficient time prior to the examination of the thesis (including any oral
examination) to consider the points made and to prepare a response.
It shall be the responsibility of the Chair of the Examining Board to ensure that the
candidate is satisfied with the time allowed for consideration of and response to the
points made by the supervisor(s), and to secure for the record a written statement by
the candidate to this effect. (See also paragraph B33 below).
B15.
A candidate’s supervisor shall not be appointed internal examiner, although he/she
may be invited by the Chair of the Examining Board to attend the oral examination in
an advisory capacity.
B16.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate
internal examiner from within the Department concerned, the University may approve
the appointment of an internal examiner from another Department of the partner
institution concerned.
B17.
If it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate internal examiner from another
Department of the partner institution, the Vice-Chancellor may, on the special
recommendation of the Head of Department concerned, appoint an internal examiner
from another approved institution. In appointing such an internal examiner, the ViceChancellor may take account of, but need not be bound by any nomination made by
the Head of Department.
B18.
The Vice-Chancellor of the shall not consider the appointment of an internal examiner
from another approved partner institution under the provisions of paragraph B17
above unless he/she has considered and accepted an assurance from the Head of
Department concerned that all appropriate steps have been taken to appoint an
internal examiner from within the candidate’s own institution.
B19.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to appoint an appropriate
internal examiner either from within the institution concerned, or from another such
approved institution, the Vice-Chancellor may, on the special recommendation of the
Principal of the institution concerned, appoint a second external examiner in lieu of
an internal examiner. In appointing such an external examiner, the Vice-Chancellor
may take account of, but need not be bound by any nomination made by the Principal.
B20.
The Vice-Chancellor shall not consider the appointment of a second external examiner
in lieu of an internal examiner under the provisions of paragraph B19 above unless
he/she has considered and accepted an assurance from the Principal that all
appropriate steps have been taken to appoint an internal examiner from within the
institution or from another approved partner institution.
B21.
Regular personal contact between the candidate and the supervisor must be
maintained throughout the period of research. A brief report, written by the candidate
and endorsed by the supervisor, must be submitted to the Head of the Department of
three times a year, at the end of each term.
B22.
The control of the topic of research and of all conditions governing its candidature
shall at all times remain with the Head of the Department in which the candidature is
being sponsored and shall be subject to the approval of University.
Submission of Thesis
B23.
Every candidate’s research shall be completed by the presentation of a thesis
embodying the methods and results of the research. Candidates in the Faculty of
Music who have qualified for the degree of Master of Music in the University of Wales
may submit a major work or works of original composition, and any candidate in the
Faculty of Music may submit a major work or works of original composition together
with related analytical work.
B24.
In order to allow for the examination to be completed a candidate is permitted to
submit a thesis six months before the expiry of the period of study approved in
his/her case. Hence a candidate pursuing a three year period of study may submit two
and a half years from the date of initial registration with a partner institution and a
candidate pursuing a five year period of study may submit four and a half years from
the date of such registration.
B25.
Except as provided below in paragraph B38, a candidate may not amend, add to, or
delete from his/her thesis after it has been submitted.
B26.
For the purpose of the examination, a candidate shall submit the following to the
Institution:
1.
Two typed and bound copies of the thesis, each of which shall contain:
-
a summary in form suitable for publication and not exceeding three
hundred words;
-
a statement, signed by the candidate, showing to what extent the work
submitted is the result of the candidate’s own investigation;
acknowledgement of other sources shall be made by footnotes giving
explicit references. A full bibliography should be appended to the work;
-
a declaration, signed by the candidate, to certify that the work has not
already been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not being
concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree;
-
a signed statement regarding availability of the thesis (see also paragraph
B29 below).
2.
An additional copy of the summary prepared by the candidate on a form
obtainable from the University.
3.
A completed form of notice of candidature, copies of which are obtainable from
the University.
4.
A certificate provided by the partner institution to show that all financial
obligations have been fulfilled.
B27.
For every higher degree Examining Board there shall be a Convenor & Secretary who
shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct administrative procedures for the
submission and examination of the thesis are carried out. The Head of Department
may act as Convenor & Secretary or may delegate this function to a senior member of
the academic staff of his/her Department.
B28.
The Head of Department shall forthwith send one typed and bound copy of the thesis
to the Director of Academic Affairs of the University, or nominee, for the use of the
external examiner together with the additional copy of the summary, form of notice of
candidature and the certificate provided by the partner institution as specified in
paragraph B26 above.
B29.
A thesis submitted for a higher degree of the University shall normally be openly
available and subject to no security or restriction of access. However the University
may, on the special recommendation of a partner institution, place a bar on
photocopying and/or access to a thesis for a specified period of up to five years. It
shall be the responsibility of the candidate’s supervisor to initiate an application as
soon as is reasonably practicable. Normally the partner institution will forward a
recommendation to the University at the time of registration of the candidate’s
scheme of research. This bar would also apply to members of staff
On submission a candidate shall be required to sign a statement indicating either:
1.
that the thesis, if successful, may be made available for inter-library loan or
photocopying (subject to the law of copyright), and that the title and summary
may be made available to outside organisations;
or
2.
that the thesis, if successful, may be made so available after expiry of a bar.
Normally, the title and summary of the thesis shall be freely available.
B30.
A candidate is at liberty to publish the whole or part of the work produced during the
candidate’s period of registration at the partner institution of the University of Wales
concerned, prior to its submission as a whole, or a part of a thesis, provided that in
the published work it is nowhere stated that it is in consideration for a higher degree.
Such published work may later be incorporated in the thesis submitted to the
University.
Examination
B31.
An Examining Board is required to conduct an oral examination of a PhD candidate
who submits a thesis for examination. However this requirement may be waived, at
the discretion of the Examining Board, when an examination of a re-submitted thesis
is being conducted (see paragraph B38 below).
B32.
An Examining Board shall be comprised as follows:
Chair & Convenor
Internal Examiner
External Examiner
The candidate's Head of Department may act as Chair to the Examining Board, or may
delegate his function to a senior member of the academic staff of the partner
institution concerned except where the Head of Department is also one of the
candidate's Supervisors, in which case the role of Chair of the Board must be
delegated to a senior member of the academic staff of the partner institution
concerned.
B33.
An Examining Board shall consider any written submission to the Chair by a
candidate’s supervisor(s) and any response by the candidate in accordance with the
provisions of Paragraph B14 above.
B34.
The examiners may also require the candidate to sit a written examination.
B35.
The oral examination will normally be conducted at one of the approved partner
institutions. At the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor, the oral examination may be
conducted at a place other than an approved partner institution.

In the case of the examination of a staff candidate, there shall be instead two external examiners. Candidates who
are, or who become at the time of submission, members of staff at a partner institution of the University (or of
another University/partner institution) other than that at which he/she has registered for study shall be examined
as a student candidature – i.e. there shall be a Chair and normally one external and one internal examiner.
B36.
B37.
In the case of a candidate resident at the time of submission elsewhere other than in
the UK, the oral examination may be deferred until the return of the candidate to this
country, provided that:
1.
each candidate shall give not less than two months’ notice to the Director of
Academic Affairs of the University of the dates between which he/she will be
available for oral examination in this country;
2.
the oral examination may not be deferred for a period exceeding twelve months
from the date of submission of the thesis to the University;
3.
any additional expense caused to the University in the conduct of the deferred
oral examination shall be borne by the candidate.
Examining Boards, in recommending a candidate for the degree, shall certify that the
thesis submitted by the candidate substantially covers the scheme of research
approved for him/her by the University.
B38.(a)
Examining boards may recommend one of the following options:
(i) that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to completion of
such minor corrections as may be required by the Examining Board. The
Examining Board may stipulate that the corrections made shall be scrutinised by
either/both examiner(s) prior to the award process being initiated. Corrections
shall be completed within a period of four working weeks from the date of the
official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(ii)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to such corrections
and amendments as may be required by the Examining Board.. Corrections and
amendments shall be completed within a period of twelve working weeks from the
date of the official notification to the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(iii)* that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD but be allowed to
modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of PhD on one further occasion,
upon payment of a re-submission fee. The re-submission shall take place within a
period not exceeding two years from the date of the official notification to the
candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(iv) that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD, but be approved instead
for the degree of MPhil subject to completion of such minor corrections as may be
required by the Examining Board. The Examining Board may stipulate that the
corrections made shall be scrutinised by either/both examiner(s) prior to the award
process being initiated. Corrections shall be completed within a period of four
working weeks from the date of the official notification to the candidate of the
outcome of the examination.
(v) that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD, but be allowed to
modify the thesis and re-submit it for the degree of MPhil on one further
occasion,upon payment of the examination fee The re-submission shall take place
within a period not exceeding one year from the date of the official notification to
the candidate of the outcome of the examination.
(vi) that the candidate be not approved for the award of a degree.
B38.(b)
A candidate awarded the degree of MPhil on the basis of his/her PhD
candidature under the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(iv) or (v) above cannot later
submit for the degree of PhD without pursuing a new scheme of research.

These options are not available in the case of candidates who have re-submitted a thesis for examination.
B39.
An Examining Board may attach to a thesis which has not been approved by the
examiners, any decisions or recommendations or comments which they may desire
the Director of Academic Affairs of the University, or nominee, to communicate to the
candidate after the termination of the examination including a decision that the thesis
may not be submitted for re-examination until at least one year has elapsed since the
date it was first submitted for examination.
B40.
Two copies of every work of research approved by the examiners shall become the
property of the University. One copy shall be deposited by the Convenor & Secretary
in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth; the other shall be deposited by the
Convenor & Secretary in the library of the partner institution at which the candidate
has pursued his/her research.
Candidates whose research was pursued at a partner institution which participates in
the British Library Document Supply Service may be asked to provide, for
microfilming by the British Library, an additional unbound, validated, non-returnable
copy of their examined thesis, which conforms to BSI specification No. 4821. Such
candidates may also be asked to complete the British Library’s access agreement form.
NOTES OF GUIDANCE FOR EXAMINERS AND CHAIRS - PHD THESES
APPENDIX
2
Academic Protocol 3 – Research Degree Examinations
Introductory Notes
(a)
These Protocols follow the pattern of the University’s Academic Regulations for higher
degrees by research; it is intended that they should be read in conjunction with (i) the
relevant Regulations and (ii) notes of guidance in the context of a user's guide since it
elaborates upon them, particularly with reference to administrative procedures. In any
conflict between the Regulations and this document, the former shall prevail.
(b)
All references to the ‘University’ in this Standing Order should be taken to refer to the
University of Wales.
Method of Candidature
1
A candidate may qualify for a research degree by one of the methods permitted by the
Regulations.
2
It is possible, in appropriate cases, to transfer from one section of the regulations to
another, eg, from full-time to part-time and vice-versa. In such cases the University will
determine a revised minimum period of study and will fix the earliest date for the
submission of the thesis. The method used to calculate the revised period of study and
the earliest date for the submission of the thesis is illustrated in Appendix I.
Entry Conditions
3
The University provides in a separate Academic Protocol a list of approved
universities/institutions whose initial degrees are recognised by the Academic Board as
being of a standing equivalent to its own initial degrees, together with a list of those
non-graduate qualifications which will permit entry to candidature for a higher degree
of the University.
A special recommendation for the admission of a candidate who does not possess a
recognised entry qualification must be made by the partner institution concerned to
the University before the candidate's proposed scheme of study is due to begin.
Candidatures for the degree of MPhil may be approved on behalf of candidates who
possess relevant and responsible work experience. Such candidates must satisfy the
University’s protocols for the matriculation of non-graduates and the University must be
satisfied that he/she is of the required academic standard to complete the scheme of
study proposed.
4
Matriculation is the formal admission of a student to a scheme of study leading to a
degree or other academic award of the University. The process is governed by formal
University Regulations. Research degree candidates who have not previously
matriculated must complete the appropriate form and provide evidence of their degree
or equivalent qualification in the form of an original certificate or an official statement
from the awarding institution or other body. Unless a candidate matriculates he/she is
not eligible for examination.
5
Those Universities whose Master's degrees are approved for the purposes of exemption
from the probationary period are those which are specified in the Academic Protocol
referred to in paragraph 3, above.
Registration and Time Limits
6
The expectation is that the overwhelming majority of candidates will submit their thesis
within the time-limit laid down by regulation. A candidature may be suspended or a
time-limit extended by the University, but in exceptional cases only and in accordance
with the following criteria:
(a) normally, suspensions/extensions will be granted only on compassionate grounds,
or in cases of illness, serious domestic difficulties or exceptional professional
commitments which can be demonstrated to have adversely affected the candidate.
A full and reasoned case, supported by appropriate medical or other independent
evidence, must be made for consideration by the partner institution (in the first
instance) and then by the University.
(b) in the case of candidates who cite exceptional professional commitments, the
request must be accompanied by written confirmation and description by the
employer of the exceptional workload borne by the candidate.
(c) in cases which arise as a result of illness:
(i) satisfactory medical evidence, including a medical certificate, must be supplied.
(The extent and nature of the illness as described in the certificate are
invaluable in assessing the case.)
(ii) a clear statement must be supplied, showing that the department concerned has
evaluated the situation in which the candidate finds himself/herself as a result
of the illness and that it considers the requested extension to be appropriate.
Such a statement will, wherever possible, follow direct contact between
candidate and department.
7
Applications for suspensions/extensions must be routed via the candidate's supervisor
and Department to the institution's Registry. Should the Institution’s Registry wish to
proceed with the request, it is required to submit a full case to the University in
respect of all extensions sought (together with supporting evidence/reasons) in order
that it may be considered for approval by the University.
Supervision
8
The procedures for postgraduate supervision should be made available by the partner
institution concerned to students and supervisors.
Submission of Thesis
9
For the purpose of the examination, candidates shall submit the following to their
institution:
.1

Two typed and bound copies of the thesis, each of which shall contain:
-
a summary not exceeding three hundred words in length;
-
a statement, signed by the candidate, showing to what extent the work
submitted is the result of the candidate's own investigation; acknowledgement
of other sources shall be made by footnotes giving explicit references. A full
bibliography must be appended to the work;
-
a declaration, signed by the candidate, to certify that the work has not already
been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not being concurrently
submitted in candidature for any degree;
Theses may be submitted for examination either in permanent, hardback binding or, where the Institution
concerned either requires or permits, in temporary, secure binding. Candidates considering submitting work for
examination in temporary binding must first check with the institution that such a form of submission is permitted.
-
a signed statement regarding availability of the thesis.
.2
An additional, loose copy of the summary prepared by the candidate on a form
obtainable from the University.
.3
A completed form of notice of candidature, copies of which are obtainable from the
University.
.4
A certificate provided by the partner institution to show that the candidate has
discharged all outstanding financial obligations and has satisfied the requirement
that he/she has matriculated successfully.
(The required Certificate must be in the form specified to institutions by the University.
A modified form of certificate is used by staff candidates and candidates who are not
required to pay fees.)
10
Any candidate who is following a scheme of study of the University of Wales may choose
– regardless of whether the main language of assessment of the scheme in question is
Welsh or English – to submit examination scripts or assessed work in either Welsh or
English. A candidate who wishes to be assessed in a language (ie. either Welsh or
English) which is not the main language of tuition/assessment for the scheme concerned
is required to notify the institution Registrar by the time-limit laid down by the
Institution concerned.
The Superintendent (or nominee) shall liaise appropriately regarding:
-
the provision of question papers through the medium of Welsh;
-
the necessary arrangements, which must be by the external examiner(s), for the
translation and/or marking of scripts in time for the inclusion of candidates’ results
on the official Notification of Results form;
-
the engagement of a suitable person or persons to act as advisory examiners
(at an approved fee) as translators.
or
11
Candidates who are resubmitting a thesis which has failed previously to satisfy the
Examiners are required to submit to their institution two copies of their modified thesis
together with those documents specified in paragraph 9 above, with the exception of the
certificate confirming that all financial obligations/matriculation have been fulfilled
(unless the policy of the institution concerned requires that a further certificate be
obtained by candidates prior to re-submission of their work.)
12
Details of current fees are available from the Registry of the Institution concerned.
13
The text of a doctoral thesis shall not normally exceed 100,000 words (excluding
Appendices and genuine footnotes). The text of an MPhil thesis shall not normally exceed
60,000 words (excluding Appendices and genuine footnotes).
14
Detailed instructions on the presentation of theses are to be found in Notes of Guidance
issued to candidates who are about to submit their thesis. Copies of these Notes are
available from the University, or from the Registry of the Institution concerned.
Examination
15
The administrative tasks concerning the submission and examination of a thesis may
be carried out by a nominated member of the institution’s staff who may then act as
Convenor & Secretary of an Examining Board.
16
If satisfied that a prima facie case exists for referring the thesis for detailed
examination, the Convenor & Secretary of the Examining Board shall appoint at least one
internal examiner and shall inform the Institution’s Registry in writing of the name of
the proposed external examiner.
17
The Convenor & Secretary shall retain one copy of the submitted work (for the use of the
internal examiners); the other copy shall be sent to the external examiner, together with
the completed documents specified above.
18
A member of the senior academic staff at the institution, other than a candidate’s
supervisor, shall Chair an Examining Board. The Chair of the Board shall be independent
in the examining process, and shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the conduct
of the examination.
19
Prior to, or at the time of, submission of the thesis, the Institution’s Registry must
forward to the University in writing the name of the proposed external examiner, for
appointment.
20
The appointment of the external examiner will be made by the University on behalf of
the Vice-Chancellor. The external examiner should be sent one copy of the candidate's
thesis, the forms necessary for the conduct of the examination and a form on which the
external examiner may claim, following the examination, his/her fees and expenses.
21
The external examiner must be aware of the nature and purpose of the degree for which
the candidate is being examined and must possess specialist knowledge and expertise in
the subject of research. The external examiner may not be a member of staff of an
accredited institution of the University unless there are exceptional circumstances, such
as the unavailability elsewhere of the required specialised subject knowledge. Such
cases must be referred to the Validation Unit for a decision.
22
No external examiner may be appointed who has had direct or indirect communication
with a candidate concerning his/her research.
23
The external examiner will be asked to note that the University of Wales expects that,
normally, the examination of the candidate should be completed within a period of
twelve working weeks from the date of submission of the work by the candidate.
Bar on Access
24
Any recommendation for a bar on access must be made to the University by the
Institution’s Registry after consideration of an application initiated by a candidate's
supervisor. It shall be the responsibility of the supervisor to make the application as
soon as is reasonably practicable.
Normally the institution will forward a
recommendation to the University at the time of registration of the candidate's scheme
of research. The recommendation must include a statement of the grounds on which the
request is being made. Most requests of this nature are made on the grounds of the
commercial sensitivity of the research, which may have been partially sponsored by a
commercial or industrial organisation.
25
When a bar on access has been granted, the University will notify the institution
Registrar. Following a successful examination, the University will notify the Convenor &
Secretary of the Examining Board, the Librarian and the National Librarian that the
work is to be withheld from access for a specified period.
*
The despatch of these items to the internal and external examiner should be undertaken either by the Chair or
Convenor of the Examining Board, or by a nominated member of staff in the Institution’s Registry.

Please see the separate ‘Code of Practice for External Examiners : Research Degrees’ for further information.
26
Although the bar shall be regarded as operative as soon as the thesis is submitted, the
period approved shall be calculated from the date on which the candidate is formally
notified by the University that he/she has qualified for a degree.
Constitution of Examining Board
27
All Examining Boards for student candidates shall consist of each of the following
individuals:
.1
A Chair, who will be the Head of Department concerned unless the latter delegates
this responsibility to a senior member of his/her staff. Where the Head of
Department is also the supervisor of the candidate concerned, a senior member of
the academic staff of the Department must act as the Chair of the Board instead.
The Chair of the Examining Board is required to chair the oral examination and any
meeting of the examiners.
.2
An external examiner or examiner(s) appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, as above.
.3
An internal examiner or examiners, appointed by the Chair of the Examining Board.
28
The Chair of the Examining Board will be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the
conduct of the examination.
29
A candidate's supervisor shall not be appointed internal examiner, although he/she may
be invited by the Chair of the Examining Board to attend the oral examination in an
advisory capacity.
30
In the case of members of staff submitting for the degree of PhD, each Examining Board
shall consist of the following members:
.1
A Chair, whose duties and responsibilities shall be the same as for non-staff
candidates (see paragraph 27-28 above).
.2
Two external examiners appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with
paragraphs 20-23 above.
In addition, an internal examiner from within the University may be appointed by the
Chair of the Examining Board concerned, provided that the person so appointed is not
also the candidate's supervisor.
31
If an internal examiner is appointed the candidate is required to supply an additional
copy of the thesis for the Head of Department. This additional copy need not be bound.
Where an additional person (or persons) are also appointed in an advisory capacity, the
institution shall arrange for the requisite number of unbound copies of the thesis to be
taken and distributed.
32
The Chair of the Examining Board may appoint, in addition to internal examiners, other
appropriate persons to act in an advisory capacity. Persons so appointed shall not have
the right to vote as members of the Board, but may be invited to attend the oral
examination.

The Examining Boards of Research Assistants/Associates, Demonstrators and Fixed-Term Lecturers are also
constituted according to the provisions of this paragraph.
The Oral Examination
33
The following individuals must each be present at the oral examination:
.1
The Chair;
.2
The External Examiner(s);
.3
The Internal Examiner(s).
34
An oral examination is compulsory (but see paragraph 40). The Convenor & Secretary of
the Examining Board shall advise the candidate of the arrangements which have been
made for the oral.
35
The requirement for an oral examination may be waived, at the discretion of the
Examining Board, when an examination of a re-submitted thesis is being conducted.
36
Any oral examination must normally be held in the candidate's Institution. However,
the University may, in exceptional circumstances, permit an oral examination to be
held elsewhere, provided that suitable accommodation and other arrangements for its
conduct have been made. Such a practice, should not, however be more costly than
holding an oral at the institution.
Special Examination Arrangements
37
A candidate who has submitted a medical certificate to the Superintendent of
Examinations to show that he or she is unable through illness or accident to attend at the
examination room but is fit to undergo examination may be examined in a special room
if the Superintendent is able to make satisfactory arrangements for the examination.
38
Each candidate shall be examined at the institution at which he or she has pursued the
scheme or schemes; save that, in exceptional circumstances, a candidate may with the
approval of the University sit for a written examination at another institution or
approved comparable place.
Approval may be given provided that satisfactory
arrangements can be made for the examination by the Superintendent of Examinations
concerned that where the same paper is to be sat by other candidates the examination is
taken at the same time as the paper in the Institution and that any expense incurred will
be borne by the candidate.
39
A student requiring special provision for his/her examination shall submit a written
application, in the first instance, to the Head of Department, who shall consult the
Superintendent of Examinations by a time-limit to be specified by the institution. The
application shall be supported by documentary evidence. The Head of Department or
Chair of the Examining Board, in consultation with the Superintendent of Examinations,
is permitted to disregard requests for special provision if not supported by appropriate
supporting documentary evidence.
40
If the Head of Department recommends that a student should receive special provision,
he/she shall forward the application, supported by copies of documentary evidence, to
the Superintendent by a time-limit to be specified by the Institution. In the case of
candidates with dyslexia, a report which is dated within three years of the date of entry
of the candidate to the scheme of study must be received from a qualified psychologist
experienced in working with dyslexic adults or from someone with a qualification from a
professional training course involving assessing adults with dyslexia.
41
On receipt of a recommendation for special provision the Superintendent of
Examinations will decide whether or not to approve the application for special provision
and the provision which will be made available to the student. The decision of the
Superintendent will be final.
After the Examination
42
After completion of the examination, the Convenor & Secretary must return the
completed Combined Notice of Candidature/Report and Result form to the University.
The form will contain:
-
Section 1, the student’s notice of candidature
-
Section 2, which will comprise the external examiner’s report (including a report on
the oral examination), the internal examiner’s report, a joint examiners’ report (if
desired) and the Examining Board’s formal recommendation of result. The formal
recommendation of result sheet must record the exact decision of the Examining
Board and must be signed by the Chair, the external examiner and the internal
examiner(s), but not by any person attending in an advisory capacity.
43
The Convenor & Secretary must arrange for the deposit of one copy of a successful thesis
in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, and for the deposit of a second copy in
the institution’s Library.
44
All copies of a failed thesis submitted by the candidate must be returned to the
candidate, once the process of examination and the hearing of any subsequent appeal
has been completed.
45
On receipt of the completed Combined Notice of Candidature/Report and Result form,
the University will inform candidates of the result, and will send a copy of the letter to
the Convenor & Secretary and to the Registrar of the institution concerned.
Arbitrating External Examiners
46
When a dispute arises between the external examiner and internal examiner(s) the
usual Report and Result Form should be marked by the Examiners and Chair so as to
indicate that the Board had been unable to agree upon a recommendation.
In such a case it is within the power of the Vice-Chancellor to resort to another
external examiner who shall be asked to arbitrate.
When selecting an Arbitrating External Examiner the Vice-Chancellor may take into
account any written reports submitted by the members of the Examining Board and
may also take into account – but need not be bound by – any nomination made by the
original Board.
Upon appointment by the Vice-Chancellor, an Arbitrating External Examiner shall be
given by the Convenor & Secretary a copy of the candidate’s work together with the
reports of the original examiners and the ‘Report and Result Form’ and ‘Notes for
Arbitrating External Examiners’ which the University shall provide.
When considering the candidate’s work, an Arbitrating External Examiner may choose
whether or not to refer to the reports of the original examiners (and if so, when
he/she might do so). He/she may also choose to conduct a further oral examination
and, if so, whether or not the original examiners may be invited to attend.
When the Arbitrating External Examiner has concluded the consideration of the work,
the outcome should be communicated to the Chair of the Examining Board, in the first
instance. The Chair shall arrange for the ‘Report and Result Form’ to be completed,
signed and returned to the University.
Right to Appeal
47
Candidates who are not recommended by the Examining Board for the award of the
degree in respect of which they submitted their thesis may appeal against the decision
reached. Copies of the appeals procedure are available from the University or from the
partner institution.
Admission to Degrees
48
Candidates who have qualified for higher degrees may be admitted to their degrees in
absentia, by decree of the Vice-Chancellor. This is an internal administrative procedure
carried out at frequent intervals throughout the year.
For the purpose of the above, the examination must have been completed and the
Examining Board’s recommendation for the award of the degree - on the Combined
Notice of Candidature/Report and Result form - must have been received by the
University.
ADDENDUM 1
Transfer of Candidature
The principle is firstly to establish what proportion of full-time or part-time study a candidate
has already completed. Next, convert the remaining period of study into its part-time or fulltime equivalent. The earliest date of submission is the new period of study less six months. For
example:
A : Full-Time to Part Time
Original period of full -time study:
Two years (six terms) from October 1999
Equivalent period of part-time study:
Three years (nine terms) from October 1999
Full-time study completed:
Three terms to 30 September 2000
Proportion of study completed:
One half - therefore the remaining period of
part-time study will be one half of nine terms,
ie five terms (rounded up)
New period of study:
Five terms from 1 October 2000, ie 15 April
2002
Earliest submission date:
15 October 2001 (new period of study less six
months)
B : Part-Time to Full-Time
Original period of part-time study
Three years (nine terms) from October 1999
Equivalent period of full-time study:
Two years (six terms) from October 1999
Part-time study completed:
Four terms to 31 December 2000
Proportion of study completed:
Four-ninths - therefore the remaining period of
full-time study will be five-ninths of six terms,
ie, four terms (rounded up)
New period of study:
Four terms from 1 January 2001, ie, 15 April
2002
Earliest submission date:
15 October 2001 (ie, new period of study less
six months)
Prifysgol Cymru
University of Wales
Validated Schemes
EXAMINERS’ RESULT AND REPORT FORM
For the Examination of a PhD Thesis
This form is to be used as the formal notification to the University of Wales of the result of the
examination of a thesis submitted for the Degree of PhD and for Internal and External Examiners’
Reports on both the thesis and the oral examination.
CANDIDATE DETAILS
Surname:
Forename:
Institution:
Thesis is submitted for examination in Permanent
or Temporary
Binding? (tick as appropriate)
ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION
The following sections are included for completion:
1
External Examiner's Reports
- External Examiner’s Report on Thesis
- External Examiner’s Report on Oral Examination
- External Examiner’s ‘Matters of General Concern…’
2
Internal Examiner’s Report on Thesis
3
External and Internal Examiners' Joint Report
4
Examining Board's Formal Recommendation of Result Form
Examiners are requested to review the attached ‘Notes of Guidance for Examiners and Chairs for
the Examination of PhD Theses’ before proceeding. These should be reviewed in conjunction with
the ‘Academic Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy’ and ‘Academic Protocol 3
(‘Research Degree Examinations’)’; this documentation is available from the University of Wales
upon request.
Examiners should be aware that, under the 1998 Data Protection Act, candidates have the right
to request access to any comments made about them in these reports.
EXAMINERS RESULT AND REPORT FORMS
Section 1 – External Examiner’s Reports
1.1
External Examiner’s Report on Thesis
To be completed prior to the Oral Examination (viva voce)
(External
Examiner)
Signed:
Printed:
Date:
EXAMINERS RESULT AND REPORT FORMS
Section 1 – External Examiner’s Reports
1.2
External Examiner’s Report on Oral Examination
To be completed following the Oral Examination (viva voce)
Signed:
Printed:
Date:
(External
Examiner)
EXAMINERS RESULT AND REPORT FORMS
Section 1 – External Examiner’s Reports
1.3
Matters of General Concern or Interest
Record any issues regarding quality or standards that should be drawn to the attention
of the department/school, the institution or the University of Wales.
(External
Examiner)
Signed:
Printed:
Date:
EXAMINERS RESULT AND REPORT FORMS
Section 2 – Internal Examiner’s Reports
2
Internal Examiner’s Report on Thesis
To be completed prior to the Oral Examination (viva voce). The Internal Examiner may
attach their report (signed and dated), on a sheet of headed departmental paper to this
form.
Signed:
Printed:
Date:
(Internal
Examiner)
EXAMINERS RESULT AND REPORT FORMS
Section 3 – Examiners’ Joint Report
3
Joint Report by Internal and External Examiners
To be completed following the Oral Examination (viva voce)
The report should draw together any disparate views on the thesis which may have
been expressed by the examiners in their individual reports. A brief agreed view on
the candidate's principal strengths and weaknesses, the approach to the topic and on
the performance at the oral examination might also be expressed.
The joint report might also comment on any difficulties experienced during the
examination process and, especially in the case of unsuccessful candidatures, on the
manner in which the examination was conducted and on whether the candidate was
given the opportunity to draw the examining board's attention to any particular
circumstances which might have affected his/her performance.
(External
Examiner)
Signed:
Printed:
Date:
Prifysgol Cymru
University of Wales
Validated Schemes
EXAMINING BOARD’S FORMAL RECOMMENDATION OF RESULT FORM
for a Thesis submitted for the Degree of PhD
CANDIDATE DETAILS
Surname:
Forename:
Institution:
EXAMINING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Examiners, after consideration of the work presented for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
by the above-named candidate recommend: (The options below are expanded upon in the ‘Notes for
Guidance for Examiners and Chairs for the Examination of PhD Theses’ – Section 4)

(a)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to completion of such minor
corrections as may be required by the Examining Board. Corrections should be completed
within a period of four working weeks. The Board may stipulate that the corrections shall be
scrutinised by either/both examiner(s) prior to the award process being initiated;

(b)
that the candidate be approved for the degree of PhD subject to such corrections and
amendments as may be required by the Examining Board. Corrections/amendments should be
completed within a period of twelve working weeks;

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)
8
9
8
that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD but be allowed to modify the
thesis and re-submit it for the degree of PhD on payment of a re-submission fee. A
candidate may be allowed a single opportunity to re-submit the work. The re-submission
should take place within a period not exceeding two years;
that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD but be approved instead for the
degree of MPhil, subject to completion of such minor corrections as may be required by
the Examining Board. Corrections should be completed within a period of four working
weeks. The Board may stipulate that the corrections shall be scrutinised by either/both
examiner(s) prior to the award process being initiated;
9
that the candidate be not approved for the degree of PhD, but be allowed to modify the
thesis and re-submit it for the degree of MPhil on payment of the examination fee. A
candidate may be allowed a single opportunity to re-submit the work. The re-submission
should take place within a period not exceeding one year;
that the candidate be not approved for the award of a degree.
This option may not be applied in respect of resubmitted work
This option may not be applied in respect of resubmitted work
EXAMINERS’ SIGNATURES
(External
Examiner)
(External
Examiner)10
(Internal
Examiner)
Signed:
Signed:
Signed:
Signed:
10
(Chair of the Examination
Board)
In the event that a second External Examiner has been appointed
Date:
CONFIRMATION OF COMPLETION OF CORRECTIONS FORM
This form is to be completed by the appointed External Examiner(s) following the resubmission of a
modified thesis (minor corrections). Resubmission should take place within:


(a)
(b)
four weeks of the date of the Viva Voce examination.
twelve weeks of the date of the Viva Voce examination
This form should be completed and forwarded to the University of Wales together with the original Result
and Report Form completed at the Viva Voce examination.
Candidate Details
Surname
Forename(s)
Institution
Award
Title of
thesis
The external examiner(s), after consideration of the work presented for the Degree of Master of
Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy [delete as necessary] by the above named candidate can confirm that:
(please indicate only one of the options below.)
(tick
box)
(a)
the candidate has successfully effected such minor corrections, as indicated by the
Board of Examiners, to the satisfaction of the external examiner(s) within the
stipulated time limit.
(b)
the candidate has successfully effected such minor corrections, as indicated by the
Board of Examiners, to the satisfaction of the external examiner(s), but did so
outside of the stipulated time limit.
(c)
the candidate has failed to effect such minor corrections, as stipulated by the Board
of Examiners.
Comments: You may include any comments pertaining to the resubmitted work, below:
Signed
(External
Examiner)
Signed
(External
Examiner)