Thesis Submission and the Viva

As you approach the end of your research degree, make sure you understand the University’s arrangements for the examination of your thesis, and the thesis submission and examination process.

From entering for your examinations through to submitting your thesis, your viva and waiting for the recommendation, find out more about the thesis assessment process..

Examination process overview

When you are approaching the end of your research degree, you'll need to start the submission and examination process. 

Examination entry

At least three months before you plan to submit your thesis for examination, you must complete the examination entry workflow in GRAD (sometimes called the ‘examination entry form’). 

Submitting your thesis

When you are preparing to submit your thesis for examination, take some time to familiarise yourself with the deadlines involved as well as the required format for submission.

Between submission and the viva

There are a number of things to consider once you have submitted your thesis and are waiting for your viva to take place.

The viva

The viva (also known as the oral examination) is a vital part of the assessment process. Find out how it is arranged and what to expect during your viva. 

The outcome of the viva

Find out the possible recommendations examiners can make on your thesis and what to do in each case.

After your viva

After your viva, you may be required to make corrections to your thesis and have these approved by your internal examiner before submitting the final version. 

Referral and resubmission for research degrees

If the examiners recommend that your thesis is referred for resubmission, you'll be required to revise the thesis, which may include further research, and resubmit it for re-examination.  

Submitting your final eThesis

It is common practice in both in the UK and internationally to make your thesis available to a wide audience by depositing it in an open access repository.  

Award of your research degree and graduation

There are several conditions that must be met before you are awarded your research degree and can attend a graduation ceremony.

Multi-part thesis

A multi-part thesis is a thesis which includes a number of different electronic files and formats, beyond just a single PDF.