Thesis Submission and the Viva

As you approach the end of your research degree, you'll need to make sure you understand the University’s arrangements for the examination of your thesis and the steps and timescales involved in the thesis submission and examination process.

From entering for your examinations through to submitting your thesis, taking the oral examination and waiting for the recommendation, find out more about the assessment process that your thesis will go through.

Examination process overview

When you're approaching the end of your research degree, there are a few steps you'll need to take to initiate the submission and examination process. 

Examination entry

At least three months before you plan to submit your thesis for examination, you must enter for examination by completing 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.

The viva

The viva (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

The outcome of the viva should normally be given informally to you immediately and by no later than 24 hours after the viva has taken place. 

After your viva

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

Submitting your final Ethesis

It is common practice both in the UK and internationally to deposit your thesis in an open access repository, making it available to a wide audience.  

Referral and resubmission for research degrees

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

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.

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. 

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.