Information for examiners

How to examine a Master’s research thesis or portfolio.

Master’s by Thesis examinations

A Master’s by Thesis is examined by two examiners who have expertise and standing in the field of study.

  • At least one examiner must be an “external examiner”, usually a member of the academic staff of another university or similar institution, typically from New Zealand or Australia.
  • The other examiner (the “internal examiner”) will normally be a member of the Victoria University of Wellington academic staff.

Each examiner is asked to return an examination report by the agreed due date (usually within four weeks of receiving the thesis).

In your report, please include your opinion, supported by comment, on the quality of the thesis. Your report, in its entirety, is shared with the candidate when they receive the result of their examination. Please do not include any recommended grade or percentage in your report itself, because the final grade or percentage awarded may differ from your recommendation.

For more information, refer to the standard Notes for Master’s Thesis Examiners

Master’s by Research Portfolio examinations

These courses have a research portfolio outline which is appropriate to the discipline and to the points value involved. It may comprise one or more projects.  See Master's Thesis Regulations section 6 for more information.

School of Architecture

The Wellington School of Architecture has three qualifications which include a research portfolio course:

  • Master of Architecture (Professional) MArch(Prof) - portfolio course ARCI593
  • Master of Interior Architecture MIA - portfolio course INTA593
  • Master of Landscape Architecture MLA - portfolio course LAND593

These architecture courses share a Research Portfolio Outline and specific Instructions for Examiners

School of Design and Innovation

The School of Design and Innovation has three qualifications which include a research portfolio course:

Refer to the relevant Research Portfolio Outline and Instructions for Examiners.

New Zealand School of Music

The Master of Music Therapy includes a research portfolio course, NZSM 526.

See the Instructions for Examiners.