Examination overview

A high-level summary of the examination process for Master’s theses, including steps in Panoho.

Master’s examinations typically take between three and six months from the date your thesis or portfolio is submitted to the point where you can apply for conferment and graduation. Some examinations may take longer, but you can easily track your progress in Panoho. These are the stages of the examination process:

Notice of Intention to Submit

One month before you plan to submit, fill in this form in Panoho. It prompts your supervisor to appoint your examiners and opens the Thesis Submission form. Check this page for more information. You cannot submit your thesis for examination until this form has been fully processed.

Appointment of Examiners

Your supervisor (for research portfolio’s the School Administrator) will complete this form. No action is required from you, and you should not know who your examiners are.

Thesis Submission

Complete this form before your registration end date. Once you submit the form, it is automatically sent to your supervisor for approval before the examination process begins.”

Examiner Reports

Your examiners will be sent a link to your thesis and will be given a set period to complete their report and recommendation. Many examiners request an extension, so you may need to be patient at this stage.

Viva - for Master's by Research Portfolio Students only

Master’s by research portfolio examinations include an additional step: the oral presentation or "Viva". After submitting your portfolio or exegesis, research portfolio candidates in Architecture, Design, Music and Music Therapy will present their work as part of the examination. The Viva is organized by the School, and you will be contacted with the date, time, and format of your presentation. No action is required from you until the School provides these details.

Examination Outcome

Your School Research Committee (SRC) will recommend your thesis/portfolio grade (via your School's Postgraduate Coordinator - Master's) to the Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research) in your Faculty. When the results are approved, you will receive an email and can view them in Panoho. This process can take a few weeks as each School’s SRC may have its own meeting schedule and process for this task. If you pass with no amendments required, the final workflow in Panoho (Degree Completion) will open immediately.

Amendments

If you received an outcome of “Pass with minor amendments required”, this workflow will automatically appear in your exam record, with a due date. Your supervisor needs to approve the amended thesis.

Degree Completion

You must deposit your thesis/portfolio in the Library first, then submit this final form in Panoho. When this form has been completed, you will be eligible to apply to graduate.