Process and outcomes

Learn about your examiner reports and the possible outcomes of the examination of your thesis.

Examination Outcome

Once both examiner reports have been submitted, your School Research Committee (SRC) review the reports and make a recommendation on the thesis grade and the level of award for the degree. This recommendation goes to your Faculty’s Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research) who is responsible for approving your thesis and overall degree result.

When this stage is complete, you will receive an email from Panoho with your examination outcome, including your results and access to your examiners reports. This email could be filtered to your junk folder. You can also see the result in Panoho by logging into your Exam Record and checking the Examination Outcome workflow.

The examination process, including examiner reports and examination outcome, typically takes between three to six months but it may take longer, especially over the end of the year summer break. If you have not received any communication after six months, contact the FGR Exams Team for an update.

During this period, you will not pay fees, but you remain an enrolled student and retain access to University systems.

The four examination outcomes

1. Pass with no amendments required This outcome means your thesis or portfolio has been accepted as submitted. You may proceed directly to depositing your work in the University Library and completing the final steps for your degree.
2. Pass with minor amendments required In this case, examiners typically request small editorial changes such as correcting errors, adding missing citations, or making slight clarifications. “Minor” amendments can include small content adjustments, but the awarded grade will not change after corrections are made. If you are unsure about what is required, discuss the examiner comments with your supervisor as soon as possible. Agree on a timeline for completing the amendments—especially if you have deadlines for graduation, employment, a scholarship, or a visa. Some Schools have internal processes for approving amendments, so check with your School Postgraduate Administrator if you’re unsure.
3. Revise and resubmit This outcome means the thesis or portfolio does not pass in its current form, but the examiners and SRC believe it can reach a passing standard with further work. You will revise your thesis or portfolio under supervision during a period of re‑registration (up to a maximum of four months full‑time or equivalent). A revised submission must undergo formal re‑examination, usually by the same examiners unless exceptional circumstances apply.
4. Fail In this very rare outcome, the thesis or portfolio is judged unsatisfactory, and the candidate is not permitted to resubmit it for re‑assessment. This almost never occurs at a first examination, and your supervisor is the best person to advise you if this situation arises.