Graduate School Network

Examination and viva

This page contains links that will support you as you prepare for your final examination. Examination and viva are covered in the Welcome Back sessions that happen each September.

Examination has the following stages:

  • Preliminary assessment of submitted thesis by examiners
  • The defence of the thesis during an oral examination (the viva)
  • Assessment and re-examination of any revisions, as appropriate.

This stage is covered in more depth for the different qualifications in RD 19, RDD 18 and PD 17 of Research Degrees Regulations.

Examination

The student is required to attend the entire examination and defend the thesis to the examiners. A supervisor may be present as an observer at the oral examination. Invitation to attend is at the student’s discretion and should form part of the Examination Panel Nomination process.

It is recommended that the examination takes place in-person with all participants in the same room; however, at the student’s or examiner’s request, the examination may take place in a hybrid or an online format.

Section 19 (for MPhil/PhD) and section 18 (for MPhil/PhD by distance learning) of the Research Degree Regulations provides detailed information as to what is required during the examination process. Additional information is provided in the ‘Examination guidelines for research degrees’ which are available in the Forms and Guidance section on the Graduate School Network.

Results approval

The examiners will normally advise the student of the recommendation at the end of the examination. At this stage the outcome is only a recommendation and must be approved by the Research Degrees Examination Results Approval Committee (RDRAC). At this point the Committee will confirm the outcome of the examination in writing.

Where further amendments are needed in order to meet the academic requirements of the award, the student will be informed in writing as to what is required. Students will continue to receive advice from supervisors whilst undertaking any corrections and amendments. Details are outlined in section 19 (for MPhil/PhD) and section 18 (for MPhil/PhD by distance learning) of the Research Degree Regulations.

Award of degrees

If no corrections are required, the degree is awarded with effect from the date the examiners recommendations are approved by RDRAC. Where post-examination corrections are required, the date of the degree awarded will correspond to the date that the examiners approve the corrected thesis. 

When RDRAC confirms that the thesis meets the requirements for the award of a degree, the student must submit an electronic copy (see ‘Thesis Submission Guidelines’ in Forms and Guidance) before the degree can be conferred. The degree and title of Doctor or Master of Philosophy are conferred in absentia by Congregation. The student will receive confirmation in writing of completion of the degree. At this point the student may use the title ‘Dr’ if awarded a Doctor of Philosophy.

Ceremonies

The University holds an annual series of degree ceremonies for the presentation of graduates. These are held in March to June and September to November in towns and cities across the UK. Graduates are presented to the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor or one of the Pro-Vice-Chancellors or Executive Deans. The student may, if they wish, be presented at one of these degree ceremonies. They are always memorable and inspiring occasions. Details will be sent to the student when they become eligible.

More information about degree ceremonies can be obtained from the Ceremonies website.

Alumni

Joining The OU is the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Even when not studying, an OU qualification holder remains part of a vibrant learning community through The OU Alumni Association, set up by the University and staffed by a professional team. All graduates (and everyone who has successfully completed an OU qualification) have automatic free membership of the Association. 

The Association offers a regular email newsletter OpenMinds eNews which contains the latest OU developments. 

Members will also have access to the Alumni Association's website with opportunities to share their OU story, receive free career tips and advice and keep in touch by email. All that’s needed is the student’s Personal Identifier (PI) number (if this has been lost or forgotten, please contact the alumni team).

Forms and Guidance

Note: if any of these links are broken try searching on the main Forms and Guidance page.

Examination guidelines for research degrees

Training resources

The Good Viva video

Remote viva-tips from students.

Other helpful resources

UKCGE | Preparing for your viva: A guide for doctoral candidates

Resources for PGRs to assist viva preparation –QAA

What differs between Faculties?

Each Faculty may have its own policy and procedure around stages and actions including:

  • how you can spend any funds related to your training, e.g., Research Training Support Grant (RTSG or Research Student Support Fund/RESSF)
  • health and safety, including work stations and risk assessments for fieldwork
  • arranging travel for conferences and fieldwork
  • equipment and specialist software
  • Third Party Monitor allocation and any subject-specific buddying/mentoring.

We recommend you start by talking with your Faculty Administrator about what happens in your Faculty via Contact us | Graduate School Network.