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The ‗Guideline to the Preparation of Research Reports, Dissertations and Theses‘
can be downloaded from the IGS website. This document provides guidelines for
research report/ dissertation/thesis preparation and includes details on page
layout, language, order of chapters and binding requirements. Candidates
should also consult their supervisor regarding faculty/department requirements.

Please download the guide at http://www.ips.um.edu.my under ‗Current Students‘
tab, browse through ‗Home‘ and go to ‗Rules and Regulations‘ section.

Preparing for the Viva-Voce
Doctoral candidates are required to attend a viva-voce where they will be
required to defend their research. A viva-voce can be daunting as candidates are
expected to answer all questions/issues raised by the examiners. The oral
examination varies in duration and may last between one to three hours.
Candidates are required to do a short power-point presentation of their research
during the viva-voce. Candidates are strongly advised to consult their supervisor
and rehearse their presentation in front of an audience.
On the day of the viva-voce, candidates have to make sure that they are at the
venue at least 30 minutes before the event. During the viva-voce, candidates are
advised to defend their work with confidence.

“Remember, you are the expert in your area of research and you have worked
on your research for years!”

Once the viva-voce is over, candidates will be required to wait while the
committee deliberates. Candidates will be informed of the status of the viva-
voce, however the official endorsement of the result will be done by the
University Senate.

Master‘s candidates are not required to attend a viva-voce. However, in some
cases, candidates may be called to defend their dissertation in which case they
will be notified early to be present.

Outcome of Thesis/Dissertation Examination

(1) Doctoral
A Doctoral thesis examination can have one of the following results:

(a) A thesis qualifies to be awarded a distinction if—
(i) a distinction is recommended in the reports of all the examiners;
(ii) it is recommended by the Committee of Examiners; and
(iii) it is completed and submitted by the candidate for examination
within not more than six semesters with respect to the Degree
programme of study by Research and eight semesters with respect
to the Degree programme of study by Coursework and Research
from the date of the initial registration of the candidate concerned.
(b) Attained sufficient academic merit for the award of the degree without
amendments/corrections to the thesis.

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