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46 Institute of Graduate Studies
Postgraduate Handbook

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) it is recommended by the Committee of Examiners based on the
reports of the examiners;
(ii) it is completed and submitted by the candidate for examination
within not more than eight (8) semesters with respect to the Degree
programme of study by Research and ten (10) semesters with
respect to the Degree programme of study by Coursework and
Research from the date of the initial registration of the candidate
concerned; and
(iii) it has never been submitted for any re-examination
(b) Attained sufficient academic merit for the award of the degree without
amendments/corrections to the thesis.
(c) Attained sufficient academic merit for the award of the degree subject
to minor corrections to be made to the thesis within a period of 3
months as required by the examiners and subject to confirmation of the
corrections by the supervisor.
(d) Attained sufficient academic merit for the award of the degree subject
to major corrections to be made to the thesis within a period of 6
months as required by the examiners and subject to confirmation of the
corrections by the Internal Examiner.
(e) Required to undertake further work and submit the thesis for re-
examination within a period of 6 to 12 months from the Senate date.
(f) Failed to attain sufficient academic merit in the thesis examination for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and it is recommended to the Senate
that a Masters degree be awarded subject to the candidate fulfilling the
requirement for the award of the Master‘s degree.