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2015/2016

Preparing for the Viva-Voce

Doctoral candidate is required to attend a viva-voce where he/she will be
required to defend his/her research. A viva-voce can be daunting as candidate is

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

expected to answer all questions/issues raised by the examiners. The oral
examination varies in duration and may last between one to three hours.
Candidate is required to do a short power-point presentation of their research
during the viva-voce. Candidate is strongly advised to consult their supervisor
and rehearse their presentation in front of an audience.

On the day of the viva-voce, candidate must make sure that they present at the
venue at least 30 minutes before the event. During the viva-voce, candidate is
advised to defend their work with confidence.

Once the viva-voce is over, candidate will be required to wait while the
committee deliberates. Candidate 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 candidate is not required to attend a viva-voce. However, in some
cases, candidate 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 Degree

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 Mixed Mode 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.

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