Report of the examiners

When the examination for a research degree has been completed, the examiners forward their report and recommended outcome to the Medical Sciences Divisional Board, who will decide whether the student will be given leave to supplicate. Reports are considered on a weekly basis.

Only when the Medical Sciences Board has given its approval is the outcome of an examination official.

Possible outcomes for DPhil candidates

Following the examination of a candidate for the first time, the examiners may recommend:

(i) Award of the DPhil as the thesis stands OR (1) (a) subject to the satisfactory completion of minor corrections OR (1) (b) subject to the satisfactory completion of major corrections
(ii) Reference Back for DPhil or award of the MSc either as the thesis stands or subject to satisfactory completion of minor corrections
(iv) Reference Back for DPhil or for the MSc as the candidate may choose

Following the examination for a candidate who has revised and resubmitted their thesis, the examiners may recommend:

(i) Award of the DPhil as the thesis stands OR (1) (a) subject to the satisfactory completion of minor corrections OR (1) (b) subject to the satisfactory completion of major corrections
(ii) Reference Back for DPhil or award of the MSc either as the thesis stands or subject to satisfactory completion of minor corrections.
(iii) Reference Back for the MSc only
(iv) Reference Back for DPhil or for the MSc as the candidate may choose
(v) Award of MSc
(vi) Outright failure

Minor corrections

Minor corrections will be requested in the event that the examiners are satisfied that the thesis is of sufficient merit to qualify for the degree but requires minor corrections (which are not sufficiently substantial to justify reference back for that degree) before the examiners submit their report.

The examiners will advise you of the minor corrections required, usually at the time of the examination or shortly after. You will have one calendar month following the date you receive the list of minor corrections required in which to complete and submit the corrections to the examiners. In exceptional circumstances, you may apply for a further month in which to complete and submit minor corrections (via a GSO.18 form). Failure to complete and submit satisfactory minor corrections within the allotted time will result in removal from the register.

Following receipt of satisfactory minor corrections, the examiners will submit their report and recommended outcome, including confirmation that minor corrections were requested and have been completed, to the Medical Sciences Board.

Major corrections

In the event that the examiners are satisfied that the thesis is of sufficient potential merit to qualify for the degree but requires major corrections (which are not sufficiently substantial to justify reference back for that degree and which should be capable of completion within six months), they should report this preliminary recommendation to the Medical Sciences Board with a description of the major corrections which they require the candidate to make before they confirm their recommendation. Where the examiners make this recommendation and the Medical Sciences Board, considering the extent and nature of the major corrections, takes the view that the recommendation ought to be reference of the thesis back to the candidate in order that s/he may revise it for re-examination, the Medical Sciences Board, may, exceptionally, ask the examiners to review their recommendation.

A copy of the Examiners’ Report with the required corrections will be sent to you by the Research Degrees Examinations Team, following approval by the relevant Medical Sciences Board. You will have six calendar months following the date you receive the list of major corrections required in which to complete and resubmit the thesis. In exceptional circumstances, an extension of a further three months may be considered (via a GSO.18 form). No further extensions will be granted. Failure to submit the corrected thesis within the allotted time will result in removal from the register.

On receipt of the corrected thesis, the examiners may conclude and report one of the following:

(a) the original recommendation is now fully substantiated

(b) the work submitted still requires minor corrections prior to confirmation of the original recommendation and a further month may be allowed for this from that date

(c) the work as now submitted still requires major corrections prior to confirmation of the original recommendation and a further six months may be allowed for this from that date.

Recommendation (a) or (b) may be made without a further oral examination on condition that both examiners have reviewed and approved the minor corrections. A further oral examination must be held if either of the examiners requires it or if the recommendation is likely to be (c).

In the exceptional instance where (c) applied and the outcome of the 2nd and final submission of corrections still remained unsatisfactory, the examiners will amend their original recommendation to (ii).

Reference Back (ii), (iii), (iv)

If the examiners determine that substantial revisions to the thesis are required, they will recommend a Reference Back outcome. If the approved outcome is (ii), you will have the option to accept the MSc by Research instead, either as the thesis stands or subject to completion of satisfactory minor corrections.

If you decide to revise your thesis and resubmit for the DPhil, as in (ii) and (iv), you will retain the status and obligations of a student for the DPhil and will have six terms in which to complete the revisions, apply for appointment of examiners and submit the revised thesis.

If you decide to revise your thesis and resubmit for the MSc, as in (iv), or if the approved outcome is (iii) Reference Back for the MSc only, your status will be transferred to that of a student for the MSc and you will have 3 terms in which to complete the revisions, apply for appointment of examiners and submit the revised thesis.

A candidates whose thesis is referred will be required to provide at resubmission a separate report indicating the specific changes made to the revised thesis; the word limit for this report is 1000 words. The report will act as a guide to how the candidate has addressed examiners’ comments and will direct examiners to the appropriate sections.

Please note that there is a fee for resubmitting a thesis.

Following approval of a Reference Back outcome, the University will send you a letter detailing the outcome and the options available to you. You will be required to complete and return a form indicating your choice within one month.

Possible outcome for MSc by Research candidates

Following the examination of a candidate for the first time, the examiners may recommend:
(i) Award of the MSc as the thesis stands or subject to the satisfactory completion of minor corrections
(ii) Reference back for revision for re-examination for the degree of Master of Science

Following the examination for a candidate who has revised and resubmitted their thesis, the examiners may recommend:

(i) Award of the MSc as the thesis stands or subject to the satisfactory completion of minor corrections
(ii) Reference back for revision for re-examination for the degree of Master of Science
(iii) Outright failure

Reference Back (ii)

If the examiners determine that substantial revisions to the thesis are required, they will recommend a Reference Back outcome (ii). if this is the approved outcome, you will retain the status and obligations of a student for the MSc and you will have three terms in which to complete the revisions, apply for appointment of examiners and submit the revised thesis.

A candidate whose thesis is referred will be required to provide at resubmission a separate report indicating the specific changes made to the revised thesis; the word limit for this report is 1000 words. The report will act as a guide to how the candidate has addressed examiners’ comments and will direct examiners to the appropriate sections.

Please note that there is a fee for resubmitting a thesis.

Read the Regulations concerning the Examination of Graduate Research Students.