Examination arrangements

You should consult item 7.3 of the Examination Regulations for Research Degrees: Conduct of Oral Examinations for the Degrees of MLitt, MSc by Research, and DPhil.

It is the responsibility of the internal examiner to make all the arrangements for the viva examination. Your internal examiner should normally contact you to arrange a date for the viva examination within one month of receiving your thesis from the Research Degrees Team in the Examination Schools. If the Research Degrees Team has not been advised of a viva examination date within a month of sending out your thesis, they will contact the examiners. Under no circumstances should you contact the examiners yourself except to agree a date for the viva examination.

The average length of time between submission and a viva examination is approximately 8 weeks. If you have had a request for an early examination approved, your examiners will have been invited to act on the basis that they can conduct the viva within the time you stated. It is your responsibility to be available for the examination at the time arranged by the examiners and not vice versa.

Directors of Graduate Studies are able to grant permission, on behalf of the board, for a remote Viva. Applications should be made to the relevant board (via the Director of Graduate Studies), providing the following information:

the reasons for the request and why attendance in person is not possible; and
assurance that the person making the request will have access to suitable space, equipment, internet connection and software to facilitate a remote viva.

Guidance should be sought from the Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees should a remote viva be deemed necessary.

Sub fusc

For the viva itself, which is a formal examination of the University, you will be expected to wear academic dress – sub fusc and a gown. This includes the appropriate gown (your college can advise), a mortar board or soft-cap and the preferred sub fusc from the following list: one of dark suit with dark socks, or dark skirt with black tights or stockings, or dark trousers with dark socks; dark coat if required; black shoes; plain white collared shirt or blouse; white bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or black ribbon. Sub fusc is not necessary if your viva is taking place remotely.

Don't forget to take a (paper or electronic) copy of your thesis with you to the examination! Good Luck!