On this page you will find information about when your thesis will be sent to the examiners, the arrangements for the oral examination and use of University Facilities (Library, ISS) whilst awaiting oral examination.

Dispatch of your thesis to your Examiners
After submission to RSA, your thesis will be dispatched to your Examiners within 48 hours (assuming your examination entry form was received in RSA no less than 3 months before thesis submission, has been approved by the Examinations Group and there are no outstanding issues). If we have only recently received your examination entry form (or you have not yet completed your form) there will be a delay in sending your thesis out.

Arrangements for the Oral examination (viva)
Once the examiners have received your thesis they are asked to accept a timescale of three months in which to complete the oral examination. The detailed arrangements for the oral examination are made by the Internal Examiner. You will receive communication from your Internal Examiner/School about the date and time of your viva - RSA does not make these arrangements. If you have a tight schedule (e.g. job offer subject to award of the degree or your student visa is due to expire) please make sure your Supervisor is made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity. Please also ensure your School has your current contact details (email, telephone etc) and that you keep the University up to date with any changes to your address.

Use of University facilities whilst awaiting oral examination for a research degree
All research students awaiting examination are permitted to use the University facilities for a period of up to 6 months from the date of submission of thesis without charge. Further information about automatic extension to library and ISS facilities is given in the Registration whilst under examination section.

If you need confirmation that you have submitted your thesis.
RSA can provide you with a confirmation statement that you have submitted your thesis and are awaiting oral examination (for example if needed by your sponsors, for a job application etc). Further information is available on the letters section of this site.

Next: The Oral Examination

Last updated 09/09/11