The oral exam

robyn.owens — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:47:00 GMT

Some examiners assume that there will be a viva.

Overall, the experimental methodologies and statistical analyses applied are appropriate for the research undertaken, and the thesis is easy to read and understand. However, the candidate has used different symbols to denote the same variables in different parts of the thesis. The candidate needs to explain the differences between these symbols during the oral examination.

During the oral exam the candidate should report on the status of the papers submitted to journals.

The difference between a Masters and a PhD

robyn.owens — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 05:07:00 GMT

You might wonder sometimes what the actual difference is between a Masters thesis and a PhD. Generally, the former takes 2 years while the latter takes at least 3. Our own regulations give the following general definitions of the two degrees:

"A PhD thesis will demonstrate, in the context of a substantial and original contribution, mastery of the subject of concern and well as a furthering of understanding in that field of knowledge, through the discovery of knowledge, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas."

"A masters thesis must be a substantial work generally based on independent research which shows a sound knowledge of the subject of the research, evidence of the exercise of some independence of thought, and the ability of expression in clear and concise language."

Obviously there is room for overlap here, and examiners have the option of passing a Masters thesis as a PhD and vice versa. Below is one examiner's opinion of what the difference is between a Masters and a PhD:

"The regulations give the examiners an opportunity to argue the case for the upgrading of an (Masters) dissertation to a (PhD). I have thought about this, but although I believe the thesis to be of a very high standard ..., it lacks a number of elements which I would expect to find in a doctorate, e.g.,

The thesis lacks an elaborated theoretical framework. While not insensitive to theoretical issues, ... the thesis does not offer us a theoretical framework through which to "read" the data.
The thesis also lacks a "literature review", that is a systematic review of the theoretical and comparative literature relating to the empirical material covered in the thesis. A good knowledge of the wider literature ... is revealed throughout the thesis, but nowhere is this pulled together in a theortical narrative.
While none of these omissions detracts from the (masters) thesis, it means that a good deal more work would be needed to convert the thesis into a doctorate."

theEzone : Definition

The oral exam

The difference between a Masters and a PhD