Chapter 7: Thesis and examination matters

7.7 Process of examination

7.7.1 Appointment of examiners (regulation 21)

It is advisable for the names of two examiners external to the University to be forwarded by the academic unit to the Monash Research Graduate School at least six weeks before the thesis is submitted, so that examiners can be finalised in time for thesis submission and delays in dispatching the thesis avoided. Both examiners of doctoral theses must be external to the University, while for MPhil candidates, at least one of the proposed examiners must be external to the University.

 It is expected that as a matter of normal practice, the head of the academic unit will first consult with the supervisor with regard to the names of possible examiners. Candidates are entitled to participate in informal discussions regarding potential examiners and supervisors should ensure that candidates are consulted. Candidates should also be invited to name individuals whom they do not wish appointed as examiners. After considering the recommendation of the head of the academic unit, the Research Graduate School Committee appoints two examiners.

Choice of examiners is made with regard to their knowledge and standing in the field of study involved, but qualities such as reputation and experience in thesis examining should not be overlooked. A person who has had involvement in the candidate’s research should not be nominated. Speediness in completing the examination and submission of report, clarity of the examiner’s report and a reasonable expectation about the standard required of a doctoral thesis are important qualities to seek in potential examiners, in addition to their scholarly standing.

Both examiners must be asked informally before the thesis is submitted whether they are willing to examine. It is also appropriate at this stage to ask whether an examiner would be able to complete the examination within eight weeks from the estimated date of receipt of the thesis.

Potential examiners should also be informed that it is Monash University practice to advise candidates of the names of the examiners at the time the thesis is sent for examination. Where culturally sensitive material may have been reported in the work or where a patent-worthy discovery or invention arises from the research described in the thesis, it should be indicated to potential examiners that a confidentiality agreement may need to be completed before the thesis can be sent. Examiners should also be told if the thesis exceeds the word limit.

In nominating examiners, the head of the academic unit should be able to indicate that they have agreed to act, so that the examination may proceed without delay as soon as the thesis is submitted.

The names of the examiners are revealed formally to the candidate after the examiners are appointed, provided the examiners have agreed to examine the thesis on this condition and provided the divulgence of the examiners’ names takes place after the thesis has been submitted. Unedited copies of their reports are submitted to the examinee at the same time as they are released to the head of the academic unit and supervisor.

If a candidate believes that the appointment of a particular examiner may be prejudicial to the fair examination of the thesis, the candidate may so inform the Research Graduate School Committee (regulation 26) giving reasons, at any stage during candidature. Such an action, however, should not be taken without prior discussion by the candidate with both the supervisor and the head of the academic unit.

7.7.2 PhD in the speciality of visual arts

Two external examiners are appointed, at least one of whom must be of international standing and one of whom must reside outside Victoria.

7.7.3 EdD

In the case of examiners of the EdD thesis, it is required that of the two external examiners nominated, one is an academic and the other an appropriately qualified professional practitioner.