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Chapter 7: Thesis and examination matters
  

Chapter 7: Thesis and examination matters

7.9 Criteria for the examination of a thesis

7.9.1 Criteria for the examination of doctoral theses

Examiners are provided with notes for the examination of a doctoral thesis. They are requested to complete a form indicating whether the candidate has met certain listed criteria, to recommend a particular examination outcome and to provide a written report. The notes and form will vary depending on the degree program undertaken.

The thesis is forwarded to an examiner in confidence. An examiner is under an obligation to maintain confidentiality, and in no circumstances should he/she discuss the thesis or any part of the examination process with a third party without the prior approval of the Research Graduate School Committee. Each examiner is asked to indicate whether:

  • the thesis makes a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding of the field concerned
  • the thesis contains material worthy of publication in a form appropriate to the discipline, and
  • the format and literary presentation of the thesis are satisfactory.

Examiners may annotate a thesis copy lightly in pencil.

7.9.2 PhD

In the examination of a PhD thesis, examiners are reminded that the work in the thesis basically constitutes the only test of the candidate’s fitness for the award of the degree. In the case of the PhD in the speciality of visual arts by exhibition, the work must constitute a doctoral-level contribution of substantial cultural significance.

To satisfy the requirements of the degree, the thesis must therefore be a significant contribution to knowledge or understanding of the field concerned.

7.9.2.1 PhD in the speciality of visual arts

In the case of the PhD in the speciality of visual arts by exhibition, the work must constitute a doctoral-level contribution of substantial cultural significance.

7.9.2.2 PhD in the speciality of theatre performance

In the case of the PhD in the speciality of theatre performance, the performance project embodies evidence of doctoral level research into the practice genre: specifically, the social, historical, and performance contexts of the project; the aesthetic elements of the practice genre; and theoretical issues germane to the project.

Normally the performance project will be presented live to an audience in a public performance venue. The two primary examiners and one reserve examiner will be required to be present at the live presentation. The examiners will be reminded that they must not consult with each other regarding the work before, during or after the performance. The examiners will be asked to write a report on the performance immediately after the live presentation of the performance and to ‘hold’ that report on file awaiting receipt of the written dissertation.

When the creative project is a performance text, the examination can be based on either a performance of the text or the written text itself. Where the primary examination of the creative project is on the written text, examiners will be invited to a rehearsed reading.

The written dissertation is expected to be submitted within three months of the live presentation of the performance project. The primary examiners will be sent a recording of the performance together with a copy of the written dissertation to examine. The examiners will submit a written report on the performance project and written dissertation as for ‘traditional’ Monash PhD theses.

Each examiner is asked to indicate whether:

  • the creative work makes a significant contribution to knowledge of the relevant aspect of theatre performance and displays mastery of the field;
  • the written dissertation demonstrates substantial conceptualisation of the topic, independent research and contribution to the field;
  • the complete work contains material worthy of publication in a form suitable to the discipline; and
  • the format and presentation of the creative component are satisfactory.
  • the format and literary presentation of the written dissertation is satisfactory

    • 7.9.3 Professional doctorates

    Examiners are informed that a professional doctorate program is a research-driven degree oriented to the improvement of professional practice by extending the knowledge, expertise and skill of students through the application of research to relevant problems and issues. The criteria for the thesis examination is that the dissertation should display mastery of, and ability to apply, research findings, new analyses, syntheses, interpretations etc in order to contribute to the improvement of practice and professional development generally.

    7.9.4 Criteria for the examination of an MPhil thesis

    Examiners are provided with notes for the examination of an MPhil thesis. They are requested to complete a form indicating whether the candidate has met certain listed criteria, to recommend a particular examination outcome, including a numerical mark and grade, and to provide a written report.

    The thesis is forwarded to an examiner in confidence. An examiner is under an obligation to maintain confidentiality, and in no circumstances should he/she discuss the thesis or any part of the examination process with a third party without the prior approval of the Committee. Each examiner is asked to indicate whether:

    • the thesis makes a contribution to knowledge and understanding in the field of study concerned
    • the thesis demonstrates a thorough understanding of the subject matter with which it deals
    • the format and literary presentation of the thesis are satisfactory.