Dissertation and Thesis
This section focuses on the writing of the doctoral dissertation and Master’s thesis, as well as the examinations at the end of the doctoral degree. The thesis exams and oral defence qualify the candidate to become a doctor in the sense of gaining a doctorate. The ultimate milestone is the final submission of the dissertation.
Although these events occur at the end of the degree, it is especially helpful to begin the discussion of the examination process early in the degree. Gradually explaining the process concerning selection of examiners, submission and examination, and how the results are handled and finalized can help allay a student's fears. Such discussions are particularly helpful for international students, who may be used to a very different system.
Highlights of this subsection
Writing the Master's thesis or PhD dissertation: overcoming challenges and anticipating examiners’ expectations
Selecting examiners: strategies and factors to consider
The oral defence: anticipating questions from multiple points of view
The outcomes: what happens after the defence
Comic courtesy of “Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham, www.phdcomics.com
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