Thesis Preparation and Submission
McGill’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) thesis website provides comprehensive information about thesis preparation, examination, defence, and submission requirements. Students are encouraged to review these guidelines carefully and plan ahead to meet all deadlines.
1. Thesis Preparation
Before preparing your thesis, carefully review the official Thesis Preparation Guidelines.
These guidelines outline the requirements for formatting and preparing your thesis for submission.
2. Selecting Examiners
Examiner selection must be coordinated with your supervisor. The requirements differ for MSc and PhD students.
MSc Students
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Your supervisor should confirm one proposed external examiner who has not served on your research progress review committee.
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Enter only this proposed external examiner in myThesis.
PhD Students
Internal examiner
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Your supervisor should confirm one proposed internal examiner.
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If this examiner has served on your research progress review committee, the second internal member of the defence committee must be a professor who has not served on your committee.
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Enter only the proposed internal examiner in myThesis.
External examiners
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Enter three potential external examiners in myThesis.
Important: Identifying and confirming examiners can take time. Begin discussing potential examiners with your supervisor well in advance of your intended thesis submission date.
3. Thesis Evaluation Process
The thesis evaluation process consists of several stages. The requirements differ for MSc and PhD students, particularly regarding the oral defence.
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Initial Thesis Submission — Submit your thesis for examination.
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Thesis Examination — Your thesis is evaluated by the appointed examiners.
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Oral Defence (PhD students only) — PhD students complete the oral defence process.
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Final Thesis Submission — Submit the final version of your thesis after completing any required revisions.
For detailed instructions and requirements at each stage, consult the linked GPS guidelines.
4. Thesis Submission Deadlines
McGill's thesis submission deadlines determine the term in which your thesis is evaluated and the expected graduation period. Review the applicable deadlines carefully when planning your submission.
Standard Thesis Evaluation Schedule
| Initial Submission Period | Final Submission Period | Additional Session | Thesis Evaluation | Expected Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 16 – August 15 | August 16 – December 15 | Summer | Fall | February |
| August 16 – December 15 | December 16 – April 15 | Fall | Winter | June |
| December 16 – April 15 | April 16 – August 15 | Winter | Summer | October |
Initial and Final Submission in the Same Term
If you complete both your initial and final thesis submissions within the same submission period, the schedule is different.
| Initial and Final Submission Period | Additional Session | Thesis Evaluation | Expected Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 16 – August 15 | Summer | None | October |
| August 16 – December 15 | Fall | None | February |
| December 16 – April 15 | Winter | None | June |
For the official deadlines and the most up-to-date information, consult the GPS Thesis Submission Deadlines page.
Plan ahead: Allow sufficient time for examiner arrangements, thesis preparation, evaluation, revisions, and final submission. Discuss your intended timeline with your supervisor early in the process.