Examination and Completion
The final stage of your HDR journey is the examination of your thesis. This is an opportunity for your work to be assessed by independent experts in your field, and to demonstrate the quality and originality of your research.
While this stage can feel uncertain, most candidates successfully complete their degree following examination, often with some revisions required. This page outlines what to expect and how to approach this important stage with confidence.
Before submission, your thesis should be complete and ready for examination. This means it reflects a sustained and original contribution to knowledge, and incorporates feedback from your supervisory panel. In preparing for submission, you will:
- Finalise your thesis or equivalent research output
- Work closely with your supervisory panel to confirm readiness
- Ensure all required components are complete
Your supervisory panel will guide you in determining when your work is ready to be submitted.
Once your thesis is submitted, it is sent to external examiners with expertise in your field. They will assess your work independently and provide detailed written reports.
During this stage, external examiners will evaluate your thesis for its quality, originality, rigour, and contribution to knowledge.
All communication is managed centrally by the University, and examiner identities remain confidential throughout the examination period. It is important at this stage that you do not know who your examiners are nor have any direct contact with them.
The examination process can take several months, depending on examiner availability and response times. It is common for this period to feel uncertain, particularly as there are limited updates while the thesis is under examination. However, this is a normal part of the HDR process—once submitted, the focus shifts to independent expert review, and you can be confident that your work is being carefully considered by experts in your field.
Once all examiner reports have been received and approved by the University, you will be provided with written feedback from your examiners. These reports typically highlight both the strengths of your thesis and areas for improvement. Your School will also provide an overall outcome based on the examiners’ recommendations.
For Doctoral and MPhil candidates, examination outcomes typically involve some level of revision. In most cases, candidates are required to revise their thesis and prepare a structured Candidate Response addressing each examiner comment. The extent of revisions may vary, from minor corrections to more substantial amendments, and your supervisory panel will support you in interpreting feedback and preparing your response.
For MRes candidates, the process differs. The thesis is assessed and awarded a final mark, and candidates are not normally required to revise and resubmit their thesis as a condition of completion. Examiner feedback is provided to support your development as a researcher and to inform future study, rather than as a formal requirement for amendment.
Across all HDR programs, examination outcomes are a normal part of the process and are intended to recognise the quality of your work and support its further development.
Examination outcomes vary, but most involve some level of revision. Possible outcomes may include:
- Outcomes A: Acceptance with no revisions required
- Outcome R: Acceptance subject to revisions, to be completed to the satisfaction of the Faculty HDR Board
- Outcome X: Revision and resubmission of the thesis for further examination
- Outcomes F: Thesis does not meet the required standard for the award of the degree
These outcomes are a normal part of the process and are intended to strengthen the final version of your thesis.
Responding to examiner feedback is a key stage in completing your Doctorate or MPhil. All candidates are required to prepare a structured Candidate Response addressing each of the examiner comments and demonstrating how the feedback has been considered.
Depending on the examination outcome, you may also be required to revise your thesis in line with the examiners’ recommendations. Where revisions are required, this process is undertaken in close consultation with your supervisory panel, who will support you in interpreting the feedback, prioritising amendments, and ensuring all requirements are appropriately addressed.
Taking a clear and methodical approach to both your response and any required revisions will help support a smooth path to completion.
Once you have completed your revisions and prepared your Candidate Response in consultation with your supervisory panel, you will submit your final thesis and supporting documents to the University.
Your submission is then reviewed to confirm that all examiner requirements have been satisfactorily addressed. Following Faculty-level endorsement, it proceeds to the University Research Committee for final approval. Once approved, you will be eligible for conferral of your degree.
For all doctoral candidates commencing from 1 January 2025, the examination process concludes with an oral examination. This applies to the PhD, Doctor of Creative Arts and Doctor of Education.
The oral examination provides candidates with an opportunity to discuss their research, respond to examiner questions, and demonstrate their understanding of the thesis or equivalent doctoral submission. It forms part of the overall doctoral examination process and is normally held after examiners have reviewed the submitted work.
Your supervisory panel and School will provide guidance on preparing for the oral examination, including what to expect and how to respond to examiner feedback.
Completion of your HDR thesis marks a significant achievement and the culmination of your research journey.
This stage is not just about meeting formal requirements - it is an opportunity to refine your work to its highest standard and consolidate your contribution to knowledge. It also represents a transition point, preparing you for the next phase of your career.