Fundamentals of PhD Examination

This course is for the following:

• Academics who have not yet undertaken examination roles
• Academics who are unfamiliar with the University of Edinburgh PhD examination process
• Academics who are unfamiliar with the UK PhD examination process
• Examiners who would like to reflect on and review their existing practice
• PhD supervisors wanting to explore how to support their students prior to the viva

Fundamentals of PhD examination is open to any examiner at the University of Edinburgh as well as any external members who will examine PhD theses at the University of Edinburgh.

In general, this course is intended to be completed prior to/in preparation for viva examinations. Some examiners, however, may want to complete it as a reflection of practice.

We estimate that it would take 1-2 hours to complete the course without watching the additional videos. The course is self-paced, you can leave and return to where you left off at any time.

To complete the course, and in order for your completion to be recorded, you must work through all modules and complete the required activities. 

Fundamentals of PhD Examination is made up of 5 modules. 

1. Introduction and you as an examiner
2. Key documentation and roles of examiners at Edinburgh
3. Pre-viva : responsibilities and good practice
4. At the viva : responsibilities and good practice
5. Post- viva : responsibilities, outcomes and good practice

Each of these modules summarises key information for examiners. This includes signposting relevant policies, codes and regulations. There is also a final section which includes a summary of good practice covered in the course and some further resources.

To complete the course successfully, and in order for your completion to be recorded, you must work through all sections. People and Money will automatically track completion of the training modules.  

The Academic Development team will keep a record of attendance and completion of this course.

You will not be issued a certificate of attendance on completion but please email phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk if you require certification of your completion.

Fundamentals of PhD Examination undergoes a biannual review each year in August and December. These reviews will address any broken links or typos as well as updates to relevant policies and information contained within the course.

If there is an extraordinary update required outwith this normal timeline, for example if a crucial policy is changed that affects examination, information about this update will be shared with those enrolled on the course.

If you have any issues accessing the course, please email phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk.

We welcome comments on how we might improve the course, so please contact us with any feedback. You are also encouraged to complete the feedback form included in the final module of the course.

Please email phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk and we will be able to grant access.

Your first point of contact should be the relevant postgraduate staff in your School or Centre.  This may be the PG administrative staff or the PG(R) Director or Head of the Graduate School. Your College office should also be able to help.

If you have problems identifying the relevant contact please email us, letting us know which School or Centre your PhD student is part of, and we will put you in touch with the relevant staff. Please email phdsupervisors@ed.ac.uk