Once you are ready to submit your thesis, examiners are convened to assess your work.
Two examiners are convened for a master's thesis:
- One internal examiner from within the University of Otago
- One external examiner from outside the University. External examiners should normally be from New Zealand or Australia
Examiners of a master's thesis are suggested by the supervisors, with endorsement from their head of department/school and final approval by the pro-vice-chancellor (or their nominee).
Three examiners are convened for a PhD thesis:
- One internal to the University ("Internal")
- One from within New Zealand but external to the University ("New Zealand External")
- One from outside New Zealand ("Overseas External")
For a PhD thesis, the nominations for examiners are made by the head of department after consultation with the supervisors.
An independent Convener of Examiners co-ordinates the examiners' reports and submits their own based on the examiners' recommendations. The Convener prepares for, and chairs, the oral examination. Conveners are drawn from heads of department and other senior academic staff and may not be from the same department for which the thesis has been submitted.
Further information
PhD Students – Nomination of Examiners and Convener of Examiners
Research Master's – The examination process