Appointment of Examiners

The examination of a Higher Degree by Research thesis is complex. Examiners must judge your understanding of a body of existing knowledge, your approach to research, construction of hypotheses, arguments and analyses.

Students have a special relationship with their examiners, who will become their peers if the degree is awarded, so the selection of examiners is therefore of critical importance.

Doctoral theses are examined by at least two examiners, all of whom are external to the University of Adelaide. Masters theses are examined by at least two examiners, at least one of whom is external to the University of Adelaide.

In nominating your prospective examiners, your supervisors will ensure that they are academic members or affiliate members of a tertiary institution or, where this is not the case, will provide information about the employment, research, supervisory and examination experience of each for the consideration of the Research Education and Development Committee. Examiners must:

• normally, be active in research/scholarship, to ensure that their knowledge of your field is current
• have empathy with the theoretical frame-work you have used during your research
• not have acted in a supervisory capacity, be co-authors on any papers arising from your doctoral or masters research, or have otherwise been involved in the development of your research
• not be employed by the same institution and
• not be advised of the identity of the other nominated examiners; or have their identity revealed to you.

On receipt of your notification of intention to submit, the Graduate Centre will forward a "Thesis: Nomination of Examiners" form to your School for completion.