Nomination of Examiners

When are your examiners appointed?

The process of nominating your examiners will begin as soon as you have submitted your completed NITS forms. If you submit in the recommended 6-8 week time-frame it is hoped these Examiners would be in place by the time you submit the Thesis, but occasionally it does take longer to secure the best Examiners for your research area.

Submit a Notice of Intention to Submit (NITS)

Who will your examiners be?

Your examiners will be nominated on the basis of their research expertise, their ability to provide impartial assessment, and their availability to examine a thesis.

In most cases, your thesis will be examined by one internal and one external examiner. However, in some cases, where the thesis focus is interdisciplinary, or if you are (or have been) a member of staff at the University of Edinburgh, you may be appointed an additional external examiner. You and Supervisors can recommend names, but the Head of School will make the final examiner recommendation. Ultimately it is the College (CPRC) who appoints these Examiners.

When will you know who your examiners are?

Your supervisor will usually advise the recommended Examiners, but the College Postgraduate Research Student Office will contact you once these are approved to let you know who your examiners are.

When is your thesis sent out?

If you have already submitted your thesis, this will be sent out as soon as possible after the College Postgraduate Research Student Office has received confirmation of your nominated examiners from the School. If your Examiners are already in place by the time you submit the Thesis this will be issued as soon as you submit. 

Can you submit your thesis before your examiners have been appointed?

You can submit your thesis before your examiners have been appointed, but your thesis will only be sent out once examiners have been confirmed.