phd proposal defence

PhD Thesis Proposal Defense: Common Questions and Feedback

PhD thesis proposal defense questions and feedback

This past two weeks I attended a number of proposal defense of PhD students at my University. In this post, I discuss the general format of a proposal defense as well as discuss the most common questions asked and feedback given to the students by the external examiners.

Structure of a PhD proposal defense

Outcomes of a phd proposal defense, common questions and feedback for chapter 1 of the proposal, common questions and feedback for chapter 2 of the proposal, common questions and feedback for chapter 3 of the proposal, general feedback, final thoughts, related posts.

A proposal defense has: the student defending his proposal, two external examiners, the student’s supervisors, the audience, and the chair of the defense. The defense is structured as follows:

The chair opens the session by welcoming and acknowledging the student, his supervisors and the external examiners.
The chair also outlines how the defense will be undertaken including any rules that should be adhered to.
The chair then welcomes the PhD student to introduce himself and make a presentation (usually 15 minutes).
After the presentation by the student, the chair opens the floor to the external examiners to give their comments, ask questions and give feedback to the student on how to improve the proposal.
The student is then required to respond to the questions asked and comments given.
The chair then makes his remarks.
Afterwards, the PhD student, his supervisors and the audience are requested to leave the room to allow the chair and the examiners to make their determination. The student and his supervisors are then called back in and the determination is spelt out to them.

There are about 4 possible outcomes after the student presents and defends his proposal:

The proposal passes with minor or no corrections.
The proposal passes with major corrections.
The student retakes the proposal by re-writing it (may include change of topic) and defending it again.
The proposal is rejected.

Rarely will a student be asked to re-take or will a proposal be rejected especially if it has been adequately supervised. This is because before the proposal is submitted for oral defense, it must be reviewed and signed by the supervisors.

Below is a list of the common questions and feedback for chapter 1:

What is your working definition of [concepts]?
Which sector do you want to focus on?
From a [country/region] perspective, please explain what is the problem?
How do you intend to solve the problem you have identified?
What will your proposed solution comprise of?
Who are the recipients of your proposed solution?
What is the primary outcome of the research?
Your objectives use [concept] while your problem statement talks of [a different concept]. What’s the difference between the two [concepts]?
In the research objectives, there is an interchange and insertion of different words. Be careful about the concepts you use. There needs to be consistency in the concepts used throughout the proposal.
What is the knowledge gap? That is, what is known and what is unknown that your study will attempt to address?
How do you relate [different variables included in the topic]? Is one a precedent of the other?
Are you investigating or examining? The topic says investigating while the objectives talk of examining.
The presentation does not discuss [sector of focus], the opportunities that exist, and the challenges it faces. This would give the student a good basis for undertaking the research.
There is no continuity in the objectives.
There is no discussion of the study’s contribution to knowledge and practice, which is very important for PhD-level study.
The background has many concepts that throw off readers on what the focus of the study is.
The problem statement is not focused.
What is the placement of the study regionally?
The objectives are too long and broad; they should be specific.
What is the underlying hypothesis of your study?
One of the research questions is biased. The researcher should take a neutral stand.

Below is a list of the common questions and feedback for chapter 2:

Which theories have inspired your work and who are the proponents of those theories?
For each theory discussed in your proposal, briefly state what it says and how it informs your study.
How are the theories related to your study?
Why did you select those theories and not [other theories]?
There are no empirical studies reviewed in your proposal.
Your work must converge with other peoples’ work to be able to show the gap that your study is trying to fill.
How did the choice of theories help you come up with your study’s concepts and variables?
How will you measure the variables [in the topic]?
You have just touched the surface of the empirical review, which should be a substantial section of your literature review.
It is not clear what the research gap is from the literature review.
After the empirical review, that’s when you now discuss the conceptual framework.
The conceptual framework should clearly show the dependent and independent variables and their relationships.

Below is a list of the common questions and feedback for chapter 3:

Kindly explain what your research philosophy is.
What will your [quantitative] model comprise of?
How are you going to verify and validate your [quantitative] model?
Why is the sampling formula appropriate to your sector and study? Justify the sampling formula used in the proposal.
Justify the choice of the sampling technique [e.g. purposive sampling].
Justify your choice of data collection and data analysis methods.
Are you going to use an inductive approach or a deductive approach to your study?
There needs to be consistency between your objectives and research philosophy.
If you have a number of population categories, you need to clearly articulate the sampling techniques for each category.
The data analysis methods should be clearly articulated.
The ethical considerations of your study should be adequately discussed.
The data collection instruments should be part of the proposal defense.
Your choice of research design and methods should be justified.
What is your unit of analysis?
Who are your study’s population?
Will you have different questionnaires for different respondents?
The data collection tools should have adequate background information questions to enable comparisons across different socio-economic and demographic groups.
Why are you lagging a variable? Justify the need to lag the variable.
Justify the choice of the model [e.g. Structural Equation Model].
Which specific multivariate analysis will you use?
Which tests are you going to conduct for the model and why? [e.g. normality, multicollinearity tests etc]
The variables of your study should be defined.

In addition to the chapter-specific questions and feedback given, the students also received feedback on:

The formatting of their proposals, including the font styles and size allowed, the numbering of the documents,
The inclusion of front pages such as cover page, declaration, abstract, table of contents,
The inclusion of back pages such as reference list and appendices which should include letter of introduction, consent letter for study respondents, data collection instruments, and work plan (Gantt chart) for the study.
The style of referencing recommended by the School e.g. APA, which should be consistent throughout the proposal. The proposal defense should also include some of the citations so as to give it an authoritative feel.

From my observations during the four proposal defenses I attended, a proposal defense is an opportunity for the PhD student to defend his work and to convince the interviewing panel that the student knows what he is doing and what is required of him moving forward. Most of the panellists will do their best to make the student feel comfortable rather than intimidate him so PhD students should not panic when preparing to defend their proposals.

Of importance is adequate preparation before the defense and making sure that the proposal and presentation follow the guidelines provided by the School. Lastly, PhD students should keep in mind that the aim of the proposal defense is to help improve upon the student’s proposal and ensure that the research will meet the scientific rigour and standards of a PhD-level work.

How To Write Chapter 1 Of A PhD Thesis Proposal (A Practical Guide)

How To Write Chapter 2 Of A PhD Thesis Proposal (A Beginner’s Guide)

How To Write Chapter 3 Of A PhD Thesis Proposal (A Detailed Guide)

How To Format A PhD Thesis In Microsoft Word (An Illustrative Guide)

Comprehensive Guidelines for Writing a PhD Thesis Proposal (+ free checklist for PhD Students)

Grace Njeri-Otieno

Grace Njeri-Otieno is a Kenyan, a wife, a mom, and currently a PhD student, among many other balls she juggles. She holds a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees in Economics and has more than 7 years' experience with an INGO. She was inspired to start this site so as to share the lessons learned throughout her PhD journey with other PhD students. Her vision for this site is "to become a go-to resource center for PhD students in all their spheres of learning."

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PhD Defence Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey toward a PhD is an intellectual odyssey marked by tireless research, countless hours of contemplation, and a fervent commitment to contributing to the body of knowledge in one’s field. As the culmination of this formidable journey, the PhD defence stands as the final frontier, the proverbial bridge between student and scholar.

In this comprehensive guide, we unravel the intricacies of the PhD defence—a momentous occasion that is both a celebration of scholarly achievement and a rigorous evaluation of academic prowess. Join us as we explore the nuances of the defence process, addressing questions about its duration, contemplating the possibility of failure, and delving into the subtle distinctions of language that surround it.

Beyond the formalities, we aim to shed light on the significance of this rite of passage, dispelling misconceptions about its nature. Moreover, we’ll consider the impact of one’s attire on this critical day and share personal experiences and practical tips from those who have successfully navigated the defence journey.

Whether you are on the precipice of your own defence or are simply curious about the process, this guide seeks to demystify the PhD defence, providing a roadmap for success and a nuanced understanding of the pivotal event that marks the transition from student to scholar.

Introduction

A. definition and purpose:, b. overview of the oral examination:, a. general duration of a typical defense, b. factors influencing the duration:, c. preparation and flexibility:, a. preparation and thorough understanding of the research:, b. handling questions effectively:, c. confidence and composure during the presentation:, d. posture of continuous improvement:, a. exploring the possibility of failure:, b. common reasons for failure:, c. steps to mitigate the risk of failure:, d. post-failure resilience:, a. addressing the language variation:, b. conforming to regional preferences:, c. consistency in usage:, d. flexibility and adaptability:, e. navigating language in a globalized academic landscape:, a. debunking myths around the formality of the defense:, b. significance in validating research contributions:, c. post-defense impact:, a. appropriate attire for different settings:, b. professionalism and the impact of appearance:, c. practical tips for dressing success:, b. practical tips for a successful defense:, c. post-defense reflections:, career options after phd.

Embarking on the doctoral journey is a formidable undertaking, where aspiring scholars immerse themselves in the pursuit of knowledge, contributing new insights to their respective fields. At the pinnacle of this academic odyssey lies the PhD defence—a culmination that transcends the boundaries of a mere formality, symbolizing the transformation from a student of a discipline to a recognized contributor to the academic tapestry.

The PhD defence, also known as the viva voce or oral examination, is a pivotal moment in the life of a doctoral candidate.

PhD defence is not merely a ritualistic ceremony; rather, it serves as a platform for scholars to present, defend, and elucidate the findings and implications of their research. The defence is the crucible where ideas are tested, hypotheses scrutinized, and the depth of scholarly understanding is laid bare.

The importance of the PhD defence reverberates throughout the academic landscape. It is not just a capstone event; it is the juncture where academic rigour meets real-world application. The defence is the litmus test of a researcher’s ability to articulate, defend, and contextualize their work—an evaluation that extends beyond the pages of a dissertation.

Beyond its evaluative nature, the defence serves as a rite of passage, validating the years of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual rigour invested in the research endeavour. Success in the defence is a testament to the candidate’s mastery of their subject matter and the originality and impact of their contributions to the academic community.

Furthermore, a successful defence paves the way for future contributions, positioning the scholar as a recognized authority in their field. The defence is not just an endpoint; it is a launchpad, propelling researchers into the next phase of their academic journey as they continue to shape and redefine the boundaries of knowledge.

In essence, the PhD defence is more than a ceremonial checkpoint—it is a transformative experience that validates the intellectual journey, underscores the significance of scholarly contributions, and sets the stage for a continued legacy of academic excellence. As we navigate the intricacies of this process, we invite you to explore the multifaceted dimensions that make the PhD defence an indispensable chapter in the narrative of academic achievement.

What is a PhD Defence?

At its core, a PhD defence is a rigorous and comprehensive examination that marks the culmination of a doctoral candidate’s research journey. It is an essential component of the doctoral process in which the candidate is required to defend their dissertation before a committee of experts in the field. The defence serves multiple purposes, acting as both a showcase of the candidate’s work and an evaluative measure of their understanding, critical thinking, and contributions to the academic domain.

The primary goals of a PhD defence include:

Presentation of Research: The candidate presents the key findings, methodology, and significance of their research.
Demonstration of Mastery: The defence assesses the candidate’s depth of understanding, mastery of the subject matter, and ability to engage in scholarly discourse.
Critical Examination: Committee members rigorously question the candidate, challenging assumptions, testing methodologies, and probing the boundaries of the research.
Validation of Originality: The defence validates the originality and contribution of the candidate’s work to the existing body of knowledge.

The PhD defence often takes the form of an oral examination, commonly referred to as the viva voce. This oral component adds a dynamic and interactive dimension to the evaluation process. Key elements of the oral examination include:

Presentation: The candidate typically begins with a formal presentation, summarizing the dissertation’s main components, methodology, and findings. This presentation is an opportunity to showcase the significance and novelty of the research.
Questioning and Discussion: Following the presentation, the candidate engages in a thorough questioning session with the examination committee. Committee members explore various aspects of the research, challenging the candidates to articulate their rationale, defend their conclusions, and respond to critiques.
Defence of Methodology: The candidate is often required to defend the chosen research methodology, demonstrating its appropriateness, rigour, and contribution to the field.
Evaluation of Contributions: Committee members assess the originality and impact of the candidate’s contributions to the academic discipline, seeking to understand how the research advances existing knowledge.

The oral examination is not a mere formality; it is a dynamic exchange that tests the candidate’s intellectual acumen, research skills, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the scholarly community.

In essence, the PhD defence is a comprehensive and interactive evaluation that encapsulates the essence of a candidate’s research journey, demanding a synthesis of knowledge, clarity of expression, and the ability to navigate the complexities of academic inquiry. As we delve into the specifics of the defence process, we will unravel the layers of preparation and skill required to navigate this transformative academic milestone.

How Long is a PhD Defence?

The duration of a PhD defence can vary widely, but it typically ranges from two to three hours. This time frame encompasses the candidate’s presentation of their research, questioning and discussions with the examination committee, and any additional deliberations or decisions by the committee. However, it’s essential to note that this is a general guideline, and actual defence durations may vary based on numerous factors.

Sciences and Engineering: Defenses in these fields might lean towards the shorter end of the spectrum, often around two hours. The focus is often on the methodology, results, and technical aspects.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Given the theoretical and interpretive nature of research in these fields, defences might extend closer to three hours or more. Discussions may delve into philosophical underpinnings and nuanced interpretations.
Simple vs. Complex Studies: The complexity of the research itself plays a role. Elaborate experiments, extensive datasets, or intricate theoretical frameworks may necessitate a more extended defence.
Number of Committee Members: A larger committee or one with diverse expertise may lead to more extensive discussions and varied perspectives, potentially elongating the defence.
Committee Engagement: The level of engagement and probing by committee members can influence the overall duration. In-depth discussions or debates may extend the defence time.
Cultural Norms: In some countries, the oral defence might be more ceremonial, with less emphasis on intense questioning. In others, a rigorous and extended defence might be the norm.
Evaluation Practices: Different academic systems have varying evaluation criteria, which can impact the duration of the defence.
Institutional Guidelines: Some institutions may have specific guidelines on defence durations, influencing the overall time allotted for the process.

Candidates should be well-prepared for a defence of any duration. Adequate preparation not only involves a concise presentation of the research but also anticipates potential questions and engages in thoughtful discussions. Additionally, candidates should be flexible and responsive to the dynamics of the defense, adapting to the pace set by the committee.

Success Factors in a PhD Defence

Successful defence begins with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the research. Candidates should be well-versed in every aspect of their study, from the theoretical framework to the methodology and findings.
Thorough preparation involves anticipating potential questions from the examination committee. Candidates should consider the strengths and limitations of their research and be ready to address queries related to methodology, data analysis, and theoretical underpinnings.
Conducting mock defences with peers or mentors can be invaluable. It helps refine the presentation, exposes potential areas of weakness, and provides an opportunity to practice responding to challenging questions.
Actively listen to questions without interruption. Understanding the nuances of each question is crucial for providing precise and relevant responses.
Responses should be clear, concise, and directly address the question. Avoid unnecessary jargon, and strive to convey complex concepts in a manner that is accessible to the entire committee.
It’s acceptable not to have all the answers. If faced with a question that stumps you, acknowledge it honestly. Expressing a willingness to explore the topic further demonstrates intellectual humility.
Use questions as opportunities to reinforce key messages from the research. Skillfully link responses back to the core contributions of the study, emphasizing its significance.
Rehearse the presentation multiple times to build familiarity with the material. This enhances confidence, reduces nervousness, and ensures a smooth and engaging delivery.
Maintain confident and open body language. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures judiciously. A composed demeanour contributes to a positive impression.
Acknowledge and manage nervousness. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, but channelling that energy into enthusiasm for presenting your research can turn nervousness into a positive force.
Engage with the committee through a dynamic and interactive presentation. Invite questions during the presentation to create a more conversational atmosphere.
Utilize visual aids effectively. Slides or other visual elements should complement the spoken presentation, reinforcing key points without overwhelming the audience.
View the defence not only as an evaluation but also as an opportunity for continuous improvement. Feedback received during the defence can inform future research endeavours and scholarly pursuits.

In essence, success in a PhD defence hinges on meticulous preparation, adept handling of questions, and projecting confidence and composure during the presentation. A well-prepared and resilient candidate is better positioned to navigate the challenges of the defence, transforming it from a moment of evaluation into an affirmation of scholarly achievement.

Failure in PhD Defence

While the prospect of failing a PhD defence is relatively rare, it’s essential for candidates to acknowledge that the possibility exists. Understanding this reality can motivate diligent preparation and a proactive approach to mitigate potential risks.
Failure, if it occurs, should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a definitive endpoint. It may highlight areas for improvement and offer insights into refining the research and presentation.
Lack of thorough preparation, including a weak grasp of the research content, inadequate rehearsal, and failure to anticipate potential questions, can contribute to failure.
Inability to effectively defend the chosen research methodology, including justifying its appropriateness and demonstrating its rigour, can be a critical factor.
Failing to clearly articulate the original contributions of the research and its significance to the field may lead to a negative assessment.
Responding defensively to questions, exhibiting a lack of openness to critique, or being unwilling to acknowledge limitations can impact the overall impression.
Inability to address committee concerns or incorporate constructive feedback received during the defense may contribute to a negative outcome.
Comprehensive preparation is the cornerstone of success. Candidates should dedicate ample time to understanding every facet of their research, conducting mock defences, and seeking feedback.
Identify potential weaknesses in the research and address them proactively. Being aware of limitations and articulating plans for addressing them in future work demonstrates foresight.
Engage with mentors, peers, or advisors before the defence. Solicit constructive feedback on both the content and delivery of the presentation to refine and strengthen the defence.
Develop strategies to manage stress and nervousness. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or visualization can be effective in maintaining composure during the defence.
Conduct a pre-defense review of all materials, ensuring that the presentation aligns with the dissertation and that visual aids are clear and supportive.
Approach the defence with an open and reflective attitude. Embrace critique as an opportunity for improvement rather than as a personal affront.
Clarify expectations with the examination committee beforehand. Understanding the committee’s focus areas and preferences can guide preparation efforts.
In the event of failure, candidates should approach the situation with resilience. Seek feedback from the committee, understand the reasons for the outcome, and use the experience as a springboard for improvement.

In summary, while the prospect of failing a PhD defence is uncommon, acknowledging its possibility and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks are crucial elements of a well-rounded defence strategy. By addressing common failure factors through thorough preparation, openness to critique, and a resilient attitude, candidates can increase their chances of a successful defence outcome.

PhD Defense or Defence?

The choice between “defense” and “defence” is primarily a matter of British English versus American English spelling conventions. “Defense” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “defence” is the British English spelling.
In the global academic community, both spellings are generally understood and accepted. However, the choice of spelling may be influenced by the academic institution’s language conventions or the preferences of individual scholars.
Academic institutions may have specific guidelines regarding language conventions, and candidates are often expected to adhere to the institution’s preferred spelling.
Candidates may also consider the preferences of their advisors or committee members. If there is a consistent spelling convention used within the academic department, it is advisable to align with those preferences.
Consideration should be given to the spelling conventions of scholarly journals in the candidate’s field. If intending to publish research stemming from the dissertation, aligning with the conventions of target journals is prudent.
If the defense presentation or dissertation will be shared with an international audience, using a more universally recognized spelling (such as “defense”) may be preferred to ensure clarity and accessibility.
Regardless of the chosen spelling, it’s crucial to maintain consistency throughout the document. Mixing spellings can distract from the content and may be perceived as an oversight.
In oral presentations and written correspondence related to the defence, including emails, it’s advisable to maintain consistency with the chosen spelling to present a professional and polished image.
Recognizing that language conventions can vary, candidates should approach the choice of spelling with flexibility. Being adaptable to the preferences of the academic context and demonstrating an awareness of regional variations reflects a nuanced understanding of language usage.
With the increasing globalization of academia, an awareness of language variations becomes essential. Scholars often collaborate across borders, and an inclusive approach to language conventions contributes to effective communication and collaboration.

In summary, the choice between “PhD defense” and “PhD defence” boils down to regional language conventions and institutional preferences. Maintaining consistency, being mindful of the target audience, and adapting to the expectations of the academic community contribute to a polished and professional presentation, whether in written documents or oral defences.

Is PhD Defense a Formality?

While the PhD defence is a structured and ritualistic event, it is far from being a mere formality. It is a critical and substantive part of the doctoral journey, designed to rigorously evaluate the candidate’s research contributions, understanding of the field, and ability to engage in scholarly discourse.
The defence is not a checkbox to be marked but rather a dynamic process where the candidate’s research is evaluated for its scholarly merit. The committee scrutinizes the originality, significance, and methodology of the research, aiming to ensure it meets the standards of advanced academic work.
Far from a passive or purely ceremonial event, the defence involves active engagement between the candidate and the examination committee. Questions, discussions, and debates are integral components that enrich the scholarly exchange during the defence.
The defence serves as a platform for the candidate to demonstrate the originality of their research. Committee members assess the novelty of the contributions, ensuring that the work adds value to the existing body of knowledge.
Beyond the content, the defence evaluates the methodological rigour of the research. Committee members assess whether the chosen methodology is appropriate, well-executed, and contributes to the validity of the findings.
Successful completion of the defence affirms the candidate’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse in their field. It is an endorsement of the candidate’s position as a knowledgeable and respected scholar.
The defence process acts as a quality assurance mechanism in academia. It ensures that individuals awarded a doctoral degree have undergone a thorough and rigorous evaluation, upholding the standards of excellence in research and scholarly inquiry.
Institutions have specific criteria and standards for awarding a PhD. The defence process aligns with these institutional and academic standards, providing a consistent and transparent mechanism for evaluating candidates.
Successful completion of the defence is a pivotal moment that marks the transition from a doctoral candidate to a recognized scholar. It opens doors to further contributions, collaborations, and opportunities within the academic community.
Research presented during the defence often forms the basis for future publications. The validation received in the defence enhances the credibility of the research, facilitating its dissemination and impact within the academic community.
Beyond the academic realm, a successfully defended PhD is a key credential for professional advancement. It enhances one’s standing in the broader professional landscape, opening doors to research positions, teaching opportunities, and leadership roles.

In essence, the PhD defence is a rigorous and meaningful process that goes beyond formalities, playing a crucial role in affirming the academic merit of a candidate’s research and marking the culmination of their journey toward scholarly recognition.

Dressing for Success: PhD Defense Outfit

For Men: A well-fitted suit in neutral colours (black, navy, grey), a collared dress shirt, a tie, and formal dress shoes.
For Women: A tailored suit, a blouse or button-down shirt, and closed-toe dress shoes.
Dress codes can vary based on cultural expectations. It’s advisable to be aware of any cultural nuances within the academic institution and to adapt attire accordingly.
With the rise of virtual defenses, considerations for attire remain relevant. Even in online settings, dressing professionally contributes to a polished and serious demeanor. Virtual attire can mirror what one would wear in-person, focusing on the upper body visible on camera.
The attire chosen for a PhD defense contributes to the first impression that a candidate makes on the examination committee. A professional and polished appearance sets a positive tone for the defense.
Dressing appropriately reflects respect for the gravity of the occasion. It acknowledges the significance of the defense as a formal evaluation of one’s scholarly contributions.
Wearing professional attire can contribute to a boost in confidence. When individuals feel well-dressed and put-together, it can positively impact their mindset and overall presentation.
The PhD defense is a serious academic event, and dressing professionally fosters an atmosphere of seriousness and commitment to the scholarly process. It aligns with the respect one accords to academic traditions.
Institutional norms may influence dress expectations. Some academic institutions may have specific guidelines regarding attire for formal events, and candidates should be aware of and adhere to these norms.
While adhering to the formality expected in academic settings, individuals can also express their personal style within the bounds of professionalism. It’s about finding a balance between institutional expectations and personal comfort.
Select and prepare the outfit well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Ensure that the attire is clean, well-ironed, and in good condition.
Accessories such as ties, scarves, or jewelry should complement the outfit. However, it’s advisable to keep accessories subtle to maintain a professional appearance.
While dressing professionally, prioritize comfort. PhD defenses can be mentally demanding, and comfortable attire can contribute to a more confident and composed demeanor.
Pay attention to grooming, including personal hygiene and haircare. A well-groomed appearance contributes to an overall polished look.
Start preparation well in advance of the defense date. Know your research inside out, anticipate potential questions, and be ready to discuss the nuances of your methodology, findings, and contributions.
Conduct mock defenses with peers, mentors, or colleagues. Mock defenses provide an opportunity to receive constructive feedback, practice responses to potential questions, and refine your presentation.
Strike a balance between confidence and humility. Confidence in presenting your research is essential, but being open to acknowledging limitations and areas for improvement demonstrates intellectual honesty.
Actively engage with the examination committee during the defense. Listen carefully to questions, respond thoughtfully, and view the defense as a scholarly exchange rather than a mere formality.
Understand the expertise and backgrounds of the committee members. Tailor your presentation and responses to align with the interests and expectations of your specific audience.
Practice time management during your presentation. Ensure that you allocate sufficient time to cover key aspects of your research, leaving ample time for questions and discussions.
It’s normal to feel nervous, but practicing mindfulness and staying calm under pressure is crucial. Take deep breaths, maintain eye contact, and focus on delivering a clear and composed presentation.
Have a plan for post-defense activities. Whether it’s revisions to the dissertation, publications, or future research endeavors, having a roadmap for what comes next demonstrates foresight and commitment to ongoing scholarly contributions.
After successfully defending, individuals often emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on the entire doctoral journey. Acknowledge personal and academic growth, celebrate achievements, and use the experience to inform future scholarly pursuits.

In summary, learning from the experiences of others who have successfully defended offers a wealth of practical wisdom. These insights, combined with thoughtful preparation and a proactive approach, contribute to a successful and fulfilling defense experience.

You have plenty of career options after completing a PhD. For more details, visit my blog posts:

7 Essential Steps for Building a Robust Research Portfolio

Exciting Career Opportunities for PhD Researchers and Research Scholars

Freelance Writing or Editing Opportunities for Researchers A Comprehensive Guide

Research Consultancy: An Alternate Career for Researchers

The Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Patent Agent: Opportunities, Requirements, and Challenges

The journey from a curious researcher to a recognized scholar culminates in the PhD defence—an intellectual odyssey marked by dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As we navigate the intricacies of this pivotal event, it becomes evident that the PhD defence is far more than a ceremonial rite; it is a substantive evaluation that validates the contributions of a researcher to the academic landscape.

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Ph.D. Proposal Defense

Upon passing the Qualifying Exam , it is expected that students will choose a Ph.D. thesis advisor, if they have not already done so, and begin their Ph.D. thesis research. Within 12 to 18 months of passing the QE , the student needs to select a Ph.D. Thesis Examination Committee and schedule his or her Ph.D. Proposal Defense . The Ph.D. Proposal Defense consists of 1) a written part and 2) an oral presentation to the Ph.D. Thesis Examination Committee.

The written part consists of an introduction to the field, a problem statement, the objectives of the research and the approach that will be taken, the expected results, and a timeline of the work. A concise review of the literature is expected, along with a bibliography of the most important literature. The length of the written Ph.D. Proposal is expected to be between 15 to 20 double space pages (12pt font) with 1 inch margins. Members of the Committee should receive the proposal two weeks prior to the defense .
The Ph.D. Proposal will be presented to the Ph.D. Thesis Examination Committee during a one hour defense/ examination. The student should plan for a 30 minute presentation of the research plan and expected results.

One week prior to your proposal defense, please notify the MSE Chair, Dr. JC Zhao.

See Also: Ph.D. Requirements and Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

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Proposal Defense Policy & Procedure

The proposal and its purpose.

The Information School encourages and supports the wide range of dissertation topics and methodologies generated from the study of information science. The dissertation proposal represents a formal understanding between the Supervisory Committee and the doctoral Candidate. This agreement outlines the work to be done and the intellectual rigor the Committee expects from the Candidate. The proposal functions as a map guiding the Candidate towards the effective completion of the dissertation project.

The dissertation proposal should substantially advance the doctoral candidate toward completion of the dissertation. It may take the form of the preliminary chapters of the dissertation.

The Elements

The doctoral Candidate works closely with the Chair of the Supervisory Committee and other voting members of the Supervisory Committee in determining the composition of the dissertation proposal and in writing the proposal.

The proposal should contain detail sufficient to describe the significance, background and rationale for the dissertation and the work the Candidate will perform for the dissertation.

The following list of elements is typical for a dissertation proposal in the information field. However, the School recognizes that this list may not fit all dissertation proposals and thus should be considered as illustrative only.

Statement of the Problem – includes the background, context in the information field and in the broader scheme of academic pursuits, key questions, significance of the problem, and description of chosen methodology.
Grounding and Rationale – provides a discussion of need in the area of study which may include a comprehensive review of theoretical, conceptual, technological or methodological precedents which directly relate to the dissertation topic. This section may also include a detailed analysis of the precedents that justify the need for the research, or review the literature that relates to the research.
Research Plan – details the methods that will be used or the processes that will be followed during the course of investigation. This section describes how the questions posed by the dissertation will be addressed.

The Defense

The Candidate, assisted by the Chair as necessary, schedules a date, a time, and a room for the defense. The Candidate submits details regarding the proposal defense, including date, time and location of the defense, members of the Supervisory Committee, proposal defense title, as well as an abstract, to the iSchool web calendar, the Chair of the Ph.D. Program, and Student Services Office.

At least two weeks before the scheduled proposal defense date, the final written proposal must be submitted to all members of the Supervisory Committee. At this time or earlier, the voting members of the Committee, in consultation with the Candidate, determine the length and outline the structure of the defense.

The defense is a scheduled and announced public event. Any person may attend. However, the deliberations of the Supervisory Committee are private.

The Process

Students presents their dissertation proposal orally, with visual accompaniment as desired by the candidate, to the supervisory committee and the public.

The dissertation proposal defense proceeds as outlined below.

Prior to the start of the examination :

The Candidate must be physically present at the exam.
The Chair (or at least one Co-Chair), the GSR, and one general committee member must be physically present at the exam.
If the Chair is not physically present, then the exam must be rescheduled.
If the GSR is not physically present at the time of the exam, a substitute GSR may be secured subject to Graduate School rules. If no GSR can be found, then the exam must be rescheduled.
If a general member is not physically present then, the exam should be adjourned and rescheduled to a later time/date.
A majority of the Supervisory Committee must be physically present at the exam. E.g. a Supervisory Committee with the minimum 4 required members (Chair, GSR, and 2 general members) must have the Chair, the GSR, and at least one general member physically present at the exam. A Supervisory Committee with 5 members (Chair, GSR, and 3 general members) must have the Chair, the GSR, and at least one general member physically present at the exam.

Once the Exam Starts"

The Supervisory Committee may meet initially in private, with or without the Candidate present.
The Chair announces when the Candidate and the public may join the Committee for the defense.
The Candidate presents the key elements of the dissertation proposal.
The Supervisory Committee and/or the public questions the Candidate.
The public may question the Candidate as time permits.
Finally, the Supervisory Committee reconvenes in private for deliberations. The voting members vote for one of the following:
a. Accept —a PDF version of the proposal will be submitted to Student Services. The proposal will be available to the public for reading.
b. Accept with minor revisions —the Committee requests minor revisions, which are approved by a process that is established by the Chair. A PDF version of the proposal will be submitted to Student Services. The proposal will be available to the public for reading.
c. Accept with revisions —revisions require approval by the Chair and selected members or the supervisory Committee. See Process** below.
d. Reject —the Supervisory Committee may recommend either 1) that a second defense is permitted after a period of additional preparation, or 2) that the student is dropped from the Ph.D. program in Information Science at the University of Washington.

A simple majority vote is required. In the event that a simple majority vote does not occur, the deliberations of the Supervisory Committee are continued and a decision is made within ten days of the proposal defense date.

If after ten days the Supervisory Committee cannot make a decision, then the candidate may reconstitute the Committee, and schedule a new defense.

*Process for 'Accept with Revisions'

The revision process proceeds as follows:

The committee informs the candidate verbally of the revisions required and the date by which revisions are to be completed.
The chair, in consultation with the committee prepares a written description of the required revisions. A copy of the letter is provided to Student Services to place in the student's permanent academic file.
The chair and the candidate determine the date by which the revisions must be completed, normally within 3 months.
The chair distributes the written description to the candidate and the committee.
Two weeks after the revisions are submitted by the candidate, the committee informs the candidate whether the revisions are accepted or rejected.
If accepted, a paper copy and PDF version of the proposal are submitted to Student Services; at least one copy is available to the public for reading.
If rejected, the committee recommends, as outlined above, to either permit a second defense or to drop the student from the program.
If the revisions are not completed successfully within the specified time period, the chair may extend the time for revision to up to one year from the date of the proposal defense. After one year, the chair may petition the Ph.D. committee for an extension.
If the revisions are not completed successfully in the time frame designated, and if the supervisory committee and the Ph.D. committee concur, the proposal is rejected and the student is dropped from the Ph.D. program in Information Science at UW.

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Preparing for your PhD thesis defence

As you start thinking about the end stages of your PhD, it’s important to understand the processes and timelines related to the thesis defence so that your degree completion is not delayed. Even if your thesis defence seems far away, there are several planning considerations you can consider early on to help the end stages of your PhD go smoothly.

On this page you will find videos, tools, and information about what the PhD thesis defence is , timelines for the PhD thesis defence , and tips for a successful PhD thesis defence .

All PhD students should also ensure that they read the PhD thesis examination regulations and review the thesis preparation guidelines prior to their oral defence. If your thesis defence will be conducted remotely, you should also review the process for a remote thesis defence .

What is the PhD defence?

Understanding the purpose, processes and possible outcomes of the thesis defence can help you feel more prepared for the defence itself. In this video, you’ll learn about what the defence is, who’s there, what happens, and the deliberation and range of possible outcomes.

Transcript - Demystifying the thesis defence at University of Waterloo (PDF)

You may wish to learn more about some of the topics discussed in this video. Here are some helpful links to learn more:

Examination committee members (including the external examiner): Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on the PhD thesis examining committee for more information about the committee members, including information about the external examiner and conflicts of interest.

Closed thesis defences and non-disclosure agreements: Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on guidelines for thesis examination without public disclosure for more information about closed thesis examinations.
Thesis defence decisions and outcomes: Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on decisions for additional information about decisions and outcomes.
Thesis submission: Visit the thesis submission webpage for information about the thesis submission process, including approvals that must be obtained before submitting your thesis.
UWSpace: Visit the Library’s UWSpace webpage for information about what UWSpace is and how to submit, or deposit, your thesis to UWSpace.

Timeline to defence

Early planning considerations.

Well before your defence date, there are several considerations to think about that can help make the end stages of your degree go smoothly and ensure your defence date and degree completion are not delayed:

Being aware of formatting requirements will save you time on revisions later on – the last thing you want to be doing before submitting your thesis to UWSpace is updating page numbers or your table of contents! Consider using the Microsoft Word or LaTeX thesis template produced by Information Systems & Technology.
The Dissertation Boot Camp can help you develop effective writing practices and strategies for completing your thesis, while the three-part Rock Your Thesis workshop series will provide practical guidance for planning, writing, revising, and submitting your thesis project. You can also book an individual appointment to do backwards planning with an advisor. They can help you utilize the planning tools most effectively, while providing hands-on guidance and feedback.
If you are using third-party content, including your own previously published work in your thesis, or seeking intellectual property protection (for yourself or another involved party), there may be implications for your thesis or defence. Learn more about copyright for your thesis , and email [email protected] for help with copyright questions related to your thesis.
Depending on your departmental or discipline’s norms, you may require approval from your entire committee, or just your supervisor. Ensure you talk with your supervisor and/or committee early on to confirm processes and timelines, so you’re not surprised later.
Depending on your departmental or discipline’s norms, your supervisor may select an external examiner themselves, or they may seek your input. Talk to your supervisor early on about this process, as in some faculties the external examiner may need to be vetted and approved as early as the term before you wish to defend. Remember that there are conflict of interest guidelines around the appointment of the external examiner , and the PhD candidate should not be in communication with the external examiner prior to the defence.
A PhD thesis must be on display for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the defence date. To accommodate, you may need to submit your thesis as early as 6-8 weeks prior to your defence. Review your faculty specific backwards planning tool for the thesis submission deadline in your faculty and learn more about the display period in the PhD thesis examination regulations.
After your successful thesis defence, you will likely have some required revisions to your thesis. It’s important to understand revision timelines , especially if you’re hoping to become “degree complete” before a tuition refund or convocation deadline. Find tuition refund and convocation deadlines in the important dates calendar .
Following your thesis defence, there are several steps to be taken before your final, approved thesis is accepted in UWSpace. Ensure that you’re aware of these thesis submission steps and timelines in advance.

Backwards planning tools

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, in collaboration with the Faculties, have prepared faculty specific backwards planning tools to help PhD candidates map out the timelines related to their thesis defence and degree completion.

Select your faculty below to download a PDF copy of the backwards planning tool. We encourage you to discuss your ideal timelines with your supervisor(s) and your department graduate program co-ordinator.

Faculty of Health backwards planning tool (PDF)
Faculty of Arts backwards planning tool (PDF)
Faculty of Engineering backwards planning tool (PDF)
Faculty of Environment backwards planning tool (PDF)
Faculty of Mathematics backwards planning tool (PDF)
Faculty of Science backwards planning tool (PDF)

Tips for success

The PhD thesis defence is the culmination of years of hard work! The tips outlined in this video, compiled from recent PhD graduates and experienced thesis defence chairs, cover tips for preparing for your defence, day-of logistics, and defending successfully.

Transcript - Your Thesis Defence: Tips for Success (PDF)

Will your PhD thesis defence be held remotely? We’ve compiled additional tips for success specifically related to the remote defence.

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Dissertation Committee and Proposal Defense

Proposal Defense Stage (must begin this process at least 3 weeks prior to your proposal defense):

1. Submit your Request a Committee form: https://upenn.bplogix.net/workspace.aspx

Click Available Forms at the top of the page
Then, Penn Graduate Forms
Then, Load Milestones
Then Committee Formation
Complete the form to include your committee members and roles
For Committee Role definitions and Composition, please visit the Academic Rules for PhD Students

2. Schedule Your Proposal Defense

Beth Dellipriscoli will provide available dates set aside for presentations
Inform Beth Dellipriscoli of selected date so that she may announce your proposal defense 2 weeks to your presentation. Beth will inform you of the information needed for the announcement.
Submit the proposal defense notification form to the Doctoral Programs Office (at least 2 weeks before your proposal defense)

3. Directly following your Proposal Defense

Send the Proposal Defense Certification form to your committee for them to approve
Send the signed form to Gidget in the Doctoral Office: [email protected]

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to create a dissertation proposal defense powerpoint (+example), published by steve tippins on june 21, 2022 june 21, 2022.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 02:45 am

As part of the dissertation process, you will need to create a dissertation proposal defense PowerPoint to present a summary of the plan for your study. You will need to show how important your study is and how it is useful.

When creating the PowerPoint, keep in mind that you need to make sure all of your audience can understand all aspects of your study. The exact content for the defense PowerPoint varies by college, discipline and department, so it is important that you discuss with your committee chair about the requirements. However, we will give some general guidelines that apply to most institutions.

woman in orange jacket wearing headphones and working on her dissertation defense

The defense typically takes 20‐30 minutes. You should keep the timeframe in mind as you consider the information you will have in your presentation.

Except for aspects of your presentation, such as the research question(s) or hypothesis(es), do not just read the slides. Instead, explain or expand on what is on the slides. To ensure you keep within the timeframe, practice narrating your PowerPoint presentation.

Although the APA manual does not provide guidelines for creating a PowerPoint presentation, you will need to follow some of the APA style guidelines within your PowerPoint.

For example, provide in-text citations for quotes, paraphrases, images, graphs, and other information that should be cited. Also, you will need to provide a list of pertinent references.

The following are other format requirements for the slides :

Create 17-20 slides.
Do not provide a lot of information. Be concise and write a few sentences (approximately 1-7 on each slide).
Because your slides will contain only a small amount of information, any extra information that you want to touch on should be put in the notes section of the PowerPoint.
Write the information in your slides for visual appeal and optimum communication, using a legible font size.
You can use graphics and images to enhance and reinforce the information. However, ensure that they do not distract from your information.
You can use bullet points but keep them to a minimum of 3-4 for each listing.

Example Dissertation Proposal Defense PowerPoint Format

man in denim shirt using his laptop to create a dissertation proposal

The dissertation proposal will consist of three chapters, which you will be providing information on in the presentation. Although the contents and order of the contents may vary, there are some basic parts of the proposal that are usually required.

The following is a breakdown of the usual contents that are included in the presentation. Each of these headings below represents the titles of each slide. The information below the headings is the type of content you will need to provide.

Title (1 slide) :

Dissertation’s Title
Department of Program of Study/Name of University
Chair and Committee Members

Statement of the Problem (1 slide):

Provide the problem that your dissertation will address.

Purpose of the Study (1 slide):

Provide what the study will do relative to the issue(s) defined in the statement of the problem.

Significance of the Study (1 slide):

Provide the main argument of why the solution to the problem that you propose is important.

Research Question(s)/Hypothesis(es ) (1 slide):

Provide the research question(s) or hypothesis(es) relevant to your field of study, written exactly as it is in your dissertation proposal.

The Literature Review (2 slides):

These slides should consist of a coherent, organized overview of the main literature that frames your study’s problem, and the gap in literature that your study will address. Make sure that you include the sources.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework (1 slide):

This slide should consist of the theoretical/conceptual framework that will help you make sense of the phenomenon that you will investigate.

Research Design (1 slide):

Provide the framework for the methods of data collection and data analysis. Indicate whether the study will be quantitative or qualitative.

Sample and Population (1 slide):

Provide the population that refers to the entire group that you will draw conclusions about, and the sample that refers to the specific group that you will collect data from.

Data Collection (1 slide):

Provide the methods by which you will obtain the data. If the research design is quantitative, provide methods such as correlation and regression, mean, mode and median or others. If the design is qualitative, provide methods such as, interviews, questionnaires with open-ended questions, focus groups, observation, game or role-playing, case studies, or others.

Data Analysis (1-2 slides):

This slide should contain the process you will use to understand, gather, compile, and process the data you will obtain.

Limitations (1 slide):

In this slide, explain the nature of the limitations and how they will be overcome during your research.

Delimitations (1slide):

Provide the characteristics that describe the boundaries of your study and limit the scope, such as sample size, geographical location, population traits, or others.

References (1-2 slides):

Only provide those sources that you referred to in the presentation. Do not provide all the sources that you have in your dissertation proposal.

Thank You/Questions (1 slide):

Use this final slide to thank your committee and to request questions from them.

Note : For information about citing your references, refer to Chapters 9 and 10 of the APA Manual 7 th edition.

For instructions on how to create a PowerPoint, see How to Create a Powerpoint Presentation .

View this video for “ Tips and Tricks for your Proposal Defense Day Presentation ”

You can find several examples of students’ Dissertation Proposal Defense presentations online by searching for “Dissertation Proposal Defense PowerPoint.” You can also find one at this webpage .

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Creating a good research question is vital to successfully completing your dissertation. Here are some tips that will help you formulate a good research question. What Makes a Good Research Question? These are the three Read more…

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Choosing a Dissertation Chair

Choosing your dissertation chair is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make in graduate school. Your dissertation chair will in many ways shape your experience as you undergo the most rigorous intellectual challenge Read more…

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PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design: Start

Tips for designing the slides
Presentation checklist
Example slides
Additional Resources

Purpose of the Guide

This guide was created to help ph.d. students in engineering fields to design dissertation defense presentations. the guide provides 1) tips on how to effectively communicate research, and 2) full presentation examples from ph.d. graduates. the tips on designing effective slides are not restricted to dissertation defense presentations; they can be used in designing other types of presentations such as conference talks, qualification and proposal exams, and technical seminars., the tips and examples are used to help students to design effective presentation. the technical contents in all examples are subject to copyright, please do not replicate. , if you need help in designing your presentation, please contact julie chen ([email protected]) for individual consultation. .

Example Slides Repository
Defense slides examples Link to examples dissertation defense slides.

Useful Links

CIT Thesis and dissertation standards
Dissertations and Theses @ Carnegie Mellon This link opens in a new window Covers 1920-present. Full text of some dissertations may be available 1997-present. Citations and abstracts of dissertations and theses CMU graduate students have published through UMI Dissertation Publishing. In addition to citations and abstracts, the service provides free access to 24 page previews and the full text in PDF format, when available. In most cases, this will be works published in 1997 forward.
Communicate your research data Data visualization is very important in communicating your data effectively. Check out these do's and don'ts for designing figures.

Power Point Template and other Resources

CEE Powerpoint Slide Presentation Template 1
CEE Powerpoint Slide Presentation Template 2

Source: CEE Department Resources https://www.cmu.edu/cee/resources/index.html

CMU Powerpoint Slide Template

Source: CMU Marketing and Communications

https://www.cmu.edu/marcom/brand-standards/downloads/index.html

Use of CMU logos, marks, and Unitmarks

Email me for questions and schedule an appointment

2. Emphasize YOUR contribution

Having a ph.d. means that you have made some novel contributions to the grand field. this is about you and your research. you need to keep emphasizing your contributions throughout your presentation. after talking about what needs to be solved, try to focus on emphasizing the novelty of your work. what problems can be solved using your research outcomes what breakthroughs have you made to the field why are your methods and outcomes outstanding you need to incorporate answers to these questions in your presentation. , be clear what your contributions are in the introduction section; separate what was done by others and what was done by you. , 3. connect your projects into a whole piece of work, you might have been doing multiple projects that are not strongly connected. to figure out how to connect them into a whole piece, use visualizations such as flow charts to convince your audience. the two slides below are two examples. in the first slide, which was presented in the introduction section, the presenter used a flow diagram to show the connection between the three projects. in the second slide, the presenter used key figures and a unique color for each project to show the connection..

Xiaoju Chen Defense Slides with Notes

4. Tell a good story

The committee members do not necessarily have the same background knowledge as you. plus, there could be researchers from other fields and even the general public in the room. you want to make sure all of your audience can understand as much as possible. focus on the big picture rather than technical details; make sure you use simple language to explain your methods and results. your committee has read your dissertation before your defense, but others have not. , dr. cook and dr. velibeyoglu did a good job explaining their research to everyone. the introduction sessions in their presentations are well designed for this purpose. .

Laren M. Cook Defense Slides with Notes
Irem Velibeyoglu Defense with Notes

5. Transition, transition, transition

Use transition slides to connect projects , it's a long presentation with different research projects. you want to use some sort of transition to remind your audience what you have been talking about and what is next. you may use a slide that is designed for this purpose throughout your presentation. , below are two examples. these slides were presented after the introduction section. the presenters used the same slides and highlighted the items for project one to indicate that they were moving on to the first project. throughout the presentation, they used these slides and highlighted different sections to indicate how these projects fit into the whole dissertation. .

You can also use some other indications on your slides, but remember not to make your slides too busy. Below are two examples. In the first example, the presenter used chapter numbers to indicate what he was talking about. In the second example, the presenter used a progress bar with keywords for each chapter as the indicator.

Use transition sentences to connect slides

Remember transition sentences are also important; use them to summarize what you have said and tell your audience what they will expect next. if you keep forgetting the transition sentence, write a note on your presentation. you can either write down a full sentence of what you want to say or some keywords., 6. be brief, put details in backup slides , you won't have time to explain all of the details. if your defense presentation is scheduled for 45 minutes, you can only spend around 10 minutes for each project - that's shorter than a normal research conference presentation focus on the big picture and leave details behind. you can put the details in your backup slides, so you might find them useful when your committee (and other members of the audience) ask questions regarding these details., 7. show your presentation to your advisor and colleagues, make sure to ask your advisor(s) for their comments. they might have a different view on what should be emphasized and what should be elaborated. , you also want to practice at least once in front of your colleagues. they can be your lab mates, people who work in your research group, and/or your friends. they do not have to be experts in your field. ask them to give you some feedback - their comments can be extremely helpful to improve your presentation. , below are some other tips and resources to design your defense presentation. .

Tips for designing your defense presentation

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PhD: HSR Program Details

Phd thesis handbook.

This thesis handbook is for the PhD students for Health Systems Research and Health Professions Education Research program.

Milestones

Phd major milestones.

Comprehensive course and exam
Form the committee (can happen before comprehensives)
Proposal defence
Submit protocol for Research Ethics Board (REB), review and approval (approval may take several months, can do scoping reviews while waiting for REB)
Research and writing
Final oral exam (FOE)
Modifications and Thesis Submission

Supporting Activities

Intake meeting (Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) plus forms for annual review meeting forms)
Annual review meeting (emphasis lead and supervisor) and form and financial declaration of employment and awards
Meeting with the committee (at least two times annually) [or equivalent communication about thesis progress]
Publishing your work

Selecting a Suitable Thesis Topic

Purpose of a phd thesis.

The PhD thesis is an original piece of scholarly research. It is a major undertaking that reflects the highest standards of scholarship and makes a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in the field of health systems research. PhD research is one in which there is an element of originality (the work represents a unique contribution to the field) and either the potential for three published papers as a result or an equivalent amount of work. The thesis research is conducted under the guidance of a supervisor and in consultation with the thesis research committee.

Introduction – The PhD Thesis

Although courses are an important part of the PhD program, it is the research and thesis writing that provide the main opportunities for developing both a broad perspective and in-depth knowledge of a particular area of research.

Earning a PhD degree is more than simply completing a few courses, carrying out a piece of research and writing a thesis; it is the process of becoming a well-rounded researcher in health systems research or health professions education research: one that is knowledgeable about theory, methodologically rigorous, and can make a real-life impact. The PhD thesis demonstrates a wide, critical knowledge of the field; an ability to ask appropriate questions and set the research in its proper context; that the appropriate research methods have been mastered; and that the ideas and results are communicated effectively. It is about making an original contribution to a particular research field within a framework of research training. ‘Original contribution’ means finding a gap in knowledge and answering a question posed by that gap.

Selecting a Research Topic

There are many suitable topics for research in Health Systems Research and Health Professions Education Research. The selection of a research topic should be the result of a consultation between the student and supervisor. A good research topic is one that:

Addresses an important real-life problem;
Fills in gaps in current knowledge and understanding;
Relevant to the field of HPER or HSR, and your emphasis (for HSR);
You are passionate about and interested in.

Ideas for research topics may come from many sources including your past studies, readings, and perhaps most importantly, personal experiences. By the time you are admitted into the program, you should have already formed a general idea of your thesis topic.

While it is important for the topic to be within the general research area of your supervisor, it is not necessary for the supervisor to be an expert in the specific topic. By the time you finish your PhD, you should become an expert on that topic.

Review Past IHPME Thesis Topics

Selecting a supervisor / role of the supervisor, selecting a supervisor.

All PhD students are required to find a supervisor who will act as a mentor and guide as they proceed through their degree.

The choice of a faculty member who will supervise the thesis work required to fulfill degree requirements is one of the most critical decisions a graduate student will make and should not be taken lightly. A student will need not only a competent supervisor in a particular area but also willing to act as the student’s advocate when necessary. It is important that the student be able to work and communicate effectively with the supervisor and not feel overwhelmed or intimidated in the relationship. Each student requires the guidance of someone who will stimulate thoughts, who has sufficient interest in the student’s topic to produce insights jointly, and who will challenge the student to think in a novel manner about the research.

The following suggestions are included to help students find an appropriate supervisor:

Emphasis they are affiliated with
Content expertise
Methodological expertise

(You are NOT restricted to content – someone out of your area with a “method” match can be great!)

Ensure that your potential supervisor has the appropriate SGS appointment level: PhD students need a supervisor who is a Full SGS member . If you are interested in working with a supervisor who does not have this level of appointment, you may discuss it with them. They may suggest someone with the appropriate SGS appointment level and/or may serve as a co-supervisor.
Students may get to know the potential supervisor whose research interests parallel their own. Consider doing a database ( ProQuest , PubMed , Scopus [2]) search to see what they have published and read some of their recent publications.
If possible, talk to other trainees. They will tell you who is a good supervisor. Graduate students working with a specific supervisor are an invaluable source of information.
There are tradeoffs in picking a supervisor by seniority/eminence. A very experienced supervisor may help “fast-track” your career. On the other hand, a senior person may not have a lot of time for you.
A supervisor is also a mentor, often for the first few years of your career. Someone who is a good mentor can be really helpful.
Don’t be afraid to approach potential supervisors cold, i.e., without any personal connection or contact. They expect it. It’s their job (usually among many others) to teach and mentor students.
HSR: You may contact the emphasis lead of your area of interest for suggestions

For more information visit :

Role of the Thesis Supervisor

The supervisor provides advice on all aspects of the thesis project. Specifically, they are responsible for providing direction to the student, advice on data sources and potential avenues of approach, instructions on the proper content and form of the thesis, review of the student’s progress, and serving as the first reader of the thesis. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to help the student think through conceptual and methodological issues and to raise questions about possible decisions faced/taken by the student.
The supervisor and student are expected to read and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (Student-Supervisor MOU) [PDF] before undertaking thesis work. In HSR, this MOU should be submitted to the emphasis lead at or before the intake meeting in the summer before the start of the program.
The supervisor and student are expected to meet on a regular basis at a mutually agreed schedule (many supervisors meet with their students on a bi-weekly basis, but frequency may change depending on need and the stage of the research).
Additionally, the supervisor, in conjunction with the student, is expected to complete annual progress reports, annual statement of employment and awards , and meet with the emphasis leads/program directors to discuss it.

For more information:

What to Do if You Have Challenges Working With Your Supervisor:

First, try to discuss it openly with your supervisor. Share your concerns and try to reach mutual agreement.
If that doesn’t work, you may contact the Emphasis Leads (HSR) Program Director or Graduate Coordinator
Contact the Centre for Graduate Mentorship & Supervision (CGMS) for expert advice

Selection of the Thesis Committee

Purpose of the thesis committee .

The thesis committee gives meaningful input into the thesis proposal and supports you through the research to completion and defence of the PhD thesis.

PhD Thesis Research Committee

The thesis committee should have a minimum of three members (including the supervisor) . In consultation with the supervisor, the student selects two or more additional members for their committee. In the case of co-supervision, only one additional member is needed. Students and supervisors are encouraged to form a committee that can properly support the student, both methodologically and in content expertise.

The supervisor , who functions as the Chair of the thesis research committee, must have a full membership to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and an appointment through IHPME. See “ IHPME Requirements to be a Supervisor ” for additional requirements.
Committee members can have a graduate faculty membership (full or associate membership with SGS) elsewhere within the University of Toronto, these faculty do not have to apply for an appointment with IHPME.
Clinical faculty with appointments elsewhere in the university that do not have a GFM need to apply for it through IHPME. They can send their CV to ihpme.appointments@utoronto.ca and will receive the details and a link for the application submission.
It is possible to appoint a committee member from outside the university. In this instance, the supervisor must obtain a copy of the outside member’s CV and forward it to the IHPME Appointments Officer ihpme.appointments@utoronto.ca who will explain the application process to obtain the GFM.

When all committee members have been selected and have agreed to serve, the Step I (Committee Confirmation) form should be completed by the student, signed by the student and supervisor, and submitted to the Graduate Assistant. This information will be placed in the student’s file.

Thesis Proposal Approval Process

Phd thesis research proposal.

The thesis research proposal is developed with the supervisor and the supervisory committee in a series of iterative steps. Normally the committee meets to discuss the thesis research project generally, after which, drafts of the proposal are submitted to the supervisor and committee for feedback and revision.

The thesis research proposal is usually 20-30 pages in length, double-spaced, excluding references. In consultation with your supervisor, you may write a longer proposal and then shorten it to the required length for the proposal defence. This longer version may serve you later as the basis for some of the chapters of the final thesis.

In developing the research proposal, students should consider the format of the thesis . The two formats used in IHPME are Traditional Thesis and Publication-Based Thesis. The proposal should contain the following elements:

Title: The title should give a clear indication of the topic being studied.
The Problem : The proposal should contain a description of the study problem which includes specification of the study question(s), justification for their selection in relation to previous research and to the literature, and the potential relevance of the research findings.
Theoretical Framework and Background Information : Following a concise and critical review of the theoretical and research literatures, the proposal should discuss the major theoretical premises and the salient concepts which underlie the problem or question(s). The proposal should then outline a framework, based on literature, for analyzing the problem and question(s).
Design and Methods (some aspects may vary depending on the nature of the study): The type of research design should be clearly explained (e.g., survey, descriptive, interpretive, experimental, etc.) as should the reasons for selecting it, including its merits and limitations. The questions and/or hypotheses for the thesis research are formulated clearly. Sampling and recruitment procedures should be clearly outlined, including theoretical and practical reasons for selecting the population or database from which the sample is to be drawn. Sample size, or details of any database, should be included. Data collection methods should be described in detail as should their relationship to the theoretical and conceptual issues associated with the thesis research project. The methods of analysis appropriate for the study design should be fully described and justified, including their strengths and weaknesses. The proposal should be clear about any conceptual or theoretical issues relating to the analysis of the data.
Research Plan (timeline): The proposal should include a detailed plan, with estimates of time needed to complete each phase of the proposed research. Alternatives should be outlined for those elements of the plan which may prove problematic.

Proposal Approval

Once the supervisor and committee approve the proposal:

The supervisor and/or committee identify an external examiner. The external examiner must be external to the studen’s’ committee, not be in a position of conflict with either the student or supervisor (ie, no joint publications or grant submissions in the past 6 years), and possess expertise in an area related to the thesis research. For the proposal, this can be someone within the University of Toronto, ideally outside of IHPME.
The supervisor/committee must get the CV of the external examiner.
ihpme.grad.assist@utoronto.ca
HPER: ihpme.hper@utoronto.ca
The external examiner will be reviewed by the graduate coordinator for approval.
Once the external examiner is approved, the supervisor or the student must send the research proposal to all members of the proposal examination committee including the external examiner at least four weeks prior to the meeting
The graduate assistant will secure a chair for the defence and notify the student and committee as soon as possible.

Proposal Assessment Criteria (see below) are provided to each reviewer and are intended to serve as guidelines for the assessment.

The Proposal Defence

You should schedule 2 hours for the proposal defence. During the proposal defence, the student presents a brief summary (20 minutes max) of the thesis research proposal to the examination committee, followed by one or two rounds of questions and responses. Each committee member gets approximately 10 minutes to ask questions in the first round.

The student then leaves the room and the examination committee votes on the proposal with the following options:

Approved (with a note of decisions regarding additional material and/or analyses to be included in the thesis that were not in the proposal)
Not approved (specify reason, and conditions to be fulfilled prior to re-examination. Date of reconvened examination (must be within 1 year)

The supervisor is responsible for recording the discussion and recommendations and revisions. Following the meeting, the supervisor is responsible for meeting with the student to discuss revisions recommended during the proposal approval meeting.

Research Proposal Assessment Criteria

The following criteria are to be considered by the supervisor and proposal examination committee members in adjudicating the merits of the student’s proposal.

To what extent is the research question focused and researchable?
To what extent is there a coherent and relevant review of the literature in support of the research question?
To what extent are the design and methods appropriate and clearly articulated? Are sampling and recruitment strategies and other sources of information well thought out and appropriate? Are the variables clearly described and their operational definitions outlined (in quantitative research:)? Are the planned analyses appropriate?
Is the proposal work plan feasible?

The student can proceed to collection of data and preparation of their thesis research ONLY AFTER APPROVAL of their proposal has been obtained from the Approval Committee and only after Ethics Approval has also been obtained.

Submission of Thesis Project for Ethics Review

In accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS 2 , all students conducting research that involves human participants (or data collected from them) must obtain University of Toronto research ethics approval for their research in addition to any approvals required by other institutions such as those of research sites or the home institutions of their supervisors. Note that depending on the research site, risk level and other factors, ethics approval may take several months.

For research based at Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) hospitals, students need to obtain Research Ethics Board (REB) approval from the hospital first, and then submit the REB approval letter, approved application form, Research protocol, and appendices for administrative review by the University of Toronto REB. Administrative reviews are normally approved within two weeks. Once received, students should submit a copy of the REB approval letter to the Graduate Assistant to put in the student’s file.

Applications for approval can only be submitted after the proposal has been approved. Students must be listed as a researcher or investigator with the relevant Research Ethics Boards. While the University of Toronto sometimes exempts student research from full ethics review, students must apply for such exemptions and supply the appropriate documentation to the IHPME graduate office. Students must never assume that their research is exempt from ethics approval. Students who do not have documented University of Toronto ethics approval will not be allowed to proceed to their defence.

IHPME students are required to take the online tutorial TCPS 2: CORE (Course on Research Ethics), an introduction to the 2nd edition of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) . Upon completion, you will be able to print or email a Certificate of Completion to be submitted to the IHPME graduate office.

UofT REB Application

The Office of Research Ethics at the University of Toronto has launched an online application process. Here is the landing page to submit an application: My Research

Please consult the Research Involving Human Subjects resource and Federal Guidelines (TCPS2)

For more information on Research Ethics, or if you have questions about submission, please contact: ethics.review@utoronto.ca or 416 946 3273.

Research and Writing

Once the research proposal is approved and ethics approval is obtained the student may begin working on their doctoral research including participants’ recruitment, data collection, data analysis and writing. Some parts of the research such as scoping or systematic reviews may begin before REB approval is obtained. However, it is not advisable to begin before the proposal is approved because the proposal examination committee may have some comments and suggestions to improve the study.

Research and writing are conducted under the guidance of the supervisor in consultation with the thesis research committee. The committee should meet as a whole at least twice a year and submit a meeting report to the graduate assistant after each meeting .

Writing support:

Many students find writing to be one of the hardest parts of PhD. The Writing Centre , the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) and the Health Sciences Writing Centre both offer support for graduate students including one-on-one consultations.

Financial Support for Research and Publication

Ideally, your supervisor will have some grants to cover some research-related expenses you may incur, such as compensation to study participants, transcription of interviews, travel for data collection, presentation at conferences, or publication in open access journals

IHPME offers a small grant (currently $500) to support students.
Many conferences offer travel fellowships for students to present their work.
SGS also offers a research travel grant and a conference grant for students.
The University of Toronto has signed agreements with a number of publishers to support open access publication of research .

Final Oral Exam (FOE)

When the supervisor and thesis committee agree that the thesis is complete and ready for defence, they may proceed with setting up the final oral exam (FOE). The process of setting up the FOE takes approximately two months as outlined below; thus, you will need to plan ahead.

Please consider the SGS deadlines and recommended dates and timeline below:

8 weeks before the FOE

Student or supervisor must submit the completed booking request form and full CVs of all proposed external appraiser and external and internal examiners to the graduate assistant (the external appraiser is often the same person as the external examiner).

Graduate Office contacts:

HSR ihpme.hsr.grad@utoronto.ca

The external and internal examiners will then be approved by the IHPME Graduate Coordinator and then by the School of Graduate Studies. This may take up to two weeks.

6 weeks before the FOE

The student submits the thesis to the graduate assistant to send out to the external and internal examiners. The graduate assistant will send the thesis and letters to the examiners.
The student is responsible to send the thesis to their committee.

2 weeks before the FOE

A written appraisal from the external examiner should be received 2 weeks before the FOE. The supervisor and student should discuss the written appraisal and how to respond to the comments during the FOE.

2-1 weeks before the FOE

SGS will secure a chair for the FOE. The graduate assistant will notify the student, committee and examiners of the appointment of the chair and the time and location of the defence.

Day of the exam

The student should arrive 15-30 minutes early to meet with the graduate assistant and set up the room..

The Examination Committee

SGS provides comprehensive guidelines for the FOE and the composition of the exam committee.

The initial process for the FOE is to select an external appraiser and the members of the FOE committee.

The FOE committee includes at least four but no more than six voting members. IHPME strongly encourages selecting a date and time that accommodates the entire FOE committee.

The FOE committee includes:

Up to three members of the student’s supervisory committee may vote at the examination. Additional members of the supervisory committee may sit on the FOE as non-voting members.
An external examiner. SGS distinguishes between external appraiser, who reviews the written thesis and provides a written assessment, and external examiner who is part of the examination committee. While SGS allows different people to serve as external appraiser and external examiner, IHPME strongly prefers that the external appraiser also serves as the external examiner (who is a voting member of the FOE committee).
An internal examiner
Optional: a departmental representative (usually the emphasis lead, program director, or graduate coordinator) who is a voting member of the FOE committee.

Examiners and Appraisers :

It is the responsibility of the supervisor and student to nominate a suitable External Examiner/Appraiser. The supervisor recommends the External Examiner to the Program Director and the Graduate Coordinator for approval.

All examiners and appraisers must have:

An appointment with a graduate department (for examiners at the University of Toronto, this is the School of Graduate Studies). Note: Internal examiners may be granted a temporary appointment for the purpose of the thesis examination if sufficient advance request (greater than 2 months) is made to the Program Director (who in turn makes the request to the IHPME appointments committee).
Recognized expertise in the field being examined.

External Appraiser:

Must be external to the University of Toronto as well as to its affiliated teaching hospitals and their research institutes.
Must be a recognized expert on the subject of the thesis, and an Associate or Full Professor at their home institution, and experienced as a successful supervisor of doctoral candidates through to defence. An appraiser from outside the academic sector must possess the qualifications to be appointed to an academic position at this level.
has served as Masters or PhD Supervisor / Supervisee of the Candidate or the Supervisor;
has, in the past six years, been a departmental colleague (e.g. in the same research institute or hospital division) of the Candidate or the Supervisor, or has collaborated on a research project, grant, scholarly work or publication, with either of them.

Note: The Vice Dean (Students), in considering nominations of external appraisers, will assess whether the nominee is at arm’s length.

According to SGS, the FOE committee must include “at least two examiners who have not been closely involved in the supervision of the thesis. Those eligible include the External Appraiser, members of the faculty appointed to the Candidate’s graduate unit, and members of the faculty appointed to other graduate units of the University.”

However, in IHPME we apply stricter rules:

The External Examiner:

Although the external appraiser need only fulfill the role of Appraiser i.e., provide a written assessment of the thesis, and need not ultimately vote, IHPME strongly encourages Appraisers to act as External Examiner and to vote at the examination committee. The External Examiner can participate in person or by teleconference/ online.
If the external appraiser is unable to serve as an examiner, we expect the external examiner to meet the same criteria as the external appraiser in terms of their academic rank and conflict of interest

Similarly, IHPME applies stricter criteria for the Internal Examiner in that:

The PhD internal examiner should have an associate professor rank or higher
The PhD internal examiner may be internal to the University of Toronto. Preference is for an examiner who is external to IHPME, however, this is not a strict requirement and those who are internal to the department of IHPME are eligible
The PhD internal examiner must have an arm’s-length relationship with the student and supervisor as defined by the same criteria as the external appraiser.
In rare cases, when it is proven difficult to find an internal examiner who meets the above criteria, the Graduate Coordinator may approve an internal examiner who meets the SGS criteria but not the stricter IHPME ones.

What to Expect at the Defence

A quorum of the Defence Committee must be present.
Guidelines for the PhD Final Oral Examination – SGS
The student is asked to leave the room.
The defence Committee discusses the internal and external reviews.
The student is recalled and presents their thesis (maximum 20 minutes, uninterrupted).
One or two rounds of questions are posed to the student. (*Note: Questions can be asked about both the oral presentation and written thesis.)
Student is asked to leave the room.
The defence Committee votes on the acceptability of both the thesis and the oral defence.
The Supervisor informs the student if modifications are required.

After the Defence

Adjourn: if there is more than one negative vote and/or abstention, the examination is adjourned and a reconvened examination must be held within one year
Pass: There are three options the thesis may be accepted “in present form”, with “editorial corrections” (one month to make changes with supervisor approval), or requiring “minor revisions” (three months to make changes with sub-committee approval). See SGS Guidelines for the Doctoral Final Oral Examination (FOE) for more detailed information for each case.

After modifications and approval, the supervisor or subcommittee convenor informs SGS that the student has made the corrections, and the student uploads the thesis to ProQuest.

As of September 1, 2009, the School of Graduate Studies will ONLY accept the submission of theses in electronic format. Please view SGS – Producing your Thesis webpage for information on electronically submitting your thesis.

Students failing to complete all steps by the SGS deadlines will be required to register and pay fees for another term.
The School of Graduate Studies notifies students about convocation arrangements 4–6 weeks in advance.

Finance Your Degree

At IHPME, we offer a variety of financial supports to help you succeed in our graduate programs.

Learn More About this Program

Hsr program director.

Katie N. Dainty Email Address: katie.dainty@utoronto.ca

Graduate Administrator

Zoe Downie-Ross Phone Number: (416) 946-3486 Email Address: ihpme.grad.admin@utoronto.ca

Coordinates student records, graduate funding, and student-related awards.

Graduate Admissions

Christina Lopez Email Address: ihpme.admissions@utoronto.ca

Manages admissions and responds to all related inquiries.

Graduate Assistant

Nadia Ismail Phone Number: (416) 946-4100 Email Address: ihpme.grad.assist@utoronto.ca

Coordinates various graduate initiatives including defences, student events, and graduation.

HSR Program Assistant

Anita Morehouse Phone Number: 416-946-3922 Email Address: ihpme.hsr.courses@utoronto.ca

Manages the HSR courses including enrolment, grades, and access to Quercus.

13 Tips to Prepare for Your PhD Dissertation Defense

How well do you know your project? Years of experiments, analysis of results, and tons of literature study, leads you to how well you know your research study. And, PhD dissertation defense is a finale to your PhD years. Often, researchers question how to excel at their thesis defense and spend countless hours on it. Days, weeks, months, and probably years of practice to complete your doctorate, needs to surpass the dissertation defense hurdle.

In this article, we will discuss details of how to excel at PhD dissertation defense and list down some interesting tips to prepare for your thesis defense.

Table of Contents

What Is Dissertation Defense?

Dissertation defense or Thesis defense is an opportunity to defend your research study amidst the academic professionals who will evaluate of your academic work. While a thesis defense can sometimes be like a cross-examination session, but in reality you need not fear the thesis defense process and be well prepared.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamesHaytonPhDacademy

What are the expectations of committee members.

Choosing the dissertation committee is one of the most important decision for a research student. However, putting your dissertation committee becomes easier once you understand the expectations of committee members.

The basic function of your dissertation committee is to guide you through the process of proposing, writing, and revising your dissertation. Moreover, the committee members serve as mentors, giving constructive feedback on your writing and research, also guiding your revision efforts.

The dissertation committee is usually formed once the academic coursework is completed. Furthermore, by the time you begin your dissertation research, you get acquainted to the faculty members who will serve on your dissertation committee. Ultimately, who serves on your dissertation committee depends upon you.

Some universities allow an outside expert (a former professor or academic mentor) to serve on your committee. It is advisable to choose a faculty member who knows you and your research work.

How to Choose a Dissertation Committee Member?

Avoid popular and eminent faculty member
Choose the one you know very well and can approach whenever you need them
A faculty member whom you can learn from is apt.
Members of the committee can be your future mentors, co-authors, and research collaborators. Choose them keeping your future in mind.

How to Prepare for Dissertation Defense?

1. Start Your Preparations Early

Thesis defense is not a 3 or 6 months’ exercise. Don’t wait until you have completed all your research objectives. Start your preparation well in advance, and make sure you know all the intricacies of your thesis and reasons to all the research experiments you conducted.

2. Attend Presentations by Other Candidates

Look out for open dissertation presentations at your university. In fact, you can attend open dissertation presentations at other universities too. Firstly, this will help you realize how thesis defense is not a scary process. Secondly, you will get the tricks and hacks on how other researchers are defending their thesis. Finally, you will understand why dissertation defense is necessary for the university, as well as the scientific community.

3. Take Enough Time to Prepare the Slides

Dissertation defense process harder than submitting your thesis well before the deadline. Ideally, you could start preparing the slides after finalizing your thesis. Spend more time in preparing the slides. Make sure you got the right data on the slides and rephrase your inferences, to create a logical flow to your presentation.

4. Structure the Presentation

Do not be haphazard in designing your presentation. Take time to create a good structured presentation. Furthermore, create high-quality slides which impresses the committee members. Make slides that hold your audience’s attention. Keep the presentation thorough and accurate, and use smart art to create better slides.

5. Practice Breathing Techniques

Watch a few TED talk videos and you will notice that speakers and orators are very fluent at their speech. In fact, you will not notice them taking a breath or falling short of breath. The only reason behind such effortless oratory skill is practice — practice in breathing technique.

Moreover, every speaker knows how to control their breath. Long and steady breaths are crucial. Pay attention to your breathing and slow it down. All you need I some practice prior to this moment.

6. Create an Impactful Introduction

The audience expects a lot from you. So your opening statement should enthrall the audience. Furthermore, your thesis should create an impact on the members; they should be thrilled by your thesis and the way you expose it.

The introduction answers most important questions, and most important of all “Is this presentation worth the time?” Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression , because the first few minutes sets the tone for your entire presentation.

7. Maintain Your Own List of Questions

While preparing for the presentation, make a note of all the questions that you ask yourself. Try to approach all the questions from a reader’s point of view. You could pretend like you do not know the topic and think of questions that could help you know the topic much better.

The list of questions will prepare you for the questions the members may pose while trying to understand your research. Attending other candidates’ open discussion will also help you assume the dissertation defense questions.

8. Practice Speech and Body Language

After successfully preparing your slides and practicing, you could start focusing on how you look while presenting your thesis. This exercise is not for your appearance but to know your body language and relax if need be.

Pay attention to your body language. Stand with your back straight, but relax your shoulders. The correct posture will give you the feel of self-confidence. So, observe yourself in the mirror and pay attention to movements you make.

9. Give Mock Presentation

Giving a trial defense in advance is a good practice. The most important factor for the mock defense is its similarity to your real defense, so that you get the experience that prepares for the actual defense.

10. Learn How to Handle Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. However, it is important to carry on. Do not let the mistakes affect your thesis defense. Take a deep breath and move on to the next point.

11. Do Not Run Through the Presentation

If you are nervous, you would want to end the presentation as soon as possible. However, this situation will give rise to anxiety and you will speak too fast, skipping the essential details. Eventually, creating a fiasco of your dissertation defense .

12. Get Plenty of Rest

Out of the dissertation defense preparation points, this one is extremely important. Obviously, sleeping a day before your big event is hard, but you have to focus and go to bed early, with the clear intentions of getting the rest you deserve.

13. Visualize Yourself Defending Your Thesis

This simple exercise creates an immense impact on your self-confidence. All you have to do is visualize yourself giving a successful presentation each evening before going to sleep. Everyday till the day of your thesis defense, see yourself standing in front of the audience and going from one point to another.

This exercise takes a lot of commitment and persistence, but the results in the end are worth it. Visualization makes you see yourself doing the scary thing of defending your thesis.

If you have taken all these points into consideration, you are ready for your big day. You have worked relentlessly for your PhD degree , and you will definitely give your best in this final step.

Have you completed your thesis defense? How did you prepare for it and how was your experience throughout your dissertation defense ? Do write to us or comment below.

The tips are very useful.I will recomend it to our students.

Excellent. As a therapist trying to help a parent of a candidate, I am very impressed and thankful your concise, clear, action-oriented article. Thank you.

Thanks for your sharing. It is so good. I can learn a lot from your ideas. Hope that in my dissertation defense next time I can pass

The tips are effective. Will definitely apply them in my dissertation.

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Message from our Program Director
Thesis proposal and defence

A doctoral thesis should be based on extensive research in primary sources, make an original contribution to knowledge, and be presented in acceptable scholarly form. Students entering the program with MFA degrees may include studio work as a component of their program of study and thesis project, with the approval of the Humanities Program Director and the student’s advisory committee.

About the thesis proposal

A thesis proposal is submitted and defended in the term following the writing of the comprehensive field examinations. Students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. upon acceptance by their advisory committee of the written thesis proposal and its successful oral defence.

The thesis proposal is approximately 25 pages long (double-spaced), and contains:

a substantive presentation of the thesis question
a brief review of the literature
a bibliography
an overview of the proposed structure (chapter by chapter) of the thesis. It should be a substantial reworking of the initial research proposal.

See a sample thesis proposal

Thesis proposal defence

The Thesis Proposal defence is especially important in cases where non-paper thesis components are being considered. The student's supervisory committee, in collaboration with the Humanities Director, must assess and approve the nature of the relationship between the thesis components and the pertinence of the chosen medium. The committee must establish the student's competence to work with the chosen medium.

If a student fails the thesis proposal defence, he or she may request a second (and last) attempt, the repeated defence to take place after a period of at least three months from the date of the original defence, and no later than one year after the date of the original defence.

Steps to complete your thesis proposal

The student develops the proposal in consultation with the Major field supervisor, with input from the Minor field advisors.
The student submits the thesis proposal to the three members of his or her advisory committee, and if they are satisfied that the thesis proposal is ready to proceed to defence, the supervisors completes and submits our online form for Scheduling a Thesis Proposal Defence , together with the proposal and possible dates and times for a defence.
Upon the Director’s approval, a time and date is set for the thesis proposal defence. All three member of the student’s advisory committee participate in the thesis proposal defence, which is chaired by the Humanities Director. It is best if the supervisor can arrange a room for the defence, our space is limited and we do not have a projector or other other such equipment.
The student gives a brief oral summary of the proposal;
Committee members engage the student in a discussion of aspects of the proposal and beyond that of the projected doctoral dissertation, touching on such issues as the theoretical framework and methodology to be used, structure of the dissertation, schedule for its completion, etc.;
During the discussion, committee members may also ask questions about the comprehensive fields exams, especially as the exam topics relate to the student’s dissertation project.
It is also important at this point in the PhD to ensure that plans are in place for ethics approvals, if needed and for satisfaction of the language requiremen (which is needed prior to submission of the dissertation for defence).
Following the formal defence, the advisory committee with the Humanities Director assess the student’s performance in camera, and decide on a pass or fail grade.
A thesis proposal grade sheet for the Thesis Proposal with Defence will be provided to the student's major field advisor who will complete, sign, and submit it to the department. The committee may also indicate on a separate paper whether there are concerns that the student should keep in mind as they proceed towards work on their doctoral dissertation and attach it to the grade form.

Please note the Humanities PhD program changed some sections of its curriculum in 2017. Students in the pre-2017 curriclum stream have their Thesis Proposal with Defence coded as HUMA 886 (3 credits) , while after 2017 it is coded as Thesis Proposal with Defence HUMA 894 (6 credits) .

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Crushing Your PhD Proposal Defence: Five Must-Have Tips to Ace It

Well, well, well! Look who’s reached a major milestone in their PhD journey – passing that proposal defence! Bravo, my friend! Keep up the fantastic work! By really getting into the nitty-gritty of your research, nailing down your presentation skills, tackling any potential weaknesses head-on, and seeking out feedback and guidance like a pro, you’ll be able to strut into your defence with style and up your odds of crushing it.

Ah, the proposal defence! A true turning point in your PhD adventure, where you bid farewell to coursework and dive headfirst into the exciting research phase. Get ready for some serious academic action! Oh, it’s your big chance to dazzle a committee of experts with your research proposal! Show them what you’ve got and defend it like a pro! Get ready to rock your proposal defence like a boss!

We’ve got five killer tips coming your way to help you slay that presentation with confidence and come out on top. Let’s dive in! Hey there! We’ve gathered some awesome tips from our collective experiences to help you rock your preparation, ace your research communication, and breeze through your defence process. Get ready to slay it!

Understanding your research inside and out is the secret sauce to success. So, you’ve got this proposal, huh? Well, buckle up and get ready to really soak it all in. I’m talking about internalising every single aspect, my friend. From the problem statement to the research objectives and methodology, it’s time to make it all a part of you. Get ready to dive deep and become one with your proposal! Get ready to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of your research! You’ll be facing some thought-provoking questions about why your study matters, how it adds value, and what it brings to the table. So, buckle up and let’s get quippy with your answers! Get cosy with all the fancy books and theories in your field so you can show off how much you know.

Get ready to dazzle with your presentation skills! Practise makes perfect when it comes to nailing that proposal defence. Alright, let’s get ready to dazzle the crowd with a presentation that’s as well-structured and engaging as a blockbuster movie! We’ll be showcasing the key components of your research proposal, making sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Get ready to blow their minds! Hey there, superstar presenter! Make sure to give that presentation a whirl a few times, and really focus on nailing your speaking pace, crystal-clear delivery, and those killer non-verbal cues. You’ve got this! Get ready to tackle those potential questions like a pro and rehearse your responses to show off your impressive grasp of your research and its mind-blowing implications. You’ve got this!

close up photography of eyeglasses near crumpled papers

Oh, the proposal defence process, where critique and feedback reign supreme! Embrace those potential weaknesses and show them who’s boss! Oh, so you think you’re all clever, huh? Well, don’t forget to stay one step ahead of those pesky weaknesses and gaps in your research proposal. Be proactive and show ’em who’s boss! Hey there, smarty pants! Don’t forget to give some thought to the possible limitations and alternative approaches for your research. It’s always good to consider all angles, you know? So take a breather, put on your thinking cap and get those gears turning! Well, well, well! Looks like you’re really impressing that committee of yours. By demonstrating your critical thinking skills and willingness to accept feedback, you’re making your defence stronger and more persuasive. Bravo!
Don’t be shy, get some feedback and guidance! Before your proposal defence, reach out to your advisor and other seasoned researchers for some wise words of wisdom. They’ve been there, done that, and can help steer you in the right direction. So don’t hesitate to tap into their expertise and make your defence a slam dunk! Alright, time to unveil your proposal and brace yourself for some constructive criticism. Let’s give them a chance to sprinkle their magic on it and make it even better! Alright, let’s spruce up your research proposal with their suggestions to make it even more polished and robust! Having stimulating chats with your advisor and pals can totally prep you for any tricky questions or worries that might pop up during the defence.

Show ’em what you’ve got! Bring your A-game to your proposal defence with a healthy dose of professionalism and confidence. You’ve got this! Oh, honey, it’s all about dressing to impress, locking eyes like a boss, and slaying with that confident body language. You’ve got this! Oh, come on now! Let those ideas flow like a river and dazzle us with your sharp wit. And when those questions come knocking, give ’em a dose of your crystal-clear, laser-focused responses. Let’s see that brilliance shine! Hey there, superstar! Embrace feedback like a pro and dive into those respectful discussions with your committee members. You’ve got this! Showing off your professionalism and confidence is key to making a lasting impression and reminding everyone that you’re a top-notch researcher.

Hey there, champ! Just a friendly reminder that your proposal defence is your time to shine and show off those amazing research skills of yours. And hey, not only will you get some awesome feedback, but it’ll also help make your work even stronger. So go out there and knock ’em dead! You’ve got this! Embrace the process, my friend! Learn from the experience and use it as a fabulous stepping stone towards conquering your research goals. You’ve got this!

Get ready to rock that proposal defence by totally crushing your research game!

Department of Informatics

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, phd proposal and proposal defense, important dates fs24.

Please note: Registration end and submission of the proposal document are on the same date - this being the first day of lectures of each semester. For FS24 this will be 19.02.2024 . PhD students will be notified by e-mail in due time about the submission and defense dates each semester.

Important Dates HS24

Proposal process.

PhD student registers for the PhD proposal defense and submits proposal document.

The supervisor informs the PhD Coordinator about the arranged reviewers until the registration deadline.

The proposal committee will consist of the following people:

• 1st and 2nd Reviewer: external (or internal) with expertise in the area (conflict of interest with supervisor ok); to be arranged by supervisor (no approval needed from PhD committee) • Meta-Reviewer: Member of the PhD committee • Supervisor; statement from supervisor endorsing (or commenting on) the direction of the proposal • [optional] further internal/external reviewers

Reviewers write a review of the proposal and decide about pass/conditional pass/fail on the proposal document. Supervisor hands in a statement.
PhD student and his/her supervisor will be notified by the Doctoral Committee about pass/conditional pass/fail on the proposal document, and they will receive the feedback from the reviewers.
PhD student with pass or conditional pass on proposal document prepares and defends his/her proposal at the proposal defense date. For this oral defense of the PhD proposal, the PhD student incorporates the feedback from the reviewers.
PhD student will be notified by Doctoral Committee about pass/conditional pass/fail on PhD proposal (and if revisions will be necessary).

In case of a conditional pass, PhD student incorporates any requested changes into the written proposal (the detailed process for this case is described below).

Proposal Formatting

The PhD thesis proposal must not exceed 20 pages and 80,000 characters (with spaces), illustrations, formula, tables and bibliographies included. A minimum of point 10 font size and 1.5 line spacing must be used. In general, the PhD thesis proposal should not contain any annexed documents.

Proposal Structure and Content

A PhD thesis proposal must contain content on the following topics:

Introduction/Motivation (1-2 pages)
Related work (2-6 pages)
Problem statement (1 page)
Proposed solution and research idea (2-6 pages)
References (1-2 pages)
A dedicated section (e.g., in the prior work section) where the student lists what he/she has published so far
A “schedule” (ideally as a flow chart) which shows the sequencing of all work packages, from the start of the PhD till the end of the PhD. From the schedule it must become apparent how long the PhD student has worked on the research topic of the PhD proposal and when the PhD student intends to graduate (obtain the PhD). This is particularly important for PhD students who have switched topics. Master Fast-Track students shall indicate that they are in the Master Fast-Track program; to clarify the timing, they shall include their Master studies in the schedule and indicate when they have started to work on the research topic of the PhD proposal.

Note that for some PhD thesis proposals, additional topics/sections not listed above may be useful to add. The order and exact naming of the sections of the PhD proposal is left to the PhD student. The number of pages indicated above are rough suggestions but can vary significantly from proposal to proposal.

Note that your proposal should focus only on your research. It should not contain your list of activities that explained how you got your ECTS points. This document is about your thesis research only.

Useful Questions for your PhD Proposal

When writing your PhD proposal, it may be useful to think about the following questions. Ideally, your proposal answers all of them:

What problem are you choosing to investigate? What is your hypothesis?
Why is the problem/hypothesis important/relevant?
What are the specific research questions your work will address?
How have others attempted to address this in the past?
How are you planning to address this?
How will you answer these research questions (e.g. what is the method/approach and why have you chosen these?)
How will you evaluate the extent to/success with which you have addressed these research questions?
What are the expected research contributions of this work? (i.e. what knowledge or research products will your work produce that others in the research community can use?)
How will you know that you accomplished your goals? (i.e. what is the stopping condition to be applied to your work?)

It might be useful to structure the proposal around these questions.

Proposal Defense

PhD Students have to defend their thesis proposal at an official thesis proposal date organized at least once a term by the end of the 3rd year of their PhD. Candidates are strongly encouraged to defend their proposal earlier (e.g. at the end of their 2nd year), such that the feedback has more impact. The goal of the thesis proposal defense is to ascertain that the candidate has a plan to finish his/her thesis.

In general, the thesis proposal defense must be given in English. In exceptional cases, the presentation can also be held in German, which is more commonly used in certain research fields (e.g. Business Informatics). If you want to give your proposal defense in German, then you must first petition the Doctoral Committee (providing a reason) at least 6 weeks before the proposal defense date.

Prepare a presentation of 20 minutes' duration. There will be a discussion afterwards (20min).

When preparing your proposal defense please take into account that the proposal defense is not a seminar talk. You need to assure us during your talk that you have good answers to the following questions:

What problem are you choosing to investigate? What is your hypothesis? What is your contribution?
Why is the problem/hypothesis/contribution important/relevant?
How will you answer your research questions (e.g. what is the method/approach and why have you chosen these?)
You need to have a clear plan (independent of possible project involvement)
What are the expected research contributions of this work? (i.e. What knowledge or research products will your work produce that others in the research community can use?)

In all of this please differentiate between your research contribution and the engineering tasks that you potentially need to undertake. We are interested in the former, not the latter. Also, you might want to consider the use "I" as opposed to "we" in your presentation, such that we know what you are doing personally as opposed to your collaborators (either in the research group or the project).

Please consider adding a detailed example to your presentation for people to be able to follow your ideas. Some things that are obvious to you may not be obvious to others, who are not emersed in your work.

The outcome of the proposal defense is either pass or fail. If you fail you may have to submit a new thesis proposal, defend it again, or both of those. You can only repeat this process once.

Proposal Document Revisions after the Defense (conditional pass)

If you are required to make changes to your PhD proposal and submit a new version to the IfI PhD committee, then please follow the following steps:

Carefully revise the PhD thesis proposal taking into account all of the feedback you received on your initial version (from all of the reviews and during the defense). Please use a different font color for those text passages where you have made major edits relative to the previous version, to make it easier to find the changes.
Prepare a second document called "Revision Outline" (1-3 pages) where you briefly describe what parts of your PhD thesis proposal (i.e., pages and sections) you have changed, and how you have changed them, in response to the feedback you have received.
Submit both of these documents to your advisor and to the IfI PhD committee (by sending them to IfI PhD program coordinator ).

Weiterführende Informationen

PhD Defense Template

You’ve done the hard work to prepare your PhD dissertation, and now there’s only one step left: your defense. And Beautiful.ai has the perfect presentation template to help you along the way.

These customizable template slides have all the basic elements of a PhD defense presentation, including an abstract, methodology, research findings, executive summary, and more. The result? A streamlined presentation that’s as professional as it is impressive. All with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Our PhD defense template can also help you:

Customize your PhD presentation for different audiences
Synthesize months of academic work into a concise presentation
Successfully defend your PhD thesis to your panel

Use our template to create an effective PhD defense presentation

Your PhD defense presentation is a critical step in your academic journey – one that requires a smart and sophisticated format, layout, and story flow. That’s why our template includes everything you need to create an effective presentation. Tailoring this defense template to your unique PhD thesis is simple. Whether you need to create additional data points or showcase more findings, you can quickly bring your visions to life with these customizable templates and our entire library of professionally designed template slides.

Pro Tips for creating your own PhD defense presentation template

When you are thinking of creating your own impactful Phd defense presentation, keep these best practices in mind:

Condensing hours and hours of research can be daunting. Build an outline or table of contents first, then simply stick to that structure as you create your presentation.

It can be easy to get caught up in your research and findings, but don’t forget to answer critical questions like, ‘Why is this important?’ and ‘What results have you achieved?’

Remember: You aren’t recreating your entire thesis into a visual presentation. Limit the amount of content and data you add to each slide.

Your PhD defense presentation is your chance to share all of your hard work. Don’t be afraid to showcase bits of your personality throughout.

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IMAGES

Dissertation Defense Powerpoint Template Free Download
How To Do A Proper Thesis Defense With A Powerpoint P
PhD proposal (defence) dry runs
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense: Common Questions and Feedback
Dissertation Defense Wikipedia
Invitation to my doctoral defense

VIDEO

Proposal Defence by Dr Othman Talib
Proposal Presentation Moloja
Defending Your Dissertation Proposal: Tips for Success
Proposal Defence PhD GS53333 (Azrool Afizie bin Ahmad)
Presentation Slides for proposal defence(প্রেজেনটেশন স্লাইড ফর প্রোপজাল ডিফেন্স)
How a master's or PhD dissertation gets examined

COMMENTS

PhD Thesis Proposal Defense: Common Questions and Feedback
Outcomes of a PhD proposal defense. There are about 4 possible outcomes after the student presents and defends his proposal: The proposal passes with minor or no corrections. The proposal passes with major corrections. The student retakes the proposal by re-writing it (may include change of topic) and defending it again. ...
Dissertation Proposal Defense: 12 Tips for Effective Preparation
The dissertation proposal defense is a nerve-wracking time for even the most hardened of doctoral students. Even a pirate (writing his dissertation on effective cutlass techniques), will quake a bit in his boots before delivering his dissertation proposal defense. However, it doesn't need to be a stressful time.
Proposal Defense
The candidate also submits details regarding the dissertation proposal defense to the iSchool web calendar, the PhD program chair, and Student Services. At least two weeks before the scheduled proposal defense date, the final written proposal must be submitted to all members of the supervisory committee. The voting members of the committee, in ...
PhD Defence Process: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
The PhD defence, also known as the viva voce or oral examination, is a pivotal moment in the life of a doctoral candidate. PhD defence is not merely a ritualistic ceremony; rather, it serves as a platform for scholars to present, defend, and elucidate the findings and implications of their research. The defence is the crucible where ideas are ...
Ph.D. Proposal Defense
The length of the written Ph.D. Proposal is expected to be between 15 to 20 double space pages (12pt font) with 1 inch margins. Members of the Committee should receive the proposal two weeks prior to the defense. The Ph.D. Proposal will be presented to the Ph.D. Thesis Examination Committee during a one hour defense/ examination. The student ...
Preparing the Thesis Proposal Defense
The defense requires the preparation of a report and delivery of a presentation detailing what I plan to do for the last two years of my PhD. Since defenses are often set up similarly, I've compiled a roundup of my own tips on how to prepare. Create a Plan and Compile Your Resources. As soon as you schedule your proposal defense, create a ...
Proposal Defense Policy & Procedure
The dissertation proposal defense proceeds as outlined below. Prior to the start of the examination: The Candidate must be physically present at the exam. The Chair (or at least one Co-Chair), the GSR, and one general committee member must be physically present at the exam. If the Chair is not physically present, then the exam must be rescheduled.
PDF Proposal And Dissertation Defense Summaries Guide
Milestone 2: Proposal Defense and Summary i. The proposal defense is to be completed after the passing of the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam. ii. The proposal defense is comprised of 3 parts: a written proposal, a public oral presentation and a closed oral defense of the proposal. iii. The student is required to submit a written research proposal and ...
Preparing for your PhD thesis defence
The PhD thesis defence is the culmination of years of hard work! The tips outlined in this video, compiled from recent PhD graduates and experienced thesis defence chairs, cover tips for preparing for your defence, day-of logistics, and defending successfully. Watch video on YouTube.
Dissertation Committee and Proposal Defense
Submit the proposal defense notification form to the Doctoral Programs Office (at least 2 weeks before your proposal defense) 3. Directly following your Proposal Defense. Send the Proposal Defense Certification form to your committee for them to approve; Send the signed form to Gidget in the Doctoral Office: [email protected]
How to Create a Dissertation Proposal Defense ...
Get customized coaching for crafting your proposal, collecting and analyzing your data, or preparing your defense. The following are other format requirements for the slides: Create 17-20 slides. Do not provide a lot of information. Be concise and write a few sentences (approximately 1-7 on each slide).
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense: Questions & Comments
In this video, I list the most common questions asked and feedback given during a PhD thesis proposal defense.To see the list of all the common questions and...
PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design: Start
This Guide was created to help Ph.D. students in engineering fields to design dissertation defense presentations. The Guide provides 1) tips on how to effectively communicate research, and 2) full presentation examples from Ph.D. graduates. The tips on designing effective slides are not restricted to dissertation defense presentations; they can ...
PhD: HSR Program Details
The Proposal Defence. You should schedule 2 hours for the proposal defence. During the proposal defence, the student presents a brief summary (20 minutes max) of the thesis research proposal to the examination committee, followed by one or two rounds of questions and responses.
Full article: Doctoral defence formats
The doctoral defence is the oral examination of the doctoral thesis. This event is an important step for doctoral candidates in obtaining their degree. It is important, as in some defence formats such as the UK-style viva voce or, shorter, viva, the performance during the defence forms part of the overall assessment of the thesis.
The Perfect Defense: The Oral Defense of a Dissertation
Dr. Valerie Balester of Texas A&M University talks about how to prepare and what to expect when defending your dissertation.#tamu #Dissertation #Defensehttp:...
13 Tips to Prepare for Your PhD Dissertation Defense
1. Start Your Preparations Early. Thesis defense is not a 3 or 6 months' exercise. Don't wait until you have completed all your research objectives. Start your preparation well in advance, and make sure you know all the intricacies of your thesis and reasons to all the research experiments you conducted. 2.
Thesis proposal and defence
A thesis proposal is submitted and defended in the term following the writing of the comprehensive field examinations. Students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. upon acceptance by their advisory committee of the written thesis proposal and its successful oral defence. The thesis proposal is approximately 25 pages long (double-spaced ...
PDF Proposal Defense PowerPoint Template
Proposal Defense PowerPoint Template. The primary purpose of this defense is to propose methodology for answering your research questions. This document was created for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to discuss the expectations for the defense presentation with the EdD Dissertation Committee. Tips for Creating and Delivering an ...
Crushing Your PhD Proposal Defence: Five Must-Have Tips to Ace It
Ah, the proposal defence! A true turning point in your PhD adventure, where you bid farewell to coursework and dive headfirst into the exciting research phase. Get ready for some serious academic action! Oh, it's your big chance to dazzle a committee of experts with your research proposal! Show them what you've got and defend it like a pro!
PHD-Defense
The student is required to have the graduate coordinator sign-off on the proposal to ensure it meets the department requirements prior to scheduling the proposal defense with the department graduate secretary. Ideally, this should be done at least two weeks prior to the anticipated defense date. The research proposal should answer the questions:
PhD Proposal and Proposal Defense
PhD student registers for the PhD proposal defense and submits proposal document. The supervisor informs the PhD Coordinator about the arranged reviewers until the registration deadline. The proposal committee will consist of the following people: • 1st and 2nd Reviewer: external (or internal) with expertise in the area (conflict of interest ...
PhD Defense Template
Your PhD defense presentation is a critical step in your academic journey - one that requires a smart and sophisticated format, layout, and story flow. That's why our template includes everything you need to create an effective presentation. Tailoring this defense template to your unique PhD thesis is simple.
Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal Defense in Plastics Engineering: Nikhil
04/05/2024 By Danielle Fretwell. The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Plastics Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation Proposal defense by Nikhil Patil on: "Additive Manufacturing of Soft Material Composites: Systematic Material Characterization & Structure Property Relationship."