Changes to postgraduate research examination outcomes

What are postgraduate research examination outcomes?

Postgraduate research examination outcomes refer to the possible results following examination for a postgraduate award, such as a DPhil, or MLitt/MSc(Res). There are several options for examiners to recommend and some can involve further work for the student before an award is made. For example, minor corrections, major corrections, or reference back.

For more information see our Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees

 What are the changes?

In summary the changes to postgraduate research outcomes and processes for students submitting for the first time in MT25 or later are:

(1)   Increase in the length of time available for minor corrections from one month (currently) to two months;

(2)   Retention of major corrections as an examination outcome, but providing clearer options for major corrections with re-examination and major corrections without further examination;

(3)   Reduction in the length of time available for reference back decisions from two years (currently) to one year;

(4)   Improved guidance for examiners, including the addition of indicative criteria to each decision to aid examiners in determining when a particular outcome should be selected;

(5)   The removal of the ability to request extensions for minor and major corrections outcomes;

(6)   The provision for a period of suspension of up to 12 months (with a minimum suspension of 4 weeks) for those with major corrections and reference back decisions;

(7)   Improved clarity on the expectations for supervision of students post-viva, with students receiving major corrections and reference back decisions entitled to the same level of supervision as expected before submission;

(8)   Provision for students to apply for exceptional suspensions and extensions from Education Committee.

Why are we making these changes?

After a period of consultation in 2019, it was concluded that reforms to PGR examination outcomes and processes were needed in order to support students and staff better, to bring Oxford’s processes in line with other universities, and more generally to improve the clarity of the examination outcome process.

For more information see our Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees

When are the changes due to take effect?

The changes will take effect for all students submitting a research thesis for the first time from Michaelmas term 2025 (on or after 12 October 2025). There will be further communications and updates shared about the transition nearer the implementation date.

Where can I find the Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees document?

Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees.

How will these changes affect me?

If you are a postgraduate research student submitting your thesis for the first time in Michaelmas term 2025 or later (on or after 12 October 2025), your examiners will have more detailed guidance on the options available following your exam/viva. For MLitt/MSc(Res) students, a major corrections option will be available. The amount of time available for completion of minor and major corrections has been consolidated so extensions will no longer be available. If you receive a major corrections or reference back outcome, you will be able to apply for a post-outcome suspension up to a maximum of 12 months, if there is a time-limited reason why you are unable to work on your thesis.

If you are a member of staff working with postgraduate research students, you will see additional helpful criteria and explanation for the different outcomes available following examinations. You will also see the addition of a ‘major corrections with mandatory viva’ outcome option now included for MLitt/MSc(Res) degrees. We hope this updated policy and guidance document will be helpful to you in your role.

If you are a supervisor or examiner for postgraduate research examinations, then please do familiarise yourself with these changes, and the useful update to the indicative criteria for examination outcomes in the appendices within the Policy and Guidance document, which can be used when selecting the appropriate outcome post-exam.

In addition to the policy and guidance changes, we are introducing new systems to underpin the management and administration of research degrees. Further information about how this will impact students and staff will be shared in Trinity term 2025.

If I take my viva exam just before these changes take effect, will I be on the new system?

Any postgraduate research student who submits their thesis prior to Michaelmas term 2025, i.e. on or before Saturday 11 October 2025, will remain in the old regulations system until completion. However, any postgraduate research student who submits their thesis for the first time in Michaelmas term 2025 or later (on or after Sunday 12 October 2025) will be subject to the new regulations and processes as laid out in the updated Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees.

When did consultation on these changes take place?

The decision to change the regulations surrounding postgraduate research examination outcomes followed a consultation in 2019 and consideration and approval by Education Committee’s Research Degrees Panel.

Following the approval of the recommended changes for examinations for postgraduate research students and outcomes, an expert team at the University has updated the Policy and guidance on research degrees. The details for this are now being shared with all relevant members of the University, including professional services staff, academics, colleges and students.

I have a question about the guidance, who can I discuss this with?

Please review the information in the Policy and Guidance on Research Degrees carefully. If this and the information on this page do not answer your question, please contact your local Graduate Studies Administrator, who will be able to share your query with us.