Masters by Research examination
MRes and LLMRes are normally examined by thesis alone. A viva can be requested where examiners need it to determine a difficult or borderline case.
What remains the same
- A formally approved RD12 team and Exam Panel Chair are required.
- Submit the thesis PDF and RD15 through the Operations Team.
- Use the relevant formatting and word-count guidance.
Thesis-only process
Examiners produce separate thesis reports (RD13MRes). The EPC convenes a meeting to agree an outcome, joint report (RD14MRes) and combined amendments where needed. Examiners’ forms are supplied directly, not completed by the student.
If a viva is requested, the appendix describes a reasoned request through University committee arrangements and EPC consultation. Normal viva procedures apply once approved. Examples include ambiguity, inconsistencies or insufficient explanation making understanding hard to assess.
Outcomes and corrections
Standard outcome categories and correction procedures apply. Minor and major conditional passes both allow up to six months from formal notification; Fail Resubmit allows up to twelve. D6.6 exempts both MRes and LLMRes from an automatic second oral examination. Do not read the framework table’s omission of LLMRes as a universal viva requirement.
§1.7 describes the Masters standard as an independent contribution with competent investigation. Appendix 7 uses “original and significant” wording too. Discuss award expectations with supervisors; the wiki does not resolve this discrepancy by imposing doctoral criteria.
Sources: Framework §§1.7, 7.16, Appendix 7, pp. 9, 84–85, 113–116; D6.1–D6.11. Read the process.