Examination, Award and Graduation

In support of the University’s General Regulations and Academic Regulations (Chapter 8 and/or 9) all Postgraduate Researchers and their Supervisors are required to adhere to supporting Policies, Procedures, Processes and Guidance.

Postgraduate Research Examination and Award Procedure (pdf) covers all aspects of the examination of Postgraduate Researchers at the University. Areas covered include:

Nomination of Examiners
Thesis Submission
Assessment and reassessment of the Thesis
Confirmation and approval of Research Awards following Examination

Please also see Information for Examiners of Postgraduate Researchers.

In addition to this Procedure further information in regards to Thesis Format, Structure including the inclusion of published work and use of alternative formats is available in the Thesis & Submission: Information and Guidance (pdf).

PGRs who encounter problems in being able to submit within the required time may be eligible to request a short extension where there are serious mitigating circumstances. This requests will be considered within the Extension to Progress Reviews and Examination Procedures.

All Awards are required to meet the FHEQ Level descriptor requirements as defined by the UK QAA for Higher Education.

In addition to the above documents the University also has a Code of Conduct for Postgraduate Research Remote Progress Reviews and Examinations (pdf). This Code of Conduct defines the types of Remote Examination permitted for PGRs registered on Collaborative Research Degree programmes who may not be based at Coventry for some or all of their programme. The Code also sets out basic expectations and requirements to safeguard the PGRs Examination experience.

For additional Policies please also see:

Once an Award has been approved as defined within the Postgraduate Research Examination and Award Policy (pdf), PGRs details will be sent to Academic Registry who coordinate the University’s Graduation Ceremonies. Ceremonies take place three times a year and details of can be found on the University’s Graduation page along with details on how to book Gown hire and details of each ceremony.