Defense

The defense of the dissertation is a public presentation chaired by the Primary Supervisor, with participation from the full Doctoral Committee. The candidate presents their work, followed by a discussion of the problems and main results of the dissertation.

Acceptance and grading decisions are determined by a vote within the Doctoral Committee. If no consensus is reached, the grade is decided by a majority vote in two rounds: In the first round all proposed grades are voted upon, in the second round the two grades with the highest number of votes are voted upon. In case of a tie vote, the Primary Supervisor will break the tie.

The doctoral candidate is then informed of the assessment of the disputation, the assessment of the defense, and the overall grade of the doctorate.

Any unexcused absence from, or failure to complete, the defense will result in a failing grade for the dissertation.

Any student failing the dissertation defense will be allowed one additional attempt to defend the dissertation successfully. A second failed attempt will be final and will result in the termination of candidacy. Work cannot be continued for a Ph.D. elsewhere.

Any failure decision must be justified and accompanied by information on the right of appeal.

If revisions are required, they must be completed within the period set by the committee.