1. Independent Chairs for Research Degree Examinations

2. Role of the Chair pre-viva Chairs are appointed from an approved pool. A Chair is usually appointed once the date of the viva has been agreed. The student and DoS are notified of the appointed Chair by the GRS. The Chair will be issued with copies of the preliminary report forms (RDB8A). The Chair will not be required to read the thesis or complete a preliminary report. The Chair will meet the examiners on the day of the oral examination.

3. Pre-meeting with the Examiners The examiners meet for one hour on the day of the viva and are then joined by the Independent Chair. At this meeting the Chair will: –discuss the procedures and regulations for examining the candidate. –help co-ordinate an agenda for the oral examination. –discuss with the examiners the possible outcome of the viva. –confirm the name(s) of the examiner who will review the revised thesis (if amendments are required). –identify which examiner will be responsible for collating the comments and the composite list for the student within the specified time (normally within 7 days).

4. Role of the Chair during the Viva During the viva the role of the Independent Chair will include: –introducing the student to the examination team. –discussing the format of, and agenda for, the oral examination. –acting as an observer throughout and facilitating a fair discussion. –taking notes of any perceived irregularities that may occur (but not of the viva discussion itself). Possible reasons for taking notes include unusual circumstances or if procedures breakdown. If notes are taken, these should be submitted separately to the Graduate Research School –if necessary, stopping the oral examination. Possible reasons for this would include illness or if the candidate is severely struggling and therefore the continuation of the viva would be pointless; –bringing the oral examination to a close and asking the student to withdraw. PLEASE NOTE: The DoS/supervisor(s) attends the examination as an observer and is not permitted to contribute to the discussion in any way. The DoS/supervisor(s) is required to withdraw prior to the deliberation of the Examination Panel on the outcome of the examination.

5. Role of the Chair after the Viva After the oral examination, the Independent Chair will: –remain in the examination room while the examiners discuss and confirm the final decision but ensure that both the student and Director of Studies vacates the room whilst the decision is confirmed. The overall decision must be made on the day of the oral examination and communicated to the student. –ensure that the examiners (not the Independent Chair) inform the candidate of their decision and give a verbal report on any amendments (if necessary) required. –ensure that the final report form (RDB9A) is completed and signed by all members of the examining team on the day of the viva. The Independent Chair must also sign the RDB9A. –remind the nominated examiner responsible for collating the comments and the composite list for the student, to do so within the specified time (normally within 7 days).

6. Re-submission with re- examination If a resubmission of the thesis and a further oral examination are agreed, the examination panel may remain the same but a new Independent Chair will be appointed. If an appeal is received by the University, the Independent Chair will be expected to be involved but only as a witness to the oral examination.