Towards the PhD defence

If the supervisor approves the manuscript, the path to the defence begins. You will find the steps leading up to the completion of the PhD on this page.

Setting up the Manuscript Committee

The Dean sets up a Manuscript Committee and the supervisor can advise on the composition of this committee
The candidate ensures that the manuscript is sent to the Manuscript Committee
In principle, the Manuscript Committee has access to any research data.

Read article in Doctoral Regulations

Decision of the Manuscript Committee

The Manuscript Committee decides within five weeks upon receipt of the manuscript whether the work is of sufficient quality.
The Manuscript Committee uses an appraisal form.
The chair of the Manuscript Committee informs the Dean about the decision. The Dean forwards the decision to the supervisor and the PhD candidate.
The Manuscript Committee decides by majority vote.
If the Manuscript Committee judges that the dissertation is among the top 5 to 10 percent of dissertations, the Manuscript Committee advises the Dean to establish a Cum Laude Committee.
The Manuscript Committee offers this advice based on majority voting.

Read article in Doctoral Regulations

If applicable: setting up Cum Laude Committee

If the Manuscript Committee recommends the establishment of a Cum Laude Committee, the Dean shall appoint one as soon as possible.
The chair of the Cum Laude Committee is responsible for distributing the manuscript to the other members.
The Cum Laude Committee uses an appraisal form.
The Cum Laude Committee takes its decisions based on majority voting.

Read article in Doctoral Regulations