Dear [examiner]
I am the Principal Supervisor for [student name], who is currently finalising their thesis,
titled “[thesis title]” for submission and examination. I am seeking your assistance to act as
an external examiner for this doctoral thesis.
Nomination of examiners
The University of South Australia Thesis Preparation and Examination procedure requires
the nomination of three external examiners. All nominated examiners must have:
demonstrable expertise in the content area of the thesis,
a solid understanding of research processes and practice, and
an understanding that [research degree] programs aim to train candidates for
independent research.
Once the thesis has been accepted for examination, an examination panel will confirm the
nominated examiners to be contacted to undertake the examination.
Oral defence of the thesis (Include if student undertaking an oral defence)
PhD candidates at the University of South Australia who commence from 2016 will
undertake a compulsory defence of their thesis (also known as a “viva”) via video
conference with the panel of examiners. Current research degree students may opt-in to
undertake a defence as part of their thesis examination process. [Student] has indicated
that [he/she] would like to defend [his/her] thesis.
Requirements of external examiners
Should you be selected as one of the two examiners by the University examination
panel, the thesis will be sent to you in electronic format and you will be supplied with the
examination criteria and supporting guidelines for use in your assessment of the thesis. You
will be provided with an honorarium for undertaking this examination.
Each examiner is requested to provide a written report considering the student’s ability to
demonstrate critical analysis and original thought, a comprehensive and detailed knowledge
of the literature and theoretical understandings relevant to the field of study and to apply
appropriate research methodologies. Examiners are requested to comment on the extent to
which the thesis makes a significant original contribution to knowledge and/or the
application of knowledge within the field of study. In addition, examiners are required to
comment on the quality of the presentation of the thesis.
It is my expectation that the thesis will be submitted for examination by the [day month
year]. Once processing has been completed through the University’s Research Examination
team, a digital copy of the thesis is sent to examiners. Examiners are requested to complete
examination of the thesis within 6 weeks of receiving the thesis.
(Include if undertaking an oral defence)
The oral defence of the thesis will be conducted approximately two weeks after all examiner
reports are received. Depending on the location of examiners, the defence may take place
outside normal business hours but every effort will be made to hold the event during
reasonable hours for everyone involved.
Next steps
For your reference, I have attached the abstract of the thesis. You may also wish to view our
Frequently Asked Questions for Examiners.
If you choose to accept this invitation to examine the thesis, please confirm that you do not
have any conflict of interest with the student or the supervisor/s, whether it be of a
personal, professional, or commercial nature, or the University of South Australia within the
last five years, or in the near future.
The thesis contains confidential information. If you agree to accept this invitation, the
University requests that you complete the attached non-disclosure agreement by adding in
your name and signature and return it with your confirmation email.
If you are willing to accept this invitation to be nominated as an examiner, please confirm
via return email and provide a current detailed copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
I realise that your work commitments may limit your availability to be nominated as an
examiner but I hope that you can consider this invitation positively.
I look forward to hearing from you and am happy to answer any queries you may have
relating to the thesis examination process.
Kind regards,
[supervisor]
