MSc Dissertation Timeline
Student
PDT
Supervisor
Internal Examiner
Panel
Module Leader
September (Annual)
Post structured project topics to pre-approved database
Coordinate topic collection; compile database by subject group
Attend taught modules; explore interests; self-assess English language skills; browse pre-approved topics
T1
Discuss interests, background, and project track preference (A/B/C)
T1 - First PDT Meeting
Explore project areas; assess English language proficiency; advise on track selection; direct to topics/staff
Finalise topic selection; begin developing 1-page proposal using template
T2
Submit 1-page proposal to PDT for initial feedback
T2 Week 2
Receive proposal; schedule second PDT meeting
Receive feedback; revise proposal; confirm English language readiness
T2 - Second PDT Meeting
Review proposal; assess feasibility and scope; provide feedback; verify English proficiency
Submit final proposal via Moodle for formal approval
T2 Week 6-7
Review proposals against criteria; approve/reject/request revision; rejected proposals default to Track A
Receive supervisor and internal examiner allocation; prepare for T3
T2 Week 8-9
Allocate supervisors and internal examiners based on expertise match; assign provisional tier
Initial meeting with supervisor; agree scope, milestones, and meeting schedule
T3 Week 1
Initial supervision meeting; establish schedule for 6+ meetings; explain meeting notes requirement
Attend minimum 6 supervision meetings; prepare for each meeting; review and sign meeting notes
T3 Weeks 1-12
Conduct 6+ supervision meetings; maintain meeting notes; monitor progress and authentication; raise red flag if concerns
Submit Initial Report (literature review + methodology); receive traffic light status
T3 Week 6
Review Initial Report; provide feedback; assign traffic light status (Green/Amber/Red)
Review Initial Report; provide independent feedback; contribute to traffic light assessment
Receive notification if Red status; monitor Amber cases
Optional: Submit draft dissertation
T3 Week 11
Optional: Review draft and provide feedback
Submit final dissertation (20-page IEEE format)
T3 Week 12
Mark dissertation independently using rubric
Mark dissertation independently using rubric
Receive submissions; coordinate marking
Post-submission
Agree provisional mark with Internal Examiner; produce Joint Marker Recommendation
Agree provisional mark with Supervisor; produce Joint Marker Recommendation
Assign final tiers based on evidence trail; form panels
Prepare 8-minute presentation demonstrating understanding of own work
Pre-viva
Submit Joint Marker Recommendation to panel
Submit Joint Marker Recommendation to panel
Review Joint Marker Recommendation and evidence summaries; coordinate panel questioning approach
Provide evidence summaries to panels; finalise viva schedule
Present work (8 min); answer questions (15 min); possible mark uplift for strong performance
Viva Day
Conduct viva as two independent examiners (neither is Supervisor nor IE); assess authentication; agree final mark (may include uplift)
Available for consultation on authentication concerns
Receive final mark and feedback (may differ from dissertation mark due to viva performance)
Post-viva
Provide evidence if authentication concerns raised
Provide evidence if authentication concerns raised
Complete assessment forms; confirm final agreed mark
Review borderline cases; process misconduct referrals if needed
Notified of deferred outcome; investigation process begins
If misconduct suspected
Provide evidence for investigation
Provide evidence for investigation
Open misconduct case; manage investigation; determine outcome