The when and how of the PhD defence

The bulk of the research is done, the writing has started, and your mind is racing with questions about the final step in your doctoral journey – the defence.

The School of Graduate Studies has designed a new information session and guide to help students, program administrators and faculty members navigate their way through the defence process.

The new session provides a step-by-step walk-through, including

• what you need to know before initiating your PhD defence;
• how to initiate in Mosaic;
• timelines for both the standard (traditional) and accelerated formats;
• key resources you must have in place before you can defend;
• differences between an in-person, online and hybrid defence;
• what to expect on the day of your defence; and
• steps you must complete to be cleared for graduation.

Additionally, you will have a chance to ask the Graduate Studies team any outstanding questions about this final process to completing your doctoral degree.

Next session: Wednesday, May 15, at 1 p.m. 

To attend this virtual session, use this Zoom link; no registration is required.

Future general sessions may be scheduled as needed.

Targeted sessions for large groups

If you are a graduate administrator managing a large cohort of doctoral students entering this final stage, please contact Graduate Studies at gthesis@mcmaster.ca to request a program-specific session for your students.

We will make every effort to accommodate this request, but please note that depending on the timing, we may not be able to deliver a presentation tailored to individual programs.