Thesis Preparations and Defense
Once you have completed your research you will begin writing the final sections of your thesis. Before your supervisor can schedule your defense your committee will need to review written samples of your work.
Preparing for Thesis Defense
Request to Set Up Thesis Defense Forms
MSc: Request to Set Up Thesis Defense Form (minimum of six weeks prior to proposed defense date)
PhD: Request to Set Up Thesis Defense Form (minimum of eight weeks prior to proposed defense date)
For Supervisors - Request to Schedule Oral Exam
Supervisors are responsible for the oral examination set up. Please note that this request is a two-part form.
These forms will be available as of Feb 2025. Please continue to use the Request to Schedule Thesis Defense form until the below links are available.
Part 1: Request for GSE to Schedule an Oral Exam - Examination Committee
Due 6 weeks prior to a MSc defense and 8 weeks prior to a PhD defense
Part 2: Request for GSE to Schedule an Oral Exam - Scheduling Details "
Due 6 weeks prior to a MSc or PhD defense
Requirements for Defense
The oral defense of your thesis is an FGS requirement. Please review the Examinations section on the FGS website for full details on the policy and rules for examinations
Prepare Your Thesis
Discussions about your thesis research requirements should be ongoing with your supervisor and committee, and should include agreement on a reasonable endpoint for your experimental work and/or data collection.
Complete Program Requirements
These items must be completed before proceeding to defense:
- Research Integrity Day
- Sex and Gender Module(s)
- Completion of course requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Supervisor and Committee confirmation that the defense is ready to defend
- Completion of Candidacy (PhD only)
Supervisor Schedules Defense
The supervisor submits the Request to Set Up Thesis Defense Form to their program's GPA. This is due 6 weeks in advance of an MSc defense, and 8 weeks in advance of a PhD defense.
Prepare for Defense
Know the regulations, process and get tips on doing well on your exams.
Preparing for Defense and Convocation
Indigenous Cultural Protocol Plan - Defense & Graduation
ii’taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, seeks to ensure that policies, practices, and procedures are supportive and respectful of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being. Indigenous graduate students and those who are working with Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers are encouraged to incorporate Indigenous ceremonies and/or traditions into their exams. Indigenous students are also encouraged to RSVP for the Indigenous Graduation Celebration
Applying for Convocation
Students must apply for convocation prior to their Oral Defense. Typically the application is due at the beginning of the term in which the Convocation Ceremony will occur and and must be submitted through your MyUofC Student Centre. If you miss the deadline to apply for graduation, you must stay registered and pay applicable tuition and general fees until the end of the term in which your degree requirements are met.
International Students
International graduate students may be eligible to continue their stay in Canada after they have successfully defended their thesis. Contact the International Student Services office to have a discussion with one of their Immigration Advisors about what your potential post-defense/post-graduation plans are.
Questions? Please contact your graduate program: Graduate Program Contact Info