General information about the midway assessment at the Faculty of Social Sciences
1. Purpose
The purpose of the midway assessment is to:
- stimulate the candidates to maintain progress in their writing by establishing another milestone, thereby strengthening throughput,
- give the candidates closer supervision during the programme, through extensive and systematic feedback on the thesis work at a point where important decision have been made, but when there is still reasonable time to incorporate feedback and criticism before final submission.
- to help the candidates gain practice in presenting their work to a wider audience
- to ensure that questions concerning quality and progress becomes a collective responsibility of the research communities of the Departments
2. Presentation
The candidate will present the work on the thesis thus far in an open meeting where fellow PhD students and other academic employees (including supervisors) are invited to participate
3. Written preparation
A written document must be prepared and made available beforehand. This document should outline status of the thesis, and if available include draft for chapters or articles included in the thesis.
4. Opposition
At least one opponent is appointed (not the supervisor). The opponent gives the candidate feedback immediately following the presentation. The floor will also be opened for comments by other present.
5. Academic assessment
A formal academic assessment (pass/fail) is also given. The assessment will be undertaken by the head of the PhD track and an opponent. The head of the PhD track may be replaced by a permanent scientific employee at the department, who does not supervise the candidate. If the presentation is considered as failed, a new midway assessment is undertaken within the next 2-6 months.
6. Date and time of the midway assessment
The date and time, as well as the framework around the midway assessment is decided by the units themselves in a manner that ensures the overarching purpose of the midway assessment. The midway assessment shall be a mandatory milestone of the PhD programme, and the time and date should not be significantly altered to accommodate the progression of the candidate unless warranted by special circumstances (such as illness or leave of absence).
7. Responsibility
The responsibility for holding midway assessments lies at the individual PhD programmes, within the framework set by the Faculty.
8. Approvals
Approval of mid-term evaluation requires that all assessments, concessions,
permits and recommendations necessary in connection with the research which
is the basis for the doctoral work has been obtained.
9. Regulations
The implementation of the midway assessment is pursuant to the PhD regulations with reference under § 4 to the University of Oslo Assurance System for the Quality of Education, which reads: ”All candidates shall present their research results and account for their progress midway in the programme, in a relevant environment.”
Psychology
Human Geography
The midway assessment is incorporated into SOS9050 or SGO9050 and shall be completed in the fourth semester for candidates on a three-year scholarship, and in the fifth semester for candidates on a four-year scholarship. The midway assessment consists of presentation of a status report on the thesis as well as a draft for a chapter/article. An appointed opponent and fellow candidates serve as a opponents providing feedback.
Economics
To motivate an early start on the thesis, all candidates shall present a piece of work at a workshop held during the 3rd semester of the programme. The presentation must include a written draft. Supervisors are expected to attend, and external opponents are invited. The presentation shall be approved by the doctoral committee.
Social Anthropology
SOSANT9050 – Mid-term evaluation – Universitetet i Oslo
Sociology
The midway assessment is incorporated into SOS9050 or SGO9050 and shall be completed in the fourth semester for candidates on a three-year scholarship, and in the fifth semester for candidates on a four-year scholarship. The midway assessment consists of presentation of a status report on the thesis as well as a draft for a chapter/article. An appointed opponent and fellow candidates serve as a opponents providing feedback.
Political Science
Technology, Innovation and Culture
- Please contact the PhD administration for the guidelines.