Purpose
Through the oral examination, the student will demonstrate their ownership of the written thesis and their ability to reflect on their methodological choices, theoretical framework and empirical research. The thesis will normally be assessed by one internal and one external examiner, although some exceptions may occur.
The oral examination is a formal event, but the discussion should invite both students and examiners to participate in an exchange of ideas in a relaxed and stimulating setting. Students are usually nervous, some more than others. It is the role of the examiners to facilitate an atmosphere where the student feels secure and listened to. Independent of the grade, we want the oral examination to be a positive experience for our students.
Timing
The timing of the oral examination is June and November, respectively, although some exceptions may occur. The student will be informed of the date as soon as possible. The date cannot be discussed or changed. In the event that a student applies for a postponed submission deadline in the spring semester, the oral examination might be held in August.
Language
The oral examination in HGO4090 and HGO4080 will be conducted in English and/or a Scandinavian language, depending on the proficiencies of the examiners and the student. The language of the conversation, including suggestions for bilingual arrangements, will be communicated to the student when the examination schedule is announced.
Format
Oral examinations for the master thesis in Human Geography can take place on alternative forms: on site in campus, hybrid or digital. The choice of form depends on the availability of examiners in terms of travel distance (ref. ISS guidelines for climate-friendly activity). The student must be on campus.
The oral examination usually lasts around 45-60 minutes, depending on the dynamic of the discussion. We schedule for 1.5 hours in order to give room for potential delays, complications or eventualities.
The oral examination starts with the examiners welcoming the student and introducing themselves. The examiners give an overview of the proceedings:
- Brief account of the thesis, including general feedback on strengths and/or point for further discussion, followed by a round of questions to lead a conversation and exchange.
- At the end of the discussion, the student will be invited to step out of the room for a moment while the examiners evaluate the performance and decide on the final grade for the thesis.
- The student is to be informed that she/he can take notes, ask to repeat a question or clarify, and take a moment to think before answering.
NOTE: The student will not be asked to give a full presentation of the thesis, and does not need to make a powerpoint presentation.
Grading and closing remarks
Students can request to know the grade awarded to their master thesis at the beginning of the oral examination. Unless explicitly requested by the student, the oral examination will proceed and the grade for the master thesis be announced first at the end of the oral examination (see below).
When the discussion is over, the student will be invited to leave the room so that the examiners can evaluate the performance and decide on the final grade. When the student is back, the final grade for the thesis and oral examination will be announced along with the original grade awarded to the master thesis (the one set before the oral examination). An explicit oral explanation of the grade is to be provided by the examiners, in accordance with UiO regulations. The student should be given the opportunity to ask questions and take notes if they wish.
The oral examination concludes by congratulating the student with the completion of his/her masters’ degree.