The opponenten (external reviewer)
Academic title and level of competence: minimum PhD; should be a senior researcher in the relevant subject area
Must not be employed at the University of Skövde
Before the licentiate seminar
- the opponent must critically examine the entire thesis and prepare his/her opposition.
- the opponent has an obligation to report any suspicion of scientific misconduct to the University's Registry Officer.
- it is the opponent's responsibility to report any circumstances that may contribute to conflilct of interest. For more information, see the University's “Guidelines on conflict of interest” (in Swedish Riktlinjer om jäv).
During the licentiate seminar
- If chosen as an alternative: the opponent must give a summary and own interpretation of the content of the thesis and place it in relation to other research in the subject area.
- the opponent shall perform the public discussion, which means highlighting the central results, critically discussing the thesis and engaging in a discussion about the content with the respondent. The opponent discusses the thesis with the respondent by asking questions and providing views, thereby enabling the respondent to demonstrate his/her expected knowledge and ability to discuss the results. Future research work is also discussed here. This is the central part of the licentiate seminar as the respondent's ability to answer the questions is included in the grading.
After the licentiate seminar
- the opponent is expected to participate in discussions with the examiner and supervisor before the examiner makes his/her decision.
The examiner
Is the sole examiner for the licentiate thesis and the doctoral student's defense of the thesis in connection with the licentiate seminar
Must have at least a docent's qualification or the equivalent.
Must not be employed at the University of Skövde
Before the licentiate seminar
- the examiner must critically examine the entire thesis and prepare his/her examination.
- the examiner is obliged to report any suspicion of scientific misconduct to the University's Registry Officer.
- it is the examiner's responsibility to report any circumstances that may contribute to conflict of interest. For more information, see the University's “Guidelines on conflict of interest” (in Swedish Riktlinjer om jäv).
During the licentiate seminar
- the examiner shall ask the respondent questions about the content of the thesis and assess the respondent's ability to defend the thesis and to answer the opponent's and others' questions.
After the licentiate seminar
- The examiner is given the opportunity to discuss the thesis and completed defense together with the opponent and main supervisor.
- The examiner decides on the grade. Grades are given only as pass or fail. When grading, both the content of the thesis and the respondent's presentation, discussion and defense of it must be assessed.
- If the examiner approves the thesis, the reasons may not be reported in the examination protocol.
- If the thesis is rejected, the reasons must be stated. If the thesis is rejected, it is also possible for the supervisor to submit a special opinion.
- The examination protocol is filled in and signed by the examiner.
- The examiner will announce his/her decision as soon as possible.
- The examination protocol is handed over to the chair of the licentiate seminar.
The chair of the licentiate seminar
must be active at the school (‘institution’) to which the doctoral student belongs.
Before the licentiate seminar, the chair of the licentitate seminar must
- become familiar with his/her assignment and responsibilities and, if necessary, communicate issues with those concerned (main supervisor, doctoral student...).
During the licentiate seminar, the chair of the licentiate seminar must
- lead the licentiate seminar (act as moderator),
- be responsible for the defense being carried out properly. He/she must also check that everyone is present when the act/seminar starts. If the opponent or examiner does not appear, the chair must investigate whether the licentiate seminar can be moved to a later time on the same day if the reason for the absence is delay, or to another day.
- welcome everyone, introduce the respondent, the title of the thesis, the opponent (external reviewer) and the examiner,
- present any relevant information about where the research has been carried out and about others involved,
- explain the procedure for the licentiate seminar and ensure that it is carried out properly,
- leave the floor to the respondent who reports any typographical errors and/or other corrections in the thesis (errata list),
- leave the floor to the respondent and opponent (external reviewer) in the order chosen,
- give the examiner the opportunity to ask questions to the respondent and comment on the thesis,
- give the audience the opportunity to ask questions to the respondent and comment on the thesis,
- thank the participants and declare the licentiate seminar completed.
After the licentiate seminar, the chair of the licentiate seminar must
- hand over documentation for examination protocol (Form 5:6 - Examination protocol for licentiate seminar) and any other information to the examiner before the chair leaves the meeting.
- check that the examination protocol is complete and signed.
- be responsible for the signed examination protocol from the meeting being handed over to the University's Registry Officer for registration and administration.