Final Thesis Submission: Steps, Recommendations, and Significance

Final Thesis Submission: What Is It?

The culmination of a PhD candidate’s research journey is their Final Thesis Submission. It certifies that all research has been completed and that the thesis satisfies all academic and institutional requirements. During this phase, the completed thesis must be submitted for review, approved by the Research Degree Committee (RDC) or Doctoral Research Committee (DRC), and prepared for the viva-voce (PhD defense).

In order to preserve research quality, originality, and compliance with formatting and ethical standards, universities establish precise parameters for final submission.

Importance of Submitting the Final Thesis

  • Verifies Research Contributions: Ensures that the applicant has significantly advanced their field through scholarly work.

  • Assures Academic Standards Compliance: Ensures that formatting, citing, and ethical research guidelines are followed.

  • Gets Ready for Viva-Voce: The candidate prepares for their final PhD defense by having specialists assess their submitted thesis.

  • Signifies the End of the PhD Journey: Following a successful thesis submission, the final degree award procedure begins.

Procedure for Final Thesis Submission

  1. Writing the Complete Thesis

    • Ensure all research goals are fulfilled and conclusions are clear.

    • Address all comments received during the pre-thesis submission phase.

    • Follow the formatting, citation, and ethical requirements set forth by the university.

    • Verify originality requirements by running a plagiarism check.

  2. Approval of the Supervisor

    • The final thesis is sent for review to the supervisor(s).

    • Supervisors check for clarity, thoroughness, and compliance with academic standards.

    • Upon approval, the thesis is submitted for DRC/RDC review.

  3. Submission to the DRC/RDC (Doctoral Research Committee)

    • The committee evaluates the thesis for:

      • Originality and quality of research

      • Proper referencing, citation, and formatting

      • Contribution to the academic field

    • Some universities may require a final research presentation before clearance.

  4. External Review and Assessment by Examiners

    • External examiners independently evaluate the thesis.

    • Examiners provide comments and suggestions.

    • Candidates may need to make minor or major revisions based on feedback.

  5. Getting Ready for the PhD Defense (Viva-Voce)

    • After final thesis acceptance, the candidate schedules the viva-voce exam.

    • The candidate defends their thesis before an expert panel.

    • Key preparation areas:

      • Explaining research methodology and findings

      • Responding to examiners’ inquiries

      • Demonstrating the research’s impact

  6. Acceptance and Graduation

    • Final approval is granted by the DRC/RDC after a successful viva-voce.

    • The university processes the degree certificate and verifies the PhD award.

Common Challenges in Final Thesis Submission & How to Overcome Them

  1. High Plagiarism Percentage

    • Use proper citation and paraphrasing techniques.

    • Run the thesis through plagiarism detection software before submission.

  2. Formatting and Compliance Issues

    • Follow university guidelines for document structure, citation styles, font, and margins.

    • Double-check references for accuracy and consistency.

  3. Final Edits and Modifications

    • Start the final submission process early to accommodate necessary changes.

    • Incorporate feedback from examiners and supervisors before finalizing.

  4. Committee Approval Delays

    • Keep track of submission deadlines and follow up with the research committee.

    • Plan ahead to prevent administrative delays.

  5. Viva-Voce Preparation Anxiety

    • Build confidence in presenting research findings.

    • Anticipate possible questions and prepare responses.

    • Seek guidance from mentors and supervisors for mock viva sessions.

Best Practices for a Successful Final Thesis Submission

  • Start Early: Allow ample time for reviewing, revising, and refining.

  • Follow Submission Guidelines: Ensure compliance with university formatting and ethical standards.

  • Seek Regular Feedback: Maintain close communication with supervisors and committee members.

  • Proofread Carefully: Conduct multiple rounds of editing for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

  • Prepare for Viva-Voce: Participate in mock sessions and practice articulating research findings effectively.

  • Ensure Originality: Use plagiarism detection tools and properly cite all sources.