Roles and resposibilities of thesis examiners

The examiners must fulfill the university regulations that are stated to them.
1. External examiner must be independent, recognised expert in the field. The external examiner examine the thesis, produce independent report, leading in questioning in the viva, make recommendation for award of degree or otherwise, specify corrections if required.
2. International examiners usually not directly connected with the student's work, but with knowledge of the general field. Their duties are examine the thesis, produce independent report, ask additional question in the viva, ensuring that the student has opportunities to positively demonstrate their knowledge, make recommendation for award of degree, or otherwise, specify corrections if required, check minor corrections have been made.
3. Chairman or exam advisor usually member of the department not connected with student's work. The duties are read examiners' independent reports, chair and introduce the viva, Act As Student's Supporter, advice on the university regulations and examination protocol, facilitate examiners deliberations in reaching decision, produce brief report of the viva

The purpose of the viva are;
1. To clarify any ambiguities in the thesis
2. To satisfy themselves that the thesis is the candidate's own work
3. To assess that the candidate is familiar with the relation of his/her work to the field of study
4. To acknowledge and appreciate the subject are up to the standard expected for the award of the appropriate degree.
5. To give the opportunity to the student to demonstrate their knowledge and celebrate his/her achievement BUT not certainly for the examiners to demonstrate their own knowledge. AND FOR SURE NOT TO CONDEMN AND ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUPERVISORS OF THE STUDENT.