What do Examiners Look for in Dissertations and Theses ?

The Master of Computing (MComp) programme at Unitec involves a 60 credit dissertation or 120 credit thesis (out of a total of 240 credits). Examiners are asked to provide “an overall evaluation of the substance and quality” of the dissertation or thesis (including “design, methodology, literature review, theoretical rigour, argument, interpretation and practical application”) and comment on “particular strengths or weaknesses in presentation and reporting”. In this paper the author reviews his experience of the examination process in practice (for MComp and for masterates and doctorates at other institutions) and how that relates to the official criteria and guidelines.