Understanding the Dissertation Defense Process

Pre-Defense Preparation

Thesis Submission Requirements

PhD candidates must fulfill all required course credits, meet the GPA criteria, and satisfy any publication requirements set by their university. Students are encouraged to visit the PhD program guidelines of their respective institutions to understand specific criteria.

Preliminary Examination

At many Turkish universities, such as Istanbul Ticaret University, the dissertation undergoes a preliminary examination before the defense is scheduled. After this examination, the faculty provides feedback to the doctoral researcher. Candidates typically have the opportunity to respond to these comments before proceeding to the defense stage.

Administrative Procedures

Students must submit necessary forms to their Institute Directorate prior to scheduling the defense. For instance, students defending in the Fall Semester of the 2024-2025 Academic Year at Istanbul Ticaret University must ensure all required documentation is submitted in a timely manner.

The Defense Process

Defense Format

The dissertation defense in Turkiye is a public examination where appointed opponents (typically 1-2 experts in the field) evaluate the candidate’s work. The defense usually consists of:

• A detailed presentation by the candidate
• Questioning by the examination committee
• Discussion of the dissertation’s contributions to the field

Examination Committee

The defense committee typically includes:

• A Custos (the chairperson overseeing the defense)
• One or two opponents who critically evaluate the dissertation
• Additional committee members as determined by the faculty

Ethics Considerations

Research involving human participants requires ethical approval from relevant committees. For example, at Middle East Technical University, this includes obtaining clearance from the Human Research Ethics Committee. Such ethical compliance is an essential prerequisite for the defense process.

Post-Defense Procedures

Defense Outcomes

After completing the defense, candidates may receive one of three possible outcomes:

1. Successful: The committee accepts the dissertation without major changes, allowing the student to complete the thesis submission procedure within one month.
2. Correction (Extension): The committee may grant an extension for corrections—typically three months for Master’s students and six months for PhD students. Registered candidates must defend their revised dissertations before the same jury after implementing the necessary changes.
3. Fail: If the dissertation fails to meet the required standards, the student may be dismissed from the program.

Documentation Requirements

Following the defense, a Thesis Defense Report must be submitted to the Graduate School within three business days. If a student receives a correction period or fails, an additional jury report must accompany the documentation.

Important Considerations

Publication Options

After a successful defense, doctoral researchers in Turkiye typically publish their dissertations both electronically and in print. Many universities, including Medipol University, have dedicated publication series for dissertations.

Timeline Awareness

Candidates should be aware of semester-specific deadlines. For example, those planning to defend their dissertations in Spring Semester 2023-2024 and Fall Semester 2024-2025 will face different submission timelines and requirements. Awareness of these timelines is crucial for a smooth navigation of the defense process.

Registration Requirements

Students granted a correction period must maintain continuous enrollment at their university during the extension period. Commitment to registration ensures that candidates remain aligned with their academic progress and institutional requirements.

Conclusion

The dissertation defense is a transformative phase in the PhD journey, encapsulating years of research and scholarship. For international students and educators considering opportunities in Turkiye, understanding this process is essential. Turkish universities, such as Aydin University, Beykent University, and Uskudar University, offer robust support structures to facilitate this crucial step toward academic excellence.

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