Oxford University has confirmed that new rules for postgraduate research (PGR) examinations will take effect from Michaelmas term. The reforms, which apply to all students submitting their thesis for the first time on or after 12th October, are intended to clarify outcomes, standardise procedures, and align Oxford’s regulations with those of other UK universities.
One of the adjustments is the extension of the timeframe for “minor corrections”. At present, students given this outcome have one month to resubmit their corrected thesis; from 2025, this will be extended to two months. The University has also announced that extensions will no longer be available for either minor or major corrections, with only exceptional circumstances considered by the Education Committee.
The category of “major corrections” is also being revised. In future, examiners will be able to recommend either major corrections with a further viva or major corrections without one – a distinction that the University says will provide greater clarity for both students and examiners.
Other changes include a reduction in the timeframe for the “reference back” outcome, which currently allows two years for resubmission but will be shortened to one year. New “indicative criteria” will also be introduced to guide examiners in deciding outcomes, with the aim of ensuring greater consistency across departments.
The reforms further clarify expectations around supervision. Students who set major corrections or reference back should continue to receive the same level of supervision as before submitting their thesis. In addition, candidates who are unable to make progress due to illness or other time-limited reasons may apply for a suspension of up to twelve months, provided it is at least four weeks in length.
The University has explained that the reforms follow a review process which began in 2019, and that the aim is to improve clarity and support while ensuring that Oxford’s framework remains comparable with national standards. For students on research master’s programmes, such as the MLitt or MSc(Res), the changes will also introduce the possibility of “major corrections with mandatory viva”, bringing their regulations into closer alignment with those for doctoral degrees.
The timing of implementation means that different students will be affected differently. Those who submit their thesis on or before 11th October will be examined under the existing rules, while those who submit on or after 12th October will be subject to the new system.
The University has acknowledged that the reforms will require adaptation by both students and supervisors, but emphasised that the changes are intended to make the examination process more transparent and predictable. While the removal of extensions may pose challenges in some cases, the longer period for minor corrections, the introduction of clearer criteria, and the option of suspension are expected to provide additional support for candidates.
These revisions mark the first major update to PGR examination outcomes at Oxford in several years. The University has stated that it will continue to provide guidance to departments and students ahead of the changes coming into effect in Michaelmas.
 examinations will take effect from Michaelmas term.){kind=link}