How to Graduate
This guide helps you navigate the PhD graduation process at NUS. Adapted from similar resources at other institutions and tailored for our group.
Am I Ready to Graduate?
This is a decision you should make in agreement with your advisor (Jerry) and in alignment with your own goals. Start discussing your graduation timeline at least 6-12 months before you plan to finish.
Things to consider:
- Have you met the graduation requirements of your department?
- Have you published enough papers? (Discuss expectations with Jerry)
- Do you feel you’ve met your goals for grad school and are ready to move on?
- Are you ready to write your thesis?
Departmental Requirements
Check with your department and the NUS Graduate School for specific requirements. Common requirements include:
- Course credits completed
- Teaching/research requirements fulfilled
- QE (CQE and OQE) passed
- Thesis submitted and examined
For CDE/MSE PhD students, refer to the CDE PhD Programme and your student handbook.
Writing Your Thesis
Deciding the Intention of Your Thesis
Ask yourself: what do I want out of this thesis?
- Just get it done ASAP?
- Write something I can be proud of?
- Serve as a testament to my PhD work?
Your answer affects how much time you spend. At minimum, most theses include:
- Abstract
- Introduction / Literature Review
- Research chapters (typically 2-3 papers, published or in progress)
- Conclusion
- References
Thesis Structure Options
- “Staple papers together” — Compile your published papers, write intro/conclusion
- Include unpublished work — Draft chapters for work not yet published
- Comprehensive monograph — Write a cohesive narrative (more work, but can be rewarding)
Embargoes
If you include unpublished work and plan to publish it later, you may need to embargo your thesis. Once your thesis is public, publishing the same content can be considered “self-plagiarism.” Discuss with Jerry if this applies.
Thesis Timeline (Sample)
Work backwards from your target submission date:
| Milestone | Time Before Submission |
|---|---|
| Submit thesis for examination | 0 (deadline) |
| Jerry reads final draft | -2 to -3 weeks |
| Committee reads thesis | -3 to -4 weeks |
| Complete revisions | -4 to -6 weeks |
| First complete draft | -6 to -8 weeks |
| Start writing | -3 to -6 months |
Thesis Committee
Your thesis examiners are typically:
- Internal examiner (NUS faculty, not your supervisor)
- External examiner (from another university)
- Sometimes additional examiners depending on department
Discuss examiner nominations with Jerry early. Choose people who will give fair, constructive feedback.
Permissions and Copyright
If you include published papers in your thesis:
- Check journal policies — some require permission to reproduce
- Get written permission from co-authors (can be email confirmation)
- Keep records of permissions in case needed
Thesis Submission
- Submit via NUS Graduate School portal
- Pay submission fee (if applicable)
- Thesis goes to examiners for review
- Oral defense (if required)
- Revisions and final submission
Oral Defense / Thesis Examination
NUS typically requires a thesis defense or oral examination. Prepare by:
- Reviewing your thesis thoroughly
- Anticipating questions on methodology, results, and future work
- Doing a practice defense with group members
After Submission
- If revisions required: Address examiner comments promptly
- Final submission: Submit corrected thesis to Graduate School
- Graduation: Check graduation ceremony dates and RSVP
Career Next Steps
Start thinking about this before you graduate:
- Academia: Postdoc positions, faculty applications
- Industry: Start networking, apply early (can take 3-6 months)
- Other: Government, startups, consulting
Jerry can help with letters of recommendation — give him at least 2-3 weeks notice, and provide:
- CV
- Statement of purpose (if academic)
- List of places you’re applying
- Key points you’d like highlighted
Tips
- Start early — Writing takes longer than you think
- Get feedback — Ask group members to read chapters
- Stay organized — Track versions, comments, deadlines
- Take breaks — Writing is mentally exhausting
- Celebrate milestones — First draft done, submission, defense, etc.