The thesis defense ends the doctorate preparation. During this oral exam, the doctoral student presents his research in front of a panel of experts (jury), in order to obtain the degree of doctor (PhD).
Doctoral thesis defenses are organized according to the terms set out in the decree of May 25, 2016 defining the national training framework and the terms leading to the issuance of the national PhD.
To begin the defense procedure, download the forms here.
Defense authorization
The authorization to defend a thesis is granted by the President of the university, after consulting with the director of the Doctoral School, on the proposal of the thesis supervisor.
Articles 18 to 19 of the decree of May 25, 2016, relating to doctoral training, define the conditions for the thesis defense.
Time interval before defense
The formalities of the defense require a period of approximately two months between the submission of the panel composition proposal and the date considered for the defense.
This time interval is necessary for the appointment of the reviewers and the panel members, the reception of the reports and the decision to authorize the defense.
Defense in French
Since the thesis leads to the issuance of a French national degree, it is expected to be written and defended in French. Another language can be used in two situations:
- In the case of an international joint supervision, the thesis is written and defended in the language specified by the international joint thesis supervision agreement pertaining to the doctoral student.
- In the event that the subject dealt with requires, for specific reasons, the introduction into the thesis of a foreign language, the use of this language is then authorized by the Head of the university after consulting with the Doctoral School board. The application must be submitted in compliance with the conditions provided in the Thesis Charter no later than six months prior to the considered defense date.
Defended theses
Here you can find the theses defended at UTLN