Regulations for Examination in the Doctor of Engineering Programs (RED) of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS)
It is deemed necessary to outline the regulation of the doctoral degree education of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering in accordance with an announcement of the Ministry of Education entitled “Graduate Studies Program Standard Criteria 2005” along with the academic philosophy following the memorandum of understanding between RWTH Aachen University and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok signed on 22 October 2004 (B.E. 2547) and 20 September 2011 (B.E. 2554).By virtue of Articles 22(2) and (9) of the King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok Act 2007 (B.E. 2550) and the Academic Council’s resolution on its 2/2013 meeting on 11 February 2013, the University Council on its 7/2013 meeting on 14 August 2013 thus established this regulation.
Item 1 This regulation is hereby entitled “the Regulation of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok Concerning Doctoral Degree Education of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering 2013”
Item 2 This regulation is applied to all new students enrolled in semester 1/2013 onwards.
Item 3 This regulation has been drafted in Thai and English versions. In case of any discrepancies in the interpretation, the version of the regulation in Thai language shall prevail.
Item 4 All existing regulations, notices and orders that are found inconsistent with the provisions of this regulation shall be annulled and henceforth will be replaced by this regulation.
Item 5 This regulation is overseen by the President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok. Any procedures related to doctoral degree education, but remain unstated, must be proposed to the University’s Academic Council for further consideration.
Item 6 In this regulation,
“University” means King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
“University Council” means the Council of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
“Academic Council” means the Academic Council of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
“President” means the President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
“TGGS” means The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering.
“Dean” means the Dean of the TGGS.
“Program” means all curricular graduate programs offered for the doctoral degree programs in the TGGS.
“Department” means department or other equivalent sector which offers doctoral degree program in the TGGS.
“Head of Department” means head of department or head of other equivalent sector in the TGGS.
“TGGS Committee” means a committee appointed to manage the TGGS.
“Program Coordinator” means the head of field of study in the TGGS.
“Lecturer” means a lecturer in the TGGS.
“Student” means the student in doctoral degree program in the TGGS.
“Doctoral dissertation” means a written document reporting an independent study or a research project aiming to develop and construct the body of knowledge in a field of study, which is supervised by the dissertation advisor and is a part of the degree requirements.
Item 7 Educational system
The educational system of the doctoral degree program of the TGGS is an international program using English language as a medium of instruction according to the TGGS’s Announcement.
Item 8 Educational management
The program is a two-semester system. The academic calendar consists of two semesters. Each semester is not less than 15 weeks.
Item 9 Regular duration of study
(1) The study load has a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 12 semesters.
(2) Length of the program is counted from the semester in which a student once registers in the program.
Item 10 The program structure focuses on research in order to develop academic and professional individual. Degree completion must conform to the requirements stipulated by the program. The dissertation module normally has a minimum of 54 credits.
Item 11 Qualifications of an applicant
(1) An applicant must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in research studies program (plan A) and obtained a minimum GPA of 3.50 or equivalent.
An individual lacking a minimum GPA of 3.50 must have work experience in related field and may apply under the consent of the TGGS committee.
(2) An applicant must have English language proficiency according to the rules of the TGGS.
(3) An applicant must have other qualifications as noted by the program or the TGGS.
Item 12 Criteria for admission
(1) An applicant must pass entrance examinations by any means requested and announced by the TGGS, or
(2) In exceptional circumstances, an applicant is selected in special cases for study under the consent of the department committee and the TGGS committee.
Item 13 Enrollment
(1) A student accepted to study must enroll for credits in order to hold a student status.
(2) A student accepted to study must enroll according the procedure announced by the TGGS.
(3) A student is not permitted to enroll in more than one program at the same time.
Item 14 Study plan
Study plan means plan and activities that a student must complete in each semester as assigned by the program.
Item 15 Registration
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- Registration must follow the academic calendar. A student who has not completed the registration process within 15 days after the beginning of the semester will no longer be considered as a student.
- A student is allowed to register for a minimum of 9 credits and a maximum of 15 credits in each regular semester.
- Maintaining student status
- A student who has completed his/her course requirements and is working on other degree requirements that do not require enrollment in courses must nevertheless maintain his/her active student status for continued advising services until graduation, or terminated from their academic program.
- To retain a student status, a student must complete the registration process and pay the fees within 15 days after the semester begins. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status.
Item 16 Leave of absence
A leave of absence is a temporary interruption of one’s studies for a period of one or two semesters. A student wishing to make a leave of absence needs to maintain the student status.
- A student may personally request for absence from the dissertation advisor and the head of department, and receive approval from the Dean within the period specified in the university announcement. It can be requested under the following conditions:
- A leave of absence for military service for the duration of military service obligation.
- A leave of absence due to study or conduct the research abroad with exchange scholarship or other scholarship.
- Illness with absence for more than 20 percent of class attendance; a medical certificate is required.
- Other personal reasons can be considered if a student has studied for at least two semesters.
- Leave in item (1)a. is granted according to the conditions and the requirements of the military. Leave in item (1)b. is granted according to the conditions and the requirements of the scholarship funding resources. Leaves in items (1)c. and (1)d. are granted for no longer than two consecutive semesters. If necessary, only one more semester of leave is granted.
- When the leave of absence is granted, the duration of absence is counted as part of the maximum length of study except absence in item (1)a.
- Before the period of approved leave of absence, a student must retain student status by paying the fees within 15 days after the semester begins. The student must retain status when the leave is granted. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status, except the absence in item (1)a.
- After a period of approved leave, a student can resume studies by submitting the request to the head of department and with approval by the Dean at least one week prior the registration period begins.
- Special circumstances other than (1)-(5) shall be subjected to the consideration of the President.
Item 17 End of student status
A student status is ended according to the following reasons:
- Death
- Approved resignation from the program
- Completion of the graduation requirements of the program
- As approved by the Dean, a student status can be terminated under any of the following reasons:
- A student does not complete the program within the maximum period mentioned in Item 9.
- A student does not register or does not pay the tuition fees within the deadlines.
- A student does not follow the conditions specified for leave of absence.
- A student does not follow the rules and guidelines mentioned in section 5, dissertation and defense examination.
- Breach of discipline mentioned in Item 36.
Item 18 Resumption (Reinstatement) of student status
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- A student who is terminated from reasons in Items 16(4) and 17(4)b. can resume a student status within 15 days after being terminated.
- A student must pay the resumption fee and the tuition fees in order to resume studies.
- Resumption of student status must be approved by the Dean with the consent of the Head of Department.
- Once resumption of status is approved, a student officially regains status and resumes studies.
Item 19 Resignation
A student requesting a resignation from the program must submit the request to the Dean through main advisor and the Head of Department.
The resignation became effective with the Dean’s approval.
Item 20 Faculty members in the doctoral degree program
(1) A regular lecturer is a person employed in the TGGS (TGGS) as a lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor. Regular lecturer is in charge of a full-time teaching in the program.
(2) A guest lecturer is a person invited to teach in the TGGS. The guest lecturer must hold a doctoral degree with or without an academic title; and must have experience in teaching and conducting research not considered as a part of the degree program.
Item 21 A dissertation advisor and defense examiners
(1) A dissertation main advisor must be a regular lecturer who holds a doctoral degree and specializes in a field of research; or must be a foreign specialist/professor as announced by the TGGS. The main advisor is in charge of giving advice and supervising the dissertation.
(2) A dissertation co-advisor must be a lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor who holds a doctoral degree and specializes in the field of research; or must be an associate professor or a professor in related field. The co-advisor must have experience in teaching and conducting research apart from one’s own graduation. The co-advisor cooperates with the main advisor in giving advice and supervising the dissertation.
(3) A dissertation defense examiner must be a lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor or an external specialist who holds a doctoral degree and specializes in the field of research.
Item 22 Appointment of a dissertation advisor and defense examiner
The Dean will approve the appointment of an advisor and examiner. The appointment will be confirmed by the TGGS committee.
Item 22 Appointment of a dissertation advisor and defense examiner
The Dean will approve the appointment of an advisor and examiner. The appointment will be confirmed by the TGGS committee.
Item 23 The process of thesis (dissertation) preparation and thesis examination
(1) Appointment of Thesis Advisory Committee
(2) Dissertation Evaluation
a. Doctoral Qualifying Examination
b. Thesis Proposal Examination
c. Thesis Progress Examination
d. Thesis Defense Examination
e. Other evaluation apart from ((2)a. –d.) depends on the main supervisor’s consideration
Item 24 Appointment and Change of a main dissertation advisor
A graduate student must have at least one main advisor at the beginning of enrollment. The co-advisor is optional.
The student can submit a request form to change a main dissertation advisor with the consent of both the current and proposed advisors. The student has to ensure that the new advisor will undertake their work before getting approval. The change of a main dissertation advisor must be approved by the TGGS committee.
Item 25 Thesis (Dissertation) Examination
(1) Doctoral Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination is best viewed as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and in- depth understanding of research they have. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to ensure that the student has sufficient background knowledge needed for their thesis topic.
a. Submission of Request Form for Doctoral Qualifying Examination form
Prior to the qualifying examination, the student must submit the request form to the TGGS within the first 3 semesters. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status.
b. Appointment of Doctoral Qualifying Examination Committee
The Doctoral Qualifying Examination Committee normally comprises of the following members:
- The chairman who has the qualification as stated in the item 21 (3), who should not be the main advisor or a co-advisor.
- The other members of the committee must have the qualification as stated in the item 20 or 21. However, at least one of the qualifying examination committee members has to be the main advisor.
The outcome of the qualifying examination is decided by the number of votes from the members of the qualifying examination committee. If the main thesis advisor and co-advisor participate in the committee, their vote must be consolidated as one.
The main thesis advisor will propose 3 names as members to the Dean for further appointment.
c. Qualifying Examination Procedure:
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- A student must submit the request form for Doctoral Qualifying Examination to the TGGS through the advisor and the Head of Department.
- After the examination, the advisor will report the result to the TGGS through the Head of Department and announce the result within one week from the examination date. The student will hold the doctoral candidate status.
The process and procedure of the Qualifying Examination will comply with TGGS rules and announcements.
d. Failing the first qualifying examination:
The student who fails the first qualifying examination must submit a request form for retaking of the qualifying examination within one month after the announcement of outcome. The student must take the second qualifying examination within 3 months after the approval.
e. Failure of this qualifying examination will result in termination of student status.
The student who could not pass his/her first qualifying examination and do not submit the request form to retake it; as in 25(1)d., and those who fail the second qualifying examination will fail the qualifying examination and his/her student status is terminated.
(2) Thesis Proposal Examination:
A student who passes the qualifying exam could submit the request form for the Doctoral Thesis Proposal Examination to the TGGS through their main advisor and Head of Department. The submission process conforms to the announcement of TGGS.
A student who wishes to change the topic after the initial one has been approved must submit a request for Thesis Proposal Examination. The thesis starting time would be counted from the new date of approval for the thesis (dissertation) title.
(3) Thesis Progress Examination:
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate students’ thesis progress including their understanding of the content. It assesses the organizational and conceptual skills of the students necessary for their defense.
A student could submit a request for the Thesis Progress Examination after 3 months of the approval date for the thesis title (Thesis Proposal Examination).
a. Submission of Request Form for Doctoral Thesis Progress Examination
Prior to the progress examination, a student must submit the request form for Doctoral Thesis Progress Examination form to the TGGS through his/her main advisor.
b. Appointment of Doctoral Thesis Progress Examination Committee
The Doctoral Qualifying Examination Committee normally comprises of the following members:
- The chairman who has the qualification as stated in the item 21 (3), who should not be the main advisor or a co-advisor.
- The other members of the committee must have the qualification as stated in the item 20 or 21. However, at least one of the thesis progress examination committee members has to be the main advisor.
The main thesis advisor will propose 3 or 5 names as members to the Dean for further official appointment.
c. Progress Examination Procedure
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- A student must submit the request form for the Thesis Progress Examination to TGGS through the main advisor and Head of Department.
- After the examination, the advisor will report the result to the TGGS through the Head of Department and announce the result within one week from the examination date.
The process and procedure of the Thesis Progress Examination will comply with TGGS rules and announcements.
d. Failing the first progress examination:
The student who fails the first progress examination must submit a request form for retaking of the Thesis Progress Examination within the duration specified by the Thesis Progress Examination Committee.
e. A student who passes the progress examination could submit a request form for the Thesis Defense Examination after 1 month of the approval date for the result of Thesis Progress Examination.
(4) Thesis Defense Examination:
The thesis (dissertation) defense examination is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge of their research area and overall process undertaken. The committee will evaluate the student’s performance and overall understanding of their academic knowledge to graduate.
a. Submission of Request Form for Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination
After one month of acknowledgement of the progress examination result, a student can submit the request form for the Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination to TGGS through his/her main advisor.
b. Appointment of the Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination Committee
The Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination Committee normally comprises of the following members:
- The chairman who has the qualification as stated in the item 21 (3), who should not be the main advisor or a co-advisor.
- The other members of the committee must have the qualification as stated in the item 20 or 21. This includes the thesis main advisor and other members. At least one external examiner from outside university is required for the committee.
The main thesis advisor will propose 5 or 7 names as members to the Dean for further official appointment.
c. Defense Examination Procedure:
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- A student must submit the request form for the Thesis Defense Examination to TGGS through the main advisor and Head of Department.
- After the examination, the advisor will report the result to the TGGS through the Head of Department and announce the result within one week from the examination date.
The process and procedure of the Thesis Defense Examination will comply with TGGS rules and announcements.
d. Failing the first defense examination:
The student who fails the first defense examination must submit a request form for retaking of the Thesis Defense Examination within the duration specified by the Thesis Defense Examination Committee. This will be considered as the last attempt.
Item 26 Dissertation Format
- The dissertation must be written in English.
- The manuscript format will be according to the TGGS Announcement.
Item 27 Dissertation Submission
A student is required to submit two copies of the manuscript with signatures of all committee members including an electronic version and abstract to the TGGS within the period specified by the KMUTNB Academic Calendar for the Dean approval.
Item 28 Fail Submission of Dissertation
Failure to comply with Item 27, the student will not be able to graduate. The student must register in order to maintain his/her student status until submit the dissertation, or until his/her student status is terminated.
Item 29 The dissertation approved by the Dean of TGGS is considered to be official and complete dissertation.
Item 30 Measurement
Measurement of the study is considered from progress and success of research work assign in each semester together with outcomes of the qualifying, progress and defense examinations.
Item 31 Evaluation
Grading system used for educational evaluation based on defined accomplishment is presented as follows:
Assessment Performance’s Quality
S Pass proficiency exam / Satisfactory
U Fail with inadequate achievement / Unsatisfactory
Ip Incomplete thesis work / In-progress
Item 32 Evaluation of Doctoral Qualifying Examination, Doctoral Thesis Progress Examination and Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination
“Pass” refers that the student has outstanding knowledge to conduct the research in their academic area together with the ability to analyze and apply their knowledge in a wider context. The student is allowed to take the proposal, progress and defense examinations. The student is expected to answer questions in the manner indicates his/her comprehensive knowledge in the field of research.
“Fail” refers that the student does not have sufficient knowledge and competence in research work. His/her abilities do not meet minimum requirements. Therefore, the student is not allowed to submit a request for the proposal, progress and defense examinations. It means that the student does not have sufficient understanding of the research he/she has studied so the student has to prepare more to retake the exam and make an effective presentation.
Item 33 The result of defense examination will be recorded on the student’s transcript when he/she graduates. The quality of the dissertation is defined as follows:
Excellent (Summa Cum Laude)
Very good (Magna Cum Laude)
Good (Cum Laude)
Satisfactory (Rite)
Item 34 A student who is eligible to graduate must complete the following requirements.
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- Pass the Doctoral Thesis Defense Examination
- Complete dissertation, in compliance with submission guidelines in item 27, and approved by the TGGS Dean
- Pass English Proficiency Examination with score according to the TGGS Regulation and Announcement
- Publish (or acceptance to be publish) the entire or part(s) of the dissertation in an international academic journal or other accepted academic publications as stated in the TGGS Regulation and Announcement
Item 35 Degree Approval
To be qualified for a degree, a student must meet the requirements as stated in the item 34. The student must be cleared of any outstanding academic debts in relation to his/her studies. Besides, the student must be free from any disciplinary actions imposed upon his/her out of disciplinary punishment, except in the case of petty offences according to the university disciplinary regulation.
Item 36 The incidents of academic dishonesty and plagiarism will be submitted by the advisor and the head of department to the dean. The dean will form the investigation committee and the outcomes of this investigation will be report to TGGS committee for consideration. If the student is found guilty, the student will get the penalties as follows:
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- If the student is not completed with the study, his/her student status will be terminated.
- If the degree is granted, the committee will report to the university council for degree revocation.
Item 37 All current doctoral degree programs of TGGS are under the quality accreditation according to the Ministry of Education’s Qualifications Framework for Higher Education 2009 (B.E. 2552). The assessment for revision must be conducted at least every 5 years.
Item 38 This regulation will apply to TGGS students who are pursuing their degree and enrolled at the university prior semester 1/ 2013 and have not graduated, except that the former issues are more advantageous still remains effective.
Announced on August 14, 2013.