Thesis defense and degree

Research studies are finalized by a written thesis and a public defense by the respondent. The thesis is typically a compilation of chapters precedeed by a summary, but monographs also occur. The thesis must be publicly available at least three weeks before the defense. An opponent from another university critically reviews the thesis and the research contained therein during the public defense (only for PhD defenses). After this review the evaluation committee and audience may ask questions (applicable for both PhD and licentiate theses).  The evaluation committe then privately confers to reach a decision to approve or fail the respondent.