Board of Studies for the Degree of Master of Engineering Science

The Board of Studies for the Master of Engineering Science by course work and thesis was established in 1964.  On 5 February 1964 a first meeting of the Board was held as Provisional Board of Studies for the Master of Engineering Science by course work and thesis. At its second meeting on 17 March it was reported that the Governor had approved the By-Laws for the Master of Engineering Science by course work and thesis. 

A discussion then was held about the role of the Board to ensure the Board would be able to fulfil its function of acting as a unifying influence on the Departments and of serving as a substitute for the external examiner system which operated with other higher degrees in the Faculty. It was suggested that two examiners be appointed for the thesis, the supervisor and a second examiner who would be more or less external.

It was also agreed that the role of the Board of Studies and the rules which it laid down be evolved and developed as its experience grew. It was felt that maximum flexibility should be maintained provided always that this was consistent with the maintenance of high standards. [Board Minutes 17/03/1964]

The last entry for the Board of Studies in Engineering Science is in the 1981 Calendar. At that stage it was supervising the admission and work of candidates and the award of the degree of Master of Engineering Science. The Board consisted of the Dean of the Faculty, the Registrar, the Heads of the Departments of Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Electrical Engineering. Chemical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering, the Administrative Assistant to the Dean, five other members being members of the Faculty, elected one from each of the above mentioned Departments by the Faculty, and up to three members co-opted by the above mentioned members. The Board was responsible for courses, examinations, and the supervision of a candidate’s project in a field of study approved by it. It appointed a supervisor in respect of the candidate’s project and at least two examiners of the thesis of whom at least one might be an external examiner. It reviewed progress of each candidate at the end of each calendar year and on the recommendation of the Head of the Department concerned, could terminate the candidature of any candidate who had not shown evidence of sufficient progress towards the degree. It considered the results of the examinations and the examiners' reports of the thesis and made a recommendation regarding the award of the degree to the Faculty.

The role of the Board seems to have been taken over by the Academic Board at least from 1982 onward when the requirements for the degree were prescribed from time to time by resolution of the Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty of Engineering and the Academic Board.
 

The last hard copy minutes in the minute books held by Archives are dated 17/12/1979.