Thesis Defense – Guidelines

By regulation, master’s students have two years (24 months) from the date of enrollment to complete their thesis defense. For doctoral students, the maximum period is four years (48 months).

REQUIREMENTS TO REQUEST OR SCHEDULE THE DEFENSE:

• Complete the thesis defense committee request form available on the program website and attach the final version of the thesis in PDF format;

• Complete all 24 academic credits required by the program;

• Receive a passing grade (“approved”) in the qualifying exam;

• Submit proof of submission of a scientific article to a peer-reviewed journal in the field of Communication and Information (rated at least Qualis B1) to the program office.

DEFENSE COMMITTEE:

• The committee must include at least three members holding a doctoral degree, including the advisor;

• If there is a co-advisor, they do not count toward the minimum number of required members;

• The advisor serves as both a committee member and its chair;

• Other members must hold a PhD and, preferably, be affiliated with a graduate program, research institute, or hold equivalent academic credentials if affiliated with international institutions;

• At least one member must be external to both the PósCom program and UFES;

• If both the advisor and co-advisor are part of the committee, they collectively count as a single vote;

• Defense and qualifying sessions may be held in-person, remotely, or in hybrid format, and may take place on any academic weekday (to be arranged with the advisor);

• Additional PhD holders may join the committee as long as the total number of voting members is odd (counting the advisor and not counting the co-advisor);

• Individuals with close personal or family relationships to the student or any committee member—such as spouses, partners, or relatives up to the third degree—are not allowed to serve on the committee.

The defense request must be submitted by the student with the advisor’s approval, and must include all required documentation. A copy of the thesis must be sent to each committee member in the format requested, and a digital copy must be submitted to the program office. The final version must comply with formatting standards defined by ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards).

After the defense, the advisor must email the signed minutes of the defense and the approval sheet to the PósCom office. These documents must be completed and signed using the Lepisma system. External members may use any certified digital signature tool, such as the one provided by their home institution or by the Brazilian federal government (Gov.br).

Forms and additional guidelines are available at:

https://comunicacaosocial.ufes.br/pt-br/poscomufes/posdefesa

Extension Requests:

To request an extension, the student must send the following to the program office via email:

• The completed extension request form, signed by the advisor;

• A copy of the current thesis draft.

The request will be reviewed during the next program board meeting following submission.