Greenlight meaning and preparation (MSc)

The greenlight meeting determines whether the thesis meets the academic standard required to proceed to the defense. Prepare the complete thesis and the supporting administrative documents before the meeting.

What greenlight means

A greenlight decision confirms that:

  • another researcher can follow the documented reasoning and procedure;
  • the claims are supported by evidence;
  • the writing and structure communicate the argument clearly;
  • the methods are justified and the results have been checked.

The decision does not predict a specific grade. The final thesis may still receive any passing grade, and you remain responsible for its claims, methods, results, and conclusions.

You will have at least 3 weeks to respond to the committee’s feedback. Record each point, revise the corresponding part of the thesis, and prepare to discuss the same issues during the colloquium.

Before the meeting

Complete the following work:

  • Read the formal procedures, grading rubric, dates, and deadlines on the IEM MSc Thesis Preparation Canvas.
  • Finish the pre-thesis portfolio tasks.
  • Confirm the confidentiality agreement with the company when one is required.
  • Run the Report Quality Check.
  • Prepare a 20-minute presentation if you want practice and feedback.

Send the meeting package

Send both supervisors the following material at least 4 working days before the meeting:

  1. The complete thesis, including the management summary, abstract, results, discussion, and conclusions. The main text may contain up to 70 pages. The table of contents and appendices are excluded from this limit.
  2. The Thesis Similarity Report.

The abstract will appear in the UT repository. Write it for a reader who has not seen the thesis. State the problem, method, main quantitative and qualitative findings, and conclusion.

After the decision

Use the colloquium form from the MSc thesis Canvas course after you receive the greenlight. Fill in the form before asking me to sign it.

We will propose colloquium time slots within the next 15 days. Afternoon slots from 13:45 to 15:30 in the Ravelijn building usually give guests enough time to travel to and from the University of Twente.

Ask about unclear administrative requirements early. Some procedures require several working days.