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CLMS Research Day - 3 Minute Thesis

12 October 2023

An 80,000 word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present.
Your time limit for the 3MT is 3 minutes…

The College of Law and Management Studies invites all Masters and PHD candidates to participate in the 3MT competition

The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is an initiative of the University of Queensland (Three Minute Thesis – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) ). The competition is generally open to PhD and Masters students in the final stages of their research, and requires that students orate the substance of their research and its significance in just three minutes. Students are permitted to talk to only one slide (the slide may not contain any animations/automations). The challenge is to consolidate research findings and significance, and communicate these to a non-specialist audience.

The College of Law and Management Studies (UKZN) has included a 3MT competition track to the scheduled College Research Day. We invite all Masters and PhD candidates from our UKZN to participate on 12 October 2023.

Competition Rules

A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).

  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs).
  • Presentations are to be made in person.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
  • No notes are allowed (this can lead to disqualification).

Judging Criteria

Comprehension & Content

  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Were the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  • Did the speaker avoid academic jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement & Communication

  • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
  • Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

Please share this  with your Masters and PhD students and encourage those of them in the final stages of their research to participate in this competition.

Enter Competition