🚀 Activation Phase — Timeline, Milestones & Requirements [June 2026]

The Activation Phase is the final stage of your degree, where you will develop and submit your thesis project within your chosen Lab.

⏱️ Duration

• Core Phase: 4 months
• Grace Period: 1 additional month
• Total Maximum Duration: 5 months

👉 The expectation is to complete your thesis within the 4-month core phase. The final month acts as a buffer for submission and presentation.

🧭 Supervision Model

• Your Lab Owner is your Supervisor
• Supervision is primarily delivered through:
  • Live sessions (every 3 weeks)
  • Peer discussion and feedback
• If additional support is needed:
  • You may attend your supervisor’s office hours

👉 Use live sessions as your main feedback loop and come prepared with progress and questions.

📅 Structure & Live Sessions

• Live sessions take place every 3 weeks
• Sessions run until the end of Month 3

These sessions are used for:

• Guidance and feedback
• Proposal and progress reviews
• Peer learning and discussion

🧭 Key Milestones

🔹 Week 1 — Activation Kick-Off (Live Session)

• Introduction to your Lab and structure
• Overview of expectations and milestones
• Access to key resources (within your Activation Challenge):
  • Proposal template
  • Thesis template
  • Existing projects and research areas
• Begin working on your thesis proposal

🔹 Week 3 — Proposal Presentation (Live Session)

• 5-minute presentation of your proposal
• Receive feedback from peers and the Lab Owner

🔹 Week 3 (Post-Session) — Proposal Submission

• Submit your written proposal
• Proposal is:
  • Assessed for quality and direction
  • 0% weight (does not count toward final grade)
• Approval is required to proceed

🔹 Month 2–3 — Development Phase

• Literature review/research / prototyping/validation
• Continued progress through:
  • Independent work
  • Live sessions (every 3 weeks)
  • Optional support via office hours

🔹 Month 4 — Finalisation Phase

You must complete the following:

1. Submit Written Thesis

• Submit your thesis at least 1 week before your presentation

2. Book Your Presentation Slot

• Book via → [Insert Link]
• Confirm availability with your Lab Owner (Supervisor)

3. Submit Presentation Slides

• Submit 1 day before your presentation

🔹 Month 4–5 — Thesis Presentation & Defence

• Presentation duration: 15–20 minutes
• Q&A: 10 minutes (audience + supervisor)

⚠️ If submission deadlines are not met:

• Your presentation may need to be rescheduled

🎤 Presentation Requirement

Before presenting your own thesis, you must:

👉 Attend at least 1 thesis presentation event

This helps you:

• Understand expectations
• Learn from other projects
• Prepare effectively for your defence

📝 Submission Overview

📊 Final Assessment

Your final grade is composed of:

• 70% — Written Thesis
• 30% — Presentation & Defence

Proposal

• Mandatory submission
• 0% weight (not included in final grade)

⏳ Grading Timeline

• Final grade released within 2 weeks after your presentation

🔗 Key Resources

Available within your Activation Challenge:

• Proposal Template
• Thesis Template

Additional:

• Book Presentation Slot → [Insert Link]

⚠️ Important Notes

• You are responsible for:
  • Managing your time across the 4-month core phase
  • Meeting all deadlines
  • Engaging actively in live sessions
• Missing deadlines may result in:
  • Rescheduled presentation
  • Delays within the 5-month maximum timeline

🎯 Final Reminder

The Activation Phase is your opportunity to:

• Apply your knowledge in a real-world context
• Deliver a structured, high-quality thesis
• Demonstrate independent thinking and execution

Focus on:

👉 Clarity, consistency, and timely completion