Daily viva help for PhDs
An archer doesn’t get close to the target consistently through luck. If their arrow flies and strikes the bullseye they have been fortunate: this particular moment of skill has been rewarded. It takes time, effort and learning to build capability...
Many aspects of the viva, viva prep, viva expectations and what to do in the many related situations depend on the circumstances. Do you start to prepare two weeks or four weeks before? Do you need to admit when you’ve...
Viva prep is the set of tasks and activities related to your research and thesis that help you be prepared for meeting with your examiners. You feel comfortable responding to their questions and engaging with the discussion. Viva prep involves...
A few weeks ago I shared four pointers that help when preparing for a video viva: Read the regulations because then you know what your institution expects. Talk to friends so you can find out about their recent experiences. Practise!...
Your examiners are invited to be at your viva. Like most invitations they can decline if they need to or want to. A viva is a much bigger commitment than the hours on the day for an examiner. If they...
A magician lays their top hat on the table after showing that there’s nothing inside. They cover the hat with a silk handkerchief and wave a wand – and just like that a rabbit appears! It’s magic! We are amazed!...
I wore a pair of my good day socks to the viva – socks that I always wore when I wanted the day to be a good day – and I passed! After my viva I continued to wear the...
PhD success is built on work. The happy accident can happen. You can be in the right place at the right time. When all things are considered though, you put yourself in that happy place with the decisions, determination and...
The purpose of viva prep is universal among PhD candidates: it’s part of the work that someone does to help them get ready for the particular challenge they’ll find in the viva. The principles of viva prep are sound for...
Highlighter pens can be a useful part of a viva prep toolkit. You can use one colour to show key references and another to make essential information stand out. You could add a colourful edge to specific pages or mark...