Reasons To Have A Mock Viva

Let’s categorise!

Bad Reasons To Have A Mock Viva

• You want to see exactly what your viva will be like.
• You want to rehearse answers to specific questions.
• You want to be grilled by your supervisor and prove yourself.
• You want to perfect yourself before you meet your examiners.

Good Reasons To Have A Mock Viva

• You want to see what vivas are typically like.
• You want to see what other people might ask about your thesis.
• You want to see how well you can answer unexpected questions.
• You want to boost your confidence for the real thing.
• You want to see if there’s anything else you need to do to prepare.

If you think a mock viva might help, it probably will. If you think it will do all of the work to make you “perfect” for your viva, it probably won’t. It’s practice, not perfection. Make sure you have the right reasons in your mind.