Working Out Your Prep Priorities
There are lots of things a candidate could do to get ready for the viva. There’s a few things that they need to do. There’s only so much time in and amongst the realities of a busy life to get...
Daily viva help for PhDs
There are lots of things a candidate could do to get ready for the viva. There’s a few things that they need to do. There’s only so much time in and amongst the realities of a busy life to get...
Right? Right?! Your thesis doesn’t appear by magic. Your results don’t just happen. You are good. Your thesis is there because you are good at what you do. You must be good to have come so far. Right? Keep going.
What if your external examiner cancels with a week to go? What do you do if you get an email asking you for submission fees, and you’re sure that doesn’t apply to you? What would you do if you broke...
It’s my birthday, and it dawned on me that I’ve put a lot of myself into the daily blog since I started it in 2017. I recorded an episode of the Viva Survivors Podcast a long time ago with my...
After the viva there’s a few more things to do – corrections, completion, graduation – like an epilogue or a mid-credits scene at the end of a movie. You have more time to show your talent. Your viva is an...
In preparing for the viva you have your thesis, your knowledge, your talent… …and a lot of things potentially in your way, stopping you from getting ready! Busy days, family ties, worry, uncertainty over what to do – there’s lots...
How did you get interested in this area? How would you summarise your research? Could you tell us about your most important contributions? There are other potential opening questions. None are trivial, all rely on a deep knowledge and talent...
No two vivas are completely different either. One friend might have a two hour viva, another’s is three – but both got minor corrections. One friend might have been asked to give an overview of their research to start, while...
There are lots of reasons. Any one of the following might be enough: You did the work. You’re talented. Your examiners are there to examine, not interrogate. Vivas have expectations. Examiners have responsibilities. You can prepare for the viva… …and...
There’s lots of Finally!!! moments at the end of a PhD. Finally!!! My thesis is finished! Finally!!! My viva is almost here! Finally!!! I’ve passed my viva! Finally!!! My corrections are done! Finally!!! I’ve graduated! I’m finally, finally, done! At...