There are lots of unknowns for the viva. Lots of maybes and probables and expectations-that-should-be-true. This leaves plenty of space for doubts. What if…? Maybe if this happens…? It’s not hard to see why PhD candidates get nervous and worried in anticipation of their vivas.
Thankfully, though, there are also many certainties for your viva:
- You did the work.
- You must be talented.
- You know your research.
- You wrote your thesis.
- You know who your examiners are.
- You can prepare.
And while expectations are only the most likely circumstances, you can get certainty from the overwhelming number of viva stories that describe them as being fine. Not perfect, but a challenge you can rise to – by this stage, that’s certain.
