Challenges

Formally the viva is an exam.

Practically it could be described as a discussion.

It’s accurate to call it a challenge.

It’s not wrong to be nervous about exams, worried about talking or concerned about a challenge. It’s human to feel any of those things.

 

Remember that the viva is an exam conducted as a discussion – and only a challenge because that’s what you’ve made for yourself. The viva is one particular challenge after many that you have overcome. You’ve worked hard to do the work, do the research and write your thesis. Along the way you built yourself up as well, in your knowledge, understanding and general capability.

Remember that the work that has got you this far is what will get through the challenge yet to come.