Normal vs Typical Vivas

The normal viva doesn’t exist. It’s a myth. There’s far too much variety in research, individuals and circumstances to allow for a normal viva.

There are typical vivas. There are patterns, trends, regulations and processes that produce reliable expectations.

For example, vivas typically last several hours, conclude with a short intermission while the (typically) two examiners confer and most often result in success – with candidates being asked most often of all to complete minor corrections.

There is a tension between the seemingly opposite ideas that vivas are unique and vivas follow patterns.

Explore the patterns to prepare for your unique experience.