Navigating Prep

I always assume that anyone who has to get ready for their viva has a busy life.

After submission I expect that any PhD candidate will have some combination of work they have to do, work they are looking for, odds and ends of research that need to be tidied up, a social life, personal responsibilities, caring necessities and family life – all essential things that reduce the available time for viva prep.

Which is OK! Viva prep is typically twenty to thirty hours for most candidates. The submission period typically ranges from one to three months. There is time but it’s probably a good idea to plan what you will do and when you will do it.

Navigating all of the other commitments you have – plus new and necessary ones that emerge as you work towards the viva – is much easier with a plan. When you sit down to start getting ready ask yourself:

• What do you need to do?
• What do you need to help you do what you need to do?
• What commitments do you know about?
• What commitments might come along as you’re doing your prep?
• And how can you reduce stress and pressure on yourself?

Remember that generally you have more power than you might think to work in a way that works well for you.