Rainbow’s End
Stories say that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The reality is that a rainbow’s end moves as you move. Make any progress in getting closer to where it appears to be and you’ll find...
Nathan
A New Page
Creating a summary is a useful viva prep task, but it can be a daunting one when you are faced with a blank page. There’s a lot of space to fill, and if you only intend to write something then...
Past, Present, Future
As you get ready for your viva: Look back over everything you’ve done that has got you this far. Consider what has helped you to grow and what you’ve achieved. Think about where you are now and what you can...
Hitting The Target
An archer doesn’t get close to the target consistently through luck. If their arrow flies and strikes the bullseye they have been fortunate: this particular moment of skill has been rewarded. It takes time, effort and learning to build capability...
Matters Of Context
Many aspects of the viva, viva prep, viva expectations and what to do in the many related situations depend on the circumstances. Do you start to prepare two weeks or four weeks before? Do you need to admit when you’ve...
The Distinction
Viva prep is the set of tasks and activities related to your research and thesis that help you be prepared for meeting with your examiners. You feel comfortable responding to their questions and engaging with the discussion. Viva prep involves...
Make A Good Space
A few weeks ago I shared four pointers that help when preparing for a video viva: Read the regulations because then you know what your institution expects. Talk to friends so you can find out about their recent experiences. Practise!...
An Invitation
Your examiners are invited to be at your viva. Like most invitations they can decline if they need to or want to. A viva is a much bigger commitment than the hours on the day for an examiner. If they...
Hats & Rabbits
A magician lays their top hat on the table after showing that there’s nothing inside. They cover the hat with a silk handkerchief and wave a wand – and just like that a rabbit appears! It’s magic! We are amazed!...
Good Day Socks Work!
I wore a pair of my good day socks to the viva – socks that I always wore when I wanted the day to be a good day – and I passed! After my viva I continued to wear the...