Lots Of Ifs
If you were accepted on to a PhD programme… …and if you did the work over a long period of time, overcoming difficulties along the way… …and if you made a significant, original contribution… …and if you kept going even...
Daily viva help for PhDs
If you were accepted on to a PhD programme… …and if you did the work over a long period of time, overcoming difficulties along the way… …and if you made a significant, original contribution… …and if you kept going even...
It’s helpful to be kind to yourself and generous with timing for your viva prep. Getting ready doesn’t have to take long, but it won’t be the only thing you have going on. When it’s time to plan your prep,...
There are general reasons why people pass their viva. There is a structure to vivas, most candidates pass, the viva can be prepared for – all reasons that can help someone feel confident. As useful as these are, they’re not as...
The most common question people ask me about Viva Survivors is, “How do you write and publish a daily blog?!” Here’s the short version: I write everything myself: no out-sourcing, no guest-posts. I write posts weeks in advance, not on...
Not arrogance, but just a glow from knowing you’ve done something well. Something to talk about, something to celebrate. Where do you find that in your PhD? Explore how you could share that with others. Ask friends to listen to...
One day in late-August I found myself bursting into tears while casually browsing through a friend’s Facebook posts. They’d shared a short memorial post, and that was how I learned that Sir Ken Robinson had passed away. I cried reading...
You couldn’t do everything during your PhD and you can’t now when it’s time to get ready for your viva. Before you start your viva prep take half an hour to make a list: Take ten minutes to write down...
Read your thesis, at least once, before your viva. Once might be enough to help you recall the general flow of what you’ve set out and remember the most important details. Write out a paragraph for each key project you’ve...
PhD candidates often want to know about the “average” viva: How long do they usually take? What do examiners most often ask? How do they usually start? What’s the most common outcome? This is to be expected and a good...
Nothing. Nothing is going to stop you now your viva is in sight. You were good when you started your PhD, and have invested work and time into getting better. You’re good enough now. You started with ideas and questions,...