Map, Compass, Landmarks
A map can show you all of an area, but to use it well you need either a compass or to have sight of some landmarks. The map won’t show every detail, but can show things that you can’t otherwise...
Daily viva help for PhDs
A map can show you all of an area, but to use it well you need either a compass or to have sight of some landmarks. The map won’t show every detail, but can show things that you can’t otherwise...
There’s no single way for someone to get ready for the viva. I wish I could say there was a specific sequence of tasks that would help every candidate get ready. If only it were as simple as saying, “Sit down...
It’s nice when someone says, “Good luck!” before your viva. It helps to know that others are thinking of you and wish you the best. At the same time it’s important to remind yourself that your success doesn’t need luck....
Think back over the course of your PhD journey to date. What stands out to you as the greatest challenge you overcame? Reflect and explore what you remember. Why was the situation a challenge for you? How did you work...
The viva isn’t the same as any regular day in your PhD, but it’s not so different either. Not really. Do you need to be prepared? Yes. Do you need to know what to expect from the viva? Yes. But...
Pause in the viva to think about what you’ve heard. Pause to gather yourself if you lose your train of thoughts. Pause to check something in your thesis. Pause to make a note. Pause to take a sip of water....
Thesis conclusions invite questions in the viva. Whatever the nature of concluding remarks, they can always lead to requests that go further or dig deeper. “What next?” or “What now?” “Are you sure?” “What else could you…?” “How else could...
Your thesis is not just facts and figures, ideas and information. The value of your research is not simply linked to it being done. A candidate, thesis or viva are not successful simply based on the ideas that are represented....
What little things could you do regularly to help yourself on the lead up to submission and the viva? Keep a little notebook to hand to capture thoughts about your research. Collect small stationery items to annotate your thesis. Set...
I love little quirks of language. We often use the verb give in connection with a presentation. It makes me think of gifts and presents – a present-ation! Sometimes PhD candidates are asked to prepare a presentation to start the viva....