Episode 32: Ask an Examiner 1
I’ve had a lot of requests over the past few years to interview someone who has experience as a thesis examiner. It’s not difficult to see why: there are a lot of mysteries around examiners in the viva. Who are...
Podcast
Viva Survivors Podcast: Patreon Campaign
I love making this podcast I really do. This project grew out of a desire to help PhD candidates close to finishing their PhDs. I want them (you!) to realise that the viva is going to be OK – it’s...
Episode 28: Dr Anthony Whittaker
In this episode I talk to Dr Anthony Whittaker, whose PhD research produced a portfolio of original music compositions along with a commentary on the work. It was really interesting talking to Tony – fascinating because his experience of research...
Episode 27: Dr Claire O’Callaghan
It’s the first new episode in many months, hurrah! In Episode 27 I’m talking to Dr Claire O’Callaghan, who completed her PhD at the University of Leicester last year. Her research was in English Literature and Gender Studies and focussed...
Episode 26: Dr George Julian
In this episode I’m talking to Dr George Julian, who completed a PhD in the Psychology of Special Education in 2003 at Cardiff University. George is the creator of VivaCards, a great little innovation in viva prep. As well as...
Episode 23: Dr Peter Rowlett
In this episode I’m talking to Dr Peter Rowlett, who recently completed his PhD at Nottingham Trent University. Peter’s research was multidisciplinary and was in the areas of computing and maths education; he did his PhD part time as well,...
Episode 22: Dr Richard Hinchcliffe
It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally here! A brand new episode of the podcast, and not a moment too soon. I’ve known Dr Richard Hinchcliffe since 2005 when I was a newbie PGR. Richard directed the very...
Episode 21: Dr Jessica Goodman
In this edition of the podcast I’m talking to Dr Jessica Goodman, who recently had her viva at Oxford. Jess’s thesis looks at the work and experiences of Carlo Goldoni in Paris in the 18th century, and her research approaches...
Episode 19: Dr Lauren Roffey
In this episode of the podcast I talk to Dr Lauren Roffey, who had her viva in December 2012. Lauren completed her PhD in environmental social science at the University of East Anglia, and her research centred around the role...
Episode 18: Dr Anna Krzywoszynska
In this episode I talk with Dr Anna Krzywoszynska, who completed her PhD in Human Geography at the University of Sheffield last year. Anna’s research was in organic wine production in Italy. It was really interesting to hear about how...