Avoiding Corrections
If you go for a walk on a rainy day you can step around as puddles as much as you like, but your shoes are probably going to get pretty wet. That’s just what happens. You can’t avoid it. If...
corrections
Unlikely Unconditional
If your idea of viva success hinges on your thesis passing with no corrections, then you’re probably going to feel disappointed. A few years ago I asked a lot of people about their viva experiences and only around 10% said...
Aware of the Outcomes
I don’t think I knew – at all – what the result of my viva might be. I naively expected that I would pass, and I was right in expecting that. I suppose I expected I would have to make...
Minor
Most candidates get minor corrections as a result of the viva. I’ve talked with plenty of candidates who worry about what this might mean for them. Words that correspond with minor in the thesaurus: …inconsequential, unimportant, lesser, slight, trivial, small-fry,...
Incorrect
Corrections don’t always mean you are wrong. It could be that you’re not clear, or that you’ve not considered something, or that you could use something extra in your thesis. But they don’t always mean you’re wrong. They’re very rarely...
Passing Prestige
There are different outcomes to vivas, but in the grand scheme of things there’s no real hierarchy with them. We know this because when everything is complete you’re not awarded anything extra for how you pass. Corrections, minor or major,...
The OK Thesis
Perfect is the enemy of done, but does it then follow that it’s fine to submit an “OK” thesis? One which you know has typos in? One which you know could be better? One which you know has things you...
Major, Minor, None
You’re most likely to get minor corrections. Check to see how much time your university allows for them to be completed. Passing usually means, “passing subject to completing these” – so find out the timeline in advance for the most...
The PhD Epilogue
After the final act, the climactic battle between good and evil, heroes and villains clashing, a white knuckle adventure with thrills and chills… …there’s corrections. It’s always worth remembering that for most candidates the PhD process does not end with...
Nearly All
Nearly all candidates say they’re nervous. Nearly all vivas result in a pass. Nearly all candidates could be prepared for their viva if they choose to be. Nearly all examiners are good. Nearly all candidates get minor corrections. Nearly all...