Umbrellas
Viva prep is a bit like carrying an umbrella on an uncertain day. You look out the window. There are clouds. They’re grey but not dark grey. It might rain but it might not. You could leave the umbrella and...
Daily viva help for PhDs
Viva prep is a bit like carrying an umbrella on an uncertain day. You look out the window. There are clouds. They’re grey but not dark grey. It might rain but it might not. You could leave the umbrella and...
How about a little music to prepare by? Whenever I need a quick thinking break or need to gather my ideas I listen to Clair de lune by Debussy. I think it’s my favourite piece of music. Listening to it...
If you’re reading this and you’re in your first or second year of your PhD, you don’t have to worry about your viva! You don’t have to give it any great thought: for now, keep on with the main work...
That’s the viva. You’re doing something you have done many, many times throughout the last few years – thinking about and talking about your research and your ability as a researcher – and this is the last time you’ll need...
Viva prep is work: a series of actions that steer you towards being ready for your examiners. You can approach it as a finite project, setting out tasks and activities to a plan for yourself, but it might also help...
Annotation helps you to prepare in two ways. First, you have to think carefully about your thesis while you add the notes or emphasis you need. Second, you have a more helpful resource for your viva. Annotation is effective...
Your examiners will have a plan for what they want to talk about at your viva. This isn’t a script. They’re not asking a set list of questions like a questionnaire. They’re using pre-prepared questions and points to prompt the...
What do you need to take to your viva? Your thesis. Annotated in advance, carefully read and available as a resource to help the discussion. Pen and paper. Something to write on and something to write with, according to your...
Ask for help when you’re getting ready for your viva. Talk to your friends and colleagues in your department. Get them to listen to you talk about your work or ask about their experiences. Get the benefit of their help!...
I don’t advise every PhD candidate take a month to get ready for their viva but a month is a good place to start from when considering your plans. Viva prep – the deliberate tasks someone does to get ready...