The List
Every candidate has at least one list for their viva. It could be a list of typos they’ve found or ten papers they think have made the most contribution to their research. Maybe it’s a to-do list for viva prep...
lists
What Matters
An incomplete list of what matters about you, your PhD, your thesis and your viva: That you did the work; That you put the time and effort in; That you feel reasonably confident for the viva; That you prepare for...
Some Significant, Original Questions
A thesis needs to contain a significant, original contribution. A viva needs to have some exploration of this. So in preparation for the viva’s discussion, it makes sense to spend some time reflecting and exploring these factors. On significant: Why...
The Anti-Top Ten Top Fives
Lists can be a good way to start reflections and summaries. I’ve previously shared Top Ten Top Fives and Ten More Top Fives as prompts to get candidates thinking about the best of their research. They can be a nice...
One Minute Prep
No, you can’t prepare for your viva in just one minute, but there are tasks you can do to help your preparation which only take a minute. Most of them lay foundations for later, deeper work. Here are ten ideas;...
20 Uses For Post-it Notes In Viva Prep!
Post-it Notes are some of the most useful things you can use to support your viva prep. They are excellent for helping to annotate your thesis. Raid the departmental stationery cupboard, then begin: Mark out the start of each chapter....
Best of Viva Survivors 2018: Lists & Questions
To finish 2018 I’m sharing my favourite posts from the last year. I find lists helpful. I find questions helpful. A list of posts about lists and questions should be super-helpful! Structure helps, and having organised sets of tasks can...
20 Small Steps To A Better Viva
Your viva can’t be the best, but there are many steps you could take to make yours better. Proofread your thesis before submission. Read your institution’s thesis examination regulations. Take a break after submission. Put Post-it Notes in your thesis...
7 Questions For Selecting Examiners
Need some help thinking of who could examine you? Start with these six questions to get a list of names: Whose work have you built on in a meaningful way? Who have you met at conferences? Who has a good...
Ten More Top Fives
Earlier this year I shared a list post, Top Ten Top Fives, that had ideas on how to get started with thinking about the viva and viva prep. A simple setup, prompts to get ideas flowing and start making notes....