The Long Distance Viva
A video viva is still just a viva in the same way that an ebook is still just a book. There are fundamentals that we would expect in both cases – a conversation in a viva, text in a book...
remote vivas
The Next Normal
We’ve not quite found the new form of the viva. In the UK, they’re all over video for now, but it’s too soon to say if that’s going to be normal from now on. There’s definite benefits: potentially greater choice for...
Comfortable Silence
There are many reasons for silence in the viva: A moment while a broadband router buffers in the background. Time while a page is consulted or a note made. Processing time while someone thinks through the implications of a comment....
Snacks For The Video Viva
So your viva is going to be over video. That could feel rough at times, but there are some interesting possibilities too. Why have a chocolate bar in your bag, like an in-person viva, when you could have a freshly...
Video Viva Checklist
When you submit, you’ve done a lot already that helps you in the viva. After submission you have an opportunity to do a little more work to help you get ready. If your viva is over video, you can do...
What Now?
Your viva could go really well. The point at which work and prep and expectation and anticipation all meet; you try so hard, push so much, show your best work and best self and then- It’s over. It’s done. And...
Remote Chances
Most vivas go well, but there’s always a chance that something could go wrong a little. With the move towards remote vivas, over Skype or Zoom, there’s that little extra room for doubt and worry that something might go wrong....
Check The Regulations
Three words that need to be on every candidate’s to-do list for the viva. The Regulations page I put together – a list of every uni in the UK’s thesis examination regulations – might be a good starting point for...
New Expectations?
It’ll take time to figure out what vivas look like now. Old, settled norms of “vivas are about this long” or “vivas have this kind of structure” will be in flux a little. Examiners will have to tweak their approaches,...
A Trial Run
Mock vivas have always been a good idea. A space to rehearse for the viva, an opportunity to build confidence at responding to questions and gain certainty that you’re prepared for the real thing. Now, more than ever, a mock...