Daily viva help for PhDs
The viva isn’t hard to understand. You do the research over years, write your thesis probably over months and then talk with your examiners for a few hours. In the viva itself you’re discussing what you’ve done, what it means,...
Today is the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who and as I’m a massive nerd that had to inspire today’s thoughts! As a character, the Doctor is curious, helpful, determined and very, very clever – all things I believe that...
What did you discover during your PhD journey? I don’t know if that’s a typical viva question, but reflecting in advance on your discoveries can help you realise just how fruitful your journey has been. Discovery isn’t limited only to...
Be careful when you come to generalise your probable viva experience. Regulations, viva stories and hearing about vivas from your department all have a role to play in building up your personal expectations. Be sure you have enough suitable information...
The viva is an ending but also sparks questions about where your research could go next. What could someone do with your work, now that your thesis is finished? What would be the next steps for your research if you...
Before you submit your thesis check and double-check that it says everything you want it to say. Before your viva day take time to get ready: practical preparations and confidence building! Before your viva begins spend a couple of moments...
Your PhD thesis and your success at the viva don’t rest on you doing “all the things”. You need enough of the right outputs and outcomes for your research to demonstrate that you’ve achieved PhD status. If you have unfinished...
That’s how long your thesis will be finished. Once it’s done, it’s done. Maybe it will be a physical book on a shelf in the library or a file downloaded by researchers. It could be appreciated for many years to...
The PhD, the viva, your prep, the discussion, the decision, coming to terms with what it means to have achieved after you pass… ”It takes time” is a phrase that can be applied to every aspect of everything to do...
Worry Tummy – that’s what we call nerves and apprehension in our house. That’s what my daughter called it. Over time my wife and I took it on as part of the “secret language” of our family – the in-jokes,...