First and Last Questions
The first question in the viva is likely to be simple: it’s something you will be able to respond to. A question that asks about an aspect of your work that is familiar – maybe a big picture, “How did...
Daily viva help for PhDs
The first question in the viva is likely to be simple: it’s something you will be able to respond to. A question that asks about an aspect of your work that is familiar – maybe a big picture, “How did...
You probably have at least one account with a major internet entity that backs up your photos, or where you share what you’re up to in some way. It’s likely that you post or tweet or save a photo away...
In the year before your viva you don’t need to do much to get ready. Your focus is on finishing research, finishing your thesis and thinking about life after the PhD. In the month before your viva you can start...
Every writer is asked this, at least from time to time. Postgraduate researchers are asked this too, particularly in the viva. “Where do you get your ideas?” “Why did you want to follow this research topic?” “How did you know...
These are not opposite ends of a spectrum. Nervousness is a response to importance; we tend to feel nervous about an important event, good or bad. Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance, certainty or capability. Nervousness says, “I hope this...
Your viva prep does not need to be confined to book work and solitude. While a mock viva is the most notable prep activity that involves others, it’s not the only task that you could involve others in. Sit down...
Viva preparation is a short term project. You don’t need to start getting ready before you submit. You don’t need to focus your final year on building up for the viva. If you have a long time to go before submission...
Read your thesis. Make notes. Reflect on your PhD journey. Rehearse being in the viva. Plan your prep to avoid pressure. Can we say a lot more? Of course! Do we need to say more? Sometimes. Can we make it more complicated than it...
The viva is a conversation. The viva is a test. The viva is the end of the PhD. The viva is pass or fail. The viva is inevitable. The viva is something you can prepare for. The viva is an...
You do the research and you write a thesis. Two examiners, one from your institution and one from elsewhere, prepare to examine you. They read, make notes, think and discuss what they need to to do at the viva. On...