Expect Unique
If you ask around about viva length, two to three hours is fairly common. If you google you’ll find lots of lists of standard questions. On the day you will probably find out the result within thirty minutes of the...
viva expectations
Types of Response
You might not have an answer for every question in your viva. But in response you could offer an opinion or share a thought. You could ask a question for clarity or reveal how you feel about a topic. You...
Show Your Working
These three words were drilled into me in my former life as a mathematician. In solving a maths problem it wasn’t enough to find an answer, I had to show how I had got there. I couldn’t claim a result...
The Knack
My dad passed away quite suddenly when I was 17. I first shared this post on what would have been his 70th birthday. He’s been on my mind a lot lately. When I was little my dad was often self-employed....
The End of the Line
The town I live in is the last stop on our local train service. It’s been five months since I’ve travelled by train for work – or at all, come to think of it – but whenever I was returning...
Shadows
A shadow can be bigger than the object that casts it. Depending on the light, the distance, the angle, it might not be clear what the object even is if you only look at the shadow. Edges can be blurred,...
Internal & External
There are differences between your examiners, but it might be more useful to focus on what they have in common than what separates them. They’re both academics, both experienced, both prepared. They’ve both read your thesis, both thought about your...
Generalisations
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...
Three Simple Words
Are you prepared to say “I don’t know” in your viva? There’s only so much information, knowledge and talent you can build up before your viva. You’ll have enough, but you might not have everything. Perfection isn’t required: but do...
Wants & Needs For The Viva
Wants and needs are two different things, but they can be easy to confuse. You might want to submit a perfect thesis, but that’s impossible. So think, what does your thesis need to have? You might want the best possible...