A Delay
There are many reasons why a viva might be delayed. Examiner or candidate illness could lead to a date change. Traffic or transport disruption could lead to a last minute change. Simple, random life stuff could force back the start...
Daily viva help for PhDs
There are many reasons why a viva might be delayed. Examiner or candidate illness could lead to a date change. Traffic or transport disruption could lead to a last minute change. Simple, random life stuff could force back the start...
This is a very common question about the viva and I have a lot of thoughts! The most honest response is simply, “It depends,” because it really does depend on the question, the discussion, the situation and what is really...
There are lots of whispers, rumours and half-truths about the viva. …I know someone whose viva was almost a whole day… …I’ve heard the internal barely says anything… …why do we have to have them, what’s the point, most people pass anyway… …don’t get corrections,...
If your thinking is blocked – you freeze or forget – in the viva: Stop. Just stop. Take a moment or two because you’ve probably not done that. Breathe. Before you can speak you need to have some air. Your...
Old viva advice says that the first question you’re asked at the viva will likely be easy, while the last question likely won’t be. Like a lot of advice, there’s a kernel of truth to this belief but a lot...
When you consider the viva, there’s not a lot you can be precise about. The reasonable expectations of the exam describe a range of possible experiences. Vivas vary in length, examiners can have lots of different backgrounds and every thesis...
Why was your viva so long? I’ve been asked many times before about why my viva was four hours long, but the question surprised me at a recent webinar. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it had been some time since...
You might have a viva that’s finished in an hour or less, but it’s not very likely. You can hope, but that’s about all you can do. Instead of hoping you get some rare occurrence, why not focus your energy...
Ask your family and friends to give you a little space, time and quiet in advance of your viva. You need a good environment to prepare in. They can help provide that for you. Let them know what you need...
Like nervousness, silence might not feel comfortable sometimes but it doesn’t necessarily mean something negative. In your viva a moment of quiet could be while you or an examiner checks a detail or finds the right place in your thesis....