Umbrellas
Viva prep is a bit like carrying an umbrella on an uncertain day. You look out the window. There are clouds. They’re grey but not dark grey. It might rain but it might not. You could leave the umbrella and...
Daily viva help for PhDs
Viva prep is a bit like carrying an umbrella on an uncertain day. You look out the window. There are clouds. They’re grey but not dark grey. It might rain but it might not. You could leave the umbrella and...
How about a little music to prepare by? Whenever I need a quick thinking break or need to gather my ideas I listen to Clair de lune by Debussy. I think it’s my favourite piece of music. Listening to it...
Need help for your viva? Here are seven tips: Know what you need. It’s easier to get help if you can appreciate the gap that help helps with! If you’re not sure, reflect and try to put it into words....
Viva prep is work: a series of actions that steer you towards being ready for your examiners. You can approach it as a finite project, setting out tasks and activities to a plan for yourself, but it might also help...
Annotation helps you to prepare in two ways. First, you have to think carefully about your thesis while you add the notes or emphasis you need. Second, you have a more helpful resource for your viva. Annotation is effective...
Your examiners will have a plan for what they want to talk about at your viva. This isn’t a script. They’re not asking a set list of questions like a questionnaire. They’re using pre-prepared questions and points to prompt the...
What do you need to take to your viva? Your thesis. Annotated in advance, carefully read and available as a resource to help the discussion. Pen and paper. Something to write on and something to write with, according to your...
Ask for help when you’re getting ready for your viva. Talk to your friends and colleagues in your department. Get them to listen to you talk about your work or ask about their experiences. Get the benefit of their help!...
I don’t advise every PhD candidate take a month to get ready for their viva but a month is a good place to start from when considering your plans. Viva prep – the deliberate tasks someone does to get ready...
Don’t rush into viva prep. Make sure you have everything you need and a plan to help you get through the work you need. Do small tasks first. Check the regulations. Ask for help. Place bookmarks at the start of...