Crumbs
That’s the way the cookie crumbles! An old saying which means that some things have a tendency to behave in a certain way. There’s no equivalent saying for vivas, but there are still lots of patterns that tend to be...
Daily viva help for PhDs
That’s the way the cookie crumbles! An old saying which means that some things have a tendency to behave in a certain way. There’s no equivalent saying for vivas, but there are still lots of patterns that tend to be...
Supervisors have a responsibility to help their candidates understand what’s expected of them. Universities have a responsibility to ensure candidates have access to regulations and support. Independent chairs for the viva have a responsibility to set the tone, observe and...
Every viva is unique, but there are enough common experiences that you can help yourself be ready. It’s like walking through the countryside and you don’t quite know where your destination is. Your travelling companion asks where you’re going and...
For over a decade Viva Survivors has been geared towards the PhD viva and helping people get ready, but PhD candidates aren’t the only postgraduate researchers who have a viva. What if you’re doing an EngD or an EdD? Or...
A few loose thoughts… Viva regulations are impersonal. They give structure. Section 2, paragraph 3, check appendix 2A. Regulations say yes and no. They specify and describe: this is a pass, this is a fail. But viva outcomes...
Every viva is unique, but expectations show that yours will not be a total unknown. Expectations provide an outline. “Vivas are generally like this and not like that.” Viva expectations shape preparation and build confidence. The set of expectations you...
It’s one of the most common things people say about the viva. I believed my examiners would grill me but instead we just talked about what I had done… I thought I would go blank but it was just good...
If you check the viva regulations and talk with friends who have been through the process then you can start to appreciate the possible timing of your viva. Ask how long people had to wait for a viva date and...
Every viva is different because every thesis and candidate are unique. Your thesis and experiences will to some extent ensure that your viva is different from every other viva before or after yours. Every viva follows patterns because of university...
Every viva is different but knowing what to expect can help you to paint a picture for yourself. Read the regulations, listen to stories and find out about norms in your department or discipline. Your viva will be different from...