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Workshops

Independent Webinars and Workshops

I deliver a variety of sessions for universities all around the UK and have also been sharing these directly to people who need them. Independent sessions are shared over Zoom, with booking and registration handled by Eventbrite. If you want to see details of upcoming sessions then check out this link to see what’s in my diary and how you can book on to a session.

Viva Survivor

Viva Survivor is a three-hour session designed to help postgraduate researchers be well prepared for their viva. To date, it’s been delivered to over 7000 PhD candidates at universities around the UK. By the end of a session participants will have

  • identified what examiners are looking for when they examine a thesis;
  • discussed the many ways that others can support preparation;
  • explored valuable viva preparation methods;
  • established realistic expectations for the viva;
  • discussed common questions about the PhD viva.

Participants have opportunities to ask any and all questions, so that everyone can finish the session unburdened and ready for the viva. Participants are encouraged to approach their viva with confidence, and this is the main message of the session: Viva Survivor aims to help with the final steps of the journey now that the hard work is done.FYVwordle1Past participants have said the following:

“The course is very useful for understanding what a viva will be and making it seem less scary. Nathan was very approachable, and clearly explained and structured information.”

University of Manchester participant

“Thank you very much, this is the most useful course that I’ve taken since I started my PhD.”

University of Liverpool participant

“Thank you for the ‘Viva Survivor’ session which really helped with my doctoral viva last Friday – ‘exemplary’!”

Bangor University participant

“I passed my viva yesterday and I’ve no doubt that without attending your workshop it would have been not nearly as pleasant an experience! I felt at ease knowing that I’d properly prepared and I enjoyed it.”

University of Sheffield participant

If you would like more information about the Viva Survivor webinar session for your institution or to check pricing and availability, please contact me.

1-hour Webinars

Since April 2020, I’ve developed and delivered 1-hour webinar sessions that focus on specific aspects of the viva and viva preparation. 7 Reasons You’ll Pass Your Viva is a confidence boost to help candidates see that they will pass, and what they then need to focus on. The webinar has been delivered to large groups of participants and received really good feedback for almost three years!

https://twitter.com/EmilyLeQuesne/status/1247891249224245255

These webinars would be useful as part of a researcher development programme for final year researchers, or part of a virtual conference. As well as delivering them for universities, I currently share these and other sessions independently on a semi-regular basis. If you want to know more for your institution then email me, or if you’re looking to attend an independent session then take a look at the @VivaSurvivors Twitter account or my Eventbrite profile.