What You Want

There might be things you need for your viva, like a specific date or a reasonable adjustment. Needs have to be met.

Wants are different.

• You might want a specific academic to be your external examiner.
• You might want certain questions.
• You might want to have no unexpected questions.
• You might want to feel confident or to not feel too nervous.
• You might want a morning viva.
• You might want a viva over video.

Wants might be difficult or impossible to arrange. They might require compromise, coordination or persuasion. How do you make the case? And how do you deal with the wants that can’t be satisfied?

Focus on your needs first and then remember that what you want most of all is to succeed at your viva.