Arrangements & Implications

After submission and before your viva there are several questions that it helps to get answers to:

• Who is your internal examiner?
• Who is your external examiner?
• Have you read the regulations? (if no, do it!)
• Have you asked friends and colleagues about their viva experiences? (if no, do it!)
• When is your viva?
• Where is your viva?
• If your viva is going to be online, have you checked regulations for video vivas? (if no, do it!)
• Do you know who else, if anyone, will be present at your viva?
• If you need any additional arrangements made for your viva to be fair are you sure your university knows and has agreed to what you need? (if no, check with them!)

These questions are helpful checks but notice that they are all closed questions. Information helps but you then need to use the information.

It helps to know who your examiners are or to have a date for your viva but you then need to do something. Your examiners’ identities help you to prepare for meeting them particularly. The date and location of your viva can help you think through what you will need to do practically on the day.

Arrangements have implications. What do you need to do as a result of your viva logistics?