Your viva is a chance to show your in-depth knowledge of your subject area and discuss the important research findings that you have made - whether they are positive or negative.
A doctoral degree is a training process. Your examiners will be there to:
- establish you have achieved this training and that the work contained in your thesis is your own.
- see that during the course of your degree you have started to become an independent well-rounded researcher who is making a valuable contribution to the research community.
The Graduate School has put together a complete online resource Passing your Viva, including information on the processes involved, and videos on both a student perspective and an examiner's perspective.
If you want to request a remote Viva, you should read the Guidance for Students on the Modality of Final Thesis Research Degree Vivas.
Preparing for your Viva
Before your Viva takes places there are some steps you can take in preparing yourself for the examination:
Accordion
- Anticipate questions that will be asked
- Mock viva
- Review your material
- Keep calm, relax, sleep well and eat well
You can review the useful videos and resources put together by a group of UK universities demystifying and giving advice to students who are preparing for their viva.
You may also consider attending some workshops to further develop your communicating research skills.
During your Viva
Just as when delivering any other presentation, remember to breathe, pause between sentences and engage with your examiners. Regular eye contact is key.
If you do not understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat it. If you do not know the answer to a question, just be honest and say so.
When answering questions, take a moment to think before you speak. That way you will ensure you give a detailed but concise answer and will avoid waffling in an unfocused manner.