Completing a PhD is a monumental achievement, but the journey doesn’t end once you’ve submitted your thesis. The final hurdle is the viva voce (Latin for “living voice”) or simply, the PhD viva. This oral examination is the culmination of years of research and academic work, designed to assess your knowledge, argument, and contributions to your field.
What is a PhD viva?
A PhD viva is an oral defence of your thesis. It’s a formal, yet crucial, part of earning your doctorate. The primary goal of the viva is to demonstrate that your research is your own work, that it contributes new knowledge to your field, and that you have a deep understanding of your topic.
The viva typically consists of two or more examiners—one internal, from your institution, and one external, usually an expert in your field from another university. In some cases, a chairperson is also present to ensure the examination is conducted fairly.
What happens during a viva?
Pre-viva preparation: Before the viva, your examiners will read through your thesis carefully, noting any questions, critiques, or areas that need clarification. This means that you will be thoroughly tested on the material you’ve submitted.
Opening questions: The viva often starts with general questions about your research motivation, methodology, and the significance of your work. For instance, “What motivated you to choose this topic?” or “Can you summarize your key findings?” These questions are designed to ease you into the discussion.
Detailed examination: The examiners will go into specific aspects of your thesis, including your methodology, theoretical framework, and conclusions. They may challenge your assumptions, question gaps in the literature, or ask you to justify your research choices. Expect probing questions such as “Why did you use this particular method?” or “How does your work differ from previous studies in this area?”
Corrections and revisions: It’s common for examiners to request corrections or revisions. These can range from minor edits to more substantial reworking of certain sections. Don’t worry—this is normal and part of the academic process. Even the best theses often require some level of revision.
Decision and outcome: At the end of the viva, the examiners will deliberate privately. You may be asked to wait while they discuss the outcome. There are several possible outcomes:
- Pass with no corrections
- Pass with minor corrections (the most common outcome)
- Pass with major corrections
- Major revisions required (resubmit for further review)
- Resubmit for MPhil
- Fail (which is rare if you’ve reached this stage)
Top tips for succeeding in your viva
Know your thesis inside out: This might sound obvious, but it’s essential. After spending years writing it, you may be overly familiar with your research. Re-read your thesis thoroughly before the viva and anticipate questions that could arise. Be ready to explain and defend every aspect, from your research methodology to the interpretation of results.
Understand the wider context: Beyond your thesis, you should have a good understanding of the broader context of your field. Examiners might ask questions about how your work fits into current debates, trends, or future research areas. Be prepared to discuss how your research contributes to the larger body of knowledge.
Practice with mock vivas: One of the best ways to prepare is by conducting mock vivas with colleagues, supervisors, or peers. They can ask you challenging questions and simulate the viva environment, helping you practice articulating your answers under pressure.
Stay calm and take your time: It’s natural to feel nervous, but the examiners aren’t trying to trip you up. They want to assess your knowledge and understanding, not intimidate you. Take a moment to think before answering, and if you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit it and offer to explore the issue further.
Clarify if unsure: If a question seems unclear, ask for clarification. It’s better to ensure you understand what’s being asked than to answer something incorrectly. Asking for clarification is a sign of engagement and attentiveness, not weakness.
Be open to criticism: Remember, the viva is not just about defending your work but also showing that you are open to academic critique and improvement. If the examiners suggest alternative interpretations or approaches, engage with their ideas thoughtfully, even if you don’t agree.
Prepare your summary: You’ll likely be asked to summarize your thesis at the beginning of the viva. Practice delivering a concise, clear overview of your research, findings, and contributions. This will set the tone for the rest of the examination and give you a confident start.
Look after yourself: The viva can be physically and emotionally demanding. Make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and comfortable on the day. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break if you need one during the examination.
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