An end in sight: surviving the Viva!

An end in sight Surviving the Viva!Rhona OConnellViva voceOral examination

Defence of a thesesReasons why PhD viva is requiredTo check whether it is your own work

To check your understanding of the work

To check whether it is worthy of a PhD Other issuesDefend the thesis!

Locate study in broader context

Opportunity to clarify unclear or weak areas

Ability to reflect critically on the workAnd alsoUnderstandingthat you're ready to become an independent researcherRelationship to other workthat you have a command of your subject-area Originality what is new about this workBest time . . .?Submission of our work

No more to be done

Time on your hands

Other peoples comments . . .?Preparation for viva

Where to start . . .PreparationRead and re read take notes

Anticipate the questions you'll be askedgeneric and specificBe familiar with the literature used and some you havent!

Who are the examiners? what is their interests?Have confidence in your work and your ability to defend itKnow your thesis . . .Familiarity with the literature and debates about the topicPrepare to justify and defend decisions madeHighlight the strengths and implications of the studyConsider what could be done differently Consider the implications of this study for further work or for practiceConsiderAny new literature (or any missed!)

Any publications prior to completion are helpful

Programme of further study?Reflect on existing skillsConfidence at oral presentationsWhat are your strengths when discussing our work?What are your weaknesses?Have you been asked difficult questions about your work?Have you explained your work well to others?Have you had feedback on your performance?How do you handle criticism?How do you handle pressure?On the dayHave breakfast . . .

Know where to go and arrive early

Bring a copy of thesis write all over it/ post-it notes /triggers

Prepare to summarise your studyKnow who will be present . . .Internal + external examiner

Supervisor present Someone on your side?Take notes, provide feedback, provide supportOr not . . .Independent chair/university official

Duration . . .Tips Relax and enjoy it, if possible! Listen carefully to the questions and take your time answering them. Provide enough information as relevant and avoid going off at a tangent. Handling difficult questions: If you don't understand, ask for clarification.. Treat vague questions as opportunity to tell the examiners what you think might be of interest If you really can't answer a question: Be honest and say you dont knowIf it's about literature you haven't come across, thank the examiner and ask for a reference.

ExaminersWill be prepared and will have read your work in detail

Examiners will usually agree in advance which areas they will focus on

Be aware of their research interests and previous publications Various approaches to questioning Sequential approachFrom literature review through to discussion Thematic approachBroad areas to more specificPage by page approach Systematically through each page or sectionOpening question???

Summary of study??

Why this topic selected??

Should demonstrate interest and familiarity with your workPrepare for the expected . . . Summarise the various areas addressed in this thesis

What are the interesting components of this work?

Who will be interested in this study?

Did your study turn out as expected?

How will this area of research develop over the next few years and do you see that you will have a role in this?Also expectedWhy is this subject important?

Who else thinks it is important?

Why has this study not been done before?

What is your contribution to this area of research?

Who will be interested in your findings?Anticipate questionsLiterature reviewedMethodologyOntological and epistemological questions?Methods decisions madeFindingsPotential pitfalls alternative results possible?Reliability/validity or rigour/ trustworthiness of dataDiscussionWhat is new, interesting, exciting about this study?Typical Viva QuestionsWhat is the study aboutKey findingsChallenges in undertaking this workImportance of this workWhat is exciting or newAny omissions what might you do differentlyLimitationsRecommendations (key)DisseminationImplications for further researchWhat about the unexpected?What can trip you up?When you are told that it is over. . .Reprieve from questioning

Relief

Awaiting judgement . . . Possible resultsPhD awarded

Awarded with minor revisions

Referral - major revisions required

No award or recommendation for lower degree (MPhil)Post vivaVarious experiences

Relief FrustrationExhaustion DelightedAnti-climax . . .

Are there corrections / changes to be made . . .Follow on work to graduation Procedures . . .

Timelines . . .

Revisions . . .AppealsAll Universities have appeal mechanisms

Ascertain grounds for appeal usually related to irregularities of procedures not academic judgment of examiners FinallyNot about surviving the viva but . . .an opportunity on how to do justice to yourself and your research and . . .perhaps even to enjoy the event!