university of bristol phd viva

University of Bristol Law School PGR Blog

Preparing for the viva.

Preparing for the viva voce? This can be a daunting and scary process. This is not only because there are elements of the unknown, but also because of what the event of the viva marks in the ‘PhD journey’. Anxiety and apprehension before the viva may also be exacerbated by ‘horror stories’, about vivas that have not gone well. I suggest that you put the ‘horror stories’ in the bin, approach preparing for the viva voce as another learning process in the ‘PhD journey’, and view the viva as an opportunity to discuss your work with experts in your field that are interested in your work! Williams et al (2011) suggest that the viva “allows you to demonstrate your understanding in a different way from the written form of your thesis” (Williams et al 2011: p. 85). This post is aimed at sharing some tips in preparing for one’s viva, and providing reassurance in that preparation, as well as hopefully limiting nerves during the preparation process.

Preparation is Key

• Reading and re-reading your thesis;
• Apprehending questions that may be asked in the viva;
• Thinking about answers to those questions; and
• Having practice sessions answering those questions.
• Also making sure that you eat well, sleep well, and get some exercise.

The Viva: What to Expect?

 Read and Re-read your Thesis                   

What type of Questions to Expect?

Practice, Practice, Practice

 Have a Mock Viva

 Create a ‘Viva Checklist’

• Statute book (dependent upon the content of your thesis);
• Water bottle (talking is thirsty work!); and
• A notepad and pen/pencil for any notes you may want to take at the end.

Useful Preparatory Resources

Here I set out some of the resources I found particularly useful in preparing for the viva:

Most departments organise a session on preparing for the viva voce. These are extremely useful, especially as they allow you to gain the perspectives from a person that both has done the viva but also examines Ph.D. theses.

‘Viva Cards’

Further materials I found useful

• Part 5 – The oral examination: the viva, in Williams et al (2011) COMPLETING YOUR PHD ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Completing-Your-Pocket-Study-Skills/dp/023029281X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450399662&sr=1-1&keywords=COMPLETING+YOUR+PHD );
• Chapter 15 – The viva, in Petre and Rugg (2010) The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unwritten-Rules-Research-Study-Skills/dp/0335237029 );
• Chapter 7 – The PhD examination process, in Finn (2005) GETTING A PhD An action plan to help manage your research, your supervisor and your project ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Action-Research-Supervisor-Project/dp/0415344980/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450399820&sr=1-1&keywords=GETTING+A+PhD+An+action+plan+to+help+manage+your+research%2C+your+supervisor+and+your+project );
• Murray (2015) How to Survive Your Viva Defending a thesis in an oral examination ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0335263887/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0335233821&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1M090DP65B4C9TWX8TH6 ).

Good luck in preparing for your viva!

Post by: Dr Emily Kakoullis, University of Bristol Law School.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Bristol Doctoral College

Academic Writing Month

Focusing on your writing this month? Take a look at our writing resources and upcoming workshops.

Find out more

Resources for new students

Find out how the Bristol Doctoral College can support you as you settle into research life and our wonderful city.

Events and opportunities

Connect and collaborate with other postgraduate researchers through our programme of regular and one-off events and activities.

Personal and professional development

The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) programme supports you to become an outstanding researcher.

Doctoral training centres

Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of funding and support for PhD research training in the UK with 30+ bodies  offering funded opportunities.

Current research students

We’re here to support your development and enhance your experience with training, events and opportunities.

Study at Bristol

Learn more about your options for postgraduate study, see our research programmes , and details of fees  or  funding & scholarships .

Partnerships

The Bristol Doctoral College builds relationships with cross-sector organisations, funding agencies and overseas universities.

Be More Empowered for Success PGR

This programme plays a key role in influencing positive change for home Black, Asian and minority ethnic PGRs.