The viva
This page provides guidance on how to successfully navigate your viva examination.
- The viva
- Viva Preparation Checklist
- The format for a viva
- Top tips for handling the viva discussion
Preparing for your doctoral viva
Preparing for your doctoral viva requires both thorough knowledge of your research and strategic preparation.
Take a look at our advice below, and don’t be daunted, as many doctoral researchers have positive experiences of completing their vivas.
Congratulations, you have submitted your thesis! Now for the next challenge – defending your thesis in the ‘viva voce’ or ‘viva’ as it is usually referred to. Latin for ‘by live voice’, you will be required to defend and explain your thesis to a panel of academics. There is a stereotype that your viva will be a terrifying experience – but that is only one interpretation! Many doctoral students have found their viva experiences to be inspiring and encouraging, enabling them to discuss their passion for their thesis with experienced experts.
Viva preparation checklist
- I know my thesis thoroughly
- I have written a one-page summary of each chapter
- I have continued to work with my thesis after submission or have begun to prepare a conference paper or publication
- I can explain how my thesis fits into the big picture
- I have kept up to date with relevant literature
- I know what the implications of my research are to both theory and practice
- I have had a mock viva with my main supervisor
- I have asked my peers to quiz and challenge me about my thesis
- I have explained my thesis to friends and family who are not familiar with it
- I have investigated the backgrounds and publications of my examiners
- I have looked at my institution’s guidelines for vivas
- I have produced a list of likely questions that could be asked
- I have identified areas of my thesis that are likely to be challenged
- I have marked up my thesis to help me refer to it in the viva
- I know how I will be informed of the outcome of my viva
The format for a viva
Regulations differ between institutions as to the format required for the thesis.
In the UK and some other countries, the viva is conducted in a non-public space, e.g. in a private room, with at least two examiners. At least one of these will be from another institution (an external examiner), and another will be an expert in your topic area.
In the UK, the supervisor of your doctorate does not participate in the viva, but sometimes observes it. Occasionally, someone from your own institution is appointed as an independent chair.
Outside of the UK, some countries make the viva defence a public event and require the doctoral candidate to give a lecture explaining their thesis. This is then followed by a discussion with a panel of examiners who ask questions. The audience can also ask questions of the doctoral candidate. It is becoming more common in the UK for the doctoral candidate to give a lecture about their thesis, this is not a part of the official viva examination process and may or may not be attended by the examiners.
Preparing for your viva
Prepare, prepare, prepare – for your viva! It’s recommended not to ad lib your viva, as you will need to show that you know your thesis thoroughly.
Things to take with you to your viva
- Your thesis – annotated if you wish
- A list of questions that you might be asked and your planned responses
- Any questions that you want to ask your examiners
- Additional notes which you have made during your revision
- A list of minor corrections that you have come across during your revision
During your viva
During the viva it’s a good idea to remain as calm as possible – a relaxed, thoughtful and non-confrontational manner will demonstrate your professionalism and evidence how you respond to a challenge. Be prepared for weaknesses and criticism to be discussed in your thesis – try not to take this as personal reflection, but to explain your research and to practise taking on board feedback. You are allowed to refer to your notes if you forget something, as you are not expected to remember everything that you have read and written perfectly.
Top tips for handling the viva discussion
- You can ask for questions to be repeated or for clarification on ambiguous questions
- Pause and take time to think before responding
- Be ready to ask your own questions of the examiners and to engage in dialogue
- Be ready to discuss your work in the context of other research completed in your field
- You can admit if you don’t know the answer to a question
- Be prepared to express your own opinions
After your viva – possible outcomes
Read more about what happens after your viva.