After your viva – possible outcomes
- Possible outcomes of your viva
- Thesis corrections
- Thesis re-submission
- Planning for what is next
Each institution will have its own regulations as to how the candidate is communicated to about the outcome of their viva. Research your institution’s process for viva outcomes so you are prepared. In the UK, thesis outcomes are usually one of the following categories:
- Outright pass – your thesis needs no further corrections
- Minor corrections – your examiners have a few minor suggestions that need to be amended
- Major corrections or re-submission – the thesis will need further work to be doctoral standard. This might include more research, re-writing or incorporating further literature
- Suggestion that you should re-submit or are awarded a lower degree (e.g. MPhil or MSC). This would be the case when your research is strong but too narrow for a doctoral degree
- Outright fail – in extreme cases such as plagiarism, or the examiners decide that the candidate will not be able to complete the doctorate.
Thesis corrections
The majority of doctoral candidates will have corrections to complete after their viva. You will be given a deadline by your examiners and institution by which time you will need to make the corrections. It’s best to make the corrections as soon as possible before the deadline, to keep up the momentum of the PhD.
To help with making your corrections
- Take notes during the viva and write them up immediately after
- Meet with your main supervisor to dicuss the changes you need to make
- Analyse the examiner’s report thoroughly to ensure you have dealt with all the issues raised
- Proofread, proofread!
Thesis re-submission
The examiners, or usually only the internal examiner, will check that all the corrections have been incorporated before you can re-submit your thesis. Follow your institution’s regulations and process for submitting your thesis, including the format of the final submitted thesis, whether this be digital and/or a physically bound copy.
Planning for what is next
As your doctorate comes to an end, you are balancing a multitude of elements: completing your research, writing your thesis, preparing for your viva, publishing your findings and looking for employment. How best to manage all this is subjective, but here is some general advice:
If you have a deadline to submit by or are starting a new job by, then give yourself your own deadline to ensure you can finish with enough time for all your commitments. Consider factors such as the time needed to write each chapter, how long your supervisor will need to review your work and anything else important that will need arranging.
In what form do they need to see drafts of your thesis; how do they work? Understand the expectations required and factor in this time into your overall plan.
Writing and research can be infinite, so decide when ‘good enough’ has been reached. Prioritisation in the final phase of your doctorate will depend on your next career path, so decide your next move and do what is required to work towards that.
You have made it this far with your doctorate, so ensure that you do submit it. It can be easy to be pulled in other directions, so prioritise getting your thesis submitted.
It can be difficult to pull your attention away from your thesis to consider your career development. But taking time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, skills and competencies can enable you to find a compatible career path which will then give more structure to your priorities in the final stage of your doctorate.
Planning for what is next – careers outside of higher education
Studies show that only a minority of doctoral graduates work in higher education after graduating. The majority find work in careers outside of academia. However, the skills and competencies gained during your doctorate research can equip you well for careers in sectors outside of academia.
Improving your employment opportunities
We outline some useful tips to ensure you’re in the best position to create and grasp employment opportunities.
Keep informed of the industry or sector you want to enter – is this an area of growth or retraction? How competitive is it and what opportunities are available? Seek out careers information provided by your institution and use LinkedIn to find opportunities and make connections.
We all have networks, the key is to utilise them effectively and learn to develop them. A network can include friends, family, work colleagues, support staff in your institution, members of professional bodies that you are a part of, people you meet at conferences and training sessions, people from your social networks and more. LinkedIn is a great way to foster professional connections. Networks are two-way – if you give and help, then you can ask for help in return.
Raise your profile by attending conferences, giving talks, networking and involvement in committees amongst other things.
Undertaking relevant career related experience is crucial to pursuing the career path that you want to. However, even if you undertake experience that isn’t wholly relevant to the career you want to pursue, this can still be valuable in terms of perspectives and learnings. All experience is a means to develop transferable skills, and other skills that you may not be utilising in your current research role. Keep a look out for any work experiences, from Research Councils, learned societies, schemes, employers, within your institution or on training courses, committees or by writing a blog or organising your own conference.
Key things to takeaway
- 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.
- Preparing and planning for your viva will help you during the examination.