On Wednesday, Nov 22, I attended an LJMU Doctoral Academy Session, and took these Notes:
LJMU Doctoral Academy Session- 7 Reasons You’ll Pass Your Viva
Wed 22 Nov
With Dr. Nathan Ryder
99.9% of UK PhD candidates pass their Viva (That is 999/1000 pass).
Most PhDs have to make corrections, so that is anticipated, and does not indicate failure
You can know what your examiners are there to do.
Explore the significant original contribution.
Unpick the how’s and why’s of my research. (…why I used these methods and what are my motivations.)
Examine your capability as a research.
You know who your examiners will be.
There are regulations, expectations and norms. (i.e., Specific to the
Ask if there will be an independent chair (impartial observer to “verify the viva was fair”)
Ask how long they typically last in my school/department
Perfection is not required. You just have to do well.
Respond as best as you can, but sometimes it’s asking a question, or saying I need a moment, or ask them to reframe the question.
You are allowed to pause, think and respond.
You can prepare for it, not just hope you will succeed. (20-30 hours)
Read the thesis to refresh
Annotate it- it’ll be useful, one-of-a-kind for me. (Underline, highlight, make notes in margins, whatever.)
Write summaries of it…or top 10 list…or make notes about the reviewers.
Check recent literature- is there anything that I’ve missed…to continue to develop, and to be up-to-date.
Find opportunities to rehearse…I.e., mock viva, give a seminar,
Sketch out a plan-I.e., block out 1-2 hours a week over the course of the two months prior to it.
You are talented and not lucky.
I am hardworking and enough of my hard work pays off. I.e., I am fortunate
I am knowledgeable, skillful, and good at what I do.
I am not lucky, I am good at what I do.
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