What Can I Expect From A PhD Viva?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A viva voce is an oral test, which literally translated means ‘with the living voice'. It's a

focused discussion giving you the opportunity to defend your PhD thesis in

front of a panel of academic experts. … If you and the examiners agree, your PhD supervisor can also be present.

What are the questions asked in PhD Viva?

  • What is the area in which you wish to be examined?
  • What have you done that merits a PhD?
  • Summarise your key findings.
  • What's original about your work?
  • Which topics overlap with your area?
  • Where do current technologies fail such that you (could) make a contribution?
  • Who are your closest competitors?

Is a PhD Viva a formality?

Here is what I learned about vivas, PhDs, & myself. Here is what I learned from a grinding, traumatising and occasionally comic journey towards getting a PhD. In the UK, a viva is a verbal defence of your thesis; unlike other countries,

it is not a formality

, there are lots of ways it can go wrong.

What do you expect from a PhD?

A PhD qualification is predominantly

research-based

and students will be responsible for their own learning and development. … It should take from 3-4 years and will culminate in a thesis which outlines what you have learnt from your specific research area.

How do you examine a PhD Viva?

Assessment during the viva

The usual approach is to

ask some general questions in the initial phase of the discussion

, and then to work through the thesis, often chapter by chapter. Areas of potential concern will need to be probed in more depth.

How often do people fail PhD viva?

The above statistics indicate that while

1 in every 5 students fail

their PhD, the failure rate for the viva process itself is low. Specifically, only 4% of all students who sit their viva fail; in other words, 96% of the students pass it.

Can you fail PhD viva?

The following are some reasons that come to mind that might justify a failure in the viva: For the thesis:

evidence of academic malpractice

(plagiarism, etc.) fundamental methodological flaws, such as a poorly chosen method or a misapplied method that calls into question the scientific validity of the thesis.

How long does a viva voce last?

16) Expect your viva to last

between one and three hours

Obviously they vary. Discipline differences are important. Our research suggests that most natural and applied sciences vivas were completed in one to three hours, whereas arts, humanities and social science vivas were typically less than two hours long.

How long is a Masters Viva?

The viva examination usually takes

between one and two hours

. In some universities in addition to yourself and the two examiners there may be a senior member of academic staff present to act as chair of the examination. Your supervisor may also be present, although some universities do not allow this.

Is it possible to fail a PhD defense?

Originally Answered: Can you fail a pHD thesis defense?

Yes

, but it doesn't happen very often, because there are so many other things that you need to pass through before the defense. Don't let your committee read your beforehand. Email it to them minutes before your defense is scheduled to begin.

What do PhD students do?

What is a PhD student? A PhD research student takes

on a project focusing on a particular topic

. They will zone in on a research hypothesis, explore it and write up the results. Once they complete this they obtain a Doctor of Philosophy degree – which is the highest level of higher education.

How do you introduce yourself as a PhD student?

  1. Step 1: Say your name: Hi my name is Michelle. …
  2. Step 2: Say where you're from (if you're asked) I'm from Brazil. …
  3. Step 2: Say where in the university you work or study. I'm doing my PhD here in art therapy. …
  4. Step 3: How to talk about your research:
  5. Step 4: Ask the other person about theirs. What are you working on?

What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

What makes you the right candidate for this PhD? Ans:

I am a self-motivated person who is willing to give 100% in the project

. If I am selected for this PhD not only I will implement my existing knowledge but will also be open to exploring advanced techniques.

What do PhD examiners look for?

Examiners want to read

a thesis where the candidate has used the literature to argue

that: their interpretation of the field is accurate; their research question and approach are worthwhile, appropriate and address a significant gap in the literature; and their results and conclusions make an important contribution to …

How can I pass Viva without studying?

  1. Calm Down and Breathe. Working yourself up is only going to make things worse, by stopping you sleeping, and making you ill. …
  2. Do Something Fun. …
  3. Believe in Yourself. …
  4. Go in with a Good Attitude. …
  5. Dress for Viva Success. …
  6. Read Your Thesis. …
  7. Know the Rules. …
  8. Make a List of Your Own Corrections.

How long does it take to get a PhD through Viva?

The viva voce examination should normally take place

within three months

of the submission of the thesis/portfolio.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.