Although viva questions can vary, they commonly focus on four aspects: “
What the project is about?
”, “What were the key findings or observations?”, “What was the process?” and “Why do the observations matter?”. However, in some cases, these questions can be more diverse.
What questions are asked in a viva?
- Can you start by summarising your thesis?
- Now, can you summarise it in one sentence?
- What is the idea that binds your thesis together?
- What motivated and inspired you to carry out this research?
- What are the main issues and debates in this subject area?
How do you prepare for a viva?
- Read your thesis. …
- Don’t over prepare. …
- Think about the potential questions. …
- Talk to people who have passed their viva. …
- Arrange a mock viva. …
- Know your examiners. …
- Relax. …
- And finally… Enjoy it!
What do you say in viva?
- Calm Down and Breathe. Working yourself up is only going to make things worse, by stopping you sleeping, and making you ill. …
- Do Something Fun. …
- Believe in Yourself. …
- Go in with a Good Attitude. …
- Dress for Viva Success. …
- Read Your Thesis. …
- Know the Rules. …
- Make a List of Your Own Corrections.
What does a viva consist of?
Your viva panel will consist of
an external expertise in your subject area and an internal which may be in a subject field associated
or directly related to yours.
How do I pass my viva?
- 5 tips for passing your PhD viva. Author. …
- Understand what’s expected of you. A viva voce is an oral test, which literally translated means ‘with the living voice’. …
- Know your thesis inside out. …
- Anticipate the viva questions. …
- Learn about your examiners’ own work. …
- Plan towards the viva exam.
How do I introduce myself on viva voce?
- Don’t start it with the phrase ” Myself is ABC or Myself ABC “. Always say – My name is ….or I am …….
- Tell them about the place you belong to. …
- Give details regarding your higher education on the basis of which you have applied for the job.
Can you fail a viva?
Failing a Viva
The student had come to University A to work with Professor X. … Advice to students before a viva: If you have good relations with a supervisor who you see every week or two, and your supervisor has agreed that your thesis is ready to be submitted, then
it is very unlikely that you will fail the viva
.
How long is a viva?
There’s no set duration for a viva
. Sometimes it can be as short as an hour or even less, there are occasionally 30-minute vivas. It’s unusual for them to last longer than three hours, but you’ve undoubtedly heard some of the nightmare stories ab-ut seven or even 10 hour vivas.
Can you take notes into a viva?
It is a
safe activity
.
Don’t forget your thesis, pen, notepad, notes, bottle of water, tissues, painkillers and anything else that will get you through… it’s your viva, your thesis, your day.
What do you do if you don’t know the answer to viva?
I don’t know could be your answer
to a question
in the viva, but it doesn’t have to be all of your answer. Say why. It can be as simple as “I didn’t do that” or “I didn’t read this.” Or perhaps, “I’ve not thought about it that way, but let me have a think…”
What is a correct pronunciation?
Pronunciation is the way in which a word or a
language is spoken
. This may refer to generally agreed-upon sequences of sounds used in speaking a given word or language in a specific dialect (“correct pronunciation”) or simply the way a particular individual speaks a word or language.
How do you answer a viva question?
- Summarize your project/thesis/research in 3 minutes. …
- What is the strength and weakness of your research? …
- What makes your thesis work original? …
- Elaborate on how your findings relate to literature in your field. …
- Tell me about yourself. …
- Summarise your key findings.
How do you greet examiner in viva?
Greet The Examiner
Use these magical phrases during the viva exam –
good morning, sir/ma’am, thank you, sir/ma’am and sorry sir/ma’am
. Wish the examiner good morning after entering the exam hall. If you don’t know the answer say, ‘I don’t know,’ immediately.
Can you fail a PhD?
Ways You Can Fail A PhD
There are essentially two ways in which you can fail a PhD;
non-completion or failing your viva
(also known as your thesis defence).
Why is it called a viva?
Viva voce, is often translated as
living voice or word of mouth
. In the viva you have to answer questions and engage with your examiners. You have to demonstrate that the expertise that created your thesis is lodged in your brain.
