Handing in your PhD thesis after months of hard work may well be the most gratifying moment in your doctoral journey. While you may be happy and relieved to have completed this important milestone, there is one last challenge to be met before you can earn your PhD degree – that of delivering an impactful PhD viva voce. The viva voce is an oral examination where doctoral candidates are invited to defend their PhD research. The objective of the viva is to establish your competence as a researcher and to confirm that the research thesis submitted is your own work1
The format for the viva may differ based on the country or institution. Some countries, like the UK, have a private viva with a panel of at least two examiners, while others hold the PhD final viva in a public setting, with students having to present their research and answer questions from a panel of examiners and the audience.2
Having to defend your research in the presence of accomplished experts in your field can be very intimidating. In this article, we share proven strategies to help you prepare for and deliver an impeccable PhD viva voce.
Tips to help you prepare for your PhD viva voce
- Know what is expected of you: Check your institution’s policies to understand how the PhD final viva will be structured. Specifically, ask about the number and role of the examiners, whether there will be an independent chair, and whether your supervisor will participate. You should also confirm the format of your PhD viva voce – public, private, or online. Some institutions also offer students training on or opportunities to practice your viva, which is something you shouldn’t miss.
- Learn more about the examiners: You will be presenting to senior academics with unique backgrounds and views, so it is important to learn more about their professional profiles and published work, especially if their research relates to your thesis. This will give you an idea of where they are coming from and the kind of questions they may ask.
- Draw up a list of possible questions: It is always a good idea to try and anticipate the kinds of questions that may be asked of you. Most will be based on your thesis, so may seem easy but take time to practice vocalizing the answers. Some of the common topics for discussion are:
- What is the main research question you hoped to address?
- How do you think your thesis contributes to your field of research?
- Would you change anything if you had to start your research again?
- What, in your opinion, are the strengths and inadequacies of your thesis?
- Why did you pursue a PhD and what are your plans for the future?
- How would you proceed from here if research funds were not an issue?
- Revisit and revise your thesis thoroughly: It is always a good idea to carry a copy of your thesis; ensure the pagination matches what the examiners have so that you can easily refer to it and call out critical results or data as you explain your research. Highlighting key text can help you answer questions more quickly and confidently. It is also important to have a good understanding of your field of study, including where your work fits in and how it can be used to develop future research.
- Plan toward your PhD viva voce presentation: Once you get a date for your PhD final viva, plan backwards so you have enough time to review your work. Usually, a viva may take roughly two hours, so pace yourself, arrive well ahead of time and ensure that you are carrying everything you need for the day. If your PhD viva voce is online, make sure you have a strong internet connection and are seated in the right environment. Keeping a positive attitude, taking time to relax and ensuring you get enough sleep the day before the viva will help you stay alert.
Simple advice to keep in mind when delivering your PhD viva voce
Here are a few things to keep in mind during your oral examination.
- Prepare for the icebreaker: The ice-breaker is a 5-10 minute introduction about you and your work. It helps set the tone for the rest of the viva, so do take time to think about how you can make it impactful.
- Start strong and stay committed. Respond with precise, detailed answers that demonstrate your knowledge and thought process. Vague, non-committal answers could raise red flags for examiners and lead to negative reviews. Take time to understand the question and answer to the point. Be prepared to provide supporting data from your research if required.
- Request clarity on ambiguous queries: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications if you don’t understand a question. Some questions can be tricky and require a deep understanding not just on your subject matter but also on interdisciplinary aspects related to your research. If you are unsure about the answer, be honest and admit it.
- Express your opinions and ask questions: Think of the PhD viva voce as an open and honest dialog where you discuss your research, especially in the context of other work in the field. Feel free to ask questions or politely disagree if you do not agree with certain points. Use examples from your work to explain your views.
- Avoid being overconfident, defensive, or long-winded: While it’s important to know your research, it’s just as important to know how to act during the PhD viva voce. Staying humble, listening carefully, and keeping an open-mind is always helpful.
- Don’t worry about long silences: During the PhD final viva you may find yourself worrying about periods of silence from the examiners. Rest assured, this does not mean that you are not doing well, so be patient and stay calm.
References:
- Higginbotham D. 5 tips for passing your PhD viva. Prospects, June 2022. Available at https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/5-tips-for-passing-your-phd-viva
- Defending your doctoral thesis: the PhD viva. Vitae. Available at https://www.vitae.ac.uk/doing-research/doing-a-doctorate/completing-your-doctorate/your-viva
