Have you submitted your thesis, or are you getting close to completion? Are you now contemplating the next step in your PhD? This online course guides you through the process of preparing for your viva and giving the best possible performance on the day.
Through videos, activities, and worksheets, you’ll learn what to expect from the viva and also make a start on your preparation. There’s help from Wonderwoman and the Pointer Sisters, too.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear strategy and more confidence in facing this next challenge.
We’ll demystify the viva and answer questions such as:
- How are my examiners chosen?
- What on earth are they going to ask me?
- How do I deal with mistakes?
- What if my mind goes blank?
- How do I cope with difficult examiners?
This course is based on a workshop delivered by Dr Catherine Pope to more than 300 students across seven universities. There’s no guarantee you’ll pass your viva, but you’ll certainly feel much better prepared.
Here’s what we’ll cover …
Introduction
- Hello and Welcome
- What Are Your Viva Fears?
Planning
- What is a Viva
- Choosing Examiners
- How Much Time Do You Need to Prepare?
Preparation
- Preparation – Stage One
- Preparation – Stage Two
- Preparation – Stage Three
- Practising
- Preparing for the Day
Performance
- Performance – Introduction
- Typical Viva Format
- Question and Answer Strategies
- Managing Nerves
Conclusion & Next Steps
- Next Steps
- Viva Outcomes Revisited
- Dealing with Corrections
- Summary
Feedback
"I just wanted to get in touch to let you know how useful and enjoyable the training was. It made me feel a lot less nervous and more prepared for the viva. I have recommended it to all my PhD friends.”
"I wanted to let you know that I passed my viva directly (no corrections) yesterday! The session you organised for us really helped me to prepare and feel confident about the process."
"I learned so much about the process which no one had ever explained to me. Catherine was really clear and very calm and reassuring. I now feel that I have a really good idea of how to prepare myself."