How do I pass my Viva?

How to pass a viva exam?

You will need to be able to answer questions both in summary and in depth. Keep testing yourself by practicing how to summarise your main arguments, your research outcomes, explaining why you chose the approach that you did and what your methodology was. Then work on longer answers.

Is it hard to pass PhD viva?

The PhD viva can seem like an intimidating process, but it actually serves a very simple purpose: proving that your research is original, that you understand its contribution to knowledge and – most importantly – that your work is your own. It's also very rare for students to fail.

How common is it to fail a viva?

Can you fail a PhD viva? Although the majority of PhD students are happy with the outcome of their PhD viva, things don't always go as expected, and some of the least appealing outcomes do happen. You can fail a PhD viva – although according to recent research by Discover PhDs this number is only 4%.

How do you give answers during a viva viva?

The viva: the examiner's point of view

What to say when you don t know the answer in 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.”...

How do you answer if you don't know the answer in Viva?

"I know I don't know the answer, but if I did know this is what I might do" and then tell them what you'd do. Follow that up with a question of your own, "would that work?" and see if you can have a conversation and not an interrogation. Don't panic, and do your best in the conversation to learn something new.

What happens if I fail my Viva?

If the dissertation is acceptable but the student does not pass the defence, the committee will probably reschedule another defence. It would depend on the reasons why they failed. For example, if a student was so nervous that they didn't cope, another defence would be a good outcome.

How long is a Viva usually?

The PhD viva can last between one and four hours - usually two - so it's necessary to pace yourself to get off to the best possible start. Remember, the examiners aren't trying to trip you up - they want you to pass and are primarily there to hear you talk about your project.

How long do you need to prepare for a Viva?

Yes, I think 3-4 weeks is optimal. Longer than that, and you can drive yourself to distraction by over-studying, with little effect, or starting to forget things. Reading through the thesis, noting any new publications, having a practice viva ( where you can get helpful feedback) are all good ways to get started.

How do I ace my PhD Viva?

Make a plan of action. "A month before my viva, I made a list of things I wanted to achieve before the day. "One was to read through my thesis in full three times. I also committed to tabbing all of the important chapters, diagrams and data in my thesis, so I could refer to them quickly if needed.

How do you calm down before Viva?

How do you greet an examiner in Viva?

The way that you greet the examiner is very important.

Make sure that you smile when you greet him. The greeting should fit the time of day so you should say “good morning”, “good afternoon” or “good evening” as appropriate. Wait until you are offered a seat before sitting down.

How do you introduce yourself on viva?

Hence, while giving the viva self-introduction, you would need to first state your name, academic qualification and achievements, and then smartly mention your hobbies or interests. You may look at the self-introduction samples for the viva exam as a reference given below to frame your unique introduction.

How long should I prepare for PhD viva?

Recipe for a good viva prep. If you have the time, forget about the whole PhD thing. You really just need 1 week or less (depending on your availabilities) to prepare just before the thesis, no need to get started too early.

Can you take notes into viva?

Don't worry, there isn't an expectation that you'll have memorised your thesis, but the notes will be a useful reference point. You can take your thesis and notes into the viva with you, and we recommend putting page markers into sections you feel you may need to refer to/quote from.

What happens after PhD Viva?

After the viva, your examiners must produce a joint report which outlines their recommendation. The recommendation of the examiners is subject to final approval by the Graduate Board's Progress and Examinations Group, which must consider the examiners' report at its next meeting.

Does every PhD have a Viva?

Note: A viva is a compulsory procedure for all PhD students, with the only exception being when a PhD is obtained through publication as opposed to the conventional route of study.

How do you thank Viva examiners?

A thank you note or message after the viva could be a nice gesture though. A chance to say thank you, to ask any follow-up questions that you forgot or to ask about keeping in touch if that aligns with your future work goals.

How many PhD students quit?

Roughly 25%, or a quarter, of PhD students drop out before finishing their degree. This number varies, though, from course to course and from country to country.

How common is it to fail a PhD?

Drop out rates vary by discipline, but as many as 50 percent of students don't complete their doctorate.

How long after submission is Viva?

When should the examination take place? The viva voce examination should normally take place within three months of the submission of the thesis/portfolio.

What are the Viva questions asked?

Is it OK to say I don't know in an interview?

Know when to say “I don't know.”

Never brush off the question or start rambling. It's much better to express you don't know then to go off on a tangent or make something up.

When you get stuck on a problem what do you do interview questions?

Example: "When I face a problem, first I look for examples of how others have solved the same problem. This research equips me with various approaches to solving the problem and helps me select the one that best suits me and the organisation.