Is it possible to fail a Viva?

You can fail a PhD viva – although according to recent research by Discover PhDs this number is only 4%.

Can you fail your Viva?

How common is it for PhD students to fail their viva? Very rare. Basically if you're going to fail then you shouldn't have got that far. And it reflects badly on your supervisor that they allowed you to arrange a viva when you weren't ready for it.

What are the odds of failing PhD Viva?

Summary of Findings

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.

How do I pass my Viva?

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.

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.

The Run-up to (and Immediately After) My Viva

How many people fail viva?

Your outcome can be severely damaged by how you perform in your viva, though this isn't something to obsess over. (In the UK, a study of over 26,000 PhD candidates revealed that only 16% of students were awarded major corrections, while 3.3% of students failed their viva outright.)

Is a viva open book?

#3 Annotate key points. The PhD viva isn't a closed-book exam and you're expected to take a copy of your thesis with you. It's perfectly fine to consult it in response to questions, so make that process easy by annotating the most important stages of your argument.

Can you have notes in a viva?

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.

How to dress for viva?

Wear something that is professional, but comfortable. This is typically a collared shirt for men at a minimum, though a suit jacket and tie are also pretty common. For women, wear a skirt or trousers, and a sweater, blouse, or suit jacket. In all cases, wear professional – but comfortable – shoes.

How do you calm down before viva?

How rare 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. In order to succeed, you must understand what's at stake—and what's expected of you—then develop a plan that you can stick to.

How many people drop out of a PhD?

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.

Can you get a PhD with bad grades?

There is good news for those who aspire to earn a PhD but have a lower-than-desired GPA. Certain PhD programs may take into consideration your past professional experiences, personal statements, or interview performance during the evaluation process.

How to survive a 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.

What to do if you don t know the answer in viva?

The Best Way To Say I Don't Know

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.”...

Has anyone failed a PhD defense?

Yes it is possible to fail a PhD defence and it does happen. Thankfully this is rare.

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.

What happens at a viva?

However, the viva, which is the oral part of the assessment, is used to inform the examiners' final assessment decision. The viva gives the examiners the opportunity to explore any issues in detail and provide inspiring advice for your future research career.

Why is viva important?

Answering direct questions allows students to demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes. Enables students to read and revise a substantial amount of content, as 'anything can be asked' is the usual case with viva. Often cited as an oral communication skill considered valuable for employment.

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 long should I prepare for my 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.

What happens after 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.

Is viva similar to interview?

#1 A viva is not an interview and can turn into a discussion

Whilst they are asking these questions, it is not an interview. I felt very formal and like an interview candidate during the first few questions of my viva.

What are viva questions?

What are viva questions? A viva simply means a university examination during which students answer questions in speech and these questions are commonly based on a particular project or discipline. Viva questions are an important part of an academic program and often take place at the conclusion of a semester/year.

Why is it called 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.