Surviving Vivas

1. Surviving Vivas Dr C. Wilson, 2009

2. PhD Vivas Format Conducted in a similar manner to panels but some important differences. May or may not indicate result at start of the viva Present at a PhD Viva Chair (and/or proceedings taped) Internal examiner External examiner (2 for Lancaster staff). They will be experts in your specific field, Supervisor(s) may be present Dr C. Wilson, 2009

3. Vivas Requirement: Submit your thesis in the format laid out in the Postgraduate handbook. Before you submit, make sure you have a copy of the most recent edition of this, and read it carefully. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have followed the guidelines to the letter. Student answers questions on her/his thesis for as long as the examiners shall determine (usually 1 - 2 hours). Ask for a break if you need one. Take a copy of your thesis, a notepad, a diary, a bottle of water and some pens. Dr C. Wilson, 2009

4. Vivas Examiners are looking for: Ability to explain succinctly the purpose and contribution of your research - why it is original Ability to answer questions directly Clear defensible (as opposed to defensive) reasoning for your decisions Evidence that you understand the body of literature within which you are working Clear understanding of the work you have done Confirmation that the work is all your own Dr C. Wilson, 2009

5. Vivas PhD students are expected to demonstrate: Clear understanding of the contribution made by their work to a particular body of academic knowledge/theory (name names) Excellent understanding of body of literature relating directly to the thesis but also a very good understanding of the broader field of enquiry (beyond what is included in the thesis) Evidence that they would be in a position to conduct a substantial piece of research in the future without supervision Dr C. Wilson, 2009

6. Vivas Outcomes - PhD may be Awarded ‘forthwith’ Awarded subject to minor corrections (e.g. typos) Awarded subject to minor amendments (small re-writes) Not awarded, substantial revision and re-submission required MPhil awarded Not awarded, candidate invited to re-submit for MPhil Fail Dr C. Wilson, 2009

7. Vivas Preparation is essential. Ask your supervisors to give you a mock viva Present your work (to colleagues, at conferences etc) whenever possible Be prepared to summarise the content and contribution of your work in a few sentences Consider the limitations of your research. What might you do differently another time? Consider what you might do next (e.g. with a research grant) Consider your ‘intellectual project’ over the longer term. Dr C. Wilson, 2009

8. Vivas Post-Viva At the end of the viva you will be asked to leave the room for a short period then invited to return. At this point you should be told the outcome of your viva. Don’t leave unless you are clear what this is (especially if supervisor not present). If in any doubt, ask. If you are required to do further work, you should be either be told what else you need to do ‘on the spot’, or be notified subsequently by the internal examiner. If the latter, ask when you will receive a detailed written request about what you are required to do. This is the examiner’s job, not yours – but take your own notes so you remember what was said. Handy tip: If you have minor corrections/amendments, get them done and signed off within one week Dr C. Wilson, 2009

9. Graduation Make sure you have read and adhered to all the rules and regulations regarding form of submission and dates Avoid hitches by ensuring that you are not in debt to LU (check pre-school bills and library fines). If in doubt, ask Dr C. Wilson, 2009

10. Helpful references How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors Estelle Phillips, Derek S. Pugh (2005) Open University Press How to Survive Your Viva: Defending a Thesis in an Oral Examination Rowena Murray(2003) Open University Press Qualitative Researching Jennifer Mason(2002) Sage Publications Ltd Dr C. Wilson, 2009