How to Survive Your Viva: The Ultimate Guide to Success

The viva voce examination, also known as the viva, is an oral examination that is commonly required as part of a postgraduate degree program. It is a daunting experience for many students, but it is also an important opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to a panel of experts.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about surviving your viva. We will cover the following topics:

EBOOK: How to Survive Your Viva: Defending a Thesis in an Oral Examination (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Study Skills)

by Rowena Murray

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Language	:	English
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• What is a viva?
• Why is a viva important?
• How to prepare for a viva
• What to expect on the day of your viva
• Tips for surviving your viva

What is a Viva?

A viva is an oral examination that is typically conducted by a panel of two or three examiners. The examiners will ask you questions about your research and your understanding of the field. The viva is designed to assess your knowledge, your critical thinking skills, and your ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

Why is a Viva Important?

A viva is important because it is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to a panel of experts. A successful viva can help you to:

• Earn your postgraduate degree
• Gain confidence in your abilities
• Impress potential employers

How to Prepare for a Viva

The best way to prepare for a viva is to start early. Begin by reviewing your research and making sure that you have a solid understanding of the material. You should also practice answering questions about your research, both orally and in writing.

In addition to preparing for the content of your viva, you should also take some time to prepare for the format of the examination. The viva is typically conducted in a formal setting, so you should dress appropriately and be on time for your appointment.

Here are some additional tips for preparing for a viva:

• Meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss your progress and to get feedback on your work.
• Attend workshops and seminars on viva preparation.
• Practice answering questions with your peers or with a tutor.
• Get a good night's sleep before your viva.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Viva

On the day of your viva, arrive at the examination room on time and dress appropriately. The examiners will greet you and ask you to introduce yourself. They will then begin to ask you questions about your research.

The questions that you are asked will vary depending on the examiners and on the specific topic of your research. However, there are some general types of questions that you can expect to be asked, such as:

• Questions about your research topic
• Questions about the methodology that you used
• Questions about the results of your research
• Questions about the implications of your research

The examiners will expect you to answer their questions in a clear and concise manner. You should also be prepared to defend your research and to answer questions about its limitations.

Tips for Surviving Your Viva

Here are some tips for surviving your viva:

• Be prepared. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be on the day of your viva.
• Be confident. Believe in yourself and in your abilities.
• Be respectful. The examiners are experts in the field, so treat them with respect.
• Be clear and concise. Answer the examiners' questions in a clear and concise manner.
• Be prepared to defend your research. The examiners will expect you to be able to defend your research and to answer questions about its limitations.
• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. If you don't understand a question, ask the examiners to clarify it.

The viva is an important part of the postgraduate degree program. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to a panel of experts. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of surviving your viva and earning your degree.

EBOOK: How to Survive Your Viva: Defending a Thesis in an Oral Examination (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Study Skills)

by Rowena Murray

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	194 pages

FREE