Preparing for the PhD Viva

David Twigg
Someone who lived to tell the tale

Accompanying booklet ~ phdviva.pdf

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Why This Presentation?

There is an absence of constructive
pointers for students to prepare for the
PhD Viva
I was given sound advice on how to
prepare - Id like to share this with you.

I hope you find it of use.

David Twigg
d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Nearing Journeys End

The PhD Viva

- What is it?
- What can you expect?
Personal reflection on the process
Prepare yourself
Is there life after the PhD?

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

A PhD is about ...

Knowing your field thoroughly
Evaluating your subject
Making a useful contribution
Mastering appropriate
techniques and knowing
their limitation
Communicating in a
professional way

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

The Viva ... an Opportunity

To discuss your work
with an expert
To improve your
arguments and thesis
To consider where
to publish

But remember: It is an examination

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

The Viva ... the Examiners

Adversarial
Friendly &
Interested
Examiners will make
you feel at ease. They
will want you to explain
your research.

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

Some examiners will challenge your

views, in order to hear your
argument.

Detailed
Some examiners
inspect every word and phrase.
On page 32, you say ...
please explain.
David Twigg, 1997

The Viva ... Stay Calm

You are most probably
now the worlds expert
on your thesis topic.
Argue each point with
confidence.
Demonstrate your
depth/breadth of
knowledge.

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

The Viva ... the Verdict

There is more than a
straight pass or fail ...
- minor corrections
- major corrections
- etc.
Be certain you know
exactly what the result is.

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Prepare Yourself ...

Re-read the thesis carefully
Be self-critical
Know the limitations
Know the contribution
Know what to expect
from the process

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Prepare - Summarize ...

What have you done?
Why have you done it?
How did you do it?
What have you found?
What are the implications of these?

Prepare several bullet points on each.

Can you summarize your PhD in 3 minutes?
d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Prepare - Consider ...

Methodology
- generalization
- validity
What is/are your
major contribution(s)?
Future dissemination
What are your future plans?

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Prepare ... Start NOW

It is never too early to start ...
Discuss your research with peers
Present papers at workshops ...
Debate the methodology or
techniques
And afterwards ...
Pass on your
experience to others
d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

Life After the PhD ...

Post doctoral syndrome
or should I be studying?
Publish
Reflect on the
experience
... smile
... and look forward

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997

 And Finally ...

d.twigg@sussex.ac.uk

David Twigg, 1997