How to Prepare For a Viva Based Exam

As students, we have all gone through or have witnessed different examination methods from in-hall examinations to assessment-based and off course viva based as well. While for assessment based exams, students can seek out for assignment help UK to assist them in achieving higher grades, the same could not be said for examinations based on Viva.

Let’s start with the most basic question;

What Is A Viva?

As part of the final stage of your PhD, you will be required to give a verbal examination referred to as the viva. An institutional and independent panel of supervisors looks over your research and, effectively, decides whether you succeed or flunk your PhD. Viva is a form of examination that can be done in a variety of approaches. If the viva is open publicly, everyone can observe. If they’re closed, you’ll be the only one taking the test.

There are two types of reviewers: institutional (somebody in your institution who has a curiosity in your field of study but has not assisted you with your Doctorate) and external (typically 2-4 persons who have competence in your domain but do not instructor operate at the institution where you are associated).

When it comes to your PhD, you’ll be asked several queries during the viva. To prepare for the oral session, all of the supervisors will review your dissertation in its completeness. Then, they will individually prepare a checklist of concerns they would like to ask you. To clear the viva, you must respond to those issues successfully.

When prepping for a Doctoral viva, there are a number of things that need to be considered and kept in mind.

How to Prepare?

For viva preparation, you can adopt very similar strategies as for a job interview. In addition, however, you may prepare for the questions people may pose you by practicing in advance so that your finest foot is front from the beginning.

Figuring Out the Weakness

There is no ideal investigative methodology. Let’s admit it! There will constantly be limits. But, being a researcher, it’s your obligation to clarify why you selected a particular way of conducting your analysis in the first place, despite the restrictions.

Your representative(s) should be able to assist you with all of this. As a result, they might be a valuable commodity. They may also be able to provide insight into what concerns the assessors may pose.

Be willing to rationalize your strategy in contrast to any flaws. For example, why did you choose to use an online survey over alternative methodologies? If COVID-19 is a feasible response but is there a stronger one? Your study procedure has several advantages, therefore leverage this knowledge to explain your decisions.

How to Dress?

You may not believe that clothes are a crucial part of the viva, but in fact, it is. So bring a sophisticated yet comfy outfit to work with you! It’s normal for men to wear a button-down shirt at the very least; however, a blazer and tie are often customary. Women should choose a skirt or pants with a cardigan, blouses, or a suit jacket over the top.

Things to Keep In Mind

Before the viva session, it is expected that you will receive a listing of your supervisors. It’s possible that this knowledge is highly significant. For starters, have a peek at what these individuals have published. Taking a look at their most popular articles will give you a better understanding of their interests and dislikes.

Furthermore, suppose you really have mentioned their material in your Dissertation. In that case, you may be prepared to discuss this in the exam to indicate that you are well-versed in the subject and have coordinated your research with other brilliant researchers (like your supervisors). A little adulation never hurts (but don’t try to go overboard).

What to Expect From Your Supervisors?

• Justification Of Your Claims:

It’s crucial to consider your undertaking before you begin. Your argument will most probably be the initial thing they question. Aim to provide a response in under three minutes, using general vocabulary that anyone who is unfamiliar with your area can understand (i.e. try keeping it simple).

• Justification Of What You Did Not Include:

A flawless testing methodology does not exist, as previously mentioned. You will also have plenty to add after the information has been analyzed, so prepare yourself! Not all of the information you gathered may be included in your finalized dissertation. Decided what should be kept and what should be removed from the mix. It is possible that your assessors will want to discover what you omitted from your essay (and the reasoning).

• Highlighting Your Scholarly Efforts & Contributions:

Why was your investigation valuable? Think about what drew you into the subject in the initial instance. Is there a field of knowledge that you believe is lacking and that needs to be addressed?

Any accomplishment is acceptable as a response (though it can be). However, it would be best if you considered what the issue was and what made you play a positive role in it.

• Identifying Potential Growth Regions:

Your Degree may be complete, but what’s next? In what direction do you want to go in the coming years? You should make a remark regarding how your study could be subsequently explored, even if you want to escape as distant as necessary from the upcoming feasible initiative. This is a possibility for you to elaborate on the proposals you presented in your authentic doctoral dissertation.

Some essential words of wisdom from UK Academic Writers, a doctoral viva voce can be nerve-wracking, but it’s only natural. If you’re apprehensive, you’ll be able to tell the evaluators. In addition, seasoned teachers will have witnessed numerous learners in your shoes. So it’s conceivable that they’ll recall what it feels like to be an applicant, even if they’ve never taken a viva test before.

Breathe deeply. When our adrenaline rates are elevated, our demeanor can be disrupted. A person who forgets to relax is more likely to fumble through their statements or lose their way. So when the evaluators are speaking, take a big, breathe deeply frequently!

With that said, Good Luck to all the students out there that are heading into a viva examination.