Category: Viva Support

Guidance for the viva, the final oral examination required for doctoral candidates. How to prepare, manage nerves, respond to questions, and present your work effectively.

Viva Support

Preparing for the Transfer Viva. My Experience

Get insights into preparing for the transfer viva, an important step in your research journey, from someone who has gone through it. Learn how to focus on your contributions to knowledge, practice your presentation without overdoing it, and trust that you know your research better than anyone else.

Emma Carroll

Viva Support

The Week Before My Viva

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

Sue Lynn Mah

Managing PhD Stress And Staying Motivated.

Mercy Rophina

A research journey is a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of ups and downs. If we can enjoy the happy moments, we can overcome the things which pull us down. Let us see our PhD as a solo adventure trek, rather than a track race.

Motherhood and Doctoral Studies: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Taylor Darwin

Navigating motherhood and academia can be overwhelming, especially when they happen simultaneously. I discuss my experiences, struggles, and successes as an emerging researcher and new mother, and suggestions for universities to further support these populations moving forward.

How I Navigated my Mentor Switching Institutions During my Ph.D.

Claire Kisamore

Navigating the unexpected departure of her advisor, Claire shares her tips on dealing with the challenges of this uncertainty during her PhD.

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