The Phd Viva ― How to Prepare for Your Oral Examination

For PhD and other doctorate degree students as they approach their viva, this book helps candidates to understand the viva process and to prepare and present their work in the best possible manner. With concrete guidance, examples and activities throughout, it will cover everything from the constitution of the PhD viva panel and how to prepare as the event draws closer, to typical questions and how to answer them, and each of the possible exam outcomes. The book will also include a unique case studies chapter which brings the viva to life by drawing on practical real-life experiences from successful PhD graduates, as well as a chapter that will helpfully play out an entire viva, using examples from real student examinations.

Peter Smith is Emeritus Professor of the University of Sunderland, UK, having held several teaching, research and management positions at the University. He has examined or supervised over 100 doctoral candidates in a range of subjects at Universities in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Spain. He is co-author of The Professional Doctorate.