Hi Faye, What is the purpose of a viva, and what can PGRs typically expect on the day of their examination?

The viva is designed to be a scholarly discussion. Its purpose is to allow the candidate to explain and defend their research and to demonstrate their understanding of its contribution, strengths, and limitations. On the day, PGRs can expect a structured conversation focused on their thesis, including questions that often focus on the research aims, methods, findings, originality, and wider significance of the work.

A good viva is conducted in a professional and supportive academic manner and is often the best opportunity we’ll ever have to talk about our work in depth and detail!

From your perspective as a supervisor and examiner, what advice would you offer to PGRs as they prepare for their viva?

My best advice is to remember that you are the expert on your thesis. Preparation should focus on understanding and explaining the decisions you made, perhaps by revisiting a reflexive log if you have one and re-reading the thesis whilst making notes.

Identifying key arguments and limitations and practising clear explanations are all helpful. It is also important to approach the viva as a discussion: thoughtful reflection and critical engagement matter more than having perfect answers.

I also advise my students to take care of the basics: sleep as well as you can beforehand, eat well, and don’t drink too much coffee on the day!

From your experience as an examiner, what are the key things you are looking for during a viva?

I look for evidence of deep understanding and intellectual ownership of the research. This includes being able to justify methodological choices, interpret findings critically, show awareness of limitations, and explain the originality and contribution of the work.

I am not expecting flawless research, but I do expect candidates to engage confidently and reflectively with questions and feedback.

What was your own viva experience like, and how has it shaped the way you now approach supporting PGRs as a supervisor?

My viva was short, challenging, and positive! It helped me recognise the viva as a moment of accomplishment as well as assessment.

Experiencing viva anxiety first-hand has made me particularly attentive to supporting PGRs through their own journeys. I try to help demystify expectations and reassure them that critical questioning is a normal and constructive part of the examination.

We also talk about potential outcomes long before the viva and discuss what major and minor modifications look like.

In your experience, what does good supervisory support look like in the lead-up to the viva, and how can supervisors help students feel more confident and prepared?

I think that good supervisory support combines practical preparation and reassurance. This may include a mock viva, discussing possible questions, reflecting on strengths and limitations of the research, and offering frequent opportunities for structured conversations during supervision and beyond.

Just as importantly, supervisors can help build confidence by normalising anxiety, reinforcing the student’s expertise, and reminding them that reaching the viva stage is a significant achievement in itself.