Preparing for the PhD Viva

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Preparing for the PhD Viva

• David Twigg
• Someone who lived to tell the tale
• Accompanying booklet phdviva.pdf

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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

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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?

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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

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The Viva ... an Opportunity

• To discuss your workwith an expert
• To improve your arguments and thesis
• To consider where to publish
• But remember It is an examination

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The Viva ... the Examiners
Adversarial Some examiners will challenge your
views, in order to hear your argument.
Friendly Interested Examiners will make you
feel at ease. They will want you to explain your
research.
Detailed Some examiners inspect every word and
phrase. On page 32, you say ... please
explain.
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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.

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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.

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Prepare Yourself ...

• Re-read the thesis carefully
• Be self-critical
• Know the limitations
• Know the contribution
• Know what to expectfrom the process

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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?

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Prepare - Consider ...

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

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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

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Life After the PhD ...

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

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And Finally ...
Party