Many students approach the PhD viva with a sense of dread — imagining it as a test full of trick questions or impossible challenges. It’s not.
The viva is really an opportunity to demonstrate three simple things:
- That you wrote and fully understand your own research.
- That your study adds something new to existing knowledge.
- That you can clearly explain and justify the choices you made throughout your project.
Think of it less as an interrogation, and more as an informed academic conversation — one where you get to share the story of your research journey with experts who want to understand it.
Don’t Try to Guess Every Question — Prepare Smartly Instead
You can’t possibly predict everything your examiners will ask. What you can do is prepare intelligently. The gap between submitting your thesis and the viva can feel painfully long. But that time serves an important purpose: it helps you get some distance from your work, reflect, and come back to it with fresh eyes. Here’s how to use that period wisely:
- Revisit your thesis — read it from start to finish.
As you go, note down sections that feel weak or unclear. - Create a short summary — a 5-minute version of your study covering:
→ What you did
→ How you did it
→ What you discovered - Learn about your examiners.
Understanding their research interests can help you anticipate their perspective. - Acknowledge your limitations.
Every study has them — being able to discuss yours shows self-awareness and academic maturity.
Typical Viva Questions You Might Hear
You’ll never know exactly what’s coming, but many questions tend to revolve around these themes:
- What’s the main focus of your research?
- How does your work make an original contribution?
- Why did you choose this particular methodology?
- Which other scholars or studies does your work build upon?
- How did you decide on the structure of your thesis?
- What might you change if you were to do it again?
- Where could your research go next?
Practice answering these out loud.
Speaking your thoughts helps you find your rhythm and confidence when explaining your work to others.
“I Feel Like I’ve Forgotten Everything!”
That feeling is completely normal — and almost every PhD candidate experiences it.
You haven’t forgotten your work. You’ve lived and breathed it for years.
And remember, the viva is not a memory test. You’re allowed to check your thesis during the discussion if you need to confirm a detail.
One Week Before the Viva
- Go through your thesis again.
- Make concise bullet points for each chapter — main arguments, results, and key references.
- If you notice any typos, list them. Bring that list to your viva; it shows you’re already thinking about how to polish your final submission.
A Few Days Before
- Review your notes and summary.
- Then, take a break.
Don’t over-revise or cram. Your mind will perform best when it’s rested, not overloaded.
What to Take with You
- A printed copy of your thesis — many vivas don’t allow digital devices.
→ Add sticky tabs or page markers for quick navigation. - A bottle of water.
- A notepad and pen for jotting things down.
On the Day Itself
- If you’re unsure of something, just say so — don’t try to fill the silence with fluff.
- Take a moment to think before answering.
- It’s completely fine to disagree with your examiner, as long as you can back up your point logically and respectfully.
Final Thoughts:
You Know Your Work Best
Most candidates pass their viva successfully.
It can be nerve-wracking, yes — but it’s rarely disastrous.
Trust your preparation.
Trust your understanding.
And remember — no one in that room knows your research better than you do.
Reference – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iain-jackson_your-phd-viva-isnt-about-trick-questions-share-7380667299193659392-ljCG
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