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Getting Ready for Your Viva Exam

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The viva voce exam is where you will give a verbal defence of your written thesis.

It is the culmination of your research degree, but many postgraduate researchers are unsure what to expect and what they can do to prepare. Here we want to take away some of the mystery - allowing you to take control and look forward to the viva exam as a positive experience.

The Basics

When does the exam take place? What do I need to take? Who will my examiners be?

Get answers to your basic viva questions

The Good Viva Video

Download Video The Good Viva Video and learn what to expect in your viva exam.

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Good Viva Video

  

What to Expect

Know what to expect and start feeling in control and more positive

How to Prepare

Techniques and support to make sure you're ready for the big day

Practice Viva Questions

Practising your answers to common questions is an essential part of your preparations

Attending the Viva Exam

Last minute tips to avoid any unnecessary worries

After the Viva Exam

Learn more about the recommendations your examiners can make and what they mean

Separate advice for Schools/Departments and for Examiners is available >

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Much of the content of this section was taken from Student Development’s Study Guide "Preparing for Your Viva" which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 2.0 UK: England and Wales License. You can read the full text here.