LibGuides: PhD Communication Skills Guide (SA830): Preparing for PhD Oral Examination

Books & E-Books

How to survive your viva: Defending a thesis in an oral examination by Rowena Murray
Call Number: LB2369 Mur 2015

ISBN: 9780335263882

Publication Date: 2015

How to Survive Your Viva is a concise, practical introduction that equips students with the skills they need to defend their thesis or dissertation. The oral examination requires the highest standard of communication skills. The book ensures you are ready for what can be a complex and intimidating experience, telling you what to expect, how to practise and prepare, what questions you might be asked and how to ensure your responses support your thesis. Written in an accessible style, this book draws on the tried and trusted material and activities created for viva preparation workshops run by the author over many years.
The PHD Viva by Peter Smith
Call Number: LB2369 PrsP

ISBN: 9781137395764

Publication Date: 2014-10-02

This indispensable book helps PhD 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 covers 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. Chapters are enriched with authentic case studies and insights from successful PhD graduates.

This text is suitable for PhD and other doctoral degree students across all disciplines, and helpful to supervisors and examiners.
The Dissertation Journey by Carol M. Roberts
Call Number: LB1742 Rob 2010

ISBN: 9781412977982

Publication Date: 2010-08-23

The dissertation is a tough mountain to climb; half of all doctoral students never make it to the top. To overcome the practical, emotional, and psychological obstacles along the way, you'll need the right tools and a knowledgeable guide. This informative and inspirational book readies you for each step of the dissertation process, including choosing a topic, selecting the committee, getting acclimated to academic writing, preparing for your oral defense, and publishing your research.

All description taken from Library Catalogue.

Useful Articles

Videos

The Good Viva Video

"For doctoral and masters students everywhere, the viva is a daunting challenge, often approached with anxiety and confusion rather than careful preparation. Should candidates relax and hope for the best, panic, or prepare systematically for the big day? This video in our series for doctoral students was made in cooperation with Birkbeck, University of London. It will help students in all institutions to understand the viva and handle it well.

The Good Viva Video will help you understand:

What is a viva?
How important is it to your degree?
How do vivas differ between disciplines?
How can you prepare?
Should you relax or panic?
What are the roles of the internal and external examiners, the chair and your supervisor?
How are examiners chosen?
What questions should you expect?
How to use a practice viva.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your thesis.
What are the examiners looking for?
Coping with examiners’ mistakes or aggressive questions.
Understanding the outcome.

Based on specially scripted drama scenarios and expert interviews, The Good Viva Video was produced with advice from Professor John Wakeford, Director of the Missenden Centre for the Development of Higher Education. It will enable students to prepare for their vivas effectively and take some of the fear out of the experience." - Quoted from Angels Production

The Perfect Defense: The Oral Defense of a Dissertation

Preparing for your Thesis Oral Examination