Event summary: Preparing for the PhD Viva
On October 29, the BISA Postgraduate Network (PGN) hosted an event on preparing for the PhD viva, bringing together three speakers: Dr. Sören Keil (University of Passau), Dr. Claudia Hillebrand (Cardiff University), and Dr. Rosa Maryon (UWE). The session offered practical advice on approaching the viva with confidence, defending research decisions, and making the most of the discussion with examiners.
Dr. Sören Keil opened the discussion by focusing on what PhD candidates should avoid during their viva rather than what they should do. He emphasised that the viva should not be treated as a traditional oral examination, but rather as a conversation. Candidates should be able to clearly communicate the structure of their argument, confidently defend their work, and avoid underselling their contribution. At the same time, he encouraged candidates to remain open to criticism and avoid inappropriate comments. He also highlighted the viva as a valuable opportunity to receive detailed feedback, reminding candidates that they may never again have a group of academics gathered specifically to discuss their research in such depth.
Dr. Claudia Hillebrand followed with advice on choosing examiners and approaching their questions. She emphasised that selecting examiners is an important decision, encouraging candidates to consider academics who are sympathetic to their research approach and who may also serve as referees in the future. She reminded participants that receiving numerous questions during the viva is not necessarily a sign that things are going badly. Instead, questions create opportunities for conversation and provide valuable material for further reflection. Candidates should remain confident and be prepared to defend their arguments.
Dr. Hillebrand also addressed concerns about originality and the evolution of doctoral research. She noted that an original contribution does not necessarily have to be substantial; even a relatively minor contribution can be sufficient, provided candidates can clearly define and explain it. She also reminded participants that dissertations rarely end up exactly as initially proposed. What matters is being able to explain how and why the research evolved, demonstrating that alternative approaches were considered and justifying the eventual choices of topic, methodology, case, and theory. Such explanations, she stressed, demonstrate academic integrity and reflexivity. Finally, she encouraged candidates to dress smartly, reminding them that the viva also marks their entry into the academic profession.
Building on these points, Dr. Rosa Maryon highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanics of one's dissertation. While candidates often devote considerable attention to the literature and theoretical framework, she emphasised that research design and methodological choices deserve particular attention. Candidates should be able to explain not only what decisions they made, but also why they chose particular approaches over available alternatives. Given the level and complexity of data involved in doctoral research, she stressed the importance of having a thorough understanding of the methodological foundations of the dissertation. Being able to clearly justify these decisions, she noted, can be particularly important for passing the viva with minor or no corrections.
Across the discussion, the speakers emphasised the importance of approaching the viva as an opportunity for academic conversation, confidently defending one's contribution, and demonstrating a clear understanding of the decisions that shaped the research.
Thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined the session!
Photo credit: Photo by Unseen Studio, Unsplash