Your PhD Viva: What to Bring and What to Expect on the Day
The logistics of viva day are rarely discussed in preparation guides, but anxiety about the unknown affects performance. Here is what to expect so that on the day, your attention is on the examination rather than the environment.
What to bring
Bring a clean, annotated copy of your thesis. Annotations are permitted in most UK institutions. Sticky notes on key sections, margin notes on your main arguments, and a marked-up references section can all save time if you need to locate something quickly.
Bring a notepad and pen. Writing down a question while the examiner is asking it gives you a few extra seconds and ensures you answer what was actually asked rather than what you thought was asked.
Bring water. A dry mouth under stress is a real problem, and nobody will think less of you for pausing to drink.
Check your institution's regulations in advance. Some allow laptops. Some specify what annotations are permitted. Some have rules about support persons. Know the rules for your specific institution.
What the room will look like
Most vivas take place in a small meeting room or seminar room. You will typically sit across a table from both examiners. The physical arrangement varies and is rarely significant.
There will usually be water available. The examiners will have printed copies of your thesis with their own notes.
The first five minutes
The examiners will introduce themselves and describe the format of the session. Pay attention to this even if you already know the format. It tells you something about how they plan to structure the session.
The first question will usually be broad. "Tell us about your thesis and what it contributes" or "Why did you choose this topic?" Have a two-minute answer ready that names the contribution in the first sentence.
Managing nerves in the room
Nerves are normal and examiners expect them. What they are watching for is whether the nerves affect the substance of your answers or only their delivery. Shaking hands and a dry mouth do not fail vivas. Inability to defend your methodology does.
Take your time with answers. Pausing for five seconds before responding is not weakness. It signals that you are thinking rather than reciting. Examiners prefer candidates who think.
If you need to locate something in your thesis, look for it. Do not guess what page something is on. Finding the passage and speaking directly from it is more credible than a paraphrase from memory.
After the decision
When the examiners ask you to leave the room, they are deliberating. This usually takes between ten and thirty minutes. When you are called back, they will give their recommendation.
Whatever the outcome, ask for written feedback if it is not automatically provided. Minor and major corrections are rarely explained verbally in enough detail. Written feedback gives you a roadmap.
The best way to feel calm on viva day is to have already experienced examination pressure. PanelReady runs a full mock session on your thesis before you walk into the room.
Practise before the day →