The PhD viva is a crucial milestone that determines your doctoral success, yet many candidates approach it with a lot of anxiety and not enough preparation. This comprehensive workshop demystifies the viva process and equips you with practical strategies to perform confidently on the day.

You’ll learn how to prepare systematically in the months leading up to your viva, from re-reading your thesis strategically to anticipating examiner questions. Through interactive discussions and proven techniques, you’ll develop the skills to articulate your research clearly and defend your work without becoming defensive.

We’ll cover:

  • Understanding the viva’s purpose and possible outcomes.
  • Influencing the choice of examiner.
  • Creating an effective preparation timeline covering thesis review, literature updates, and examiner research.
  • Anticipating different question types.
  • Learning strategic answering techniques.
  • Managing nerves.

By the end of the session, you’ll have:

  • Clarified what examiners are looking for and how the viva process works.
  • Developed a structured approach to thesis preparation and literature review.
  • Learned frameworks for handling questions effectively.
  • Practised techniques for discussing weaknesses constructively and defining your terms clearly.
  • Created a personalized preparation plan with timelines and key milestones.
  • Built confidence in your ability to demonstrate expertise in your research area.

👩🏽‍🎓 Audience: Researchers at all stages and in any discipline.

⏰ Duration: 3 hours

Feedback

  • “Really clear, calm, humorous at times which helped to make a daunting subject seem much more approachable! Offered lots of opportunities to ask questions and give ideas.”
  • “Excellent, as always (well-prepared, very helpful and witty).”
  • “Brilliant! Simple and clear - very reassuring and informative.”

Cost

This 3-hour workshop costs £775 + VAT for up to 30 participants.

Booking

Please email me@catherinepope.com if you’d like to book this training or if you have any questions.

On receipt of a purchase order, I’ll arrange a date with you for the workshop and make all the necessary technical arrangements. You just need to promote the event and send the link to your researchers.

For more information, please see my full workshop terms and conditions.