Preparing for the Ph D Viva David Twigg

Preparing for the Ph. D Viva David Twigg ‘Someone who lived to tell the tale’ Accompanying booklet ~ phdviva. pdf d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Why This Presentation? There is an absence of constructive pointers for students to prepare for the Ph. D Viva l I was given sound advice on how to prepare - I’d like to share this with you. l I hope you find it of use. David Twigg d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Nearing Journey’s End The Ph. D Viva - What is it? - What can you expect? l Personal reflection on the process l Prepare yourself l Is there life after the Ph. D? l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

A Ph. D is about. . . Knowing your field thoroughly l Evaluating your subject l Making a useful contribution l Mastering appropriate techniques and knowing their limitation l Communicating in a professional way l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

The Viva. . . an Opportunity To discuss your work with an expert l To improve your arguments and thesis l To consider where to publish l But remember: It is an examination d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

The Viva. . . the Examiners Adversarial Friendly & Interested Examiners will make you feel at ease. They will want you to explain your research. d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk Some examiners will challenge your views, in order to hear your argument. Detailed Some examiners inspect every word and phrase. “On page 32, you say. . . please explain. ” David Twigg, 1997

The Viva. . . Stay Calm You are most probably now the world’s expert on your thesis topic. l Argue each point with confidence. l Demonstrate your depth/breadth of knowledge. l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

The Viva. . . the Verdict There is more than a straight pass or fail. . . - minor corrections - major corrections - etc. l Be certain you know exactly what the result is. l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Prepare Yourself. . . Re-read thesis carefully l Be self-critical l Know the limitations l Know the contribution l Know what to expect from the process l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Prepare - Summarize. . . What have you done? l Why have you done it? l How did you do it? l What have you found? l What are the implications of these? l Prepare several bullet points on each. Can you summarize your Ph. D in 3 minutes? d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Prepare - Consider. . . Methodology - generalization - validity l What is/are your major contribution(s)? l Future dissemination l What are your future plans? l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Prepare. . . Start NOW It is never too early to start. . . l Discuss your research with peers l Present papers at workshops. . . l Debate the methodology or techniques And afterwards. . . l Pass on your experience to others d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

Life After the Ph. D. . . “Post doctoral syndrome” or … should I be studying? l Publish l Reflect on the experience. . . smile. . . and look forward l d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997

… And Finally. . . d. twigg@sussex. ac. uk David Twigg, 1997