Very anxious about viva

[YourBluntSheep]

Friends, I am so afraid of my viva, which is in just a few days... (I am a long-time quiet reader of this space, but am finally writing in) I have been preparing, but it feels like I see more and more mistakes as I go. Tracing my contribution feels impossible.

I know what I have claimed that my contribution is... but does it make a practical difference? I am afraid of the "so what" of it all.

I am most concerned that I will not pass, that this is not a sophisticated, PhD-level piece of work. That this is more like an MPhil.

What is the level of contribution that you understand to be expected for a social science PhD? What did your contributions look like?

Hello. Firstly breathe.

Without seeing your work no one will be able to advise you.

Has your supervisor read the thesis?

Have you had a mock-viva?

You wrote the thesis, so you come prepared to talk about it. Only an incredibly small percentage (1%) fail their viva at the first hurdle and in some institutions it's nigh-impossible.

Hi!

Breathing is happening! Thank you so much for your message x

My supervisor has read most of it. Not the final draft of three chapters though... I was very rushed if I am honest by the end.

But I have had two mock vivas which went well...

It is a lovely stat isn't it! Fingers crossed...

That's great then. It sounds a bit trite as I know its an assessment but try and enjoy the process as much as you can.

Defend it with pride in your work. best of luck.

I was so anxious about my viva. My first supervisor retired just before mine and my second had left the uni prior to that and wasn’t replaced. I had no support leading up to it. It wasn’t the best viva, there were some difficult bits, but I passed with minor corrections. My external examiner acted like I had written the worst thesis ever, but my corrections really were minor and were things like expanding a point or adding a study. Truly the definition of minor.

Anyway, you have had 2 mock vivas, they would have highlighted anything fundamentally wrong with your thesis and they haven’t. So breathe, focus on this being the end point of all your hard work and get ready to enjoy being a Dr. It’s a really good feeling.

How did you do?

late 1990s. My Prof got two of his mates (both subject experts) to be the examiners. My viva lasted 20 minutes. Then they all shook my hand and hugged me and called me Dr Friendly. We all went to the pub.

I couldnt have much to drink as I had an interview in the afternoon. One of the interviewers asked how close I was to finishing and I told him my viva was this morning. We had a few differences during the interview so I knew I wasnt going to get the job. Went back to the pub and had a few more drinks, then out for an Indian meal (as you do). When I got home there was a message from the interviewer offering me the job and saying he was impressed by how I had founght my corner. I think a couple of vodkas definitely helped. A memorable day.