Academic Advice Recent
The PhD Viva Voce: Surviving the Ultimate Academic Hurdle
The PhD Viva Voce is not an exam; it is a peer-to-peer discussion with experts in your field. By this stage, you are expected to be the world authority on your specific niche. However, many candidates fail to cross the finish line due to nerves or a failure to articulate their "Original Contribution to Knowledge."
### Defining your "Originality"
The examiners will hit you with one core question: "What is your contribution?" You must be able to state clearly whether you have discovered new data, developed a new theory, or applied an existing theory to a new context.
### Handling the "Grilling"
Expect "Devil's Advocate" questions. If an examiner challenges your methodology, do not get defensive. Instead, acknowledge the limitation and explain why your chosen path was the most robust given the circumstances. At uniSupport, we provide high-level Viva coaching for doctoral candidates, including mock defense sessions with senior academics to ensure you walk into the room with unshakable confidence.
### Defining your "Originality"
The examiners will hit you with one core question: "What is your contribution?" You must be able to state clearly whether you have discovered new data, developed a new theory, or applied an existing theory to a new context.
### Handling the "Grilling"
Expect "Devil's Advocate" questions. If an examiner challenges your methodology, do not get defensive. Instead, acknowledge the limitation and explain why your chosen path was the most robust given the circumstances. At uniSupport, we provide high-level Viva coaching for doctoral candidates, including mock defense sessions with senior academics to ensure you walk into the room with unshakable confidence.