Preparing for the PhD Viva
14
[email protected] .uk David Twigg, 1997 Preparing for the PhD Viva David Twigg ‘Someone who lived to tell the tale’ Accompanying booklet ~ phdviva.pdf
-
Upload
roanna-fleming -
Category
Documents
-
view
22 -
download
0
description
Preparing for the PhD Viva. David Twigg ‘Someone who lived to tell the tale’ Accompanying booklet ~ phdviva.pdf. Why This Presentation?. There is an absence of constructive pointers for students to prepare for the PhD Viva - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Preparing for the PhD Viva
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Preparing for the PhD Viva
David Twigg
‘Someone who lived to tell the tale’
Accompanying booklet ~ phdviva.pdf
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Why This Presentation?
There is an absence of constructive pointers for students to prepare for the PhD Viva
I was given sound advice on how to prepare - I’d like to share this with you.
I hope you find it of use.
David Twigg
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Nearing Journey’s End
The PhD Viva- What is it?- What can you expect?
Personal reflection on the process Prepare yourself Is there life after the PhD?
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
A PhD is about ...
Knowing your field thoroughly Evaluating your subject Making a useful contribution Mastering appropriate
techniques and knowing their limitation
Communicating in a professional way
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
The Viva ... an Opportunity
To discuss your workwith an expert
To improve your arguments and thesis
To consider where to publish
But remember: It is an examination
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
The Viva ... the Examiners
AdversarialSome examiners will challenge your views, in order to hear your argument.
DetailedSome examiners
inspect every word and phrase.
“On page 32, you say ... please explain.”
Friendly & InterestedExaminers will make you feel at ease. They will want you to explain your research.
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
The Viva ... Stay Calm
You are most probably now the world’s expert on your thesis topic.
Argue each point with confidence.
Demonstrate your depth/breadth of knowledge.
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
The Viva ... the Verdict
There is more than a straight pass or fail ...- minor corrections- major corrections- etc.
Be certain you know exactly what the result is.
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Prepare Yourself ...
Re-read the thesis carefully Be self-critical Know the limitations Know the contribution Know what to expect
from the process
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Prepare - Summarize ...
What have you done? Why have you done it? How did you do it? What have you found? What are the implications of these?
Prepare several bullet points on each.
Can you summarize your PhD in 3 minutes?
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Prepare - Consider ...
Methodology- generalization- validity
What is/are yourmajor contribution(s)?
Future dissemination What are your future plans?
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
Prepare ... Start NOW
It is never too early to start ... Discuss your research with peers Present papers at workshops ... Debate the methodology or
techniques
And afterwards ... Pass on your
experience to others
[email protected] David Twigg, 1997
“Post doctoral syndrome”or … should I be studying?
Publish Reflect on the
experience ... smile ... and look forward
Life After the PhD ...
