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

2. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 Why This Presentation? l There is an absence of constructive pointers for students to prepare for the PhD Viva l 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

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

4. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 A PhD is about... l 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

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

6. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 The Viva... the Examiners Adversarial 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.” Friendly & Interested Examiners will make you feel at ease. They will want you to explain your research.

7. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 The Viva... Stay Calm l 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.

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

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

10. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 Prepare - Summarize... l 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? Prepare several bullet points on each. Can you summarize your PhD in 3 minutes?

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

12. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid 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

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

14. d.twigg@sussex.ac.ukDavid Twigg, 1997 … And Finally...