Defending your PhD thesis in the viva voce examination (often called the PhD viva or viva exam) is the culmination of years of research. For many doctoral candidates, it can feel like the most daunting hurdle of the journey. Unlike writing your thesis, the viva requires you to explain and defend your work aloud, in real time, under questioning from academic experts.
But the viva is not just an exam — it’s your opportunity to demonstrate mastery of your research area, defend your arguments, and showcase the originality of your work.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through essential tips for surviving your viva, giving you practical advice on how to defend your thesis and helping you to face this academic challenge with confidence.
Before Your Viva: Prepare to Defend Your PhD
Know Your Thesis Inside Out:
When you enter the viva, your thesis becomes the foundation of your defence. Be prepared to justify every decision — from why you chose your methodology to how you interpreted your results. Don’t just know what you wrote; know why you wrote it.
Review Relevant Literature:
Refresh your memory on the key literature that underpins your research. This not only demonstrates your command of the subject but also allows you to contextualise your work within the broader academic landscape.
Practice Answering Questions:
Enlist the help of peers, mentors, or friends to conduct mock viva sessions. This will not only familiarise you with the format but also provide valuable insights into potential answers to common PhD viva questions.
Be Ready to Justify Your Choices:
Expect questions probing the decisions you made during your research. Whether it’s your chosen methodology, data collection methods, or analytical tools, be prepared to articulate the reasoning behind each choice.
Stay Updated on Current Research:
Examiners may ask how your thesis relates to recent research published since your submission. Being able to defend its relevance in light of new studies shows your work has ongoing significance.
➡️ Need some help preparing for your viva? Our tailor-made viva preparation service is designed to meet your unique requirements and subject area. Choose from flexible 5-hour blocks—whether it’s 5, 10, 15, or 20 hours—and get the support you need from a senior academic in your subject.
During Your Viva: Defending with Confidence
Maintain Composure:
Stay calm and composed throughout the viva. Take a deep breath before responding to questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
Listen Actively:
Pay close attention to the examiners’ questions. Ensure you fully understand what is being asked before formulating your response. Active listening demonstrates your engagement in the viva process.
Expand on Your Answers:
While providing concise responses is essential, be prepared to expand on your answers when necessary. Elaborate on key points and provide additional context to showcase the depth of your understanding.
Embrace Constructive Criticism:
View feedback and critique as opportunities for improvement rather than as negative assessments. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow is a positive aspect of your academic journey. Our top tip? Don’t forget to bring a pen to take some notes!
Take Breaks if Needed:
A viva typically last 1-2 hours. If the viva is lengthy, don’t hesitate to request short breaks if necessary. This allows you to maintain focus and ensures that both you and the examiners are operating at your best.
Celebrate Your Achievements:
Don’t forget to acknowledge your achievements during the viva. Highlight the strengths of your research and be proud of the contribution you’ve made to your field.
A Successful Outcome
At its heart, the viva voce examination is an academic debate. Success comes from showing that your thesis makes a genuine contribution to knowledge and that you can defend it convincingly. With careful preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be ready to engage confidently with your examiners and emerge successful.
If you’re seeking expert guidance and support in preparing for your viva, our team is here to help. From mock viva sessions to personalised feedback, our viva preparation services are designed to boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-equipped for success. Don’t leave your viva preparation to chance—reach out to us today.
FAQs About Defending a PhD
What does it mean to defend a PhD?
To defend a PhD means presenting and justifying your thesis during the viva voce examination. You explain your research aims, methods, findings, and contribution, while responding to critical questions from examiners. It’s not about memorising your thesis, but about showing ownership and scholarly maturity.
How do you defend a PhD thesis?
Defending a PhD thesis involves answering questions confidently, justifying your decisions, and demonstrating the originality of your work. Preparation is key: know your thesis inside out, practise answering questions aloud, and anticipate areas of critique. A calm, clear, and critical approach is the hallmark of a strong defence.
Why do you have to defend a PhD?
The viva is essential because it ensures your work is genuinely your own and makes a contribution to knowledge. Defending your PhD shows that you can think critically, engage in academic debate, and justify your research choices. It is both an assessment and a recognition of your expertise.
What happens if I can’t answer a question in the viva?
It’s perfectly normal to be stumped by a difficult question during your PhD viva. If this happens, stay calm. You can ask the examiner to clarify, take a moment to think, or acknowledge the limits of your knowledge. Examiners value honesty and critical reflection more than a rushed or inaccurate answer.
What happens if you can’t defend your PhD thesis?
Outright failure in a viva is very rare. If you struggle to defend parts of your thesis, examiners usually recommend revisions rather than rejection. These may be minor corrections, major corrections, or in some cases a resubmission. Examiners want you to succeed, and thorough viva preparation can greatly reduce the risk of being unprepared. Read this article for a detailed breakdown of viva results.
