Knowing and Understanding the Viva

This interactive workshop is designed to support PhD students as they prepare for their viva voce examination. Through practical guidance, peer discussion and tips, participants will explore ways of presenting their research with confidence. The session will also cover understanding examiner expectations, and reflecting critically on your thesis. Whether your viva is weeks or months away, this workshop will help you feel more prepared and empowered.

This workshop, organised by the WRDTP’s Education, Childhood and Youth (ECY) Pathway Training Team, is suitable for PhD students from all social science disciplines. It is primarily aimed at those who are close to their viva. As places are limited, please book a place only if you are sure that you will be able to attend.

Outcomes

By participating in this workshop, you will:

• Develop strategies for answering viva questions: Learn how to respond to examiners’ questions with clarity, confidence and critical insight;
• Enhance communication of research contributions: Practise articulating the significance, originality and impact of your thesis effectively;
• Create a preparation plan: Leave with an action plan to guide your final weeks of viva preparation.

Contributors

Dr Marion Heron is Associate Professor in Educational Linguistics at the University of Surrey. She is PGR Director, and has extensive experience of supervising and examining doctoral students.

Dr Delyth Edwards is a Lecturer in Inclusion, Childhood and Youth at the University of Leeds, and is also Deputy Director of the Education, Childhood and Youth (ECY) Pathway for the WRDTP.

Please note: The WRDTP is committed to sustainability and to reducing the waste from excess catering at events. A key challenge here is non-attendance at events. From October 1st 2025, the WRDTP will be changing the way we manage the non-attendance of PGR students who have booked place/s at WRDTP Training events. Any PGR student who does not inform the WRDTP (via training@wrdtp.ac.uk) that they will not be able to attend a WRDTP event at least 3 working days before the event takes place will have the cost of their place deducted from their RTSG (if a WRDTP-funded student), or have this charged to their department (if not funded by the WRDTP). This will allow us to better plan for events and to avoid catering waste. Thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.