Preparing for your DPhil Viva

Is your viva approaching in the next three months?  

Are you feeling uncertain about what to expect?  

Do you want to boost your confidence for this crucial academic milestone? 
 

This workshop, designed for those who have submitted their thesis and anticipate their viva within three months, combines pre-reading with interactive sessions to demystify the viva process. We'll address practical issues surrounding the examination, helping you develop clearer expectations and increased confidence. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the viva system and be better prepared for this significant step in your academic journey. 
 

Objectives: 

Understand the viva assessment criteria and examiners' expectations 

Gain insight into the viva process and structure 

Develop effective preparation strategies 

Build confidence in handling various viva scenarios 

Learn about post-viva procedures and outcomes 

 

Apply here

 

Our booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

 

 

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel using the CoSy booking system (link in booking confirmation email) giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations by email will not be accepted. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.