Dr Adam Jones

I’m Dr Adam Jones, a lecturer specialising in Communications and Electronics at the University of South Wales (USW).

My journey through the world of academia led me to embark on an MPhil/PhD program in October 2019. This endeavour was fuelled by the ambition to develop a novel measurement technique for assessing metallic coating thickness, a project delivered in collaboration with Tata Steel UK under the KESS2 scheme. In this reflective blog, I aim to recount and delve into my PhD examination experience, which encompasses a spectrum of crucial phases: finalising and submitting my research thesis, constituting an examination team, preparing for the viva, the viva itself, handling results and amendments, culminating in the submission of the final thesis and the notification of my academic achievement. 

Throughout the course of my research project, I planned to submit my PhD thesis by a specific date, namely April 2023. However, as the deadline loomed closer, I often found myself grappling with self-doubt, questioning whether I had invested sufficient effort to earn my research degree. To mitigate these uncertainties, I engaged in numerous conversations with my supervisory team, whose support bolstered my confidence in the ability to meet our original submission target. In the two weeks leading up to the submission deadline, I endured numerous late nights and weekends to perfect my work. Looking back, I recognise that no piece of work can ever be perfect, as there will always be room for improvement. Upon submitting my thesis, I briefly felt a sense of relief, but this momentary respite quickly gave way to preparations for the impending viva.

On the day prior to my viva, in June 2023, USW's Graduate School hosted its annual research showcase event, allowing researchers to present their work in various formats. I had consistently attended these events throughout my postgraduate research journey, finding them to be invaluable networking opportunities and a source of inspiration.

Prior to the submission of my thesis, my supervisors, in collaboration with USW's Graduate School, assembled an examination team to examine my work. USW's Graduate School offered a wealth of resources, including informative videos that proved invaluable in comprehending the post-thesis submission processes. In the weeks leading up to the viva, I devoted substantial time to reviewing my thesis, thoroughly revisiting it three times to make minor corrections, all of which were preserved in separate versions. I made comprehensive notes on a printed copy of my thesis, which I intended to carry with me into the viva. Furthermore, I crafted an extensive PowerPoint presentation condensing the key facets of my thesis into approximately 80 slides, although I knew I wouldn't have time to cover them all during the viva.

Approximately a week before the scheduled viva, I began to experience mounting nervousness, prompting late-night study sessions in an attempt to ensure I was adequately prepared. Looking back, I realize that this last-minute panic only added undue pressure to the entire process. I had also prepared a concise 15-minute presentation for the viva, with the understanding that its inclusion was at the discretion of the examiners. This presentation was based on the 80 slides I had prepared in the preceding weeks. On the day prior to my viva, in June 2023, USW's Graduate School hosted its annual research showcase event, allowing researchers to present their work in various formats. I had consistently attended these events throughout my postgraduate research journey, finding them to be invaluable networking opportunities and a source of inspiration derived from witnessing the institution's research output. One of my supervisors attended the event, and when two fellow postgraduate research students withdrew from their presentations, he encouraged me to deliver my viva presentation in one of the available slots. Despite the last-minute nature of this decision, the audience's reception was overwhelmingly positive. This experience served to alleviate my nerves (albeit only slightly) in anticipation of the main event the following day.

On the day of the viva, I arrived at the designated room half an hour ahead of schedule. Upon entering the room, I met the examination team, comprising an internal examiner, an external examiner, and the chair. We exchanged introductions and handshakes, and the chair initiated the proceedings with a briefing on the viva's procedures and adherence to USW regulations.

Following this initial briefing, I was asked to step out of the room to allow the examination team to confer and discuss the viva's conduct amongst themselves. During this brief interlude, two of my academic supervisors joined me outside. We engaged in casual conversation and light-hearted banter, a clear attempt to ease my tension informally. Shortly thereafter, I was summoned back into the room to commence the viva with my 15-minute presentation summarising my work. In retrospect, this presentation served as an excellent icebreaker, and the questions raised during it effectively clarified several points from my written thesis right from the outset. Subsequently, the examiners meticulously dissected my thesis chapter by chapter, quizzing me on various aspects of my research. This interactive process was engaging, and time seemed to fly by. There were instances where I confidently addressed complex and practical questions yet stumbled over seemingly basic foundational theories. In hindsight, this may appear bizarre, but the pressure of continuous examination over several hours can lead to such moments.

Upon the viva's conclusion, I was instructed to leave the room so that the examination team could deliberate. I was called back in and the examination team immediately rose to their feet, congratulating me on passing my PhD with minor corrections. I was met with an outpouring of support and congratulations from everyone in the room. Detailed explanations of the correction process and the expected timeframe for their completion were provided by the examination team, who proved remarkably accurate in their estimations.

Following the viva, I addressed the corrections and resubmitted them to the examination team via USW's Graduate School and my PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering was awarded in August 2023.

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