Rachel

I’m Rachel and I’ve just completed my viva for my Masters by Research (MA) in English Literature at the University of South Wales.

The viva was the part of my research degree that I was most nervous for. I know now that this is normal, it’s likely to be the first time you have ever had to ‘defend’ your work, let alone to a team of experts in the topic! When I started my part-time degree in 2019, I hadn’t even written a draft of my introduction and I was already worrying about my viva. Thankfully, each of my thesis supervisors assured me that I don’t even need to think about that at that stage! They were right, of course. Why would I spend important research time worrying about something in the future? 

They also reminded me that by the time I would be having my viva, I would know my thesis inside and out, being the expert on the topic. Back then, I thought “How could I be an expert on anything?”, but three years and 40,000 words later, I realised they were right – no one knew my thesis like I did. Sure, there were other people who researched similar topics, but I was the expert on my work. 

This is the advice that stayed with me, throughout the writing of my thesis, and most importantly, after submission. I submitted my thesis in April 2022, and didn’t have my viva until a few months later, so that time in between could have been a few months of complete panic. Instead, with this advice, I tried to keep calm and gently prep for the viva. For a little while, I didn’t know exactly when the viva would be, so I made sure to take some time for myself. I took some annual leave from my job and went on holiday with my partner, I took up new hobbies, and I read for pleasure. I also kept up to date with new research in my field and tried to read the work of the authors I studied and other critics. 

Viva prep

When my viva date was set, the real preparations began. I started by reading through my thesis and making a note of areas I thought would be interesting to discuss with my examiners. My thesis supervisors also scheduled a ‘mock’ viva with me, so I knew what the format of the viva would be. They went through how a viva worked in detail and put my mind at ease regarding the formalities. They also went through some questions that may get asked at a viva. This was a really helpful experience, and it is what made me feel most prepared because it allowed me to see what I needed to work on. For example, one of the questions they asked me really tripped me up and made me realise I needed to work on that section a little more so I would feel confident answering it if it came up in my actual viva. 

After my mock viva, I was ready to get my head down and read, read, and read some more. The bulk of my preparation lay in re-reading my thesis and understanding where it fit in terms of the other work in the field. I became comfortable with defending what I had found and how my work made a real contribution to knowledge. As mine was an English Literature thesis, I also needed to understand the cultural and contextual elements of my research, as well as the theories I used to come to my conclusion. To do this I revisited the works in my bibliography as well as any since-published works in my field. 

My viva was on a Friday, so the week leading up to it I made sure I was staying calm, carrying on with my usual routine, and getting plenty of sleep. My viva was online (through Microsoft Teams) and so I wanted to book a room at the University to ensure I had a reliable internet connection, and I wouldn’t be disturbed by well-meaning cats or knocks at the door. I made sure I was familiar with the room and tested the technology, ensuring my microphone worked well and I could load Teams easily. 

The day of my viva

I got to campus with plenty of time to spare to ensure I was not stressed about running late. I had a hot drink and breakfast (even though I was feeling the nerves, I knew if I didn’t eat my stomach would be rumbling during the viva!) and then headed to the room. I met one of my thesis supervisors there beforehand, more for moral support than anything else. They waited for me whilst the viva went on, too. I set my room up, tested the technology again, and tried to remain calm. Finally it was time to talk about three years of hard work! I was definitely nervous, but just before it was time to join the viva online, I felt so excited! Any other researcher will know what I mean when I say it feels so exciting to be able to talk about your research with like-minded people! 

The viva itself flew by! I am not exaggerating when I say that all my nerves flew out the window as soon as I joined the call. The examiners and chair made me feel very at ease and were so interested in what I had to say. After an hour or so, my viva was over, and I was instructed to leave the virtual room on Teams so they could discuss my result. 

The decision

I went outside and sat with my thesis supervisors, and we all joined back on the call a few minutes later for the result, I passed with no corrections! It was a proud feeling, and I truly think that the preparation I put into my viva helped me get that result. 

My thesis supervisor said I was the first student they’d ever heard to describe their viva experience as “joyous”, but it really was! I know this might not be the case for everyone, but I believe that preparing, staying calm, and knowing your thesis really well is the key to having a successful viva.