On this page you will find information about the Oral examination (also known as the viva). Please refer to the Research Student Handbook for further information about the arrangements for the Oral Examination

The oral examination
All candidates are required to submit for an oral examination also known as a viva. The viva is an important part of the examination process. The purpose of the viva is to ensure that the work submitted for examination reaches the University standards for the degree, that you have written the work submitted and that you understand the work you have submitted. A ‘mock viva’ may be helpful for some students, and if so, you should consult your supervisors.

Length and format of the oral examination
The University does not have specific regulations regarding the length of the viva or what should be discussed except that the thesis should be discussed with you. Some Examiners will also wish to satisfy themselves of your general level of understanding of the subject area. The viva also gives you the opportunity to answer questions in areas where the Examiners are not satisfied. For a PhD degree and other Doctoral degrees evidence of originality and critical ability is required and, where the evidence in the thesis is not compelling, the Examiners may use the viva to encourage you to provide convincing evidence that the stated criteria can be met. Additional tests may also be set by the Examiners. One purpose of these tests might be to establish that the thesis is your own work
The examination must be conducted in English (with the exception of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, where, in certain circumstances approved by the Graduate Board, the oral might, with the agreement of the external examiner, be conducted in a language other than English)

Result of the oral examination
The result of the examination should be given informally to the candidate, normally within 24 hours of completion of the oral examination. Further advice can be found on the next page (After the Oral Examination) about the possible outcomes and what happens after the examination.

Attendance of the Supervisor at the oral examination
The supervisor may be an observer at the examination  but will normally consult with the candidate as to whether they wish them to attend and respect his/her wishes. If not present as an observer the Supervisor is required to be available for consultation if necessary. Those present at the oral examination will be the candidate, the External Examiner(s), the Internal Examiner(s) and the supervisor (as an observer if it is decided that they should be present).
Next: After the Oral Examination

last updated 09/09/11