Preparing for your viva examination

The viva examination gives you the chance to have an in-depth conversation about your research findings with two experts in your field.

At the time of your viva, you are the world expert in your field or niche. Your viva is an important milestone in your candidature journey.

Use these practical steps to build confidence in discussing your research, and prepare for your viva.

Should you complete a viva?

If you commenced or returned to your doctoral degree from January 2025, you will be required to undertake a viva as part of your examination.

If you started your doctoral studies before this date, you may choose to complete a viva as part of your candidature experience.

It can be helpful to choose to undertake a viva, even if it is not a mandated part of your examination.

As part of your preparations for the viva, you will build skills that you can take into a career in either academia or beyond.

Some candidates find the submission of a thesis to be anti-climactic, after years of research, writing, and study. Whereas completing a viva provides you with an opportunity to discuss your research with two experts in your discipline and brings your doctoral degree to a meaningful close.

Such a discussion can also spark new ideas or allow you to understand the potential real-world applications of your research.

Participating in a viva can also help examiners reach a single agreed outcome, or on any revisions that your thesis may require.

Discussing your research in this manner allows you to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and respond directly to any questions or concerns raised by your examiners. The viva offers a valuable forum for this kind of exchange, beyond being assessed through a written examination only.

Prepare for your viva

The viva is an important part of your degree, and you should take your preparation for it as seriously as writing your thesis.

Here is what you should consider as part of your preparation.

Examiner expectations and requirements

When preparing for the viva examination, it helps to understand the viva’s expectations and requirements. These include:

  • A clear understanding of the viva process
  • Technical requirements
  • What you will be assessed on
  • The examination format
  • Rules and requirements.

The Examination of Doctoral Degrees by Viva Process is a good place to start to ensure that you fully understand the expectations and requirements of the viva.

Your supervisor and advisory committee chair can clarify any questions you may have around the viva. Your advisory committee chair will usually be appointed as your viva chair and can help allay any concerns in both the lead up to your examination viva and on the day.

Build confidence discussing your research

As part of preparing for your viva, you should look for opportunities to build upon your presentation and communication skills. These skills will not help you clearly convey your research – they will support you in your future career.

Consider treating your mandatory confirmation and completion seminars as an opportunity to practice for your viva, where you will be required to speak to and answer questions about your research.

There are plenty of places you can discuss your research, such as conferences, lectures, and speaking on radio, podcasts, and webinars.

Refresh your knowledge

Effective revision will help you feel more confident during the viva and engage in meaningful discussions about your work.

The period between submission and examination of your thesis is approximately three to four months, which allows you plenty of time for revision and related preparation.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • Reading through your thesis is a great place to begin preparing for your viva.

    It will help refresh your memory of your main arguments and key findings. Reviewing how you have structured your research will also help you fine-tune your responses.

  • You should be ready to discuss how your work fits within the wider field of study. Try revisiting recent developments in your field and consider how your findings contribute to or challenge existing knowledge.

  • You should expect questions about the frameworks and methods you used and how they influenced your findings. Consider how you would explain approached you have taken and their influences.

  • As you review your thesis, you may realise you could have used different methodologies or pursued different aspects of your questions. You might also have identified limitations in your work.

    The viva provides an opportunity to discuss these reflections, which demonstrates your development as a researcher and shows your examiners your ability to critically evaluate your own work.

    Some parts of your thesis may be several years old by the time the thesis is completed and may no longer be current. This is normal and provides an opportunity for you to reflect on how you and the field have evolved during this time.

  • Examiners appreciate when you acknowledge the limitations of your research and propose how future studies could address these gaps.

    Try reflecting on what you learned during your research journey and how it could shape your future directions.

Polish your presentation skills

The University has resources and opportunities available to help you increase confidence in presenting and speaking publicly.

Workshops and trainings

The Researcher Development Unit (RDU) co-facilitates a viva training workshop alongside Academic Skills. In this workshop, you will learn how to:

  • Prepare for the viva
  • Enhance your communication skills through practice with mock vivas.
  • Understand the structure of a viva discussion
  • Anticipate and navigate difficult questions

The RDU also runs workshops on research communication and public speaking. These practical workshops focus on strategic communication and include tips and tricks for confidently navigating a viva.

You will learn skills that are not only helpful for a viva, but for other styles of presenting.

Completing the RDU’s public speaking workshop advances you 10 points closer to the Melbourne Graduate Researcher Certificate (GR Certificate), which recognises the professional development activities undertaken by graduate researchers across their candidature.

Three-minute thesis (3MT)

You may consider taking part in the annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, to build on your public speaking skills and work towards framing your research for a generalist audience.

In this international competition, candidates have only three minutes to present their PhD research findings to an audience, using generalist, accessible language. Those who make it to the final go into the running for cash prizes.

Arrange a mock viva

A mock viva examination can help you learn how to communicate your research clearly and confidently, while also preparing you for the different questions you might encounter.

You can arrange a mock viva examination with your advisory committee members or even with some of your peers.

The goal of the mock viva is to refine your ability to explain and justify your research and help you feel more confident and prepared for the official viva.

    • Treat it seriously: Approach the mock exam as though it were an actual viva. Dress as you would for the real examination, create a similar environment and prepare your materials and mindset as if it is the actual day.
    • Ask supervisors to act as examiners: Supervisors or their colleagues can play the role of examiners, using their familiarity with your work to ask challenging and probing questions. They may provide different perspectives or insights into your thesis that you hadn’t previously considered.
    • Practise for likely questions: Examiners will typically ask a very broad question at the start of the viva, such as, ‘Tell me about the main arguments of your thesis’. You may want to prepare a three-to- four-minute overview of your research. You may also want to practice a shorter ‘elevator pitch’ about the main impact or potential impacts of your research.
    • Anticipate unexpected questions: Recognise that your supervisors may highlight areas not previously discussed in your meetings. This is beneficial for thinking critically about your thesis and preparing to respond to spontaneous questions during the real viva.
    • Focus on weaknesses: Use the mock exam to identify areas where you feel less confident. Supervisors can deliberately probe these aspects to help you develop strategies for addressing difficult or unexpected questions effectively.
    • Analyse the feedback: After the mock exam, work with your supervisor or colleagues to review your performance constructively. Discuss what went well and any areas for improvement, creating a plan to address these before the actual viva.
    • Time it strategically: Schedule the mock viva within two weeks of the actual viva. This time allows you to reflect on feedback and make necessary adjustments while keeping the experience fresh in your mind.
    • Practise explaining complex ideas clearly: The viva is about both your knowledge and your ability to articulate it effectively. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this demonstrates a clear and deep understanding of your work.
    • Boost confidence: Use the mock viva to practise staying calm and composed under pressure. Even if the mock viva is challenging, remember that its purpose is to prepare you for the real vivaby building resilience and adaptability.
    • Practise spontaneity: Use the mock viva to practise providing clear, well-reasoned responses to unexpected queries.
    • Rehearse aloud: Speaking your answers out loud, even on your own, is critical for developing the clarity, flow and confidence needed to articulate your thoughts effectively during the viva.

Research your examiners

Once you know who your examiners are, it may help to familiarise yourself with them and their work. You could read some of their recent papers and learn where their research interests lie.

This could help you determine the types of questions they could ask you during the viva.

While you may familiarise yourself with your examiner’s work, you must not contact them ahead of the viva, for any reason.

Anticipate questions

There are many online guides to help you prepare for your viva. Some point out that preparing for a viva is like preparing yourself for a job interview. As such, you may find it helpful to anticipate some of the examiner's questions and have a loose framework available for reference.

The opening questions

The viva examination will begin with general opening questions about your thesis.

You should aim to answer with a three- to four-minute-long overview of your thesis or research, focusing on aspects that are relevant to the questions asked.

Discussion tips

  • Listen closely and carefully: Take your time to listen to each question without assuming you know where it’s going. Be mindful of what the examiner is specifically asking, rather than focusing on what you anticipated they would ask or would prefer to answer. This ensures that your response is targeted and relevant.
  • Take a moment to reflect before answering: Pausing briefly before responding can help you gather your thoughts. Taking a moment to structure your answer is acceptable and can lead to a more confident and coherent response.
  • Take notes on each question: When the examiners ask a question, write it down. This approach helps you stay on topic and allows you to fully address each aspect of the question. Writing the question also helps you to consider your response thoughtfully, which can help reduce the impulse to rush.
  • Seek clarification when needed: If a question seems unclear, ask for clarification. This shows your commitment to giving a precise answer and prevents you from veering off topic.

Before your viva

Here are some other ways you can prepare in the lead up to completing your viva.

Look after your health

We understand that preparing for the viva examination can be a stressful experience. During this time, we encourage you to prioritise your mental and physical health.

This includes maintaining good energy levels, taking regular study breaks, and reaching out to people when you need more support.

Ways that you can look after yourself may include:

  • Establishing a sustainable routine
  • Reaching out to the University’s support services, if necessary.
  • Maintaining a balanced sleep schedule
  • Taking regular study breaks
  • Exercising
  • Allowing time for hobbies and activities
  • Reaching out to your friends and family.

Meet with your viva chair

You and your viva chair should meet a week before your viva examination.

During this meeting they will explain the viva process, confirm any agreed adjustments, answer any questions you may have and ensure you understand what is expected from you on the day. This is a good opportunity for you to raise any concerns or questions.

Your viva chair is usually also your advisory committee chair. As such, they will be familiary with you and your research.

The night before your viva

The night before your viva examination can be particularly daunting. You might be tempted to squeeze in some last-minute practise; however, this can add unnecessary stress and fatigue.

Getting a good sleep the night before will help you feel mentally prepared, alert, and ready to focus.

Your viva may be scheduled outside standard office hours to accommodate examiners in different time zones. Regardless of when it is held, make sure you allow sufficient time to rest beforehand.

Preparation checklist

A preparation plan will help you approach your viva with confidence. This short checklist can help reassure you that you have taken all the necessary steps to refamiliarise yourself with your thesis, anticipate potential questions, and refine your responses.

  • I know my thesis thoroughly
  • I have made brief notes of the key points from each chapter
  • I can explain how my thesis fits into the big picture
  • I have kept up to date with relevant literature
  • I know what the implications of my research are to both theory and practice
  • I have reflected on the strengths, limitations and evolution of my work
  • I have had a mock viva with my supervisor
  • I have asked my peers to quiz and challenge me about my thesis
  • I have explained my thesis to colleagues or friends who are not familiar with it
  • I have pre-prepared answers to potential questions
  • I have investigated the backgrounds and publications of my examiners
  • I have reviewed the University of Melbourne guidelines for vivas
  • I have explored or considered other viva guidance
  • I have thoroughly researched areas of my thesis that examiners may challenge
  • I have marked up my thesis to help me refer to it in the viva
  • I know where I will be during the viva and have prepared the relevant equipment
  • I know how the University will inform me of the outcome

Next steps after the viva

It is important to remember that the viva is not the final step in being awarded your doctoral degree.

You will be eligible to complete once the final thesis is certified by the chair of examiners and an approved citation has been received by the GR Examinations Office.

Once all requirements have been fulfilled, you will receive an email stating that you have successfully completed your degree.