Mixing the metaphor, they may be more interested in the shape of the cathedral than the individual bricks? And if (mixed again) the foundational work in this subject is that easy to attack, then (metaphor mayhem) they may just want you to kick the tyres of that work? I wouldn’t fret anyway 😊

It may be that “defence” is not quite the right metaphor for the viva. I’ve not really thought carefully about that before. hmm

Enjoy it! You have people in your field really caring about the work you’ve done and who are interested in it. I absolutely guarantee time will fly!

so some amount of corrections is almost inevitable. Anyway I don’t know how much of this transfers to your subject/uni but I hope it helps 😊 And if your social media is any guide, you will be very, very good at thoughtful & incisive commentary so I’d bet on a barnstorming viva 😁

Typical format: Opening question is typically underarm bowling, eg what did you find the most interesting or important part of your theses? Then we chug through from the start page by page and each examiner asks questions that occurred to them while having read it. Nearly all theses have typos etc

change your mind. Ultimately a PhD is a research apprenticeship so they’re interested in seeing you think, so it’s 100% ok to change your mind. And remember YOU are the expert on the work in the thesis. Also if uni processes have worked then the thesis itself should already be in a passable state.

your knowledge. This means it’s GUARANTEED they will ask questions you don’t know the answer to, because they’re looking for the boundaries of your knowledge. And at that point they may encourage you to work it out. And then remember it’s not a TV interview. Take your time, think, um and ah, even

In case it helps, here’s what I advise for UK physical science PhDs. The viva has many purposes eg: checking you didn’t get it ghost written 😂; checking you understand it; checking you know the immediate research area; checking you know the wider context. The last 2 mean finding the boundaries of

You know what planet gets hit with more asteroids than earth? And doesn’t have an atmosphere to stop or slow them down? Mars. Let’s all go there and get pummeled while we’re irradiated. You can’t take anything this man says seriously. He’s embarrassing.

INTERVIEWER: what is your greatest strength ME: i go berserk whenever i hear an oxymoron INTERVIEWER: wouldn’t that be your greatest weakness ME: *lunges across desk*INTERVIEWER: what is your greatest strength ME: i go berserk whenever i hear an oxymoron INTERVIEWER: wouldn’t that be your greatest weakness ME: *lunges across desk*