Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my Viva Preparation?
Once you have submitted your thesis and your external examiner has been confirmed, it can be a good idea to take a couple of weeks away from your thesis. Give yourself some time to rest, reset and return to your research with fresh eyes. You may not yet have a date for your viva, but it is worth starting your preparation before the date is confirmed. My Viva Preparation Programme runs over six consecutive weeks, so we consider the timing carefully and make a decision based on all the information available to you — including the likely viva timeframe, your availability and how much preparation you feel you need.
The aim is to start at the right time for you: early enough to prepare thoroughly, but not so early that you lose momentum or spend months worrying about your viva.
Is it better to have my viva online or in person?
There’s no right or wrong choice — it really comes down to your personal preference and what will help you feel most comfortable and confident.
An in-person viva can feel more natural and make it easier to build rapport, read body language and have a face-to-face academic conversation. An online viva offers greater flexibility, avoids travel and allows you to take the viva in a familiar environment.
Think about where you communicate most confidently, how comfortable you are with technology, and which environment will allow you to focus on demonstrating your knowledge and expertise.
Whichever format you choose, the aim is the same: to have a confident, engaging conversation about your research.
I only have four weeks until my viva. Can you still help me?
Absolutely! While six weeks gives us more time to prepare thoroughly, four weeks can still be enough to make a real difference. I have worked with a client who had just four weeks until their viva, and we prepared intensively, meeting more than once a week.
Where time is limited, we simply adapt the programme and work at a faster pace, focusing on the areas that will make the greatest difference to your confidence and readiness. I’m always happy to offer a more intensive preparation schedule where my availability allows.
So, if your viva is only four weeks away, don’t panic — get in touch and we can discuss what’s possible
Should I give a presentation at the start of my viva?
If your university gives you the option, a short presentation can be a great way to start the viva confidently, remind the examiners of your research aims and key findings, and highlight the contribution you want to emphasise.
However, it isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone. It takes additional preparation and can add pressure, particularly if it simply repeats what the examiners already know from reading your thesis.
Every university has different guidelines, so check what applies to you. Ultimately, the decision is personal and should be based on whether a presentation will help you feel more confident and communicate your research effectively.
What if I feel I need more than six sessions to prepare for my viva?
Six weeks is my standard programme, but every client and every thesis is different. We initially plan the six weeks around your thesis, breaking down the chapters and agreeing sessions that work for both our schedules, with the final week reserved for your mock viva.
If you feel you need additional support — perhaps because of the complexity of your thesis, circumstances at home, or simply because you would benefit from more preparation — we can adapt the programme to suit you. Extra sessions can either be built into your initial schedule or added at the end, depending on what works best for you.
My priority is that you feel genuinely prepared and confident going into your viva, not simply that we have completed six sessions.