VIVA VOCE- WHAT IS IT?

The viva voce examination is part of the examination for a postgraduate research degree
but not the whole of it; the remainder being mature reflection upon the thesis itself by the
examiners over the period of time from its submission.


The aim of the viva voce examination is to provide an opportunity for the examiners to
question the student on aspects of the thesis. It should be designed to elicit information on
any or all of the following issues:

(a) explanation of the structure of the thesis;
(b) justification for the inclusion or exclusion of material;
(c) explanation for and justification of the use of particular research methods and
techniques;
(d) defence of the originality of the thesis;
(e) clarification of any points of ambiguity within the thesis;
(f) justification for the conceptual approach taken in the thesis;
(g) the depth of knowledge of the contextual background to the subject of the
thesis.


6.4.1 Before the Examination
Preliminary Examiners' Reports
Both the internal and the external examiners are required to submit preliminary reports on
the thesis in advance of the oral examination. These are submitted directly to the Convener
and the examiners should not confer before the Examination Committee meets. It is the
Convener's role to ensure that differences of opinion are discussed and resolved
satisfactorily at or immediately following the examination of the student.
Prior to the viva voce examination, the Convener is responsible for:
(a) informing the student of the membership of the examining committee;
(b) making sure that the student is aware of the agreed format of the Thesis for examination
purposes;
(c) making all practical arrangements for the viva voce examination, including date, time and
place, and any additional requirements of the relevant School;
(d) ensuring that the viva voce examination takes place within three months of the date of
submission wherever possible;
(e) informing the student of the arrangements with generally at least four weeks' notice;
(f) receiving preliminary reports from both the internal and external examiners before the
viva voce examination, and ensuring that issues raised in these reports are satisfactorily
addressed during the viva voce examination;
(g) agreeing the structure of the examination with the other members of the committee,
ensuring that all concerns raised by the examiners will be addressed.