Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
''Sharing a wealth of personal experience being on several 'sides of the table', namely supervising PhD students, examining and chairing PhD viva, this book is clear, logical, and jargon free. If you feel you must do something useful before the event, make reading this book your task!'' - Dr Lee Zhuang, Staffordshire University, UK
"Peter Smith's The PhD Viva: How to Prepare for Your Oral Examination provides extensive coverage of the process of preparing for and experiencing the viva. The book presents actual case studies of different viva experiences, with summary comments from the author. Doctoral students will be well-served reading this book and taking to heart its sound advice and useful suggestions." - Dr. Kristen P. Williams, Clark University, USA"
About the Author
Peter Smith is Emeritus Professor of the University of Sunderland, UK, having held several teaching, research and management positions at the University. He has examined or supervised over 100 doctoral candidates in a range of subjects at Universities in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Spain. He is co-author of The Professional Doctorate.
Peter Smith is Emeritus Professor of the University of Sunderland, UK, having held several teaching, research and management positions at the University. He has examined or supervised over 100 doctoral candidates in a range of subjects at Universities in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Spain. He is co-author of The Professional Doctorate.
Reviews:
Must-have resource for PhD students
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This book is an invaluable resource for PhD viva preparations, well worth acquiring earlier on in the program. Its comprehensive coverage of potential questions, insightful tips, and practical advice are designed to help you perform at your best. The clear structure and real-life examples make the concepts very easy to apply. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance the author provides and highly recommend it to any PhD student gearing up for their viva!
An essential book - not for the shelf - but to read.
I have read many books in the course of my PhD. This, I would rank as the most useful and practical in preparation for my UK based viva. The author has a straight forward writing style, that flows so well, I was able to read the book in 2 days (and retain the information). There are examples given of the viva process and commentary from PhD students about their experiences of the examination. There are checklists and exercises to help prepare for the day. There is a list with possible questions, together with a 'health warning' that each viva is different. Peter Smith draws on his many years of experience as an examiner, superviser and panel chair. He acknowledges that the viva can be stressful but is optimistic. Taking care of yourself is also included. There is an explanation of the requirements for amendments and how to go about this, together with the students' comments on amendments,this book it puts what could seem a negative outcome into something that seems more like (in most cases) a fine tuning, for a better finished thesis. I have bought this book as I head towards completion but it would probably be an asset earlier on, as you consider choice of examiners. My PhD is mixed methods based in health but I think the book is suitable whatever your subject.
Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Chapter 8!
Emeritus Professor Peter Smith's book "The PhD Viva - How to prepare for your oral examination" is packed with straight to the point invaluable How-Tos backed with real life examples from many who went through the PhD viva process before. As a PhD research student who was heading toward his own PhD viva, my co-adviser recommended me his book. I read it and a day before my viva I was lucky enough to actually secure a real face to face meeting with Professor Peter Smith to elaborate on a couple of things. He was exceedingly approachable, patient and generous with his guidance on what I should realistically expect the next day. Based on our conversation he even pointed me to the specific pages in Chapter 8 of his book that I should go over at least one more time before the big day. I did. And boy was he right! The next day my viva unfolded like a prophesied series of events. The first 30 - 45 mins of the viva were a barrage of non-stop grueling non-standard questions that could not have been on anyone's list. Not mine either. If I had not re-read Chapter 8 it's very likely it would have been game over in just those first 30-45 mins for me. But I held my own, for the book had prepared me well. I stayed icy calm, took notes while questions that felt borderline personal attacks were double barreled at me at lightening speed, then consciously took a minute before answering to organize my thoughts, frame my answer for each part of the long questions as professional and comprehensively as possible, then deliver it rationally and logically without being personal but backed with facts. About 55 minutes into the viva the examiners requested the Chairperson for a coffee break. They asked me if I needed a break and I told them I was actually fine. [Staying icy calm and rational as the book advised seemed to have another advantage, I did not break a sweat even under these most intense questionings and I did not feel at all tired. Surprisingly I felt razor sharp and significantly more confident with each successive tough question I rationally dispatched]. The examiners came back from the coffee break smiling and told me they hoped I did not feel personally attacked or as if I was at the end of unfair questions earlier. I told them I did not and that I thought all their questions were fair. The rest of the viva proceeded much better and in a more predictable manner after that. A little over two and half hours after it had all started I was told to finally leave the viva room so the examiners can deliberate, just as the book said. Me and my adviser went for coffee and just talked while we waited. From his observation during the viva - I had done exceedingly well, there would be corrections to the thesis formatting and structuring needed to suit mostly one of the examiners but I had definitely passed he said. And just as the book also said, 45 minutes later I was called back in to the viva room to hear the verdict. Sure enough, my advisers and the book had guided me to the promised land, I had passed my PhD viva! And just like that, yours truly was thus ushered into the world as a newly minted - humble Doctor of Philosophy!
Perfect preparation for your viva
Just passed my viva. This book was invaluable, helped me prepare for those overarching questions that you lose sight of when writing up your thesis. Highly highly recommend this book to anyone about to do their viva or in their writing up phase of their thesis
Must have!
Perfect book, important to be bought before the viva, in the first or second year.
Visit the Peter Smith (Author) Store
The PhD Viva: How to Prepare for Your Oral Examination (Macmillan Research Skills, 9)
AED16694
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Research”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1137395761
Visit the Peter Smith (Author) Store
The PhD Viva: How to Prepare for Your Oral Examination (Macmillan Research Skills, 9)
AED16694
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
''Sharing a wealth of personal experience being on several 'sides of the table', namely supervising PhD students, examining and chairing PhD viva, this book is clear, logical, and jargon free. If you feel you must do something useful before the event, make reading this book your task!'' - Dr Lee Zhuang, Staffordshire University, UK
"Peter Smith's The PhD Viva: How to Prepare for Your Oral Examination provides extensive coverage of the process of preparing for and experiencing the viva. The book presents actual case studies of different viva experiences, with summary comments from the author. Doctoral students will be well-served reading this book and taking to heart its sound advice and useful suggestions." - Dr. Kristen P. Williams, Clark University, USA"
About the Author
Peter Smith is Emeritus Professor of the University of Sunderland, UK, having held several teaching, research and management positions at the University. He has examined or supervised over 100 doctoral candidates in a range of subjects at Universities in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Spain. He is co-author of The Professional Doctorate.
Peter Smith is Emeritus Professor of the University of Sunderland, UK, having held several teaching, research and management positions at the University. He has examined or supervised over 100 doctoral candidates in a range of subjects at Universities in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Spain. He is co-author of The Professional Doctorate.
Reviews:
Must-have resource for PhD students
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This book is an invaluable resource for PhD viva preparations, well worth acquiring earlier on in the program. Its comprehensive coverage of potential questions, insightful tips, and practical advice are designed to help you perform at your best. The clear structure and real-life examples make the concepts very easy to apply. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance the author provides and highly recommend it to any PhD student gearing up for their viva!
An essential book - not for the shelf - but to read.
I have read many books in the course of my PhD. This, I would rank as the most useful and practical in preparation for my UK based viva. The author has a straight forward writing style, that flows so well, I was able to read the book in 2 days (and retain the information). There are examples given of the viva process and commentary from PhD students about their experiences of the examination. There are checklists and exercises to help prepare for the day. There is a list with possible questions, together with a 'health warning' that each viva is different. Peter Smith draws on his many years of experience as an examiner, superviser and panel chair. He acknowledges that the viva can be stressful but is optimistic. Taking care of yourself is also included. There is an explanation of the requirements for amendments and how to go about this, together with the students' comments on amendments,this book it puts what could seem a negative outcome into something that seems more like (in most cases) a fine tuning, for a better finished thesis. I have bought this book as I head towards completion but it would probably be an asset earlier on, as you consider choice of examiners. My PhD is mixed methods based in health but I think the book is suitable whatever your subject.
Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Chapter 8!
Emeritus Professor Peter Smith's book "The PhD Viva - How to prepare for your oral examination" is packed with straight to the point invaluable How-Tos backed with real life examples from many who went through the PhD viva process before. As a PhD research student who was heading toward his own PhD viva, my co-adviser recommended me his book. I read it and a day before my viva I was lucky enough to actually secure a real face to face meeting with Professor Peter Smith to elaborate on a couple of things. He was exceedingly approachable, patient and generous with his guidance on what I should realistically expect the next day. Based on our conversation he even pointed me to the specific pages in Chapter 8 of his book that I should go over at least one more time before the big day. I did. And boy was he right! The next day my viva unfolded like a prophesied series of events. The first 30 - 45 mins of the viva were a barrage of non-stop grueling non-standard questions that could not have been on anyone's list. Not mine either. If I had not re-read Chapter 8 it's very likely it would have been game over in just those first 30-45 mins for me. But I held my own, for the book had prepared me well. I stayed icy calm, took notes while questions that felt borderline personal attacks were double barreled at me at lightening speed, then consciously took a minute before answering to organize my thoughts, frame my answer for each part of the long questions as professional and comprehensively as possible, then deliver it rationally and logically without being personal but backed with facts. About 55 minutes into the viva the examiners requested the Chairperson for a coffee break. They asked me if I needed a break and I told them I was actually fine. [Staying icy calm and rational as the book advised seemed to have another advantage, I did not break a sweat even under these most intense questionings and I did not feel at all tired. Surprisingly I felt razor sharp and significantly more confident with each successive tough question I rationally dispatched]. The examiners came back from the coffee break smiling and told me they hoped I did not feel personally attacked or as if I was at the end of unfair questions earlier. I told them I did not and that I thought all their questions were fair. The rest of the viva proceeded much better and in a more predictable manner after that. A little over two and half hours after it had all started I was told to finally leave the viva room so the examiners can deliberate, just as the book said. Me and my adviser went for coffee and just talked while we waited. From his observation during the viva - I had done exceedingly well, there would be corrections to the thesis formatting and structuring needed to suit mostly one of the examiners but I had definitely passed he said. And just as the book also said, 45 minutes later I was called back in to the viva room to hear the verdict. Sure enough, my advisers and the book had guided me to the promised land, I had passed my PhD viva! And just like that, yours truly was thus ushered into the world as a newly minted - humble Doctor of Philosophy!
Perfect preparation for your viva
Just passed my viva. This book was invaluable, helped me prepare for those overarching questions that you lose sight of when writing up your thesis. Highly highly recommend this book to anyone about to do their viva or in their writing up phase of their thesis
Must have!
Perfect book, important to be bought before the viva, in the first or second year.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Research”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1137395761