Viva format and arrangements

A viva is compulsory for PhD, DBA and Prof. Doc, including Published Works. MRes/LLMRes normally use thesis-only examination, with a viva possible if examiners need one.

Permitted formats

• In-person: everyone in the same room.
• Remote: everyone joins online from different locations.
• Hybrid: one examiner joins remotely. If both examiners need to be remote, the whole exam should be remote.

Your DoS should consult you first, then agree the format with everyone well in advance. Every effort should be made to accommodate a wish for an in-person viva. The format must not disadvantage you. No separate permission is needed just to choose a permitted format; the EPC records it on RD14. If only the EPC cannot attend in person, appoint an alternative EPC.

Timing and practical arrangements

The DoS arranges date/location after the examination approval/appointment process. A viva should be no earlier than eight weeks after thesis submission or eight weeks after RD12 approval, whichever is later. Examiners need at least six weeks’ reading time. Exclude holiday periods when planning; allow longer around closures.

The DoS/School arranges rooms/waiting area or online links and notifies the Operations Team. For remote/hybrid exams, MS Teams is recommended, with an agreed backup platform and telephone contact through the EPC. Advance testing is advised.

Your preparation

• Have your student ID ready in every format.
• In a remote exam, be ready to demonstrate you are alone, for example with a camera sweep.
• Connections must include video; audio-only participation is not allowed.
• You and an observing supervisor must not record the viva.
• Discuss authorised examination adjustments early.

If connection quality compromises the exam, the EPC can abandon it and arrange another. See What happens at the viva for attendance and breaks.

Sources: Framework §§7.1–7.2, 7.9, pp. 74–75, 79–80. Read the source.

Examination and completion · Masters by Research examination