Thanks, FatBob. It's really nice to hear a positive outcome from what is typically a horrendous and soul destroying journey, following a 'failed' viva. It seems that most R&R candidates post on here when they are in the depths of despair (myself included) but not so many actually post follow-up stories or positive outcomes. So, to read yours is really inspiring. Well done for what you have achieved. You have now inspired me to get up, dust myself off, and just get the f*^% on with writing my new thesis, and with making the changes that have been asked of me. Like you said, what's a few months out of your life for the long-term benefits that you stand to gain? Thank you :)

Thanks all for the support, it really does mean a lot to hear others' experiences, and some words of encouragement at what is a soul-destroying and very stressful time.

While looking through this forum, I have found a number of threads about people who get a R&R, but then fail again, a year later. So it is encouraging to hear other stories about those who have R&R and come out the other side with a positive outcome!

Thank you.

Hi all,

I'm new here but desperately need some support.

Long story short; I submitted my thesis, had an awful viva; the examiners didn't understand my work and said they personally didn;t like the software I had used, despite it being a leading package in my field of study. They said I hadn't done enough work to justify a PhD, and have recommended a R&R, for which I have 12 months.

Everyone was shocked by the outcome - me, my supervisors, etc. I even sent my thesis for external review, and got it back with glowing comments.

So it seems I was unlucky enough to get disinterested examiners who i) didn't like my software choice, ii) clearly hadn't read or understood my thesis properly.

I lodged a complaint to my University, and requested different examiners for the second viva, but it has not been upheld. My complaint was sent to the two examiners so that they could respond - and they have responded with scathing vitriol, and a lot of mis-truths about what happened in the viva, contradicting some of the things I raised.

I have completely lost faith in the system. I worked hard, produced good work, satisfied all the University criteria for a PhD and yet have not been awarded it.

Now my position is this: I have the opportunity to revise and resubmit, and be re-examined by these two examiners in 12 months time. But, what's the point? They will STILL have their personal prejudices against my methods, but now they are also majorly pissed off because I complained about them. I could waste another 12 months of my life slaving away and getting into more debt, and potentially STILL not pass next time.

Or, I could just quit now, and take legal action against my University for educational negligence and breach of contract to try and reclaim some of my costs. I have a good case.

Has anyone out there done a R&R and had a positive outcome?! Or sued for negligence and been successful?