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Law PhD

So I am doing a viva in just over two weeks. I have reread the thesis twice but was wondering if anyone has any specific advice? Unfortunately I am working full time as well, 8-8, five days a week and cannot give the length of time that I would like to the viva. My examiners are unknown to me, both internal and external though I hear they are nice.

G

Have you read Getting a PhD in Law by Morris and Murphy? That has a chapter on the viva, I believe, and can also help you to ask some examiner-style abstract questions about your PhD (about methodology, especially, which is tricky with law). Otherwise the usual viva questions apply: what does your argument add to what's out there already in your field? What's the practical impact, if any, of your argument? Can you make a list of likely counter-arguments to your thesis and come up with how you would refute them? If you have a time, it might be worth skimming some recent work by your examiners. That will usually give you some insight into their methodological angle and allow you to predict the kind of thing they might ask. Good luck!

Thanks Gwen86. I am really nervous about it as I was told it can be anything from the specific to just a general chat. I suspect mine is going to be a 2 hour viva. The questions you gave are really helpful. Beats me googling "nasty phd viva questions" and "horrible viva questions"!

P

Give this a read: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/ten-tips-help-you-pass-your-phd-viva its not serious but might out your mind at rest a little. The supervisors want to pass you, not fail you.

D

Yes, definitely look up the work of your examiners.

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