I have just stepped out of a really AWFUL viva, having passed with minor corrections. However, the whole discussion was a constant onslaught of negative remarks, particularly in regard to my epistemological stance (which apparently I didn’t have) and my lack of critical evaluation and authorial voice. For two hours it seemed like my examiners had nothing positive to say about the thesis.
I’m really confused and deeply disappointed by the whole experience. I’m mostly confused how I’ve even passed. I’ve had a look at the remarks from my external (she gave me her marked up copy of the thesis) and it’s overwhelming how many errors and changes there seem to be.
I’m obviously now waiting on the report to come through, but with a remark like “you need to go and read how to do a literature review”, how on earth am I going to get through it all in 3 months?? I need some advice and encouragement please because right now, I don’t know what to do (except cry)