Hi everyone, my progression report for transfer to year two is due in in April and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for how to write it and what to expect at viva?

Are there any other PhD students at your university who you can ask? Because the system varies from place to place and they will give you far more relevant advice.

Though, at my university they want to see progress and if you can say you are progressing you are fine. Have a solid literature review, methodology, initial data (if you have it) and a clear plan to finish on time. In the viva they will challenge and try to defend it as best you can but remember it is practise for the real thing.

Also, search this forum, as I know that I have seen similar threads in the past.

I didn't have any data then so simply went with a long intro and lit review, methods, ethics review + hopeful timelines. Then the mini-viva lasted an hour and 20 minutes and we went through the report sequentially, them pointing out their concerns and asking questions when appropriate. At the end they asked me to leave the room for 10 minutes whilst they filled in the form, and then I was asked back in and they handed me the form with the 'progress to PhD' box ticked.

It just goes to show how much variation there is. Mine lasted 20 mins or half an hour at the most. I would have preferred one like Kenziebob's as that would have been more like prep for the real viva.

It was definitely worth it for that reason. I didn't know what to expect as there has been some variation in my department, but it was quite viva-like.