including:
Birmingham
Manchester
Open University
Lancaster
Nottingham
"I just finished watching the video. As a PhD student in the writing up
phase of her thesis with an impending viva, I can say that I found the
content of the video to be extremely useful and informative. It touched
on a lot of questions and concerns I have as a student. As well, it was
really interesting to watch the scenes between the student and
supervisor prior to and in preparation of the viva. It was also useful
to hear what the examiners consider to be important and how they
prepare, as a team, prior to the viva. Furthermore it was especially
insightful and, well, rather calming to see how everyone might interact
during the viva. I was surprised at how anxious I felt during the video,
and appreciated its playful yet direct orientation."- PhD student,
November 2007
The Good Viva Video
For doctoral and masters students everywhere, the viva is a daunting
challenge, often approached with anxiety and confusion rather than
careful preparation. Should candidates relax and hope for the best,
panic, or prepare systematically for the big day? This video by Angel
Productions and Birkbeck, University of London, will help students in
all institutions to understand the viva and handle it well. It is now
widely used in universities throughout the UK.
< We've reduced the picture quality to make this excerpt
faster to download. The complete 30 minute programme is supplied on DVD with full
screen broadcast quality video (suitable for uploading to your
intranet).
The Good Viva Video will help you understand:
What is a viva?
How important is it to your degree?
How do vivas differ between disciplines?
How can you prepare?
Should you relax or panic?
What are the roles of the internal and external examiners and your
supervisor?
How are examiners chosen?
What questions should you expect?
How to use a practice viva.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your thesis.
What are the examiners looking for?
Coping with examiners’ mistakes or aggressive questions.
Understanding the outcome.
Based on specially scripted drama scenarios and expert interviews, The
Good Viva Video was produced with advice from Professor John Wakeford,
Director of the Missenden Centre for the Development of Higher
Education. It will enable students to prepare for their vivas
effectively and take some of the fear out of the experience.
The Good Viva Video is available for sale to universities, colleges and
other organisations. For a one-off payment, your institution can be
licensed to make the video available to all your registered students
either in DVD format or via your intranet or other secure digital
platform. To preview the full video or enquire about licensing, please
email
enquiries@angelproductions.co.uk
