Examiner styles
Each style is designed to practise a different aspect of the viva. They can be used in any order — start wherever makes sense for your preparation.
General Viva
A balanced examiner who explores your thesis broadly — contribution, methodology, literature, and future work — without specialising in any single area.
What it helps practise
Getting comfortable with the overall viva format and practising a range of question types across your whole thesis.
Example question
"Can you summarise the central argument of your thesis and how your findings support it?"
Methodology Focus
Deep focus on research design, method choices, validity, reliability, and rigour. Expects precise justification for every methodological decision.
What it helps practise
Candidates who want to strengthen their ability to explain and defend their methodological choices, particularly in the face of rigorous follow-up questions.
Example question
"Why did you choose this sampling approach? How does it affect the generalisability of your findings?"
Contribution Focus
Centres on the originality and significance of your research. Presses you to articulate precisely what your thesis adds to the field.
What it helps practise
Candidates who want to sharpen their ability to state their contribution clearly, without either underselling or overclaiming.
Example question
"What would the field not know without this thesis? How does that compare to what was already known?"
Limitations Focus
Focuses on the constraints and gaps in your research. Expects you to acknowledge limitations honestly and explain their scope and implications.
What it helps practise
Practising the difficult skill of discussing limitations with precision — acknowledging them without undermining your findings.
Example question
"You note in chapter four that your sample was limited to one institution. How does that affect your conclusions?"
Sceptical Examiner
Questions your claims with genuine scepticism. Expects you to defend every argument under sustained intellectual pressure.
What it helps practise
Advanced preparation for candidates who want to stress-test their thesis before exam day and build confidence in defending difficult positions.
Example question
"Your conclusion suggests X, but couldn't the same data support Y? Why should we accept your interpretation?"
Final Rehearsal
A broad, rigorous session that simulates the full viva experience — covering all major areas with sustained questioning and follow-ups.
What it helps practise
A complete rehearsal in the days before the viva. Combines breadth and rigour to give you the closest approximation of the real examination.
Example question
"Let's begin with your research contribution, then work through your methodology and the key decisions you made."
How to choose
There is no right order, but most candidates find it useful to start with the General Viva style to get comfortable with the spoken format before specialising. After that, move to the areas where you feel least confident — whether that is your methodology, your contribution, or your limitations.
In the days before the viva, the Final Rehearsal style gives you the closest approximation of the full examination — a broad, rigorous session that covers all the major areas with sustained follow-up questions.
You can change style between sessions and try the same content with different examiners to see where the gaps are.