Dissertation Viva Preparation and Completion

A viva tests whether you understand and can defend the choices in your dissertation. Examiners probe your research question, methodology, findings, limitations and contribution — so rehearse explaining each in plain language.

Students who struggle in a viva are rarely under-prepared on content; they are under-rehearsed at explaining decisions out loud.

These guides cover the questions, the defence and the final checks before submission.

Guides in viva and completion

How to prepare for your viva

What examiners are testing in a viva, the questions that come up almost every time, and how to rehearse without memorising a script.

9 min read

Dissertation viva questions and how to answer them

The most common dissertation viva questions, organised by chapter, with guidance on how to prepare confident, honest answers.

9 min read

How to write a limitations section

How to write an honest, well-judged limitations section that strengthens your dissertation rather than undermining it.

7 min read

Master's dissertation vs undergraduate dissertation

How master's dissertations differ from undergraduate ones in depth of literature engagement, methodological independence, word count and assessment criteria.

8 min read