1. The PhD Viva Steve Schneider 21 June 2006

2. This session Context on the nature of the PhD viva Two demonstration mini vivas Discussion and questions

3. PhD thesis - regulations “For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy [a thesis] should form a distinct contribution to the current knowledge of the subject. The thesis should also show evidence of a systematic study of the subject, originality shown by the exercise of independent critical power, and should be worthy of publication in complete or abridged form.”

4. Examiners Two examiners, at least one must be external The external(s) will read all the regulations paperwork… Chair Supervisor (normally) Head of School as an observer (optionally) A presentation is normally given

5. Preliminary report I Is the nature and purpose of the investigation made clear, and was the purpose substantially achieved? To what extent does the thesis show that the candidate has an adequate knowledge of the subject and of the literature? What evidence is there of independent, critical, and analytical skills and the ability to evaluate evidence?

6. Preliminary report II To what extent does the thesis make a contribution to knowledge and does it contain publishable material? Does the thesis give evidence of an adequate amount of work to justify the award of a degree? Please comment on the English and the style and presentation of the thesis.

7. Preliminary report III Is the 300 word abstract satisfactory? Is the bibliography satisfactory? What is your view of the overall quality of the work described? Does the thesis indicate that the degree should be awarded?

8. The viva 16.5.3: “The viva voce examination is concerned with the content of the thesis and any related matters which the examiners consider appropriate. The student should expect to be questioned by the examiners on the thesis/portfolio; inter alia on the focus of the research, existing literature, the methodology used, the conduct of the research, the outcomes and conclusions.”

9. Examiners’ final report Report on oral examination Possible recommendations: Award (no corrections) Award, subject to minor corrections Resubmission without further viva (major corrections) Resubmission with a further viva (major corrections) Award MPhil …

10. Today’s demonstration viva Candidate: Matthew Casey Internal examiner: Steve Schneider External examiner: Tony Browne Thesis: “A competitive neural model of small number detection” [imagine the presence of a Chair and a supervisor]