Originally Posted by Tidgy

tar

pmsl, she was very close to becoming a pro badminton player, does that count?

Originally Posted by WHEELSHOP0_0

You have opened yourself up to the obligitory "handling *****"(shuttle) there.

Originally Posted by Tidgy

cheers fella.

p.s. still no luck with photos, need a better cam

Originally Posted by Tidgy

sorry, money i had planned to spend on camera (a while back) went on suspeneion pmsl

rough as lol, been having problems and been on anti biotics, which have now given my other problems, and to top it off i've got a snotty nose aka cold lol

but nah i'm good tar.

you?

Originally Posted by Tidgy

yhpm

Originally Posted by New_scooby_04

BTW for those that don't know, a Viva is an oral examination of your Ph.D thesis, which basically consists of a literature review and a series of studies (the nature of which depend on your subject matter). The award of PhD requires that you demonstrate a significant body of work that makes a novel contribution to your field, is of publication standard and that you can defend your work in a viva.

The viva happens at a point where you're usually very tired (having done the work and written the thesis) and no-one looks forward to it.

The viva itself involves at least two examiners (although more is common), the examiners must be recognised experts in your field, one of whom must be independent from your university (for obvious reasons). In reality your uni would be most unlikely to contain two experts in your field anyway! I had two external examiners. They basically get as long as they like to grill you on your thesis. Viva generally last at least a couple of hours, although they have been known to go on for a whole day. It's a very intimidating, intense experience.

At the end of the viva, the examiners have a number of options open to them:

They have to make a decision on your performance on the viva. Either, yes, you did well and will not have to sit another one regardless of what amendments they request to the thesis. Alternatively, you may be asked to come back for another, even if they think the thesis is absolutely fine!

They also have to make a decision on the thesis, obviously!

-They can say the thesis is absolutely fine. Job done. VERY rare!!
-They can request minor editorial amendments to the thesis. In reality, this is outcome everyone wants, as we all accept that there are unlikely to be no typos etc in a document that long.
-They can ask for more substantial amendments ranging from reorganising to re-writing certain chapters, even to conducting more work. I have a friend who was asked to conduct a further study and re-submit.
-They can decline the award of a PhD outright and suggest you submit for the lesser award of Mphil. I know someone who had to submit for Mphil too.
-They can say, sorry pal, see you in another 3 years!! Rare, as a thesis that is so obviously below par, should never make it to viva. It does happen though!

Ns04