The viva voce (or open defence) is your opportunity to show that you understand, own and can defend your research. Most examiners are not trying to fail you — they want to confirm that the work is yours and that you understand its strengths and limits.

Questions about the big picture

  1. Summarise your thesis in two minutes.
  2. Why did you choose this topic?
  3. What is the main research gap your study addresses?
  4. What is your most important contribution to knowledge?
  5. Who will benefit from your findings?

Questions about literature and theory

  1. Which theory underpins your study, and why that theory?
  2. Which three studies influenced your work the most?
  3. How does your work differ from the closest existing study?
  4. Are there recent publications you have not included?

Questions about methodology

  1. Why did you choose this research design?
  2. How did you decide on your sample and sample size?
  3. How did you ensure the validity and reliability of your instrument?
  4. Why did you use this statistical technique rather than an alternative?
  5. How did you handle missing data or outliers?
  6. What ethical issues did you consider?

Questions about results

  1. Which result surprised you most, and why?
  2. How do you explain the hypotheses that were not supported?
  3. Can you interpret this table or figure for us?
  4. How do your findings compare with previous studies?

Questions about limitations and future work

  1. What are the main limitations of your study?
  2. If you started again, what would you do differently?
  3. How generalisable are your findings?
  4. What are the practical or policy implications?
  5. What research should follow from your work?
  6. Have you published from your thesis, or do you plan to?

How to structure your answers

  • Pause before answering — it shows thoughtfulness, not weakness.
  • Answer directly first, then support with evidence from your thesis.
  • Acknowledge limitations honestly. Saying "That is a fair point; it is a limitation I discuss in Chapter 5" is far stronger than being defensive.
  • Ask for clarification if a question is unclear.

A two-week preparation plan

  • Days 1–4: Re-read the full thesis and write a one-page summary of each chapter.
  • Days 5–7: Prepare answers to the 25 questions above, plus any examiner-specific ones.
  • Days 8–10: Finalise a 15–20 minute presentation and rehearse it aloud.
  • Days 11–13: Do at least one realistic mock viva with someone who will ask difficult questions.
  • Day 14: Rest, check logistics and bring an annotated copy of your thesis.

The bottom line

Confidence in a viva comes from preparation and practice. If you can explain your method, results and limitations clearly in your own words, you are ready.