The viva is a well-established component of the examination procedure for a research degree. The written thesis or dissertation is the primary area of assessment. The viva, which is the oral portion of the evaluation, is utilized to help the examiners make their final judgment on the students thesis. 

The viva gives the examiners the chance to thoroughly investigate any concerns and offer motivating guidance for your next research career.  Examiners could have a good idea of the outcome after reading the thesis, but the viva allows you a chance to present your work in defense, as well as to support it and show off your ability to contribute to academic debate with research colleagues.

You should carefully prepare for the oral examination, with some assistance from your supervisor, as it is a crucial component of the examination process. You must be ready for both general discussion and in-depth explanation, as well as for the examiners to begin from a different place and/or to emphasize various elements of the thesis from your own. The chance will be given to you to fully support your thesis.

You will need to demonstrate that you have met the university’s requirements for your field of study and defend your thesis from academic examination during your viva. It should be obvious that you possess the fundamental topic knowledge required to receive your degree.

The venue for the viva should normally be on Faculty, reasonably quiet and allow the viva to proceed without interruption. In UTM, your viva may be conducted face-to-face, hybrid and blended mode

It is the responsibility of the Faculty to make all the arrangements for the oral examination.

You will normally be given at least two week’s notice of the date, time, venue and the names of those attending

If you have a disability and have special requirements for your viva, you are advised to inform the Faculty Postgraduate Office to discuss your needs.

You must be present, together with the chairperson, assistance chairperson, your supervisor, internal and external examiners.

The chairperson is not one of the examiners. The person appointed to chair your viva will be a member of academic staff normally from your faculty. They should not have had any substantial direct involvement in your work or have been involved in the appointment of the examiners. The chairperson is appointed to ensure that the oral examination is conducted properly. They may make brief notes concerning the conduct of the oral examination and will prepare the final report for the viva voce session.

There are no rules concerning the length of time a viva will take. Examiners have discretion to make it as long or as short as they think necessary. Each combination of thesis, student and examiners is unique.

You will be invited by the chairperson to withdraw so that the examiners can deliberate. You and your supervisor may be invited, through the chairperson, to hear the examiner’s provisional recommendation.

If you have any questions about the viva examination that have not been answered on this page, please contact the no and email below.