• About the First Year Viva
• Format of Viva Assessment Panel 
• Feedback Forms

By the end of the 6th month the student's critical literature review, research problem, contribution of research, and programme of research should have been defined.

The first year viva is then taken by month 9 for full-time students (months 10-12 for part-time). 

It is the first major examination.  By this point in their studies a student is expected to indicate an understanding of work underway and the issues to be pursued, preferably with a statement of the problem that the thesis will address. 

The student must submit a report in which critical literature review, research problem, contribution of research, and programme of research must be defined.  Additionally, a summary report form has to be completed by the student, and can be found here.  Both should be submitted to supervisors and assessors a couple of weeks before the viva.

The assessment panel should consist of the student's second supervisor and another academic from the department who is knowledgeable on the research topic but has not been involved in the students' research.

If the supervisor expects any problems the departmental Graduate Tutor should be notified and will join the panel.

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After the viva a Feedback Form has to be completed by the assessor and agreed with the second supervisor.  Please download form below:

First Year Viva Feedback Form (Word)

First Year Viva Feedback Form (ASCII)

The completed form should be sent to the supervisor, the student, the Graduate Tutor and the departmental Postgraduate Administrator.

The supervisor should also carry out a review with the student after the viva and must make sure that the student completes the relevant section of the Graduate School Log.

If progress is not satisfactory, you should set the student time by which he/she has to fix these problems.

NB: Progression vivas for students studying within the EngD VEIV Doctoral Training Centre will be handled and scheduled by the DTC. Please contact the Centre Manager for further details.

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