The PhD, Probation and MRes Vivas

1. The PhD, Probation and MRes Vivas Overview of three vivas (Stephen) 10.00 Split into two groups to discuss in more detail: 11.00 PhD and probation viva (Steve) MRes viva, Qs and As (Ann, Eunice and Pauline)

2. MRes: What happens and who is involved? Discussion between you (student) and 2 examiners One will chair the panel (like the internal examiner of a PhD) Your supervisor is present as an observer (role will be discussed) Examiners will have read and marked your dissertation You can offer a presentation at beginning, if appropriate Lasts for up to 45 minutes Very likely to be told the recommended result at the time

3. The panel members in more detail� Two examiners who will have read, marked and written a report on your dissertation , one of whom chairs the review panel. Your dissertation supervisor as observer, to provide advice, as someone familiar with your work reassurance and support for you The observer�s role will have been discussed and they may be asked to withdraw from part of the meeting. You MAY elect not to have your supervisor present � but if so need to confirm this to the research school.

4. What the examiners have to do� Identify the issues to be raised at the viva and ask you questions around these Assess whether you have met the requirements of the MRes degree Your MRes dissertation must show evidence of: good style and presentation; proficiency in the methods and techniques of research; an adequate knowledge and/or understanding of a field of study in an appropriate context. Make a recommendation about the award of the degree

5. The recommendations Award the MRes degree (i.e. no corrections required) Corrections and minor modifications � 2 months to complete Major revision and resubmission for re-examination � 9 months Fail if the requirements of the MRes degree have not been�met

6. What happens next The examiners fill in a report form on which they clearly specify any corrections or revisions required and which examiner(s) will be responsible for checking them If you have been asked to make corrections you will be given a list of these (probably not on the day) Celebrate! Do any corrections you need to do within the timescale but ensure you discuss them and check them with your supervisors

7. What you may be asked in the viva In the pre-viva form the examiners report on presentation and style of the dissertation evidence of proficiency in the methods and techniques of research evidence of knowledge and/or understanding and critical evaluation of a field of study In the post-viva form examiners comment on Your defence of the dissertation at the viva Any other comments on the dissertation

8. Presentation & style (DMF sect 8) The report should be written and organised in a coherent and logical manner. There should be clarity of argument, with supporting evidence and referencing of sources. Textual references and the reference list should follow the recommended format. Appendices should be labelled and presented appropriately. Correct spelling and grammar should be used. The report should be within the suggested length limit (17,000 words) It may or may not be appropriate for the report to be in the third person and past tense, depending on the topic area and culture of the discipline and research tradition within which it is located.

9. Proficiency in methods & techniques See sections 2,4,5,6 and 7 of the dissertation marking form, e.g. Aims and Objectives - Clear aims and objectives; rationale for choosing them (2) Describes an appropriate research design (4) Shows how the design addresses the research questions (4) Provides adequate details of the data collection and analysis� including any instructions to participants and coding schemes (5) Demonstrates an understanding of how the findings relate to the original research questions, and to existing theory and research (6) Discusses appropriate ethical considerations in relation to the work (7)

10. Knowledge .. evaluation of field Sections 2, 3 and 6. Demonstrates critical understanding of relevant theories and research (literature review, section 3) Demonstrates an understanding of how the findings relate to the original research questions, and to existing theory and research (section 6)

11. Defence of the dissertation Don�t panic about the word defence � it is more of a discussion Likely to ask you an opening ease-in question Examiners looking to give you credit � not catch you out � so fine to explain that you needed to go for plan B

12. Finally ��further resources Most of the forms and information are on the MRes website � see documents for the forms http://kn.open.ac.uk/mres The marking criteria are in the dissertation guide Also relevant information in your Doing Postgraduate Research book