The viva is widely recognised as the final stage in a doctoral study where candidates are required to defend their research. But doctoral students are assessed much earlier in a similar fashion through the interim assessment.
I was fortunate enough to gain a PhD studentship that provides funding for three years, although I have four years in which to complete it. Right from the start my supervisor said that I should aim to complete all the work within three years.
At long last I have finally finished my literature review and 11,000 words later I can attest to the fact that patience is a virtue – but undertaking a PhD is not a race and it is best conducted at a steady, consistent pace.
My PhD supervisor asked me what the difference between methods and methodology was several months ago and I did not know the answer. All I could muster in a pathetic response was a look of bewilderment.
Dr Gabriel was interviewed as a 1st year PhD student at the University…
