University-Funded Research on Doctoral Vivas Presented at UK conference

23 January 2026

An international research project examining the doctoral viva process, was presented at the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE) conference at Nottingham, UK, in December 2025.

Image of University-Funded Research on Doctoral Vivas Presented at UK conference

From left to right: Presenters Professor Gina Wisker and Dr Joseph Waghorne.

The research project was led by Professor Gina Wisker who is a Research Fellow at the University of Gibraltar and Professor at the University of Bath.

Drawing on interviews with participants from the University of Bath, the University of Gibraltar, and the University of Otago (New Zealand), the study examines how vivas are conducted and explores the roles and experiences of candidates, examiners, and chairs. The research offers valuable insight into evolving viva practices, key challenges, and ways to enhance the overall experience. It has resulted in two academic papers: one focusing on candidates’ experiences and another on the role of mock vivas in preparing students for the process.

Following an earlier conference presentation in South Africa in March 2025, the SRHE presentation highlights the quality and international relevance of the research. The project’s findings are already informing best practice within the University of Gibraltar’s PhD programme, with key contributions from Dr Darren Fa, Director of Academic Programmes and Research and Ms Caroline Moss-Gibbons, Parasol Librarian.

Image of Pic 1 extract from the conference presentation

Extract from the conference presentation.

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