Countdown to the defence (viva)

Countdown to the defence (viva)

Join us for tips and insights on viva /thesis defence preparation

By Sinead Hewson, Unconventional Doctorates

Select date and time

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:00 - 08:00 PDT

Location

Online

Agenda

Welcome and introductions

Dr. Sinéad Hewson

Getting ready for the viva

The viva or thesis defence is the highlight of the doctoral process and is the one time candidates have the opportunity to discuss their work with peers who have read the work and prepared questions...

Unconventional Doctorates Community and close

Our purpose is to tackle low completion rates among doctoral candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, who are self-funded or not working in education. You are welcome to join the ...

About this event

Countdown to the viva/thesis defence

Join us for a practical Q&A session with Sinéad Hewson, author of The Mature Student's Guide to Completing a Doctorate, on Friday, April 24th, at 15:00:00 GMT / 16:00 (Central European Standard Time). This event is specifically designed for mature students in the middle of their studies or those preparing for their thesis defence.


In this session we will discuss the purpose of the viva the role of the examiners and tips on getting ready to showcase your work to peers.

Frequently asked questions

Who are Unconventional Doctorates?

Unconventional Doctorates (part of Unconventional Innovators) is a Dutch start-up whose purpose is to tackle low completion rates among doctoral candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, self-funded, or not working in education.

Why are you organising these sessions?

We are planning a series of sessions throughout the year on doctoral participation and completion issues. We want to establish a community of Unconventional Doctorates consisting of candidates operating outside and inside academia and their advocates.

Do I pay a fee?

Joining the community is free. As the platform matures, users can access free and premium content, peer groups and on-demand services.

The Mature Student's Guide to Completing a Doctorate - Book

The sessions are based on interview insights and themes contained in s Sinead Hewson's book 'The Mature Student's Guide to Completing a Doctorate' (Routledge 2024) https://www.routledge.com/The-Mature-Students-Guide-to-Completing-a-Doctorate/Hewson/p/book/9781032538006#

Tags

Organised by

Sinead Hewson, Unconventional Doctorates

A series of events are planned throughout 2025 designed to support those who are thinking about a doctorate, in the middle of the process to work out what to do next. Themes include:

  1. Pros and cons of completing a doctorate
  2. The case for investing in your future
  3. Doctoral framework - what is expected of me?
  4. Completion triggers
Free