Confident Viva: 90-Minute Viva Prep & Group Coaching for PhD Students

Description:

Confident Viva: A 90-Minute Preparation & Group Coaching Workshop for Doctoral Students Defending their Thesis in Autumn 2026

Are you defending your PhD or Professional Doctorate this Autumn?

If your viva is just weeks away and you're wondering whether you're prepared enough, you're not alone. Many doctoral researchers worry about difficult questions, going blank during the viva, defending their methodology, or simply not knowing what to expect.

The good news is that the viva is a conversation about research you know better than anyone else. This means that effective preparation can make all the difference!

Join me for this interactive 90-minute online workshop designed specifically for doctoral students with their viva scheduled in Autumn 2026.

This isn't a lecture. It's a practical, supportive coaching session that will help you prepare strategically, build confidence, and leave with a clear action plan for the final weeks before your viva.

 

During this workshop you'll learn:

✔ What examiners are really looking for in a successful viva

✔ What actually happens during the viva examination

✔ How to prepare efficiently without rereading your entire thesis

✔ The most common viva questions—and how to answer them with confidence

✔ Practical techniques for managing nerves and building confidence

✔ How to communicate the originality and contribution of your research

✔ What to do if you're asked a question you weren't expecting

 

Live group coaching

One of the most valuable parts of the session is our live coaching.

You'll have the opportunity to ask your own questions about your upcoming viva and receive personalised guidance in a supportive environment. You'll also benefit from hearing the questions and experiences of other doctoral researchers preparing for their examinations.

 

You'll leave with:

A clear preparation plan for the weeks before your viva

Greater confidence in discussing your research

A framework for answering challenging questions

Practical strategies to reduce anxiety and improve performance

 

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for doctoral researchers who have:

A PhD or Professional Doctorate viva scheduled for Autumn or Winter 2026

Recently submitted their thesis

Questions about preparing effectively and confidently

 

Facilitator biography:

Dr Karen Lumsden is a qualitative research specialist with over 22 years of experience in thematic analysis, qualitative research design, doctoral supervision, mentoring and coaching. She has successfully supervised a number of social science PhD students and acted as both internal and external examiner for tens of PhD students in social sciences and/or using qualitative methods.

She has supported thousands of researchers across social sciences, healthcare, and education in developing rigorous, publication-ready qualitative studies.

Karen set up her business, Qualitative Training, in 2019 to better train and support students and professional researchers on their research journeys. For more info visit: www.qualitativetraining.com Or connect on LinkedIn here.

 

How to book and prices:

£65.00 discounted student rate (VAT inclusive)

Book and pay directly via this Stripe link below:
https://buy.stripe.com/6oUeVdgnZ9mf4rV94ge7m02

 

Limited places

Numbers are intentionally kept small to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the session and ask questions.

Book your place today and take the uncertainty out of your viva preparation.

*If this date doesn't work for you and you need support post July, let me know and I'll schedule future dates when I can. Email: karen@qualitativetraining.com You can also book 1:1 mock viva sessions with me if group workshops aren't your preference.

 

Payment and refund policy

Full payment must be received in advance of the session date in order to secure your place. Payments must be made via the Stripe payment link.

Refund policy is 100% refund up to 7 days prior to the first live training session. 50% refund 3-6 days prior to first session. Less than 2 days before no refund (unless there is a waiting list and it is at trainer discretion to refund under these circumstances).

Transfer to a future date may also be possible (at facilitator discretion).

Cost:

£65 student rate (VAT inclusive)

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

Europe

Keywords:

Data Quality and Data Management , Quality in Qualitative Research, Data Quality and Data Management (other), Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Thematic Analysis, Qualitative Data Coding, Qualitative Approaches (other), Research Management and Impact, Research Management and Impact (other), Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination, Writing Skills, Teaching and Supervising Research Methods, Webinars, Workshops, Supervision of research students, viva, phd viva, examination, phd examination, vice voce, viva defence, phd, phd skills

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Data Quality and Data Management
Quality in Qualitative Research
Data Quality and Data Management (other)
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Grounded Theory
Ethnography
Thematic Analysis
Qualitative Data Coding
Qualitative Approaches (other)
Research Management and Impact
Research Management and Impact (other)
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination
Writing Skills
Teaching and Supervising Research Methods
Webinars
Workshops
Supervision of research students

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