A Guide to Pre-Viva PhD Thesis Submission

Congratulations, intrepid scholar! You’ve reached the summit of your research journey – your PhD thesis is complete. But before you celebrate with a victory dance (and a well-deserved nap), there’s one final hurdle to conquer: the viva voce examination. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the pre-viva Ph.D. thesis submission process, ensuring you reach the defense prepared and confident.

1. Know Your Timeline:

Every university has its specific deadlines and procedures for thesis submission. Get hold of your institution’s official guidelines and mark key dates in your calendar. These typically include:

Final thesis submission deadline: This is the absolute last day to submit your bound thesis copies. Don’t miss it!
Turnitin/Plagiarism check deadline: Ensure your thesis passes the plagiarism check well before the submission deadline.
Examiner appointment: Your supervisor will help arrange for internal and external examiners to review your work.

2. Formatting Frenzy:

Your thesis needs to adhere to specific formatting guidelines set by your university. This includes things like:

Page layout and margins: Consult your university’s style guide for precise specifications.
Font and font size: Maintain consistency throughout your thesis.
Citation style: Ensure all references are correctly formatted in a consistent style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Figure and table numbering: Make sure figures and tables are numbered clearly and consecutively.

3. Proofreading Perfection:

Grammatical mistakes and typos can provide the wrong impression. Thoroughly proofread your thesis yourself, and consider getting a professional proofreader to catch any lingering mistakes.

4. Binding Bonanza:

Once your thesis is perfect, get it professionally bound according to your university’s specifications. This usually involves hard covers and specific spine printing requirements.

5. Electronic Copies:

Many universities require an electronic copy of your thesis alongside the bound copies. Ensure you submit it in the requested format (e.g., PDF) and meet any file size limitations.

6. Deep Breaths and Documentation:

The pre-viva phase can be stressful, but remember, you’ve come this far! Keep organized, maintain open communication with your supervisor, and document everything. This includes submission deadlines, examiner appointments, and any revisions made to your thesis.

Bonus Tip: Familiarize yourself with your Viva format. Will it be online or in person? Are there specific topics the examiners are likely to focus on? Knowing these details can help you prepare your defense effectively.

Conclusion
By following these steps and staying calm, you can navigate the pre-viva PhD thesis submission process with confidence. Remember, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your research, and your thorough preparation will shine through during your viva. So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and go conquer that mountain!