Pre-viva discussions and arrangements

Preliminary Report Forms

The examiners’ independent preliminary report form should be completed prior to the oral examination and prior to any consultation between Examiners about the thesis. A date of exchange of reports should be agreed between examiners. The completed preliminary report forms should also be sent to the Doctoral College Office but this can be done after the viva. 

Discussion about the viva

After each examiner has completed their preliminary report forms, and these are exchanged, the Examiners should meet in order to:

• Discuss the Preliminary Report Forms and agree the questions for the viva.
• The Internal Examiner will explain what will happen in the viva, Loughborough’s procedure and regulations, and the expectation as to the conduct of a viva.  
• The Internal Examiner will inform the External Examiner of the type of viva (remote/in-person/hybrid) and any pre-viva arrangements.

If you require any adjustments to be able to perform the viva, please inform the Internal Examiner during this discussion.