For most PhD students, the viva is the single most nerve-wracking part of the doctoral journey. After years of researching, writing, and refining your thesis, the viva voce — the oral defence of your work — can feel like the ultimate test of your knowledge and confidence. It’s natural to feel anxious about how it will go.

That’s where the mock viva comes in. But what is a mock viva exactly? In simple terms, a mock viva is a practice run for the real thing. It recreates the experience of the viva voce, complete with tough questions, academic scrutiny, and constructive feedback, all without the high stakes of the final exam.

In this blog, we’ll break down the mock viva meaning, explain its importance, and give you practical advice for making the most of the experience. We’ll also show you how professional support can make a real difference if your university doesn’t provide a mock viva opportunity.

What is a Mock Viva?

The mock viva voce is a simulated version of the actual viva exam. It is designed to mimic the setting, structure, and types of questions you might face in the real defence.

Put simply, mock viva means rehearsing to defend your PhD thesis. Its purpose is twofold:

  • To help you practise articulating your arguments, methodology, and findings under questioning.
  • To expose potential weak spots in your thesis or in your ability to defend it verbally.

Unlike informal conversations with your supervisor, a mock viva is usually structured to feel realistic. You might give a short presentation of your research before facing a series of questions from one or more academics. These mock viva questions are designed to test your depth of knowledge and your ability to respond thoughtfully under pressure.

➡️ If you’d like to see examples of the kinds of mock viva questions you may encounter, our guide to common PhD viva questions and how to answer them is an excellent place to start.

The Importance of a Mock Viva Before the Real One

So, why is a mock viva worth your time?

  • It builds confidence. Facing probing questions in a lower-stakes environment helps you become more comfortable explaining your work out loud. Many candidates know their thesis inside out, but nerves can make it hard to think clearly in the heat of the moment. A practice run allows you to overcome that hurdle.
  • It’s a chance to identify knowledge gaps or weaknesses. Perhaps you struggle to explain your methodology clearly, or you stumble when asked about the limitations of your study. A mock viva gives you the chance to uncover those issues before the real exam.
  • It helps you understand the actual rhythm of the viva. You’ll learn what it feels like to respond to follow-up questions, to pause and reflect before answering, and to keep your answers concise but comprehensive. This is vital: your ability to think on your feet is just as important as your mastery of content.

What to Expect in a Mock Viva

The format of a mock viva varies, but it should be as close as possible to the real viva, though it depends on who is organising it. In most cases, it includes two elements:

🎤 A presentation: You may be asked to give a short overview of your thesis, with or without a PowerPoint presentation, typically 10–20 minutes. This mirrors the opening of many viva voce examinations. If you’re unsure how to approach this, take a look at our PhD viva presentation guide.

❓ Questions and discussion: After your presentation, your supervisor (or academic mentors, depending on who is conducting your mock viva) will ask you questions. These are often grouped into themes, such as a clarification of concepts or terms, your defence of methodology, your contribution to the field and the limitations or future directions of your research.

Not all universities or supervisors provide a structured mock viva. Some supervisors run informal rehearsals, but others prefer to let students prepare independently.

  • If your supervisor doesn’t arrange a mock viva, don’t worry, you don’t have to prepare alone.

    At Oxbridge Essays, we offer tailored PhD viva support that gives you the chance to rehearse in a supportive, structured environment. Our mock viva sessions take place on Zoom and are led by experienced academics who know exactly what examiners look for. You’ll face realistic viva-style questions, get personalised feedback, and gain practical advice to improve your performance.

How a Mock Viva Helps Shape Your Real Viva Performance

A mock viva has a lasting impact on how you perform in the actual viva voce.

  • Structured feedback: Academics will highlight where your answers shine and where they need sharpening.
  • Spotting weaknesses: You’ll discover which areas of your thesis you find hardest to defend — giving you time to strengthen them.
  • Developing clarity: Rehearsing helps you learn to explain complex ideas in a way that’s clear and persuasive.
  • Resilience under pressure: Facing challenging mock viva questions prepares you for the unpredictability of the real exam.

🎓 For a fuller sense of what happens on the day, see our guide to understanding the viva exam.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of a Mock Viva

To get real value out of a mock viva, treat it seriously. Here are some practical ways to prepare:

  1. Know your thesis: Revisit each chapter thoroughly so you’re ready for detailed questions.
  2. Anticipate questions: Create your own list of likely mock viva questions, and rehearse short but thoughtful answers.
  3. Don’t script everything: The goal isn’t to memorise speeches, but to learn to think flexibly and answer naturally.
  4. Listen carefully: In both the mock and real viva, listening to the examiner’s exact question is half the battle.
  5. Use feedback wisely: Write down the points your mentors raise and take the time to revise and practise before the real viva.

Common Concerns About Mock Vivas

You may wonder whether a mock viva is truly useful if it’s not identical to the real thing. Here are a few concerns addressed:

“It feels too staged.” While it’s true that no mock viva can replicate the pressure of the real exam, practising under similar conditions still builds confidence and resilience.

“What if the mock is harder than the viva?” Some academics make the mock tougher deliberately. Think of it as mental training: if you can handle the mock, you’ll be better prepared for the real thing.

“Do I need more than one?” This depends on your needs. Some students benefit from multiple rounds, while others only need one rehearsal.

“When should I schedule it?” Ideally, a few weeks before the real viva, giving you time to act on feedback but not so early that the experience fades.

Other Ways to Prepare for Your Viva

While a mock viva is one of the best ways to get ready, it’s not the only form of preparation. Here are a few additional strategies that can boost your confidence:

  • Re-read your thesis with fresh eyes: Focus not just on what you wrote, but why you made certain choices in methodology or theory.
  • Stay up to date with your field: Examiners may ask how your work relates to recent studies. Keeping current helps you show awareness of your discipline’s latest debates.
  • Practise explaining your research to non-specialists: If you can summarise your thesis clearly for someone outside your field, you’ll be able to explain it with confidence in the viva.
  • Do short rehearsal Q&A sessions: Even practising with a friend or peer can sharpen your ability to respond spontaneously.

FAQs About Mock Vivas

What is mock viva and how is it different from the real viva voce?

A mock viva is a practice exam, while the real viva voce is the official assessment. The mock is designed to simulate the experience and prepare you for the actual event.

How long does a mock viva usually last?

Typically between one and two hours, depending on how many questions are asked and how detailed your answers are.

Do I need to prepare for a mock viva in the same way as the real exam?

Yes, you should treat it seriously. Preparing properly helps you get the most out of the feedback you’ll receive.

Who should conduct a mock viva? Supervisors or external academics?

Both can work. Supervisors know your project well, but external academics can offer fresh perspectives and tougher questions.

What are some examples of mock viva questions?

Mock viva questions are typically in line with common PhD viva questions. These are about your methodology, theoretical framework, contribution to your field, and the limitations of your study are common. For example:

Why did you choose this particular methodology, and what are its limitations?
How does your work engage with or challenge existing theories in your field?
What do you see as the most significant contribution of your thesis?
If you were to re do this research project, what would you do differently and why?

Conclusion

The viva can feel like an intimidating hurdle, but it’s also a celebration of years of hard work. A mock viva gives you the chance to rehearse, refine, and boost your confidence before facing examiners for real. It’s not just about answering questions correctly — it’s about showing that you can think critically, defend your decisions, and present your research with authority.

Tailored Mentoring for Your Viva Success
At Oxbridge Essays, our support doesn’t stop at mock vivas. We also provide one-to-one mentoring sessions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to rehearse your presentation, refine your answers, or get expert advice on handling tough examiners, our experienced academics can guide you every step of the way.
Start preparing for your viva today