Articles

Asynchronous / Self-directed Training
Blogs

Books
Developing Research Proposals, Denicolo, P, Becker, L (2012)
How To Survive Your Viva Defending A Thesis In An Oral Examination, Murray, R (2015)
PhD By Published Work: A Practical Guide For Success, Smith, S (2015)
Planning Your Postgraduate Research, Walshaw, M (2015)
Planning And Passing Your PhD Defence: A Global Toolbox For Success, Degtyareva, O and Lantsoght, EOL (2022)
The Doctoral Examination Process: A Handbook For Students, Examiners And Supervisors, Tinkler, P (2004)
Your PhD Survival Guide: Planning, Writing And Succeeding In Your Final Year, Firth, K et al (2021)
LinkedIn Learning
Opportunities

Podcasts

Policies
The current Sheffield Hallam examination regulations and processes can be accessed via the Research Degrees Blackboard site via the Examination Information folder.  The Blackboard site is a great place to find the most up to date regulations, procedures and forms relating to all aspects of your study.
Professional Services Support Teams
Social Media
@vivasurvivors
Synchronous / Live Training (please check the Events Calendar for current availability)
Viva Survivor (PGR) 11 November 2026 and 3 March 2027
Demystifying the Doctoral Viva: Understanding Hallam Regulations and Practice (PGR) 18 November 2026 and 10 March 2027
Research Degree Examiner and Independent Chair Training (Staff Only) 2 December 2026 and 13 May 2027
Adding Your Finished Thesis To The University Research Archive (see: Events – Library Research Support)
Tools

Videos
Angel Productions – The Good Viva Video (31:47) – you must be logged in to Panopto using your usual Sheffield Hallam username and password to access this video.
Angel Productions – The Good Upgrade Video (29:43) – you must be logged in to Panopto using your usual Sheffield Hallam username and password to access this video.
PhD Perspectives – Our Viva Experience (17:15)
Websites
A web page (hosted by USW), How to Prepare for the Viva Examination, contains a series of videos and resources for PGR students across the sector and these resources are freely available to PGRs across all Higher Education Institutions in the UK.  Also on this page is a downloadable resource document Viva Resource Document
UKCGE | Doctoral experience and assessment

To suggest additional resources for inclusion on the RIDA website please complete this MS Form. Please note you must be logged in using your usual Sheffield Hallam username and password to access the form.