How to Choose a Research Question for an MD Thesis
A practical framework for turning a clinical interest into a focused, feasible and defensible thesis question.
Thesis Guidance
How to Prepare for a Thesis Viva
A structured approach to preparing your presentation and answering methodology and statistics questions with confidence.
Thesis Guidance
The viva is a conversation about your work. Examiners want to know that you understand what you did, why you did it, and what it means.
Know your thesis thoroughly
Re-read your thesis end to end. Note any inconsistencies between chapters, tables and your abstract — examiners often find them.
Prepare a clear presentation
- Keep slides uncluttered: one message per slide.
- Show key results as clear tables or graphs.
- End with conclusions that match your objectives, limitations and recommendations.
Expect methodology and statistics questions
Be ready to explain your design choice, sample size calculation, sampling method, why you chose each statistical test, and what your p-values and confidence intervals mean.
Know your limitations
Acknowledging limitations honestly — and explaining how they may affect your conclusions — is a sign of understanding, not weakness.
Practise aloud
A mock viva with a colleague or mentor helps you practise concise answers and reveals gaps while there is still time to address them.
On the day
Listen to the full question, take a moment before answering, and say so if you do not know something rather than guessing.
This article is for general educational purposes. Always follow your institution’s guidelines and your guide’s advice.