On January 9th, 2025, I successfully passed my PhD viva with minor corrections. My research, titled “Exploring the Relaxation Potential of Nature Soundscapes and Photography Through Field Recordings and Meditation Nature Walks,” was conducted at the University of Wolverhampton. The viva was a positive experience, with examiners who were both thorough and supportive in their feedback. Their guidance during the process helped me refine my work, ensuring that the final version would meet the necessary standards for submission.

My advice for the viva is to overprepare. I started my preparation a month in advance. I printed out my thesis, took detailed notes, and made note cards to help me organize my thoughts. I also scheduled two mock viva sessions, which were incredibly useful in simulating the real experience. These sessions allowed me to practice answering questions under pressure and refine my ability to discuss my research clearly. Overpreparing gave me the confidence I needed to face the examiners and address their questions with clarity. Though, I will admit a lot of the information I prepared for was not a topic of conversation during the viva. In a way it is really impossible to know what questions will be asked.

Before submitting your thesis my advice would be to ensure a thorough and sound methodology, contribution, as well as detailed literature review. This also includes refined aims, objectives and research questions. These will lay solid foundation for the viva prep.