Updated July 2012
A.
University Policy
Vivas may be conducted exceptionally by video link,
Skype or an equivalent audio-visual service
where the attendance by the External Examiner at a viva on the
University campus would be impracticable. Approval will not normally
be given for the candidate to be at a remote site except in the case
of distance learning students. Such cases will only be approved where
the integrity of the examination can be guaranteed.
In some cases approval will be granted for the viva to be conducted
by video link, Skype or an equivalent audio-visual service where the
attendance by the Internal Examiner is impracticable.
In all cases, agreement from all participants in
the examination will be sought.
B.
Procedures
Because the viva examination is not being conducted in
accordance with standard procedures, it is particularly important to
ensure that the candidate understands how the examination will be
conducted and is in full agreement. It is also essential to provide
the best possible environment for both the candidate and the
examiners. The following procedures have been drawn up with these
points in mind.
The agreement of the candidate and the
Dean/Associate Dean of the Graduate School must be obtained in advance. A
form is provided for this purpose.
C.
Technical preparation
Vivas must be
held in the
video-conferencing suite
or another suitable venue if held via Skype or an equivalent
audio-visual service. Bookings for
video-conferencing should be made through
the Audiovisual and Media
Services whose staff will advise on timings.
Technical assistance will be provided by the
Audiovisual and Media Services
as required. This will include practical advice on the protocols of
communication by video link. Time should be allowed before the start
of the viva for a short ‘training’ session for both the candidate
and the Internal Examiner
If using Skype or an equivalent audio-visual
service, time should be allowed before the start of the viva to test
equipment and video mode should be used, so that it is equivalent to
video-conferencing.
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