The Supervisor's role at the viva
Under the Regulations for Research Degrees, the Supervisor(s) are permitted to attend the Viva and may be invited by the Examiners to offer comments at any appropriate point during the examination process. The Supervisor may request permission to clarify a particular point during the course of the Viva.
The candidate should be consulted by the Internal Examiner prior to the Viva to confirm whether or not the Supervisor(s) should be present. If the candidate indicates that they would prefer the Supervisor(s) not to attend the Viva then they will not do so. It is the responsibility of the Internal Examiner to advise the Supervisor(s) accordingly.
The Supervisor(s) and the candidate are required to withdraw from the Viva before a formal decision on the thesis is taken.
If the Supervisor(s) do not attend the Viva they should be contactable during the examination in order that the Examiners may, if they wish, seek clarification on any particular issues, which may have arisen in relation to the work submitted.
