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Supervisors & managers

Scenario

Matthew has mental health difficulties. He has experienced severe panic attacks at times of stress throughout his PhD.

Suggested adjustments

In discussion with Matthew and the disability adviser, the impact of the viva needs to be explored. Does he think it will be a problem? What adjustments does he think would help? Are they adjustments which are acceptable on academic grounds? 

Following this discussion support and reasonable adjustments can be made. It may be helpful to practice a viva with Matthew to establish any challenges. Practice beforehand may mean that no adjustments to the viva are necessary If they are necessary, Matthew will need to agree the information which is passed to the examiners. Adjustments might include: short breaks in the examination; questions to be asked in the viva prepared beforehand and given to Matthew to work with under exam conditions; asking examiners to devise early questions which Matthew will be more confident in handling and which will ease him into the viva.

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Premia - making research education accessible grew from a HEFCE-funded project based at Newcastle University from 2003 to 2005, with the aim to improve provision for disabled postgraduate researchers, increase the number of disabled researchers at UK institutions and improve the quality of their experience. Vitae now manages the Premia resources.  About Premia.  Premia conditions of use.

This page originated as part of the Premia Project.