Viva (oral thesis defence)

In the viva the results of the thesis and their meaning for computer science are conveyed in a comprehensible way to an extended specialist audience. In a subsequent scientific discussion the student should show that he or she has a command of the area of the thesis and is able to answer relevant questions competently.

The supervisor usually arranges the appointment for the viva and notifies the dean's office. The standard appointment is Friday afternoons at 15.30 unless there is a good reason to make an exception. The dean's office publically announces the appointment in the University.

There must be at least two weeks between the confirmation of the acceptance of the thesis by the chairperson of the PhD committee (after all reports have been received) and the viva (§17 of the PhD degree regulations).

The viva is open to the university public. The members of the PhD committee must be present at the viva. Reviewers who are not members of the PhD committee are not obliged to attend although if they wish they can attend or take part via video conference. The chairperson of the PhD committee can admit guests.

At the beginning of the viva, the PhD student gives an approximately 30 minute speech about the content of the thesis. This speech is open to the university public and is in German or English. The subsequent scientific discussion spans the areas relevant to the thesis. The discussion should last between 30 and 60 minutes. All members of the PhD committee, all reviewers, all professors present and all those present from the faculty with a doctorate or habilitation qualification are allowed to ask questions. At the PhD student's request the public can be excluded.

As soon as the viva has finished it is marked and the overall PhD result is announced.