While the prestige of attaining the highest level of education is sought after, the process tends to be generally considered as unpleasant and dreaded by a number of candidates. It has also been noted that the whole process of the viva can be contradictory hence leaving the candidate frustrated and deflated. The aim of this research is to examine the candidates’ valuation of the process of the viva in producing a credible candidate of the academic community. A phenomenological approach was employed using a small-scale action research. One to one interviews were used to collect research data in situ from the candidates after the viva in order to capture the very first impression of the experience. Candidates who had graduated previously provided valuable data of their experiences 2 to 5 years later. Observations of the state of the candidates during and after the viva captured important data. The research included a sample of 20 candidates in four (4) private universities and another 20 participants comprised those that had graduated two (2) to five (5) years earlier. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Candidates going through the viva process do so with minimum information of what is expected of them during the process. The different candidates’ accounts demonstrated that the viva is an emotional labor that leaves candidates with high emotions, both negative and positive. Further, it has been concluded that the whole viva process is unclear, unfair and encumbered with contradictions and lack of transparency.
Keywords:PhD, Oral examination, Doctoral studies, Viva, Academic Community Team (ACT).