4.9 out of 5
Client satisfaction, across 10,000+ students
See more success storiesDefense & Viva Preparation
Big day nerves?Walk in ready.
Prepare for your dissertation defense or viva voce with doctoral-qualified coaches who've been through it themselves — and sat on the other side of the table.
15-Minute Chat. No Cost. No Pressure.
4.9 Stars
Client Satisfaction
10,000+
Students coached
100%
Client Pass Rate
15 Million
Video Lesson Downloads
How we get you ready
We take a three-pronged approach, so nothing on the day catches you off guard.
01
Find the weak spots first
We critically review your dissertation, so you have an answer ready for every weak spot.
02
Rehearse with a mock viva
We run a mock defense on video with examiner-style questions, until answering feels familiar.
03
Sharpen your presentation
We critique your presentation in detail, so you know your study inside out again on the day.
Book a free chat
15-Minute Chat. No Cost. No Pressure.
The Grad Coach difference
On-Demand Access
Getting help is simple. Book a live session, message your coach or send your dissertation or slides for an in-depth review. We'll help you every step of the way.
Insider Advantage
Every coach holds a doctoral-level degree, and many have supervised dissertations themselves, so they know exactly what examiners look for in a defense.
Defense-Ready Support
We make sure you can explain and justify every part of your study. No guesswork, no panic. You walk in confident and competent.
You Stay the Author
We guide; we don't write. Every word and every answer on the day is yours, which is why 500+ universities refer students to us for ethical support.
What students want to know
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about defense and viva preparation. If yours isn't here, book a free, no-pressure consultation.
How much does defense preparation cost?
The initial consultation is completely free. If you decide to work with us, coaching is priced on a time basis.
What happens in a mock defense or viva?
You present your research to your coach on a video call, and they question you the way an examiner would. Afterwards, we go through your answers and your presentation together, so you know exactly what to tighten before the real thing.
Can you help me anticipate the questions?
Yes. We help you anticipate the questions examiners commonly ask about your research and prepare clear, well-reasoned answers to each. We've been through hundreds of these, so we know what comes up most often — and where students get stuck.
Can you help me structure my presentation?
Yes. We help you build a clear, well-structured presentation that conveys your research aims, methodology and findings within the time you have.
What if I know my study has weaknesses?
Every study has limitations, and examiners expect you to know yours. We help you acknowledge them openly and explain why your conclusions still hold, which reads far better than being caught out.
Can you help me with my nerves?
We're not therapists, but we can share strategies to help you manage nerves, build confidence and perform well under pressure. A mock defense helps most, because the real one stops being unfamiliar.
What's the difference between a defense and a viva?
Mostly the country. In the US, a dissertation defense usually means presenting to your committee and answering their questions. In the UK, a viva voce is usually a closed oral exam with an internal and an external examiner. We prepare you for either.
Can you help with the rest of my dissertation?
Yes. Defense preparation is only one part of what we do. We support students through every stage of the dissertation or thesis, from topic to submission. See our dissertation coaching.
Will my coach know my subject?
Our expertise lies in research methodology and the defense process, the skills every study needs, whatever the field. You bring your topic, and we help you defend it. If a particular coach's background suits you, you're welcome to book with them directly.
Will my work be kept confidential?
Yes. Your work is treated as confidential and never shared or published. We're happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement if you'd like one.
What our clients say
We've worked 1:1 with 10,000+ students. Here's what some of them have to say:
“I went from burnt out to confident – thanks to my Grad Coach.”
“If you're stuck, Grad Coach is your way forward.”
“With Grad Coach, I finally felt that I could complete my PhD.”
“Grad Coach helped me focus on what actually matters - and get a first!”
“I honestly thought this would be the one big failure of my life.”
“Grad Coach gave me structure, clarity, and confidence.”
“I thought I wasn't smart enough - Grad Coach changed that.”
Get ready for your defense
Book a free chat to see how we can help you prepare for your defense or viva.
15-Minute Chat. No Cost. No Pressure.