VivaCoach

VivaCoach is an AI simulation generator tool. VivaCoach reads an uploaded thesis and runs mock defence sessions with examiner questions at three difficulty levels, covering methodology, findings, contribution, theory, critical analysis and future work. Each answer is scored with feedback, and a personalised cheat sheet summarises strengths and weak spots.

VivaCoach is a preparation tool for the oral defence stage of a thesis or dissertation. A candidate uploads the finished document (PDF, DOCX or TXT, up to roughly 100,000 words) or pastes key chapters, and the system analyses the arguments, methodology and evidentiary base before generating examiner questions drawn from that specific work. The premise is simple: the anxiety of a viva usually comes from not knowing which weaknesses the committee will find, so the product tries to find them first. Sessions run at three examiner styles. Warm-up offers broad opening questions of the "tell me about your research" kind. Standard pushes into specifics about method and evidence. Challenging is adversarial and designed to stress-test the argument under pressure. Questions are grouped across six areas: methodology, findings, contribution, theory, critical analysis and future work. Answers can be typed or spoken through voice input. Weak responses trigger Socratic follow-ups rather than being scored and dropped, which mirrors how a real committee keeps pressing when an answer thins out. After each session the candidate sees a score, a topic-by-topic breakdown of strong and weak ground, and written examiner commentary. A model answer option shows how a well-structured response is built. The readiness pack bundles five practice sessions of five questions each, a full mock defence simulation and a personalised one-page cheat sheet covering key arguments, likely questions, weak spots and pivot phrases. The tool also adapts its expectations to doctorate versus Masters level, shifting between originality and theoretical framing on one side and literature command and critical thinking on the other. It sits alongside mock vivas arranged with supervisors and peers, which remain the only way to rehearse live academic give-and-take with someone who knows the field. VivaCoach is best treated as a private, repeatable way to surface gaps before those sessions and to track readiness over several weeks. It suits doctoral and Masters candidates close to submission, and students in taught programmes with a formal oral examination.