Will James get his PhD? - VIVA

Viva day for James Clewett - the oral examination to decide if he gets a PhD and becomes Dr Clewett. More about James's work and story at: • James Clewett Videos
We were very lucky to have cameras in the room - but there was a "no audio" condition. This is because recording a viva was new territory and there were concerns about affecting the all-important exam. Maybe next time? ;)
James also asked me to clarify his fear of the "Russian Professor" was because: "As we know from Landau and Liftshitz.... Russian mathematicians have a reputation for rigour."
Test Tube is a project by video journalist Brady Haran for the University of Nottingham.
More at www.test-tube.org.uk/
Additional filming in this video by James Hennessy.
With thanks to the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham.

[@mhbrugman]

Defend a PhD thesis and you will never be scared to answer questions

[@azheryaqoob2848]

Wow, that’s one great quote

[@jamief415]

Goodness, I was getting nervous myself while I watched this

[@meinbuch9458]

Jamie F Lol me too.

[@cryora]

Why? It's just a video.

[@femylafi]

Me too...

[@r_____________________]

@@cryora It's called empathy. It's part of the human condition. Maybe you've heard of it?

[@cryora]

@@r_____________________ No because my Armenian math teacher told me that if I were to tell a math joke to a psycho major, they would think I am psycho. So I guess I am psycho and have no empathy.

[@Koba4329]

I hardly know the guy and i was smiling when we was given the congrats glad you got it! congratulations... doctor.

[@auto_ego]

Ugh, tag your spoilers!

[@Auautonic]

A wonderful story. I'm glad he got his Phd. He looks like such a nice human being. I was unconsciously smiling throughout the whole video.

[@Dj992Music]

How do you know you were smiling if you were doing it unconsciously? did you record yourself watching this video and go back to check? Are you sure you were doing it unconsciously?

[@TheSlimyDog]

If I ever need a video to make me feel nice and fuzzy, I just watch this one. It's great.

[@igrewold]

Yup, this is realer than a reality show.

[@waaey4925]

igrewold Of course it is; the majority of people on those shows are just (talentless) actors.

[@zibbydafuqjo4584]

Congratulations Dr. Clewett.

[@tjejojyj]

The lack of audio in the viva is no defect. The technical details would have require a mass of explanations for a general audience and his narration over the time lapse was perfected edited and constructed. His body language told the same story he describes. A great KZbin video revealing part of a seminal educational process.

[@SorcererLord]

Don't know why I've been recommended this video 6 years later, but I got my PhD just last week and I can totally understand the intense nerves and realising that 3 entire years of work were being assessed in one sitting and that passing or failing was totally dependent on it. Cannot describe the elation of passing and knowing you're a doctor!

[@Dakarai_Knight]

I am both terrified and excited ? A little more terror than excitement but it shifts around.

[@sslvsme5763]

Hey I just read ur comment, what’s ur thesis? Could I read it if I searched it up? Thanks

[@VicodinElmo]

This makes me happy. To see someone who's devoted themselves so much to their work get what they deserve is brilliant. I know it's been two years, but again, congratulations, Doc ;)

[@CarlosValenzuela-sx9xb]

this video make me happy

[@lucickian0yoz]

Nine years ago, I was in high school following James' journey as my inspiration for a scientific career. Now I am coming back to these videos, as I have my Viva next Monday. Thank you for everything you have done for me with this channel!

[@TheZindarod]

After watching the series, at the end of this video I felt like the professor was congratulating me for being awarded a PhD. :)

[@moalmu6357]

I did watch this video several times before my Viva. I would say that James Viva encourages me for my Viva as I have passed my Viva as a direct pass with no corrections whatsoever! Thanks James. I miss Notts Uni and the jubilee campus..

[@AlonsoRules]

A PhD is a great achievement, feel very proud to have got it! Now have a long break.

[@quitte92]

From Tetris Champion to Physics Doctorate. Congratulations on getting your Degree. That's an amazing accomplishment.

[@lite6384]

Congratulations Dr James Clewett

[@Imagon100]

fcking spoilers

[@z_6077]

FulminatedHg watch the video first then lol

[@markrhodesuk]

I’m about to start my PhD journey in October 2022. Working to get a Doctorate, when all my teachers at secondary school had no faith in me to amount to anything have since got my BSc (Hons) and a MSc degree and now on to the PhD. I WILL get my doctorate.

[@ismaelelayan139]

I really enjoyed this video. James’ character looks nice and energetic. The greatest thing is that he was honest about his feelings and sharing them. He showed how enjoyable and challenging it is to get a PhD. Hopefully, i’ll get to share my experience soon.

[@LiiMuRi]

Congratulations! As a PHD student I too dread the final examination of my thesis. And in Finland the final examination is public, so there's an audience there watching you answer all those questions.

[@mokopa]

Oh my word! What a thrill to have shared this experience, thank you so much for sharing it with us. This servers as an ENORMOUS encouragement to myself and, I'm sure, many others. Congratulations!

[@Tastiestbeaner]

AWESOME! CONGRATS JAMES! It has been awesome to see your progress documented throughout these videos. You really deserve this after all your hard work! I can't wait to see what you do with your future and hope we get to see you more :D

[@fudderduds_]

Congratulations, James! I was rooting for you after watching the other videos about your thesis. I'm very happy for you :D

[@jacksoncarr]

Congratulations, Dr. James Clewett! It has been a pleasure to follow you through this endeavor of yours, and I look forward to seeing you in future videos!

[@sjsawyer]

Wow I am so happy for you! Thank you for partaking in all of these videos. You seem like an extremely nice and personable guy. You, my friend, deserve a beer.

[@SwGuru]

Almost bought a tear to my eye! Congratulations Dr Clewett, Hope to see more of your work in the future.

[@rogermush]

Delighted for you and well done. Thanks for sharing you're experience and excitement, it's an inspiration. Astonishing how familiar you have become through the videos and in some bizarre way, it makes one feel part of your achievement. Congratulations.

[@travistdwp]

So inspiring. Thank you James for trying your hardest to accomplish your goals. And thank you Brady for documenting it for us.

[@BTHobbies]

This has been my favorite series of videos. It's wonderful to see the personal element of pushing back the frontier of human knowledge. Grats to James!

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

This is the first video on any of Brady's channels that actually made me tear up. And it was a completely unexpected reaction. Wonderful, wonderful video. Thank you.

[@Skeluz]

Man... I'm so proud of you James. :) Thanks for being so honest with everything about and around the viva. Truly enjoyed it and congratulations for the recommendation!

[@Nimasho2go]

Great job James! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the future.

[@perniciousnc]

im so happy for james!! glad to share your journey here!

[@tomsmusiclessons]

Amazing! So glad you posted this. Well done Dr Clewett!

[@Twitchi]

This made me smile so hard when watching it.. Well done Dr. Clewett!! I have been following your story for a while now and I am positively over-joyed to hear of your well earned success

[@TheLeaderleader]

WOW! I felt every moment in this video, nervous, excited, smiling, I swear I sweat when the interview started. Congrats! I enjoyed watching this video

[@TheThirdGerman]

I was waiting for this video and it really made me smile. Best of luck to James!

[@JohnnyTsu228]

It is so wonderful to see such a kind, interesting person so elated. We've seen James fight through some challenging times, but we all knew he would make it here. Congratulations, Dr. Clewett, we wish you all the best!

[@KlevaOyibo]

Congratulations James. Watching through these videos and learning about your life experiences so far has amazed me, I really know you worked hard and deserved this, and really glad you decided to give back to the "internet" world through these series. I hope that you continue to do so Dr Clewett.

[@dragos7puri]

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. Hope there will be more videos about what you do coming.

[@orbsandtea]

Finally ! Been following your story for a while, and it pleases me to see that you finally got your doctors. : ) Congratulations, Doctor !

[@Ereinset]

I'm so happy for him, and fact is, I never met this guy. After having heard his story for a couple of years on KZbin, I can't help but cheer for his accomplishment! We love you James!

[@jude4021]

This video made my day. So happy for you James... I'm hopping up and down in my chair here in New Zealand... great news and well deserved. Sincere thanks for letting us all share in your journey. :)

[@heaslyben]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the tense moments and the happy conclusion.

[@time808]

Hooray! How inspiring & lucky I feel to have watched the lead up to this. Thanks for the candidness. Congrads!

[@guppy818]

Started following your story James back in my a-levels and now myself am at uni. Genuinely so very happy for you mate! Great work!

[@ThePrisma90]

Congratulations James! We're all very happy for and proud of you!

[@neggleston]

Have been waiting for this news. Well done James and thanks Brady.

[@Symbioticism]

It seems that he couldn't be a nicer and more humble man - I am so glad he passed!

[@1954BJohn]

Many congratulations James!! - you always come across as a genuine guy. Hope you'll continue to do video's, I always find your content very interesting.

[@adeel256]

Many congratulations! I can't believe he allowed the camera in. I was feeling nervous for James because of it. Brady did awesome work filming and editing this.

[@HENJAM48]

I started watching Dr James' vids long after this, so why do I feel proud?! Well done.

[@whitemage9999]

I've been following this guy for the past two years or so, it's an emotional time for me as well!

[@azeem150]

CONGRATULATIONS! Great story...thanks for sharing Dr. James!

[@rogerdotlee]

I remember watching this the day it came out. I'm just as excited today, over 4 years later, as I was that day. Yes, I cheered. Both times. Deal with it. :P

[@mcpheonixx]

Congratulations Sir., You deserve every accolade you receive for reaching your goal. I'm sure we all will be waiting for more video's about your work.

[@naybobdenod]

Thank you James for allowing us to be with you on such a momentous occasion. All the very best to you and may your life be a long and happy one. Most sincerely JF ( UK )

[@grandexandi]

I was so nervous! I nearly cried. This whole process was so instigating and emotional, and I'm saying that from the perspective of a mere spectator, I can only imagine what it was like for him! All the best for James and, of course, thank you Brady for these amazing videos!

[@goronyudo]

You definitely deserve it. Keep your head very high and thank you for sharing such an amazing experience. Cheerio!

[@craiggarrett34]

Congratulations James! Hearing you talk about how it was an enjoyable experience reminded me of my masters thesis presentation. Nowhere near as hard as a PhD of course, but it was the same kind of experience for me. I was so nervous before hand, but once I got started, it was just a relief and a joy to finally get to present what I did.

[@BullittZA]

It is so great to see this! I had been hoping to get an update on how it all went. Having the camera there was a treat! It amazes me how similar his and my emotions were before, during and after the examination. I had a highly-respected Prof from Italy attend my examination, a guy that supervised many of the PhDs I had referenced, and had written quite a number of books. I was incredibly nervous, but he ended up being the nicest possible examiner. Huge relief! The happiness came later.

[@DeJayHank]

Very good to hear. I watched the other videos on your journey about the stress and ups and downs and I'm glad to hear it's finally done and you passed. Good Luck in the future Dr. James! ;)

[@sanjosemike3137]

I’m so happy for him. His years of hard work paid off. Heartiest congratulations!! Sanjosemike (no longer in CA)

[@abraham2057]

Congratulations!! James is AWESOME, been waiting for this video ever since the he made the tetris video! He became my favorite then

[@livesforcake]

Oh my god this brings back some memories. I didn't do my PhD in Physics, or even science, but this is so familiar. The stakes are amazing, and so the nerves before the viva are horrendous, then you get into your flow, and then... the pause while the examiners speak about the Viva is, if anything even more nerve wracking but boy the feeling when it's over is something else, relief is spot on but what a sense of relief! Well done James, no corrections by the look of it, awesome!

[@thesoundengine]

Congrats!!! Really happy for you. I was getting nervous just watching this video!

[@PeachSmoothies]

You did it James!!! I was smiling through the whole video :D very inspiring!

[@IliyanBobev]

gratz James. Great journalism Brady, you not only asked the interesting questions, but showed the emotion of it all. Thanks.

[@overhang88]

This is the most encouraging video I have ever seen, thanks so much for uploading.

[@Nerdthagoras]

Very very very happy for you. This is awesome news. Congratulations.

[@andreasnold1987]

Very inspiring....I have waited for that video...thank you

[@zachb.4429]

Brady I have always loved this video. I have watched it many many times and for a long long time. I like to think about myself being where he is. it has always motivated me seeing where my interests can lead. Thank you for that

[@erictaylor5462]

Great job, Doctor.

[@SundayFive58]

Congratulations! I know how hard it is to face that moment... but it's all worth it.

[@LuBre]

I am surre this guy is going to places. Amazing personality, great speech skills, super-nice smile, overall an incredible positive and engaging attitude. Bravissimo!

[@PeterWraaeMarino]

Congrats James!!! .... I would love to hear the full Viva interview.

[@edgreenhalgh9559]

This is the perfect encapsulation of my viva. I love this man

[@awregorwegergergerht]

Congratulations Dr. Clewett on acing the viva! Super happy you achieved your goal, you definitely deserve it.

[@SharpAssKnittingNeedles]

So glad that this beautiful bro survived his viva! I was feeling for him so much! The emotions must have been insane!

[@MrRayne911]

Congratulations!! I am really happy for you James!!

[@506jeff]

congratulations dr clewett, you deserve it. very hard working & bright young man you are!!

[@rafiqzulrani5106]

thank you for sharing this wonderful moment with us. Congratulation Dr James Clewett.

[@EbonAvatar]

I'm really happy about this. Excellent work, Dr. Clewett, you deserve it!

[@acruzp]

I may not be working towards a PhD yet, I'm only 21... but I can relate to James in so many ways, my education is a struggle for me, always working to exceed my expectations. Sometimes it becomes too much, I can absolutely feel for him.

[@jonnywhite952]

I remember watching this for the first time during my second year of undergrad and being in awe. I watch it every now and again, and I am now about to start my own PhD.

[@Psenas]

Dear Brady, I want to honestly say youve stepped up your game greatly, hell youve stepped up anyones game. This is what youtube is supposed to be about. Being able to share such powerful moments with the rest of the world. Big thanks to James for volunteering. Congrats to him and I hope ill be able to achieve the same one day!

[@Noovil25]

What DOCTOR Clewett said is truly inspiring, he had so much passion for what he does that it made my eyes water. I know I would go through similar experience in the future, so thank you very much. Oh and congratulations James!

[@SapphireSiren]

CONGRATULATIONS, DR. CLEWETT! 8D

[@YazanWael]

I teared ... Congratulations man, I've never met you, but I'm really happy for you

[@ir0n2541]

wow going back to uni mid career to start from scratch, i don't have it in me to do that and kudos to him for seeing it through.

[@Leonar12345]

congratulations James!! incredibly happy for you

[@pamanes7]

Congratulations man, you deserve it

[@erikaokta5247]

I came from Reddit because somebody linked this totally awesome video. A week from now on I'll be having an undergrad thesis defense. Sure it's nothing compared to this guy's work but strangely enough this video calms me down. Thank you, James!

[@adamron4650]

His journey really pushed me a bit, I just came out my viva and I passed🎉, his videos where on just repeat since writing up! Thank you man, no one would ever feel the enormous stress till they go through it themselves. My external examiner was a mess and tried his best to break down, but I was last man standing! All want ones need to have is to know why they put something down on papers and able to justify it

[@SubscribedToLife]

Really pleased to share in your good news Dr Clewett! I've just finished my interview today on a final Work In Progress assessment for my undergraduate thesis (where I was questioned on my work done, and my methodology and analysis to date) so in a strange and very academically detached way, I can see how you felt (somewhat) after their questioning ended. ^^ Congratulations again! Now you've got time to go claim the Tetris world record (officially) ^^.

[@omnicon727]

Congratulations!!!! All of KZbin is proud of you!

[@andthesunsets]

what an experience. Thank you for sharing this!

[@markgbyrne]

My viva at QUB was quite different. I had four other people in the room with me: the internal and external examiners, my supervisor (not allowed to speak) and a chairperson. It went on for close to two hours. It was friendly, but intense as both examiners were leading experts in my field. Near the end, my supervisor had to leave and I was asked how I found the experience of working with him. After that, I was asked to leave and I waited for around 30 minutes in another room with my supervisor. When I was called back in, they immediately told me that I had been awarded my doctorate with minor corrections and congratulated me. They then briefly went through each of the corrections, ranging from punctuation to additional sentences of explanation. Then we shook hands, said goodbye and I found myself out on the street with a big grin on my face.

[@ImAzraa]

Aww man, this is awesome, since I started following sixtysimbols i've been wishing for James to obtain his PhD, its amazing! I really enjoy the material he gave us, the computer stuff, and its always nice to see a fellow geek being as successful as this. I dont know if it is the appropriate channel to do this, but: Congratulations Dr. Clewett!

[@colmonhs]

Lovely. Just lovely. Congratulations Dr.

[@xvcfx86]

Such an incredible video. Thank you for sharing.