A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree a student can obtain. It’s earned through extensive research on a specific topic, demonstrating expertise and contributing new knowledge to the field.
A PhD involves:
- Extensive research on a specific topic
- Demonstrating expertise
- Contributing new knowledge to the field
- Writing a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject
- Developing critical knowledge and understanding of a particular research area
A PhD normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is usually required for the student to hold an Honours degree or a Master’s degree with high academic standing, in order to be considered for a PhD program.
A PhD is typically an academic degree, while a doctorate can be either academic or professional.
