Bachelor Degree

A PhD, or Doctorate of Philosophy, is the highest level of degree that a student can achieve.

PhD students independently conduct original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy dissertation.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

Full-time PhDs typically last three or four years, while part-time PhDs last six or seven. However, the dissertation deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution’s discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their dissertation in year four. Most PhDs begin in September or October.

A standard PhD is typically split into three stages. By way of illustration, a three-year PhD may follow the following pattern:

First year

You’ll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You’ll then complete your literature review, in which you’ll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.

Second year

Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your dissertation. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.

Third year

This phase primarily involves turning your thesis into a dissertation, though your primary research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you’ll submit your dissertation before undertaking a one-to-three-hour oral exam in which you’ll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

Benefits:

• Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.
• Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.
• You can expect to earn more and enjoy a faster career progression if you have a PhD.