Types of doctoral degrees

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, or DPhil in a small number of universities) is the most familiar of the qualifications that are awarded on the basis of extended research projects. To obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a candidate is expected to investigate a topic and to make an original contribution to knowledge (do not be too shocked, this need only be something small). A PhD thesis is in the 30,000 - 80,000 word range. PhD candidates are usually registered for three to four years full time and six to seven years part time. Increasingly, PhD candidates are enrolled in a programme of study, involving taught elements, research skills and personal development activities. This helps you hone your research skills as well as improving your employability.

Professional Doctorates (EdD, Deng, DClinPsych, DMedEth, etc.) are the fastest growing type of doctoral qualification. They first appeared in the late 1980s and have been developed as a positive response to identified needs. As such, the field of study usually is that of a professional discipline and involves research into practice. They usually include a significant taught element in addition to an extended research project.

Centres of excellence in doctoral training have existed since 2002. Research Councils are investing training resources in centres or clusters of excellence which provide the highest quality research training experience, facilities and development opportunities. Universities are adopting the approach in their own arrangements for doctoral training. The benefits and outcomes of this approach are currently being realised in EPSRC-funded centres whilst ESRC, BBSRC, AHRC and NERC are bringing new centres on stream in the next few years. These latest models create new opportunities with inter-institutional working and the requirements for internships.

The NewRoutePhD^TM or four year ‘Integrated PhD' also contains significant taught elements, research skills and generic skills training. The NewRoutePhD^TM is a national initiative delivered by a consortium of 22 universities. Initially developed in 2001 to provide international students with an integrated doctoral training scheme including research training and personal and professional development, it is now becoming more widely available.

The Wellcome Trust four-year PhD programme is a flagship scheme based in 27 centres of excellence throughout the UK with specialised training provided in a range of important biomedical research areas The first year combines taught courses with laboratory rotations to broaden the student's knowledge of the subject area. At the end of the first year, students make an informed choice of their three-year research project.

PhD by practice (PhD, DPhil, Dmus, AMusD, etc.) Most common in the fine and creative arts, in which creative work forms a significant part of the intellectual inquiry. The thesis includes a substantial analysis or evaluation of the creative process, project or performance

The PhD by publication allows for a candidate's thesis to consist entirely or largely of published work. This is accompanied by a critical appraisal of the published work set within the context of the research. The compulsory oral examination judges the candidate and the thesis using the same academic standards as for a conventional research degree programme. It is not a very common route to a PhD in the UK; usually one taken by existing academic staff. However, many European countries effectively have a form of PhD by publication in that they require mandatory publication of papers before thesis submission.