full form of phd department

• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

On this page

The meaning of a phd.

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

PhD fees can vary based on subject, university and location. Use our guide to find out the PhD fees in the UK and other destinations, as well as doctoral living costs.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

What is a PhD?

• Types of Doctorates
• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest globally recognized postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award.
• PhDs are awarded to candidates who undertake original and extensive research in a particular field of study.
• Full time PhD programmes typically last three to four years, whilst part time PhD programmes typically last six to seven years.
• A PhD can lead to an academia teaching role or a career in research. A PhD can also equip you with skills suitable for a wide range of jobs unrelated to your research topic or academia.

Definition of a PhD – A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD , Ph.D or a DPhil ) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible.

PhDs differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in that PhDs are entirely research-based rather than involving taught modules (although doctoral training centres (DTCs) offer programmes that start with a year of lecture-based teaching to help develop your research skills prior to starting your project).

In most English-speaking countries, those that complete a PhD use the title “Doctor” (typically abbreviated to Dr) in front of their names and are referred to as such within academic and/or research settings. Those that work in fields outside of academia may decide not to use the formal doctor title but use post-nominal letters (e.g. John Smith PhD); it’s unusual though for someone to use both the Doctor title and post-nominal letters in their name.

PhD vs Doctorate

A PhD and a professional doctorate are both research-based terminal degrees.

However, where a PhD focuses on original research mostly around theoretical concepts, a professional doctorate focuses on examining existing knowledge to solve real-life, practical problems.

While there is much crossover between the two, a PhD is generally better suited for an individual to wants to advance the knowledge and understanding in their field, and a professional doctorate degree is better suited to a working professional who wants to better be able to apply knowledge and understanding to their field.

What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD?

To be accepted on to a PhD programme, students usually need to hold at least a high ( 2:1 and above ) undergraduate degree that is related to the field of research that they want to pursue. A PhD candidate may also be expected to hold a Master’s degree , however, this does not mean you must have one, as it is still possible to enrol into a PhD without a Master’s .

Self-funded courses may sometimes be more relaxed in relation to entry requirements . It may be possible to be accepted onto a self-funded PhD programme with lower grades, though these students typically demonstrate their suitability for the role through professional work experience.

Whilst a distance learning project is possible , most PhD candidates will carry out their research over at least three years based at their university, with regular contact with two academic supervisors (primary and secondary). This is particularly the case for lab-based projects, however, some PhD projects require spending time on-site away from university (e.g. at a specialist research lab or at a collaborating institution abroad).

How Long Does a PhD Take?

Typically, full-time PhDs last 3-4 years and part-time PhDs last 6-7 years. However, at the discretion of the university, the thesis writing-up period can be extended by up to four years.

Although most doctoral programmes start in September or October, they are generally much more flexible than taught-courses and can start at any time of the year.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Tuition fees for UK and EU students vary between £3,000 and £6,000 per year, with the average tuition fee of £4,712 per year for 2023/24 programmes.

Tuition fees increase considerably for international students, varying between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average tuition fee of £19,600 per year .

Nonetheless, most students will secure PhD funding in the form of studentships, scholarships and bursaries to help pay for these fees. These funding opportunities can either be partial, which cover tuition fees only, or full, which cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

UK national students can also apply for Doctoral Loans from Student Finance England if they are unable to secure funding.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

What Does a PhD Involve?

To be awarded a PhD, a doctoral student is required to produce a substantial body of work that adds new knowledge to their chosen field.

A PhD programme will typically involve four key stages:

Stage 1: Literature Review

The first year of a PhD involves attending regular meetings with your supervisors and carrying out a search on previously published work in your subject area. This search will be used to produce a literature review which should set the context of the project by explaining the foundation of what is currently known within the field of research, what recent developments have occurred, and where the gaps in knowledge are. In most cases, this will be an extension of your research proposal should you have produced one as part of your application. The literature review should conclude by outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the research project. This stage of setting achievable goals which are original and contribute to the field of research is an essential first step in a successful PhD.

The supervisor is the main point of contact through the duration of a PhD – but remember: they are there to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you . It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work as well as to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them.

Stage 2: Research

The second year (and prehapse some of your third year) is when you work on your research. Having identified novel research questions from your review of the literature, this is where you collect your data to help answer these questions. How you do this will depend on the nature of your doctoral research: for example, you may design and run experiments in a lab alongside other PhD students or visit excavation sites in remote regions of the world. You should check in regularly with your supervisors to update them and run any ideas or issues past them.

Have the structure and chapters of your thesis in mind as you develop and tackle your research questions. Working with a view of publishing your work will be very valuable later on.

Stage 3: Write up of Thesis

The next key stage of a PhD is writing a doctoral thesis , which typically takes from anywhere between three months to one year. A thesis is a substantial body of work that describes the work and outcomes of the research over the previous two to three years. It should tell a detailed story of the PhD project – focusing on:

• The motivations for the research questions identified from the literature review.
• The methodologies used, results obtained, and a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings.
• A detailed discussion of the key findings with an emphasis on the original contributions made to your field of research and how this has been impactful.

There is no universal rule for the length of a PhD thesis, but general guidelines set the word count between 80,000 to 100,000 words.

For your thesis to be successful, it needs to adequately defend your argument and provide a unique or increased insight into your field that was not previously available.

Stage 4: Attending the Viva

A viva voce , most commonly referred to as just a ‘ viva ‘, is an interview-style examination where the PhD student is required to engage in a critical appraisal of their work and defend their thesis against at least two examiners. The examiners will ask questions to check the PhD student has an in-depth understanding of the ideas and theories proposed in their thesis, and whether they have developed the research skills that would be expected of them.

The viva is one of the final steps in achieving a PhD, and typically lasts at least two hours, but this duration can vary depending on the examiners, the university and the PhD project itself.

Once you have done the viva – you’re on the home stretch. You will typically be asked to make some amendments to your thesis based on the examiner’s feedback. You are then ready to submit your final thesis for either:

• PhD – If you pass the requirements you will be awarded a PhD degree (most common outcome),
• MPhil – If you failed to meet requirements for a PhD, you may be downgraded to an MPhil degree (uncommon outcome),
• Fail – No award is given, typically for cases of plagiarism (extremely uncommon outcome).

What Is It Like to Undertake a PhD?

We’re often asked what it is like to undertake a PhD study. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer to this question as every research project is different.

To help give insight into the life of a PhD student, we’ve interviewed PhD students at various stages of their programmes and put together a series of PhD Student Interviews . Check out the link to find out what a PhD is like and what advice they have to offer you.

What Are the Benefits of A PhD?

A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and independent research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but sets you up with invaluable skills and traits.

Career Opportunities

First, a PhD prepares you for a career in academia if you wish to continue in this area. This takes form as a career in the Higher Education sector, typically as a lecturer working their way to becoming a professor leading research on the subject you’ve studied and trained in.

Second, a PhD also enables the opportunity for landing a job in a research & development role outside of the academic environment. Examples of this include laboratory work for a private or third sector company, a governmental role and research for commercial and industrial applications.

Transferable Skills

Finally, in possessing a PhD degree, you can show to employers that you have vital skills that make you an asset to any company. Three examples of the transferable skills that you gain through a PhD are effective communication, time management, and report writing.

• Communication – presenting your work in written and oral forms using journal papers and podium presentations, shows your ability to share complex ideas effectively and to those with less background knowledge than you. Communication is key in the professional environment, regardless of the job.
• Time management – The ability to prioritise and organise tasks is a tremendous asset in the professional industry. A PhD holder can use their qualification to demonstrate that they are able to manage their time, arrange and follow a plan, and stick to deadlines.
• Report writing – Condensing three years of work into a thesis demonstrates your ability to filter through massive amounts of information, identify the key points, and get these points across to the reader. The ability to ‘cut out the waffle’ or ‘get to the point’ is a huge asset in the professional industry.

Aside from the above, you also get to refer to yourself as a Doctor and add fancy initials after your name!

What Can I Do After a PhD?

One of the most desirable postdoctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on a R&D position.

It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only opens the door for an academic career such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD opens these doors, the opportunities extend far beyond educational roles. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles . This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking.

How Do I Find a PhD?

We appreciate that finding a PhD programme to undertake can be a relatively daunting process. According to Higher Education Student Statistics , over 22,000 PhDs were awarded in 2016/17 within the United Kingdom alone. Clearly there are a huge number of PhD programmes available. This can sometimes be confusing for prospective doctorates, particularly when different programmes are advertised in different places. Often, it is difficult to know where to look or where to even start. We’ve put together a list of useful sources to find the latest PhD programmes:

• A great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database of available PhD positions .
• Assuming you are still at university, speak to an existing PhD supervisor within your department.
• Attend as many postgraduate open days as you can. Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhDs are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the UKRI website.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

A Doctor of Philosophy or Doctorate

• Choosing a Graduate Program
• Tips & Advice
• Admissions Essays
• Recommendation Letters
• Medical School Admissions
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
• M.A., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University

More than 54,000 students earned doctoral degrees in 2016, the latest year for which figures are available, a 30 percent increase since 2000, according to the  National Science Foundation . A Ph.D., also called a doctorate, is a "Doctor of Philosophy" degree, which is a misleading moniker because most Ph.D. holders are not philosophers. The term for this increasingly popular degree derives from the original meaning of the word "philosophy," which comes from the ancient Greek word  philosophia , meaning "love of wisdom."

What Is a Ph.D.?

In that sense, the term "Ph.D." is accurate, because the degree has historically been a license to teach, but it also signifies that the holder is an "authority, in full command of (a given) subject right up to the boundaries of current knowledge, and able to extend them," says  FindAPhD , an online Ph.D. database. Earning a Ph.D. requires a hefty financial and time commitment— $35,000 to $60,000  and two to eight years—as well as research, creating a thesis or dissertation, and possibly some teaching duties.

Deciding to pursue a Ph.D. can represent a major life choice. Doctoral candidates require additional schooling after completing a master's program to earn their Ph.D.: They must complete additional coursework, pass comprehensive exams , and complete an independent dissertation in their field. Once completed, though, a doctoral degree—often called a "terminal degree"—can open doors for the Ph.D.holder, especially in academia but also in business.

Core Courses and Electives

To obtain a Ph.D., you need to take a group of core courses as well as electives, totaling about 60 to 62 "hours," which are roughly the equivalent of units at the bachelor's degree level. For example, Washington State University offers a  Ph.D. in crop science . Core courses, which make up about 18 hours, include such subjects as introduction to population genetics, plant transmission genetics, and plant breeding.

Additionally, the student must make up the remaining required hours through electives. The  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health  offers a doctoral degree in Biological Sciences in Public Health. After core courses such as laboratory rotations, biological sciences seminars, and core principles of biostatistics and epidemiology, the Ph.D. candidate is required to take electives in related fields such as advanced respiratory physiology, advanced respiratory physiology, and ecological and epidemiological control of parasitic diseases. Degree-granting institutions across the board want to ensure that those who earn Ph.D.s have broad knowledge in their chosen field.

Thesis or Dissertation and Research

A Ph.D. also requires students to complete a large scholarly project known as a  dissertation , a research report—usually 60-plus pages—which signifies that they are able to make significant independent contributions to their chosen field of study. Students take on the project, also known as a  doctoral thesis , after completing the core and elective coursework and passing a  comprehensive examination . Through the dissertation, the student is expected to make a new and creative contribution to a field of study and to demonstrate her expertise.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, for example, a strong medical dissertation relies heavily on the creation of a specific hypothesis that can be either disproved or supported by data collected through independent student research. Further, it must also contain several key elements starting with an introduction to the problem statement, conceptual framework, and research question as well as references to literature already published on the topic. Students must show that the  dissertation  is relevant, provides new insight into the chosen field, and is a topic that they can research independently.

Financial Aid and Teaching

There are several ways to pay for a doctoral degree: scholarships, grants, fellowships, and government loans, as well as teaching.  GoGrad , a graduate school information website, provides such examples as the:

• Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program, which provides full tuition and an annual stipend of $25,000 to $38,000.
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across 15 engineering disciplines
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, a three-year program that provides an annual stipend of $34,000 and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for tuition and fees

As it does for bachelor's and master's degrees, the federal government also offers several  loan programs  to help students finance their Ph.D. studies. You generally apply for these loans by filling out the free application for federal student aid ( FAFSA ). Students planning to go into teaching after obtaining their doctoral degrees often also supplement their income by teaching undergraduate classes at the schools where they are studying. The University of California, Riverside, for example, offers a "teaching award"—essentially a stipend applied toward tuition costs—for Ph.D. candidates in English who teach undergraduate, beginning-level, English courses

Jobs and Opportunities for Ph.D. Holders

Education accounts for a large percentage doctoral awards, with elementary education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and administration, special education, and counselor education/ school counseling topping the list. Most universities in the United States require a Ph.D. for candidates who seek teaching positions, regardless of the department.

Many Ph.D. candidates seek the degree, however, to boost their current salaries. For example, a health, sports, and fitness educator at a community college would realize a bump in annual pay for obtaining a Ph.D. The same holds for educational administrators. Most such positions require only a master's degree, but obtaining a Ph.D. generally leads to an annual stipend that school districts add to the annual salary. That same health and fitness instructor at a community college could also move on from a teaching position and become a dean at a community college—a position that requires a Ph.D.—boosting his pay to  $120,000 to $160,000  a year or more.

So, the opportunities for a doctoral degree holder are wide and varied, but the cost and commitment required are significant. Most experts say you should know your future career plans before you make the commitment. If you know what you want to get out of the degree, then the years of required study and sleepless nights may well be worth the investment.

• Understanding the Definition of a Doctoral Candidate
• What is an Ed.D. Degree?
• Admissions Interview? Be Prepared to Interview with Graduate Students
• A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Ph.D. Dissertation
• Medical Schools in Georgia
• Medical Schools in Virginia
• What Comes After a Master's Degree?
• A Note About Masters and Doctoral Comprehensive Exams
• Top Medical Schools in California
• Degree Requirements for Therapists
• What Classes Will You Take in Medical School?
• How to Decide Between a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
• How to Become a Doctor: Education and Career Path
• Should You Get a Recommendation for Grad School from Your Therapist?
• Applying to Graduate Programs in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Undergraduate Courses that Prepare You for Medical School

• Top Colleges
• Top Courses
• Entrance Exams
• Admission 2024
• Study Abroad
• Study in Canada
• Study in UK
• Study in USA
• Study in Australia
• Study in Germany
• IELTS Material
• Scholarships
• Sarkari Exam
• Visual Stories
• College Compare
• Write a review
• Login/ Register
• Login / Register

PhD Full Form: Key Functions and Benefits

Pallavi Pradeep Purbey ,

Mar 4, 2024

Share it on:

Wondering what the Full form of PhD is? Read this article to know more about PhD Full Form, eligibility criteria, key functions of a PhD, and more.

What Is The Full Form Of PhD?

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD is a three to six year long doctorate course that has many specializations under it. It is an academic degree through which students are given a chance to learn about research and concepts in a great depth and detail. 

While PhD Full Form in India stands for Doctor of Philosophy, PhD is also known as D.Phil [Doctor of Philosophy] in abroad countries. When pursuing PhD, students are presented with many specializations, including Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Botany Zoology, etc. Computer science, Biotechnology, Nursing, IT, Agriculture, Nautical Science, Chemistry, Physics, etc.

Key Highlights of PhD Program

Eligibility criteria for phd course, who should pursue a phd course, how to get into phd.

• Key Functions Of PhD 

Benefits of PhD Qualification

Future prospects after phd qualification.

Given below are the key highlights of the PhD course:

• The PhD course is a three to six year long doctoral program.
• It is a research based course.
• The students can pursue PhD in many different fields and streams, depending on their postgraduate degree.

Given below are the eligibility criteria for the PhD course:

• Students should pass their postgraduate  with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognised university.
• The students should give the required entrance exams.
• There is no age limit for the PhD course admission.
• In their postgraduate degree, it is recommended that the students pursue the specialization they intend to do a PhD in.

PhDs are a crucial component of the knowledge economy. The main goals of completing a PhD are knowledge creation, knowledge discovery, and skill development. It's a degree designed for people who want to know more in-depth about a certain subject.

Students must ensure that they are aware of the qualifying requirements in order to be admitted to the PhD programme.

Students then need to research the college's entrance requirements. Some colleges offer merit-based admissions, while others may demand entrance examinations.

Students can fill out the application for admission on the college's website or in person at the on-campus admissions office.

Key Functions Of PhD  

The main goal is to advance the field by applying an existing body of knowledge, research and theory. Students focus on securing a high academic position and conducting theoretical research. Students seek to solve practical problems in a particular field.

The objectives of an effective doctorate or PhD are as follows - 

• Expand the limits of what is currently known as creative work and high quality
• The ability to design, design and perform research that is truly educational, targeted and demonstrative
• A structured understanding of the topic and the management of skills and techniques associated with this topic
• The ability to analyze, evaluate and develop new and complex ideas
• The ability to continuously improve technological, social or cultural progress in terms of education and expertise
• Satisfactory standards in line with national and international peer-reviewed publications

The benefits of a PhD Qualification are:

• Career Boost : One of the greatest benefits of obtaining an a PhD degree is an enhanced employment opportunity, while also expecting a greater income and a higher status.
• Recognition : A PhD is generally regarded as a prestigious and well-recognized degree, since it is tough to get and are acknowledged and valued at all levels.
• Improved Professional Network : While pursuing a PhD, one will interact with many individuals, superiors, mentors and peers both inside and beyond the University.
• Knowledge : The knowledge gained through extensive research and expertise in the profession is not just theoretical, but also useful in solving problems, and judging various scenarios.
• High Salary : Having a PhD suggests that you’re well-versed in advanced knowledge. The more extensive your knowledge, the better your compensation is likely to be. 
• Gain Marketable Skills : Complex problem-solving and critical thinking are the top two skills that a PhD holder gains and also what the recruiters/company need in today’s workplace.

A PhD opens up a lot of fantastic prospects in the academic realm. In an academic setting, you can work as a professor or an assistant professor in a university. Even teaching is required by some colleges.

POST YOUR COMMENT

Related articles.

Options for Students Who are not Able to Clear IIT JAM Exam?

How to Prepare for IIT JAM in 90 days?

CBSE Class 11 Physics Deleted Syllabus 2024-25 - Download PDF

What is a Good Rank in IIT JAM Exam?

What Is the Difference Between Biomedical and Biotechnology?

Best Career Options After M.Sc: Top Courses and Recruiters

TS EAMCET Rank Wise College List 2024

Frequently asked questions

What is a phd.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

Frequently asked questions: Graduate school

In the US, most graduate school applications require you to include:

• Transcripts from previous educational institutions
• Standardized test scores (such as the GRE or MCAT)
• A graduate resume
• 2–3 letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Some programs may ask you to write a personal statement in addition to, or instead of, a statement of purpose. You may also be asked to an interview .

Always carefully read the application instructions for the specific program you’re applying to.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

• Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
• Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
• Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

Some students apply to graduate school straight from undergrad, but it’s also common to go back to school later in life. The ideal time to do so depends on various financial, personal, and career considerations . Graduate school is a big commitment, so you should apply at a time when you can devote your full attention to it.

Your career path may also determine when you should apply. In some career fields, you can easily progress without a graduate degree, while in others—such as medicine, business, and law—it’s virtually impossible to move up the career ladder without a specific graduate degree.

Most graduate school applications for American graduate programs are due in December or January for a September start.

Some types of programs, especially law school, are rolling applications, meaning that the earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll hear back. In this case, you should aim to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.

Medical school follows a completely separate timeline with much earlier deadlines. If you’re applying for medical school, you should speak to advisors at your university for more information.

A good starting point to aim for is about 18 months before you would start the program, or 6–9 months before the applications are due.

In the first few months of the process, research programs and study for any standardized exams you might need.

You can then begin writing your personal statements and statements of purpose , as well as contacting people to write your letters of recommendation . Ensure that you give recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters (ideally around 2–4 months).

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

It’s best to ask in person if possible, so first reach out and request a meeting to discuss your graduate school plans.

Let the potential recommender know which programs you’re applying to, and ask if they feel they can provide a strong letter of recommendation . A lukewarm recommendation can be the kiss of death for an application, so make sure your letter writers are enthusiastic about recommending you and your work!

Always remember to remain polite. Your recommenders are doing you a favor by taking the time to write a letter in support of your graduate school goals.

This depends on the program that you are applying for. Generally, for professional programs like business and policy school, you should ask managers who can speak to your future leadership potential and ability to succeed in your chosen career path.

However, in other graduate programs, you should mostly ask your former professors or research supervisors to write your recommendation letters , unless you have worked in a job that corresponds closely with your chosen field (e.g., as a full-time research assistant).

Choose people who know your work well and can speak to your ability to succeed in the program that you are applying to.

Remember, it is far more important to choose someone who knows you well than someone well-known. You may have taken classes with more prominent professors, but if they haven’t worked closely with you, they probably can’t write you a strong letter.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

• Professional experience
• Voluntary and extracurricular activities
• Publications
• Awards and honors
• Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

Please wait...

Home » Full Forms » PhD Full Form, All You Need to Know About Ph.D.

PhD Full Form, All You Need to Know About Ph.D.

PhD Full Form

PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”. It is an advanced academic degree that signifies the highest level of expertise and achievement in a particular field of study. While the title “Doctor of Philosophy” may sound philosophical, it is not limited to the study of philosophy but encompasses a wide range of academic disciplines. In this article, we will unveil the full form of a PhD and explore the significance of this advanced academic degree.

Ph.D. Full Form in Hindi

पीएचडी का मतलब “डॉक्टर ऑफ फिलॉसफी” है। यह एक उन्नत शैक्षणिक डिग्री है जो अध्ययन के किसी विशेष क्षेत्र में उच्चतम स्तर की विशेषज्ञता और उपलब्धि का प्रतीक है।

The Origin of the PhD

The term “Doctor of Philosophy” has its roots in the medieval universities of Europe, where it was used to refer to scholars who pursued a rigorous course of study and research. Over time, the concept of a PhD evolved, and it became associated with the highest level of academic attainment.

Key Characteristics of a PhD

• Research Focus : A PhD program is primarily research-oriented, requiring students to conduct original research in their chosen field of study. This research contributes to the body of knowledge in the discipline.
• Thesis or Dissertation : One of the central components of a PhD program is the completion of a doctoral thesis or dissertation. This is a substantial research project that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make a significant contribution to their field.
• Expertise and Specialization : PhD candidates become experts in their chosen area of specialization, gaining in-depth knowledge and critical thinking skills.
• Duration : The duration of a PhD program varies by country and discipline but typically spans three to five years of full-time study.
• Academic Rigor : PhD programs are academically rigorous, requiring candidates to engage in critical analysis, literature reviews, and scholarly writing.

The PhD Journey

The journey to earning a PhD is challenging and demanding, involving several stages:

• Coursework : In the initial phase, students may complete coursework in their field to build a strong foundation of knowledge.
• Research Proposal : PhD candidates must develop a research proposal outlining their intended research project, including its significance and methodology.
• Research and Data Collection : The heart of a PhD program involves conducting research, collecting data, and analyzing findings. This phase may require fieldwork, laboratory experiments, surveys, or other research methods.
• Thesis Writing : Candidates write a doctoral thesis or dissertation based on their research findings. This document is a substantial, original contribution to the field and is subjected to peer review.
• Oral Defense : After completing the thesis, candidates defend their research in an oral examination, often called a viva voce or thesis defense. This involves presenting and defending their work before a panel of experts.
• Publication : Many PhD candidates seek to publish their research in academic journals, further contributing to the scholarly community.

Global Recognition and Career Impact

Earning a PhD is a significant achievement with global recognition. It opens doors to various career opportunities, including:

• Academic Roles : Many PhD holders become university professors or researchers, imparting knowledge and contributing to academic advancements.
• Research and Development : PhD graduates often find employment in research and development roles in industries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Consulting : Consulting firms value the expertise and problem-solving skills of PhD holders.
• Policy Analysis : PhD graduates can work as policy analysts, influencing and shaping public policy.
• Entrepreneurship : Some PhD holders launch their businesses or startups, leveraging their expertise and research.

Conclusion – PhD Full Form

In conclusion, PhD, which stands for “Doctor of Philosophy,” represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and expertise in a specific field of study. It is characterized by a rigorous research focus, the completion of a substantial thesis or dissertation, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in the chosen discipline. Earning a PhD is a challenging yet rewarding journey that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and allows individuals to make significant contributions to their fields. As the pursuit of knowledge continues to evolve, the PhD remains a symbol of intellectual rigor and a catalyst for innovation and discovery in the academic world.

PhD Full Form – FAQs

Ans. PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy.”

Ans. पीएचडी का मतलब “डॉक्टर ऑफ फिलॉसफी” है।

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

  Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series

• Monthly Current Affairs 2024
• Download RBI Grade B PYQ PDF
• Download IFSCA Grade A PYQs
• Download SEBI Grade A PYQs
• Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test 2024
• Attempt Free IBPS Mock Test 2024
• Attempt Free SSC CHSL Mock Test 2024
• Download Oliveboard App
• Follow Us on Google News for Latest Update
• Join Telegram Group for Latest Govt Jobs Update

• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

abbreviation or noun

Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

New Latin philosophiae doctor

1839, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near PhD

Cite this entry.

“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, mise-en-scène.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, why does english have so many silent letters, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, birds say the darndest things, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), games & quizzes.

• University Reviews
• Career Guide

Important Facts

Ask any Question - CV Forum

PhD Full Form: Courses List, Subjects, Colleges [2024]

Kopal Srivastava Aug 12, 2024 1.5K Reads

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy and it is a doctorate program. The duration to complete the program is a minimum of 3-5 years and you extend up to 7 years. It also stands for DPhil or  D.Phil in some countries. A PhD holder can use the title 'Dr.' before their name.

It's considered the highest level of qualification in many fields. The program involves years of study, research, and publishing work. Completing a PhD typically requires coursework, exams, and a thesis. It usually takes at least three years to complete a PhD.

What is the objective of a PhD Program? 

PhD is a prestigious academic degree offered by universities worldwide. Its main aim is to train the future generation of researchers and scientists.

Students with a PhD have many opportunities in today's world. After earning their degree, they should assess their skills and apply for jobs based on their interests and expertise. Knowing their area of interest helps them find a suitable job.

PhD holders can work as lecturers or professors, in human services, as novelists or writers, journalists, editors, critics, philosophical journalists, researchers, scientists, or independent consultants. They can find roles in various sectors, from finance to the public sector.

What are the Eligibility Criteria to pursue a PhD Program?

To pursue a PhD Program, you must fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned below :

• To pursue a PhD, a Master's degree in the same field is necessary.
• Some universities may require an MPhil as well.
• Colleges accept candidates who have cleared UGC NET.
• Candidates in Engineering must have a valid GATE score.

What is the UGC-NET Exam? 

The CSIR UGC NET is an entrance exam for Indian nationals to qualify for Junior Research Fellowships and Lectureship or Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by UGC.

Some of the Important Dates regarding the PhD Entrance Exam are mentioned below :

PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus of Delhi University

The entrance exam of Delhi University for PhD is divided into 2 parts. Each part holds a weightage of 50 percent marks. 

What are those subjects in which PhD degree is offered? 

There are various subjects that can be opted by you if you are thinking of pursuing a PhD program.

Some of those subjects are mentioned below :

• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Management of Health Care
• Organizational Behavior

What is the admission procedure for a PhD Program?

Follow the simple steps below to learn the admission procedure of a PhD Program :

• Visit the university’s official website and review the PhD course details. Select your research area.
• Watch for admission advertisements in newspapers or on the university's website. Fill out the application form for your chosen course. Admission notifications are usually released 4-5 months before the course starts.
• Fill out and submit your application form as per the institute's schedule. Ensure you pay the application fee on time and submit all required documents.
• Some institutes require a research proposal with the application form. Submit the application form and research proposal to the Research Unit for review.
• After reviewing the applications, institutes shortlist candidates for entrance exams and other admission rounds.
• Candidates selected for PhD programs are assigned supervisors or guides for their research.

What is a PhD Research Proposal? 

A research proposal outlines the direction of your future research, focusing on a research question and a chapter-by-chapter approach to addressing it. In PhD applications, the proposal is evaluated to determine if the project can be completed within three years of full-time research. 

What to include in your Research Proposal? 

• Outline your proposed research topics, considering previous work.
• Highlight your awareness of current debates within the field.
• Demonstrate a suitable level of analysis.
• Identify relevant gaps in current knowledge.
• Suggest a research hypothesis to fill some of these gaps.
• Explain your intended research methodology in detail.
• Discuss the real-world policy implications of your PhD proposal.

What are Some of the popular PhD Programs? 

Some of the popular PhD programs according to the streams are written below. You can choose anyone of your choice. 

What are the types of Research Scholars? 

• Government or Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients :  PhD scholars in this category receive financial assistance through government or semi-government fellowship schemes. 
• Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistance :  PhD aspirants in this category receive Institute Teaching Assistantships as specified by the MHRD. Indian Self-financed Candidates: These candidates are admitted to PhD programs based on their track record and experience, but they do not receive financial assistance from the institute. 
• Foreign Self-financed Candidates :   Admission for these candidates is facilitated through their respective country's embassy after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the MHRD and other necessary approvals. 
• Sponsored Candidates :  PhD aspirants sponsored by recognized Research and Development organizations conduct full-time research at the institute. 
• Study Leave Candidates :  These candidates are granted study leave by their government institutes, companies, or educational institutions for research at the specified institute for less than three years. A letter of leave from the candidate's institute or company is required for admission.
• ICCR Awardees :  Foreign candidates sponsored by their governments are awarded PhD seats under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship category if they have been awarded the scholarship by their government.

What are the advantages of pursuing a PhD program?

Students with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) have many opportunities. After earning their degree, they should assess their skills and interests to find suitable jobs. Knowing their interests helps in finding a good job.

PhD holders can work as lecturers or professors, in human services, as novelists or writers, journalists, editors, or critics, as philosophical journalists, researchers, scientists, or independent consultants. They can work in finance, public sector, and more.

Stream Wise Syllabus of PhD Program

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy, courses are offered in many fields. Some major streams include Science, Arts and Humanities, and Management. There are many PhD courses available in India. The table below shows the syllabus for some PhD courses by stream:

• Science Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the science stream 

• Management Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Management stream 

• Art and Humanities Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Art and Humanities stream

What is the Course Structure of a PhD Program?

• The research proposal and research topic must be submitted by candidates who are chosen for PhD programs. They are then given a research guide or supervisor.
• The coordinator or supervisor of the research program provides information on the courses, assessment procedures, and teaching schedule. Researchers are required to provide progress reports every six months.
• In addition to submitting a certificate to the Research Unit, PhD candidates are required to present in at least two seminars. Before turning in their thesis, they must furthermore present a certificate and at least one research paper that has been published in a peer-reviewed publication.
• The supervisor arranges a seminar before the submission of the thesis. The final thesis must take into account the suggestions for improvement made in this seminar.
• A thesis summary must be sent to the supervisor of the candidate at least forty-five days before the final submission. The thesis is then reviewed by outside specialists in both hard copy and soft copy versions. Should changes be recommended, the candidate is required to submit a revised thesis.
• Candidates present their theses before a panel of experts during a viva voce. A PhD degree is only granted to people who successfully finish all of these processes.

Who should opt for a PhD Program? 

A doctor of philosophy degree is recommended for those who wish to work in academics or research (PhD). A PhD enables people to learn more about a subject they are passionate about. It gives those who deserve it a sense of pride and respect.

Students who are unsure about whether a PhD is suited for them may seek advice from teachers and previous PhD candidates. Understanding what PhD degrees include may be gained by investigating various PhD programs. Students who have a clear comprehension of the framework can decide whether or not to pursue a PhD.

What are the different modes of a PhD Program?

There are different modes of a PhD Program. Some of them are mentioned below  :

Regular PhD Program 

A full-time PhD is a standard Doctor of Philosophy program that lasts about 4 to 6 years. It is the most expensive type of PhD program. Government and semi-government fellowship recipients, institute research scholars with teaching assistance, and self-financed candidates usually prefer full-time PhD programs.

Part-Time PhD Program 

PhD programs can also be done part-time. Candidates working in reputed research organizations, academic institutes, or industries near the campus are usually granted part-time PhDs. A part-time PhD takes 7-8 years to complete, as students must fulfill the same academic credits and requirements as full-time students.

Part-time PhD students attend a limited number of classes. They must have at least 1 year of work experience and an NOC from their employer. Part-time Ph.D. focuses on research that benefits the company rather than individual research.

Online PhD Program 

Online PhD program is not UGC-approved in India and hence it is not offered by any Indian universities but if you are looking out for an option for an Online PhD program, you can opt for its alternative and that alternative is an Online DBA.

It is also a doctorate program and it can be done online without visiting college daily. Moreover, it also adds up the “Dr” title before your name. There are various universities offering you an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below 

Colleges offering a PhD Program 

There are various government and private colleges offering you a PhD Program. Some of them are mentioned below :

• Government Colleges :  Fees of government colleges are still less expensive than in comparison to private colleges. 

• Private Colleges :  The fees of private colleges are a little high in comparison to the government colleges fees.

NOTE - It is advised that you must check the fees before enrolling as fees change from time to time.  

What is the career scope after completing a PhD Program? 

Once you complete a PhD program, you can apply to various job roles. Moreover, the “Dr” title will be added to your name.

Some of the job roles are mentioned below :

• Research Scientist (Government/Private Institutions)
• University Professor/Lecturer
• Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc)
• Science/Research Consultant
• Science Writer/Editor
• Data Scientist (Industry)
• Product Manager (Industry)

Check the table below to know the average salaries earned by the graduates of the program :

The average salary that you can earn after completing the program is INR 4,00,000 - INR 10,00,000. Salaries also depend upon factors such as location, company, experience, knowledge, and many more. It is to be noted that in some countries Doctor of Literature is considered above than PhD program. 

Moreover, various top recruiters hire you once you complete your program. Moreover, the salaries of graduates of a PhD program according to the cities are mentioned below. 

Can I apply for a PhD without relevant qualifications?

If you lack the necessary qualifications for a PhD, you might still qualify by meeting additional requirements set by your chosen institution. These requirements could include extra study or passing a qualifying exam.

Alternatively, you might make a special case to your institution based on non-degree professional qualifications or significant practical experience, or foreign qualifications.

Special case PhD applications will need strong support from your potential supervisor, so seek their advice and backing before applying in this manner.

Is there a Degree higher than a Ph.D? 

Some degrees are considered higher than a PhD and are awarded for significant contributions in specific fields. These are common in UK and some European universities, often given as honorary degrees in the US.

Higher doctorate degrees include -

• Doctor of Science (DS/SD) :  Given for significant contributions to scientific knowledge beyond a PhD.
• Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD) :  Awarded for achievements in humanities or creative arts.
• Doctor of Divinity (DD)  : Recognizes ministry-oriented accomplishments, higher than a Doctor of Theology.
• Doctor of Music (DMus)  : Awarded based on a substantial portfolio of compositions or scholarly publications on music.
• Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) :  Among the highest doctorates, granted for exceptional and original contributions to law or politics.

PhDs through M.Phil

Potential PhD candidates have the option to apply as general research students or for an MPhil degree. The MPhil is an advanced master’s degree awarded for research, suitable for students without a strong research background.

Candidates may need to take taught courses to learn research methods. Completion of a one-year taught program may lead to an MRes degree, with more taught components than the MPhil.

MRes can be awarded instead of a PhD if the required period of study for a PhD is not completed. Completion of original research may lead to the award of the MPhil degree without defending the dissertation.

After the first or second year of research (during MPhil), if the institution is satisfied with progress, candidates can apply for full PhD registration. Supervisor or tutor determines readiness to progress to a PhD. Candidates develop a thesis title and choose a PhD program if deemed ready. 

Conclusion 

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy and it is a doctorate program. The duration to complete the program is a minimum of 3-5 years and you extend up to 7 years. It also stands for DPhil or  D.Phil in some countries. A PhD holder can use the title 'Dr.' before their name. Moreover, if you want to pursue an Online PhD that is not approved by the UGC (University Grants Commission) you can opt for its alternative which is an Online DBA. It stands for Doctor of Business Administration and it is also a doctorate program and adds up the “Dr” title before your name. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

⭐ will i be paid for phd.

A lot of doctoral schools do provide stipends. Amounts are degree-specific. NET JRF qualifying recipients receive INR 31,000 from the University Grants Commission each month.

⭐ What distinguishes a doctorate in the social sciences from one in the sciences?

A PhD in the social sciences is qualitative, such as in history and sociology. Science PhDs, such as those in chemistry and physics, are quantitative and need experimentation.

⭐ What qualifications are needed to become a professor?

A PhD from an accredited university and a minimum of ten years of teaching experience are prerequisites. Strong research abilities and published work are also requirements.

⭐ What kinds of jobs are available to those who complete a PhD?

You can pursue post-doctoral research, work in academia or research, or work as a consultant for think tanks and non-governmental organizations.

⭐ What is the full form for a PhD?

A PhD stands for a doctorate in philosophy.

⭐ Is someone with a PhD a doctor?

A doctorate degree does entitle you to use the title doctor “Dr”. 

⭐ Can I pursue a PhD right after completing 12th grade?

A master's degree is required in order to pursue a PhD.

By Kopal Srivastava

10 Years of Experience / Storyteller / Research-driven Writer

Loves to create story and narrating them through a Podcast

Every query is essential.

Our team of experts, or experienced individuals, will answer it within 24 hours.

Recommended for you

Tired of dealing with call centers!

Get a professional advisor for Career!

LIFETIME FREE

Rs.1499 (Exclusive offer for today)

MBA 7 yrs exp

M.Com 4 yrs exp

Kapil Gupta

MCA 5 yrs exp

• UPSC History Notes
• UPSC Geography Notes
• UPSC Polity Notes
• UPSC Ethics Notes
• UPSC Economics Notes
• UPSC Science and Technology Notes
• UPSC Govt. Schemes Notes
• UPSC eligibility-criteria
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Exam Pattern
• UPSC Admit Card
• UPSC Optional Subject
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus
• UPSC Main Exam Pattern
• UPSC prelims-2024-exam-pattern

PhD Full Form – What is a PhD?

The full form of Ph.D is Doctor of Philosophy and is an advanced degree that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in a specific field of study. The full form of PhD is “Doctor of Philosophy,” which refers to the origins of the degree as a program of study in philosophy. However, today, PhD programs are offered in a wide range of fields, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, and professional disciplines such as business and law.

To obtain a PhD, individuals must complete a significant amount of coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and complete original research in the form of a dissertation or thesis. This research is typically conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and must make a substantial and original contribution to the field of study.

The meaning of the degree is that the individual is expected to have a thorough understanding of their field of study and to be able to conduct independent research. Individuals who hold a PhD degree are considered experts in their field and are able to contribute to the advancement of knowledge through research and teaching.

History of the PhD Degree

• The origins of the PhD degree can be traced back to the medieval universities of Europe, where the Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophiae Doctor, or PhD) was established as a higher degree in the field of philosophy.
• The first PhDs were awarded in the early 19th century in Germany, and the degree quickly spread to other European countries and the United States.
• Initially, the PhD was primarily awarded in the field of philosophy, but over time it expanded to include other disciplines, such as the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• The development of research-based PhD programs in the 20th century established the degree as a requirement for a career in academia and research.
• The growth of PhD programs in the second half of the 20th century led to an increase in the number of PhD graduates and a diversification of career opportunities for PhD holders.
• Today, PhD programs are offered in a wide range of fields, and the degree is considered a terminal degree in many academic and professional disciplines.

Requirements for a Ph.D in India

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field from a recognized university.
• Clear a national-level entrance test such as UGC-NET or CSIR-NET or a university-level entrance test.
• Complete coursework, which typically includes core courses, electives, and seminars.
• Pass comprehensive exams, which test the candidate’s knowledge in the subject area and readiness for independent research.
• Conduct original research, typically under the supervision of a faculty member, which results in a dissertation or thesis.
• Defend the dissertation or thesis in front of a committee of faculty members.
• Meet any other program-specific requirements as set by the university or academic institution.

Different Fields and Types of PhD

Phds are offered in a wide range of fields, including:.

• Sciences such as biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science
• Humanities such as history, literature, and philosophy
• Social Sciences such as economics, sociology, psychology, and political science
• Professional fields such as business, law, education, and engineering 

Additionally, there are different types of Ph.D. programs, including:

• Traditional Ph.D.: This is the most common type of Ph.D. program. It typically involves completing coursework, passing comprehensive exams, and conducting original research that results in a dissertation or thesis.
• Professional Doctorate: This type of Ph.D. is more applied in nature and is often offered in professional fields such as business, law, and education. It typically involves coursework, a professional project, and a dissertation.
• Online Ph.D.: This type of Ph.D. is conducted entirely online and is becoming increasingly popular. It typically involves coursework, a dissertation, or a thesis and may involve some on-campus visits. 
• Interdisciplinary Ph.D.: This type of Ph.D. allows students to study across multiple disciplines and provides a broader perspective on a specific research area.

The Process of Earning a PhD

The process of earning a PhD can vary depending on the field and program, but generally, it involves the following steps:

• Application and Admissions: Applying to a PhD program typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and test scores such as GRE or TOEFL. After the application is reviewed, the applicant may be invited for an interview before being accepted into the program.
• Coursework: After being accepted into a program, students typically begin by completing coursework, which typically includes core courses, electives, and seminars. The coursework is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and to prepare them for independent research.
• Comprehensive Exams: After completing coursework, students typically take comprehensive exams, which test their knowledge in the subject area and readiness for independent research.
• Research Proposal: After passing comprehensive exams, students typically develop and present a research proposal, which outlines the topic, research questions, and methods for their dissertation or thesis.
• Research and Data Collection: After the proposal is approved, students begin conducting original research, typically under the supervision of a faculty member. This may involve collecting data, analyzing data, and writing up results.
• Writing and Defending the Dissertation/Thesis: After completing research, students write and defend their dissertation or thesis in front of a committee of faculty members. The dissertation or thesis is a detailed document that presents the research findings and conclusions.
• Graduation: After successfully defending the dissertation or thesis, students graduate with a PhD degree.

Career Opportunities with a PhD

• Academia: Many PhD graduates choose to pursue a career in academia, either as a professor at a college or university or as a researcher at a research institution. These positions typically involve teaching, conducting research, and publishing scholarly work.
• Research: PhD graduates can also find employment as researchers in government, private industry, or non-profit organizations. These positions may involve conducting basic or applied research in a specific field and may include laboratory work, data analysis, and report writing.
• Industry: Some PhD graduates choose to work in industry, typically in roles such as research and development, consulting, or management. These positions may involve applying research findings to solve real-world problems or working on product development.
• Entrepreneurship: A PhD degree can also open opportunities to start your own business or venture.
• Public service: PhD graduates can also pursue careers in public services, such as working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international organizations. These positions may involve policy analysis, program evaluation, or research.
• Science Communication: Many PhD graduates are also interested in science communication and may work in journalism, science policy, science education, or science outreach.

It’s important to note that the above career opportunities are general and may vary depending on the field and program. Additionally, some PhD graduates may choose to pursue multiple career paths over the course of their professional lives.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Best 10 IPTV Service Providers in Germany
• Python 3.13 Releases | Enhanced REPL for Developers
• IPTV Anbieter in Deutschland - Top IPTV Anbieter Abonnements
• Best SSL Certificate Providers in 2024 (Free & Paid)
• Content Improvement League 2024: From Good To A Great Article

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Doctoral Program

Stanford's Ph.D. program is among the world's best. Our graduate students receive their training in a lively community of philosophers engaged in a wide range of philosophical projects. Our Ph.D. program trains students in traditional core areas of philosophy and provides them with opportunities to explore many subfields such as the philosophy of literature, and nineteenth-century German philosophy.

Among other areas, we are exceptionally strong in Kant studies, the philosophy of action, ancient philosophy, logic, and the philosophy of science. We attract some of the best students from around the world and we turn them into accomplished philosophers ready to compete for the best jobs in a very tight job market.

The most up-to-date requirements are listed in   t he Bulletin .  

CHECK PHD REQUIREMENTS

From the 2020-2021 edition of Explore Degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy

Prospective graduate students should see the  Office of Graduate Admissions  web site for information and application materials. 

The University's basic requirements for the Ph.D. degree including candidacy, residence, dissertation, and examination are discussed in the " Graduate Degrees " section of this bulletin. Graduate students are expected to meet standards of professional behavior, including: being present on campus to meet the academic and research expectations of the degree program; communicating in a timely, respectful and professional manner; complying with institutional policies and procedures; and participating appropriately in the program’s community. Graduate students are expected to familiarize themselves with applicable university policy and degree program requirements.’ ( https://gap.stanford.edu/handbooks/gap-handbook/chapter-5/subchapter-6/… )

University candidacy requirements, published in the " Candidacy " section of this bulletin, apply to all Ph.D. students. Admission to a doctoral degree program is preliminary to, and distinct from, admission to candidacy. Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is a judgment by the faculty in the department or school of the student's potential to successfully complete the requirements of the degree program. Students are expected to complete department qualifying procedures and apply for candidacy at the beginning of the seventh academic quarter, normally the Autumn Quarter of the student's third year.

Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is granted by the major department following a student's successful completion of qualifying procedures as determined by the department. Departmental policy determines procedures for subsequent attempts to become advanced to candidacy in the event that the student does not successfully complete the procedures. Failure to advance to candidacy results in the dismissal of the student from the doctoral program; see the " Guidelines for Dismissal of Graduate Students for Academic Reasons " section of this bulletin.

The requirements detailed here are department requirements. These requirements are meant to balance structure and flexibility in allowing students, in consultation with their  advisors , to take a path through the program that gives them a rigorous and broad philosophical education, with room to focus on areas of particular interest, and with an eye to completing the degree with an excellent dissertation and a solid preparation for a career in academic philosophy.

Normally, all courses used to satisfy the distribution requirements for the Philosophy Ph.D. are Stanford courses taken as part of a student's graduate program.  In special circumstances, a student may petition to use a very small number of graduate-level courses taken at other institutions to satisfy a distribution requirement.  To be approved for this purpose, the student’s work in such a graduate-level course would need to involve an appropriate subject matter and would need to be judged by the department to be at the level of an 'A' in a corresponding graduate-level course at Stanford.  

Courses used to satisfy any course requirement in Philosophy (except Teaching Methods and the summer Dissertation Development Seminar) must be passed with a letter grade of 'B-' or better (no satisfactory/no credit), except in the case of a course/seminar used to satisfy the third-year course/seminar requirement and taken for only 2 units. Such a reduced-unit third-year course/seminar must be taken credit/no credit. 

In the spring quarter of each year, the department reviews the progress of each first-year student to determine whether the student is making satisfactory progress. In the fall and the spring quarter of each year, the department reviews the progress of each student who is past the first year to determine whether the student is making satisfactory progress, and on that basis to make decisions about probationary status and termination from the program where appropriate.

Any student in one of the Ph.D. programs may apply for the M.A. when all University and department requirements have been met.

Proficiency Requirements

• First-year Ph.D. Proseminar : a one quarter, topically focused seminar offered in Autumn Quarter, and required of all first-year students.
• two courses in value theory including ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, social philosophy, philosophy of law. At least one of the courses satisfying this distribution requirement must be in ethics or political philosophy.
• Two courses in language, mind, and action. One course satisfying this requirement must be drawn from the language related courses, and one from mind and action related courses.
• two courses in metaphysics and epistemology (including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science). At least one of the courses satisfying this requirement must be drawn from either metaphysics or epistemology.
• Instructors indicate which courses may satisfy particular requirements. If a course potentially satisfies more than one requirement the student may use it for only one of those area requirements; no units may be double-counted. Students must develop broad competencies in all these areas. Those without strong backgrounds in these areas would normally satisfy these distribution requirements by taking more basic courses rather than highly specialized and focused courses. Students should consult with their advisor in making these course decisions, and be prepared to explain these decisions when reviewed for candidacy; see requirement 6 below.
• Logic requirement:  PHIL 150  Mathematical Logic or equivalent.
• History/logic requirement. One approved course each in ancient and modern philosophy, plus either another approved history of philosophy course or  PHIL 151  Metalogic.
• Students should normally take at least 64 graduate level units at Stanford during their first six quarters (in many cases students would take more units than that) and of those total units, at least 49 units of course work are to be in the Philosophy department. These courses must be numbered above 110, but not including Teaching Methods ( PHIL 239  Teaching Methods in Philosophy) or affiliated courses. Units of Individual Directed Reading are normally not to be counted toward this 49-unit requirement unless there is special permission from the student's advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
•  Prior to candidacy, at least 3 units of work must be taken with each of four Stanford faculty members.

Writing Requirement: Second Year Paper

The second year paper should demonstrate good scholarship and argumentative rigor, and be a polished piece of writing approximately 8000 words in length. The second year paper need not bear any specific relationship to the dissertation. It may be a version of a prospective dissertation chapter, but this is not required. The final version must be turned in on the last class of the Second Year Paper Development Seminar in Summer Quarter of the second year. Extensions of this deadline require the consent of the instructor of the Second Year Paper Development Seminar and the Director of Graduate Studies and are only granted in exceptional cases (e.g., documented illness, family crisis). The final paper is read by a committee of two faculty members and it is an important consideration in the department’s decision on the student’s candidacy. 

Teaching Assistancy

A minimum of five quarters of teaching assistancy are required for the Ph.D. Normally one of these quarters is as a teaching assistant for the Philosophy Department's Writing in the Major course,  PHIL 80  Mind, Matter, and Meaning. It is expected that students not teach in their first year and that they teach no more than two quarters in their second year. Students are required to take  PHIL 239  Teaching Methods in Philosophy during Spring Quarter of their first year and during Autumn Quarter of their second year. Teaching is an important part of students’ preparation to be professional philosophers.

Review at the End of the Second Year for Advancement to Candidacy

The faculty's review of each student includes a review of the student's record, an assessment of the second year paper, and an assessment of the student's preparation for work in her/his intended area of specialization, as well as recommendations of additional preparation, if necessary.

To continue in the Ph.D. program, each student must apply for candidacy at the beginning of the sixth academic quarter, normally the Spring Quarter of the student's second year. Students may be approved for or denied candidacy by the end of that quarter by the department. In some cases, where there are only one or two outstanding deficiencies, the department may defer the candidacy decision and require the student to re-apply for candidacy in a subsequent quarter. In such cases, definite conditions for the candidacy re-application must be specified, and the student must work with the advisor and the DGS to meet those conditions in a timely fashion. A failure to maintain timely progress in satisfying the specified conditions constitutes grounds for withholding travel and discretionary funds and for a denial of advancement to candidacy.

• Writing Seminar : In the Summer Quarter after the second year, students are required to attend the Second Year Paper Development Seminar. The seminar is intended to help students complete their second year papers. 
• Upon completion of the summer writing seminar, students must sign up for independent study credit,  PHIL 240  Individual Work for Graduate Students, with their respective advisors each quarter. A plan at the beginning, and a report at the end, of each quarter must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the graduate administrator for inclusion in the student's file. This is the process every quarter until the completion of the departmental oral.
• In Autumn and Winter quarters of the third year, students register in and satisfactorily complete  PHIL 301  Dissertation Development Proseminar. Students meet to present their work in progress and discuss their thesis project. Participation in these seminars is required.
• During the third and fourth years in the program, a student should complete at least three graduate-level courses/seminars, at least two of them in philosophy (a course outside philosophy can be approved by the advisor), and at least two of them in the third year. The three seminars can be taken credit/no-credit for reduced (2) units. Courses required for candidacy are not counted toward satisfaction of this requirement. This light load of courses allows students to deepen their philosophical training while keeping time free for thesis research.

Dissertation Work and Defense

The third and following years are devoted to dissertation work. The few requirements in this segment of the program are milestones to encourage students and advisors to ensure that the project is on track.

• Dissertation Proposal— By the end of Winter Quarter of the third year, students should have selected a dissertation topic and committee. A proposal sketching the topic, status, and plan for the thesis project, as well as an annotated bibliography or literature review indicating familiarity with the relevant literature, must be received by the committee one week before the meeting on graduate student progress late in Spring Quarter. The dissertation proposal and the reading committee's report on it will constitute a substantial portion of the third-year review.
• Departmental Oral— During Autumn Quarter of the fourth year, students take an oral examination based on at least 30 pages of written work, in addition to the proposal. The aim of the exam is to help the student arrive at an acceptable plan for the dissertation and to make sure that student, thesis topic, and advisors make a reasonable fit. It is an important chance for the student to clarify their goals and intentions with the entire committee present.
• Fourth-Year Colloquium— No later than Spring Quarter of the fourth year, students present a research paper in a 60-minute seminar open to the entire department. This paper should be on an aspect of the student's dissertation research. This is an opportunity for the student to make their work known to the wider department, and to explain their ideas to a general philosophical audience.
• University Oral Exam— Ph.D. students must submit a completed draft of the dissertation to the reading committee at least one month before the student expects to defend the thesis in the University oral exam. If the student is given consent to go forward, the University oral can take place approximately two weeks later. A portion of the exam consists of a student presentation based on the dissertation and is open to the public. A closed question period follows. If the draft is ready by Autumn Quarter of the fourth year, the student may request that the University oral count as the department oral.

Below are yearly lists of courses which the faculty have approved to fulfill distribution requirements in these areas: value theory (including ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, social philosophy, philosophy of law); language; mind and action; metaphysics and epistemology (including metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science); logic; ancient philosophy; modern philosophy.

The most up-to-date requirements are listed in  t he Bulletin .  

Ph.D. Minor in Philosophy

To obtain a Ph.D. minor in Philosophy, students must follow these procedures:

• Consult with the Director of Graduate Study to establish eligibility, and select a suitable  advisor .
• 30 units of courses in the Department of Philosophy with a letter grade of 'B-' or better in each course. No more than 3 units of directed reading may be counted in the 30-unit requirement.
• Philosophy of science
• Ethics, value theory, and moral and political philosophy
• Metaphysics and epistemology
• Language, mind and action
• History of philosophy
• Two additional courses numbered over 199 to be taken in one of those (b) six areas.
• A faculty member from the Department of Philosophy (usually the student's advisor) serves on the student's doctoral oral examination committee and may request that up to one third of this examination be devoted to the minor subject.
• Paperwork for the minor must be submitted to the department office before beginning the program.

Interdisciplinary Study

The department supports interdisciplinary study. Courses in Stanford's other departments and programs may be counted towards the degree, and course requirements in Philosophy are designed to allow students considerable freedom in taking such courses. Dissertation committees may include members from other departments. Where special needs arise, the department is committed to making it possible for students to obtain a philosophical education and to meet their interdisciplinary goals. Students are advised to consult their advisors and the department's student services office for assistance.

Graduate Program in Cognitive Science

Philosophy participates with the departments of Computer Science, Linguistics, and Psychology in an interdisciplinary program in Cognitive Science. It is intended to provide an interdisciplinary education, as well as a deeper concentration in philosophy, and is open to doctoral students. Students who complete the requirements within Philosophy and the Cognitive Science requirements receive a special designation in Cognitive Science along with the Ph.D. in Philosophy. To receive this field designation, students must complete 30 units of approved courses, 18 of which must be taken in two disciplines outside of philosophy. The list of approved courses can be obtained from the Cognitive Science program located in the Department of Psychology.

Special Track in Philosophy and Symbolic Systems

Students interested in interdisciplinary work relating philosophy to artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer science, linguistics, or logic may pursue a degree in this program.

Prerequisites—Admitted students should have covered the equivalent of the core of the undergraduate Symbolic Systems Program requirements as described in the " Symbolic Systems " section of the Stanford Bulletin, including courses in artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive science, linguistics, logic, and philosophy. The graduate program is designed with this background in mind. Students missing part of this background may need additional course work. In addition to the required course work listed in the bulletin, the Ph.D. requirements are the same as for the regular program, with the exception that one course in value theory and one course in history may be omitted.

Joint Program in Ancient Philosophy

This program is jointly administered by the Departments of Classics and Philosophy and is overseen by a joint committee composed of members of both departments:

•         Christopher Bobonich , Philosophy (Ancient Greek Philosophy, Ethics)
•         Alan Code , Philosophy, Philosophy (Ancient Greek Philosophy, Metaphysics)
•         Reviel Netz , Classics (History of Greek and Pre-Modern Mathematics)
•         Andrea Nightingale , Classics, (Greek and Roman Philosophy and Literature)
•        Josh Ober , Classics and Political Science (Greek Political Thought, Democratic Theory)

It provides students with the training, specialist skills, and knowledge needed for research and teaching in ancient philosophy while producing scholars who are fully trained as either philosophers with a strong specialization in ancient languages and philology, or classicists with a concentration in philosophy.

Students are admitted to the program by either department. Graduate students admitted by the Philosophy department receive their Ph.D. from the Philosophy department; those admitted by the Classics department receive their Ph.D. from the Classics department. For Philosophy graduate students, this program provides training in classical languages, literature, culture, and history. For Classics graduate students, this program provides training in the history of philosophy and in contemporary philosophy.

Each student in the program is advised by a committee consisting of one professor in each department.

Requirements for Philosophy Graduate Students: These are the same as the proficiency requirements for the Ph.D. in Philosophy.

One year of Greek is a requirement for admission to the program. If students have had a year of Latin, they are required to take 3 courses in second- or third-year Greek or Latin, at least one of which must be in Latin. If they have not had a year of Latin, they are then required to complete a year of Latin, and take two courses in second- or third-year Greek or Latin.

Students are also required to take at least three courses in ancient philosophy at the 200 level or above, one of which must be in the Classics department and two of which must be in the Philosophy department.

Ph.D. Subplan in History and Philosophy of Science

Graduate students in the Philosophy Ph.D. program may pursue a Ph.D. subplan in History and Philosophy of Science. The subplan is declared in Axess and subplan designations appear on the official transcript, but are not printed on the diploma.

1.  Attendance at the HPS colloquium series. 2.  Philosophy of Science courses.  Select one of the following:

• PHIL 263 Significant Figures in Philosophy of Science: Einstein
• PHIL 264: Central Topics in the Philosophy of Science: Theory and Evidence
• PHIL 264A: Central Topics in Philosophy of Science: Causation
• PHIL 265: Philosophy of Physics: Space and Time
• PHIL 265C: Philosophy of Physics: Probability and Relativity
• PHIL 266: Probability: Ten Great Ideas About Chance
• PHIL 267A:  Philosophy of Biology
• PHIL 267B: Philosophy, Biology, and Behavior

3.  One elective seminar in the history of science. 4.  One elective seminar (in addition to the course satisfying requirement 2) in philosophy of science.

The PhD program provide 5 years of  financial support . We also try to provide support for our sixth year students and beyond though we cannot guarantee such support. In addition to covering tuition, providing a stipend, and covering Stanford's health insurance, we provide additional funds for books, computer equipment, and conference travel expenses. Some of the financial support is provided through requiring you to teach; however, our teaching requirement is quite low and we believe that this is a significant advantage of our program.

Stanford Support Programs

Additional support, such as advances, medical and emergency grants for Grad Students are available through the Financial Aid Office. The University has created the following programs specifically for graduate students dealing with challenging financial situations.

Graduate Financial Aid  homepage :

https://financialaid.stanford.edu/grad/funding/

Cash Advance:  https://sfs.stanford.edu/gradcashadvance

Emergency grant-in-aid :  https://financialaid.stanford.edu/pdf/emergencygrant-in-aid.pdf, family grants:  https://financialaid.stanford.edu/pdf/gradfamilygrant2021.pdf, housing loans:  https://financialaid.stanford.edu/loans/other/gradhousing.html, program characteristics.

Our program is well known for its small size, streamlined teaching requirements, and low average time to degree.

The program regulations are designed to efficiently provide students with a broad base in their first two years. In the third year students transition to working on their dissertations. During the summer prior to the third year, students are required to attend a dissertation development seminar. This seminar introduces students to what is involved in writing a dissertation. During the third year the course load drops to just under one course per quarter.

The rest of the time is spent working closely with a faculty member, or a couple of faculty members, on the student's area of research interest. The goal of the third year is that this process of intensive research and one-on-one interaction will generate a topic and proposal for the dissertation. During the fourth and fifth year the student is not required to take any courses and he or she focusses exclusively on research and writing on the dissertation.

Stanford University

Being a part of  Stanford University  means that students have access to one of the premier education institutions in the world. Stanford is replete with top departments in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In addition, our professional schools, such as the  Stanford Law School , are among the best. The range of research in a variety of areas, many of which touch on or relate to philosophical issues, is simply astounding. Students have the freedom to take courses across the university. Graduate students also regularly earn joint degrees with other programs.

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• General Knowledge /

What is the Full Form of PhD?

• Updated on  
• Feb 14, 2024

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. It is an advanced academic degree that is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their chosen field of study. The degree is recognised globally and is highly regarded in the academic community. PhD can also be called a DPhil or D. Phil. A person with this degree can add “Dr.” as a prefix to their name and is considered a doctor in that field. 

Also Read – What is the Full Form of B.Ed?

The History of Ph.D

The concept of a Doctor of Philosophy degree dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. The term “ doctor ” comes from the Latin word “docere,” which means “to teach.” The word “ philosophy ” is derived from the ancient Greek word “philosophia” which means “love of wisdom”. Thus, a person who has the zeal to teach and has a love of wisdom about their field is awarded with PhD. 

Also Read – What is the MA Full Form?

Eligibility for PhD

The eligibility for pursuing PhD is –

• Have a Master’s or MPhil degree or a postgraduate degree from a recognized University or Institutions in a related field in which they intend to do PhD.
• In India, some universities require UGC NET / CSIR qualifications
• The upper limit for Junior Research Fellowship ( NET JRF ) is 31 years while there is no upper limit for taking National Eligibility Test (NET) .

Also Read – What is the MSC Full Form?

Objectives of the PhD Course

Initially, the Ph.D. degree was awarded only in the field of philosophy, but over time, it expanded to encompass other disciplines as well.

• A PhD program allows one to delve deep into a chosen field of study and become an expert in a specific area. 
• Having a Ph.D. demonstrates the expertise and research capabilities, making one an attractive candidate for academic positions, research roles and high-level positions in various industries.
• Pursuing a PhD offers intellectual stimulation and allows one to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving and independent research. 

Also Read – What is the Full Form of MFA?

List of Subjects for a PhD Degree

Interested students can pursue their PhD degree in any of these popular subjects:

• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics
• Health care

Popular Full Forms

We hope this blog has helped you understand the PhD full form and everything related to it. If you want to know more, find the general full form list on our blog. In the world of short forms, you can rely on the Leverage edu page to know about more important full forms like this! Connect with us study abroad experts to achieve your international dream today!

Rajshree Lahoty

Meet Rajshree Lahoty, the writer behind insightful blogs on study abroad adventures and general knowledge trivia. Armed with a pen mightier than the sword (and a keyboard!), she navigates through the lanes of knowledge with a dash of research and a sprinkle of information. Join her escapades in solving the mysteries of the world!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

Press ESC to close

The Full Form of PhD: Discovering Doctor of Philosophy

In the world of academia and research, The full form of PhD (prestigious and well-recognized abbreviation) stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It represents the highest level of academic achievement and expertise in a specific field of study. Pursuing a PhD is a journey that involves rigorous research, intellectual exploration, and the creation of new knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of a PhD, its significance, and the process of earning this esteemed degree.

What is a PhD?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an advanced academic degree that signifies expertise, original research, and contributions to a specific field of study. Contrary to its name, a PhD is not limited to philosophy but is awarded in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and more. It is a terminal degree, marking the highest level of academic achievement.

Key Aspects of a PhD

Earning a PhD involves several key aspects and requirements:

Research: The core of a PhD program is original research. PhD candidates are expected to make a significant contribution to their field by conducting in-depth research, often leading to the creation of new knowledge.

Dissertation: The culmination of a PhD program is the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation. This is a comprehensive research document that presents the candidate’s findings, analysis, and conclusions.

Coursework: In addition to research, PhD students typically complete coursework in their chosen field. These courses provide the foundational knowledge and skills required for research.

Advisor/Supervisor: PhD candidates work closely with a faculty advisor or supervisor who guides and mentors them throughout their research journey.

Comprehensive Examinations: Some programs require comprehensive exams to assess the candidate’s knowledge in their field before they can proceed to the research phase.

Publication: PhD candidates are encouraged to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the academic discourse.

Also Read:  Best online IELTS coaching & training academy

Significance of a PhD

A PhD holds immense significance for several reasons:

• Expertise: It signifies expertise and in-depth knowledge in a specific field, making the holder a subject matter authority.
• Research Contributions: PhD research often leads to advancements in knowledge and solutions to complex problems.
• Academic Careers: Many PhD holders pursue careers in academia as professors and researchers, shaping the future of their fields.
• Industry Leadership: In industry and business, PhDs are valued for their problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and innovation.
• Policy and Government Roles: PhDs contribute to policy-making, research institutions, and government agencies.
• Global Recognition: A PhD is recognized internationally and opens doors to global research collaborations and opportunities.

Challenges and Timeframe

Earning a PhD is a challenging endeavor that requires dedication, perseverance, and several years of commitment. The duration of a PhD program varies but typically takes three to seven years to complete, depending on the field and the research undertaken.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and intellectual inquiry. It is a testament to a candidate’s ability to conduct original research, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and excel in their chosen field.

PhD holders play pivotal roles in academia, research, industry, government, and various sectors, shaping the world through their expertise and contributions. As individuals continue to pursue PhDs and expand the boundaries of human knowledge, the significance of this esteemed degree remains unparalleled.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Share Article:

You might also like

The Full Form of IELTS: International English Language Testing System

The Full Form of TOEFL: Unveiling Test of English

CEFR Full Form: Common European Framework Reference for Languages

Other stories, the full form of mbbs: bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery, the full form of ssd: decoding solid state drive and its details.

PhD Full Form

What is the full form of phd.

The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy . In some countries, Ph. D also termed as DPhil or D.Phil. A doctorate holder can use the word ‘Dr.’ before their name and be considered as a doctor. Ph. D curriculum is the most notable training in a profession and a man graduating with a PhD is considered to be highly qualified in his sector.

It is an internationally recognized PG program which requires years of study, so one has to publish and access his work to receive a PhD. Most doctoral degrees require completion of the coursework, detailed exams and a thesis and need at least three years of guidance for the research.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates can only pursue a PhD course if they have completed their Master’s degree in a particular field or course or stream where they intend to start a PhD.
• Some universities also clearly state candidates must have done an MPhil to undertake a PhD course they are offering.
• Nonetheless, several colleges require that candidates fulfil the qualifications they offer for PhD programs whether they have cleared UGC NET.
• Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in Engineering must have a justifiable GATE score.

Objectives of the PhD course

• PhD is one of the standards and most prestigious academic degrees awarded by any institution.
• The primary goal of the doctoral degrees is to educate the next generation of leading researchers and scientists.

List of a subject in which PhD degree is offered

• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Management of Health Care
• Organizational Behavior

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

• Study Abroad Get upto 50% discount on Visa Fees
• Top Universities & Colleges
• Abroad Exams
• Top Courses
• Read College Reviews
• Admission Alerts 2024
• Education Loan
• Institute (Counselling, Coaching and More)
• Ask a Question
• College Predictor
• Test Series
• Practice Questions
• Course Finder
• Scholarship
• All Courses
• B.Sc (Nursing)

MD Full Form, PhD Full Form, LLD Full Form

Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator

PhD Full Form is Doctor of Philosophy. Doctor of Philosophy can be abbreviated to Ph.D, DPhil, D.P, pH. PhD course is a 5-6 year research based program on a specific topic. India spends USD 43 per capita on research and development. 

MD Full Form is Doctor of Medicine. Doctor of Medicine can be abbreviated D.M or M.D or DrMed. MD course is a postgraduate course in the field of medicine. Students after completing MBBS apply for MD courses. MD has become the benchmark and public choice when they need medical care.

LLD Full Form is Doctor of Legislative Law. Doctor of Legislative Law can be abbreviated to JUDR or JSD or SJD or LLD. LLD is a doctorate level law program for 3-5 years. 

What is PhD Full Form?

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy. The course duration of the   PhD program   lasts for 4 to 6 years, which candidates can find a variety of specializations, in almost every existing subject. Some of the  top PhD courses  are Computer Science, Physics, History, Psychology, etc.

For  PhD admission , candidates need to score well in the entrance exams, based on which they will be selected. Also, candidates need to fulfill the Ph.D. eligibility criteria, which is having a postgraduate degree with a minimum of 50% to 55% aggregate marks.

Some of the  top PhD offering colleges in India   are Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, University of Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Science, University of Hyderabad, etc. The average salary of a PhD degree holder is INR 6-9 LPA.

MD Full Form

MD full form is Doctor of Medicine. It is a 3 year research program in the medical field, which the candidates generally pursue after the MBBS degree for higher studies. The average  MD course   fee is INR 10 - INR 12 Lakhs.

For  MD admission , candidates generally need to qualify through entrance exams. As per the MD eligibility criteria, candidates should necessarily have completed their MBBS degree. The top MD colleges in India are AIIMS, New Delhi, CMC Vellore, PGIMER, Chandigarh, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, etc.

Some of the top MD job options are Bacteriologist, Anesthesiologist, Chiropodist, Obstetrician, etc. The average salary of an MD graduate in India is INR 6 - 8 Lakhs.

Full Forms of Top Courses:

What is LLD Full Form?

LLD full form is Doctor of Law. It is a 3 year doctorate program in law, which the candidates pursue to secure more knowledge on legal studies. The average  LLD course  fee is INR 5,000 - 5,00,000.

For  LLD admission , candidates need to crack entrance exams, followed by personal interviews. Also, applicants need to fulfil the LLD eligibility criteria which are having a master's degree in the concerned field and should have additional working experience.

Some of the  top LLD job options   are Law Professor, Judge, Legal Researcher, Compliance Officer, General Officer, etc. The top recruiting areas for LLD graduates are Law Institutions, Corporate Firms, Law Enforcement Agency, Legal Consultancy, etc. The average salary of an LLD graduate is INR 20 - 25 LPA.

Some of   the top LLD colleges in India  are National Law University, National Law School of India University, NMS University, Banaras Hindu University, etc.

PhD, MD, LLD Full Forms: FAQs

Ques. Can a PhD be called Doctor?

Ans . A PhD program is a research based program and called a doctorate course. Anyone who has secured a PhD degree is called a Doctor.

Ques. How many years is a PhD?

Ans. A PhD program generally takes 3 to 4 years to complete. However, in some instances it might take up to a minimum of 6 to 8 years.

Ques. What is the age limit of PhD?

Ans. There is no age limit to pursue the PhD course. However, the age limit for JRF (Junior Research Fellow) is 28 years.

Ques. What qualification is required to do a PhD?

Ans. Candidates should hold either a Masters or a M.Phil degree to pursue a PhD program.

Ques. Whats Does MD mean?

Ans . The full form of MD is Doctor of Medicine. It is one of the most pursued degrees by the doctors of the United States.

Ques. Which is higher, PHD or MD?

Ans . Both PhD and MD degrees are the highest considered degrees in their own field. MD is the highest degree in the Medicine field, and PhD is the highest degree in the other general subjects.

Ques. What is meant by LLD?

Ans. LLD stands for Doctorate of Laws, which is considered to be the highest degree in the Law field.

Ques. What degree is LLB?

Ans. LLB of Bachelor of Laws is a graduation degree having a course duration of 3 years.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

Ph.d. (physics), ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (psychology), ph.d. (business management), ph.d. (management studies), master of science [ms], ph.d. (computer science), ph.d. colleges in india.

IIM Mumbai - Indian Institute of Management

IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]

IIM Sambalpur

IIM Sirmaur

University Business School, Panjab University - [UBS]

PSG Institute of Management - [PSGIM]

Subscribe to our news letter.

Skip to Content

Current Students

Interested in more? Search Courses

• Search Input Submit Search

Admission Steps

Higher education - phd, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2025-2026 academic year

See 2024-2025 requirements instead

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

Priority deadline: December 2, 2024

Final submission deadline: June 16, 2025

International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

Masters degree: This program requires a masters degree as well as the baccalaureate.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

Other Required Materials

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Personal statement instructions.

The Higher Education Department understands equity, diversity, and social justice as essential and fundamental concerns in the study, practice, and leadership of post-secondary education.  Please provide a personal statement of academic and professional goals (1-2 pages, double-spaced).  Include in your statement: (1) Research interests and professional objectives in the study of higher education. (2) Any personal, educational, and employment experiences that have shaped your research and professional interests in the study of higher education. (3) Expectations for how the PhD in Higher Education at the University of Denver specifically will support your research interests and professional objectives.  Note: if there is a specific faculty member with whom you would like to work, based on your research interests, please mention and discuss in this statement.

Diversity Statement Instructions

Please provide a statement of equity, diversity, and social justice (1-2 pages, double-spaced). Include in your statement: (1) Your thoughts on the roles and opportunities for equity, diversity, and social justice in postsecondary institutions and/or higher education policy. (2) Any personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice in higher education.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Additional requirements for this program:

Virtual interview may be required.

Start the Application

Online Application

Financial Aid Information

Start your application.

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.