The highest level of academic achievement is the Doctorate Degree. This is among the most impressive qualifications one can achieve. A doctorate – which takes the form of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate – gives you access to high-ranking jobs in research, education, and in business.

What is the difference between the two types of Doctorates, and which should you be considering if this is your aim? Let’s start with a simple explanation of each.

PhD or Professional Doctorate?

The student aiming for a PhD is likely to be keen on a role in the higher end of the teaching, in research, or in other areas that require the application of theory and knowledge to achieve an aim – an academic role in other words. Those choosing a Professional Doctorate will be interested in high-paying roles in the private sector.

However, the major difference is in the study path itself. The PhD student is required to deliver a five-page dissertation. This will address a genuine real-world problem and present a fully researched and clarified method of approaching the problem. This will be assessed by a board for its relevance and success.

The Professional Doctorate student is not so biased towards the research element. They will need to apply their great knowledge and ability in a practical fashion, such as advising a business on improvements and changes. Each is known as a ‘Doctor’ which is a statement of ability and status in their sphere.

How long will a Doctorate take? There is no set period of time, but you will need to achieve a certain number of credit hours, so let’s talk about that.

How Long Will a Doctorate Take?

The duration of a doctorate depends on the specific subject matter. However, you will need to achieve between 90 and 120 credit hours. This can amount to 30 or 40 classes. It is often mistakenly believed that to take a Doctorate you need at least a master's degree.

In fact, many Doctorates accept bachelor’s degree candidates, although as their education standard is less specific than a master’s candidate, they should expect the course to be longer.

The duration also depends upon the personal circumstances of the student. Are they able to study full time, or have they a job or family that limits this? For many people, the best way to study for a Doctorate is via an online study program. They may be expected to attend a number of physical classes, and again this depends upon the program itself.

Is a Doctorate the right choice for you? If you want to achieve the best and most prestigious roles in your chosen sphere it may be the key to opening the door. However, it is a serious dedication – far more intense than a master’s, for example – and takes a great deal of effort and application.

Research Doctorate Degrees that may be relevant to you and consider not only the workload, but the time involved, and we hope you go on to achieve the ultimate in academic status.