Are you a postgraduate student considering further study? A Doctorate degree is a perfect choice. But how do you choose between a Doctorate vs PhD? And are they even different? In this article, we’ll help you discover the different types of doctoral programs and how to find the perfect one for you.
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What’s the difference between a PhD and a Doctorate?
The terms Doctorate and PhD are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. So, what’s the difference between a PhD and a Doctorate?
Well, a Doctorate degree refers to the highest attainable academic qualification in a field. Sometimes called a terminal degree, these programs allow graduates to go by the title of Doctor.
A PhD program is a specific type of Doctorate. ‘PhD’ is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. Some universities use the abbreviation ‘DPhil’ instead.
What are the different types of Doctorate degrees?
Academic Doctorate
An Academic Doctorate is a research degree. PhDs are the most common type of Academic Doctorate. You’ll find PhD programs in almost every field and discipline.
In a PhD or Academic Doctorate, you’ll complete original research under the guidance of a supervisor or team. You’ll then compile a thesis or dissertation. Finally, you’ll present your findings to a panel and undergo an oral examination. This is also known as a defence, or viva voce.
Academic Doctorates have a theoretical focus. That’s why they’re a good choice for students who want a career in research or academia.
Professional Doctorate
Professional Doctorate degrees are more applied. Some popular Professional Doctorates include Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), Doctorate in Medicine (MD), Doctorate of Pharmacy (DPharm), Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD), and Doctorate in Education (EdD).
Most Professional Doctorates still ask you to complete original research, write a thesis and conduct a defence. But you’ll also get to research in a real business or clinical setting. Many Professional Doctorates are completed part-time alongside your usual job.
These programs tend to have a more practical focus. Students who want to advance in a non-academic career usually prefer a Professional Doctorate vs a PhD.
Why do a Doctorate or PhD program?
Engage with your passion
In a Doctorate, you get to decide your own research topic. This means you’ll be able to investigate an issue you’re passionate about. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to dive deeply into their favourite topic?
Work on your own time
Most Doctorate degrees are self-directed. While this does mean you have to be motivated, it also means you can decide when, where and how you want to study. Fancy a sleep-in, anyone?
Explore the unknown
Almost all Doctorates ask you to conduct a unique piece of research. This means you’ll be at the very forefront of your field. Plus, you’ll get to make your own contribution to humankind’s shared body of knowledge. What could be cooler than that?
Become an authority
No matter whether you choose a Doctorate vs PhD, you’ll be spending several years engaging with new and existing research in your area. This will give you expertise in your chosen topic. You may even be sought out for your expert opinion!
Advance your career
Completing a Doctorate degree means reaching the pinnacle of your academic journey. But it’s also a great way to boost your career prospects.
Having a Doctorate can even accelerate your earning potential. Research by the London School of Economics and Political Science shows PhD-holders can earn up to £3.10 more per hour than those with Master’s degrees. Imagine what this would add up to over the course of your career!
How to choose a Doctorate vs PhD
With so many options available, choosing the right Doctorate vs PhD program comes down to what suits you best. Here are some of the key things you should consider when deciding between a Doctorate and a PhD program.
Your career
Of course, your career goals make a big difference in whether you should do a Doctorate vs PhD. PhD programs and other Academic Doctorates are usually best for students who want to become academics or researchers. Meanwhile, Professional Doctorates are often a better fit for a future in another profession.
Take some time to think about what kind of work you’d like to do when you’re finished studying. This will be a big hint to which degree is right for you.
For example, if you’re a medical student who wants to become a practising physician, you’d need to complete an MD. Getting a PhD in Medicine would only be a good choice if you wanted to become a medical academic or researcher.
How you want to study
Different types of Doctorate degrees also offer different study approaches. So, think about which approach you prefer.
If you want to complete theoretical or purely academic research, a PhD program might be a great fit. Or, if you want to do your research in a real workplace, a Professional Doctorate could be the better choice.
Program availability
Of course, you can’t study a program that doesn’t exist! That’s why an important step in your planning should be researching which Doctorate vs PhD programs are available.
Luckily, this step is simple with PhDportal. Here, you can browse thousands of Doctoral degrees from institutions all around the world, so it’s easy to find your perfect program.
What you’ll study
You don’t need to have finalised your research question before you start your Doctorate or PhD program. But it’s still a good idea to have an understanding of what you’d like to study ahead of time.
This helps you understand where the gaps in knowledge are that your research can fill. What’s more, it can also help you find the supervisor, university and Doctorate degree that’s the best fit for you.
So, now you know whether you’re looking for a Doctorate vs PhD, it’s time to take the next step! Visit PhDportal to explore thousands of postgraduate options and find your perfect course today.
