- PhD means Doctor of Philosophy, and it’s offered in almost all disciplines. Along with other Doctorate degrees, it’s the highest academic degree offered by universities.
- Some PhDs combine advanced-level coursework and research, while others are more independent, focusing entirely on supervised research.
- Learn more about the reasons to study a PhD and how it’s different from other advanced-level degrees like a Doctorate, Master’s, and MD.
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It’s a type of Doctorate degree focusing on original research. Although the name includes “Philosophy,” you can earn a PhD in a wide range of disciplines, from Physics and Biology to Literature and Law.
During a PhD, you’ll specialise in your chosen field by conducting in-depth research. For example, if your field is Biology, your PhD thesis would touch on a very specific area of Biology, like how genetics influences disease resistance in plants or how climate change affects marine biodiversity. The findings will be an original contribution to your field.
Interested in getting a PhD? Check out on-campus PhD programmes on PhDportal. We also have a generous offer of online PhD degree programmes available.
Why study for a PhD?
If you’re passionate about your field, enjoy research, and want to pursue an academic career as a lecturer or researcher, a PhD might be the right path. Especially for academic careers such as university lecturer or professor, having a PhD is often the minimum requirement.
During your studies, you’ll develop excellent research skills, as you’ll be writing an 80,000-100,000-word thesis on your chosen topic. Besides research, you’ll also be well-versed in:
- Problem-solving
- Academic writing
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Commitment and adaptability
- Ability to work independently
Networking is another benefit of pursuing a PhD — most programmes include visits to conferences and industry-related events, where you’ll get to present your research and connect with other scholars, potential collaborators, and experts in your field.
While most PhD graduates aim for research and academic careers, some also take on industry roles, especially in policy-making and consulting, as their skills transfer well into these areas.
Popular disciplines for PhD
From Education to Biology, many fields can benefit from your original research and passion. Here are some popular disciplines for PhD degree programmes:
PhD Degree in Education
Conduct research and become an expert in a particular field of education, such as curriculum design, education policy, teacher training, or inclusive education practices. Typical career paths include roles in academia, policy advising, or educational leadership. Find PhD degrees in Education
PhD in Economics
Many PhD programmes in Economics combine advanced coursework with independent research. During the first years, you’ll study core subjects like Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. Later, you’ll choose a specialisation and develop your own research project. Graduates often go on to work as faculty members or researchers in universities, central banks, government institutions, think tanks, and more. Find PhD degrees in Economics
PhD Degree in Psychology
A PhD in Psychology focuses on developing advanced research skills, including data collection, analysis, and ethical research practices. Graduates can pursue careers in research psychology, offer consultancy services, or take on clinical roles depending on their specialisation and licensing. Find PhD degrees in Psychology
PhD Degree in Biology
PhD degrees in Biology allow you to specialise in a particular area of this diverse field, such as biodiversity, neurobiology, molecular biology, evolution, or cell biology. Most programmes combine coursework, lab training, independent research, and teaching to undergraduate students. Graduates often pursue careers in research, academia, policy-making, biotechnology, or healthcare. Find PhD degrees in Biology
PhD Degree in Data Science
A PhD in Data Science equips you with advanced-level programming and visualisation knowledge, along with hands-on research skills. Graduates can handle complex datasets, which unlocks opportunities in industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. Find PhD degrees in Data Science
PhD Degree in Physics
Physics is a broad discipline, covering quantum mechanics, astrophysics, materials science, and more. With a PhD, you can conduct specialised research in one of these sub-branches of Physics, and work in research centres, space agencies, or high-tech industries. Find PhD degrees in Physics
PhD Degree in Computer Science
A PhD in Computer Science may focus on AI, cybersecurity, or software systems. This qualification opens doors in both academia and industry. Find PhD degrees in Computer Science
PhD Degree in Nursing
By pursuing a PhD in Nursing, you’ll get to research a specific aspect of the field, which could be clinical workforce, mental health, or policy-making. Your research will aim to contribute to the advancement of healthcare practices. Find PhD degrees in Nursing
Popular destinations for PhD
To conduct PhD-level advanced research, you'll need access to high-quality facilities, expert supervisors, and a strong academic programme. Here are some destinations that provide all these:
PhD in the USA
Home to some of the best universities and research institutions in the world, the USA has comprehensive PhD programmes, covering a wide range of disciplines from Marketing to Forensic Science. Most programmes include a combination of coursework, research, and teaching assistantships, preparing you for a career in academia or research. The programme duration varies, but it usually lasts between four to eight years. Find PhD degrees in the USA
PhD in Canada
Canadian PhD programmes last a minimum of three years. Similar to the USA, most programmes combine taught courses with research, aiming to prepare graduates for careers in academia. Find PhD degrees in Canada
PhD in UK
The UK has world-class universities and generous scholarship options, which is perfect for aspiring researchers. Public institutions like UKRI regularly offer PhD stipends for both local and international students, covering living costs and a part of tuition fees. You can also find more public and private scholarships in the UK through Phdportal. Find PhD degrees in the UK
PhD in Germany
PhDs in Germany usually take between 3-5 years. You have two options for completing your PhD: you can focus entirely on research with a professor supervising your work, or you can choose a more structured programme that combines coursework and research. Find PhD degrees in Germany
PhD in Australia
PhD programs in Australia typically last three to four years. Before applying, candidates are usually required to secure a potential supervisor whose research interests align with their intended area of study. Once students receive a positive response from a supervisor, they can proceed with their application to the university, highlighting the supervisor’s interest in their research. Find PhD degrees in Australia
Comparison: PhD vs Doctorate vs MD vs Master’s
Although PhD and Doctorate are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re not the same. A Doctorate is the highest academic degree, and it has different types. A PhD is one of these, focusing on in-depth research in a specific field. There are other types of Doctorates, such as the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), focusing on real-life problems in business, and Doctor of Social Work (DSW), aiming to prepare social workers for leadership careers in their industries.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of PhD and Doctorate. You’ll also find more information about Master’s and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees.
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | Doctorate | MD (Doctor of Medicine) | Master's | |
| Focus | Research-focused, a type of Doctorate | Highest level of academic degree | Medical degree focused on clinical practice in the US, medical research in the UK | Advanced academic study or professional training in a specific field |
| Level | Doctorate | Doctorate | Doctorate | Master’s (below Doctorate) |
| Duration | Typically 3-4 years (full-time) | Typically 4-5 years (full-time) | Typically 4-7 years | Typically 1-2 years (full-time) |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor’s degree, and often a Master’s degree | Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and work experience | Bachelor of Medicine degree or pre-med degree | Bachelor’s degree |
| Typical career path | Academia, research institutions, advanced research roles | Leadership, high-level professional roles, academia | Medical professionals | Industry roles in relevant field or further studies like PhD or Doctorate |
In conclusion…
A PhD opens the doors of a career in research or academia. The skills you develop during your PhD, such as excellent research, the ability to work independently, commitment, and patience, also transfer to various industry roles.
Countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Germany are top choices for PhDs, and they also offer remote options. Search the best on-campus PhD degree programmes on PhDportal. You can also set filters to look for remote PhDs if you would like to study online.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How long is a PhD?
Most PhDs take 3 to 4 years full-time, but some may extend to 5 or 6 years depending on your research and university requirements.
2. How to get a PhD
To apply for a PhD, you’ll usually need a relevant Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, a strong research proposal, and to find a supervisor whose expertise matches your research topic.
3. Can I get a PhD part-time?
Yes, many universities offer part-time PhD options, which are ideal if you’re working or need a more flexible schedule.
4. How much does a PhD cost?
Costs vary by country and university. In Europe, some PhDs are tuition-free or come with a stipend. In the US, fees can range from $10,000 to over $40,000 per year, depending on the university and field.
5. Can I study for a PhD online?
Yes, several universities now offer accredited online PhD programmes in fields like Education, Business, and Computer Science.
