Joseph Aguok Facebook ad: “WHAT IS A PHD?”

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WHAT IS A PHD? Do you have a love for wisdom and a clear field of academic interest? If so, a PhD might be the right choice for you. But what is a PhD, and how can you get one? PhD is short for "Doctor of Philosophy." In most countries, this is an academic or professional degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at the university level or to work in a specialised position in their chosen field. The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia, literally translated as "love of wisdom". It was first used to describe someone who had learned a great deal about the world's most important issues. Today, the Doctor in Philosophy still requires a love of wisdom, but applies to individuals who have pursued knowledge in a much more specialised field. And again, what is a PhD? A PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and higher education institutions to candidates who have submitted a thesis or dissertation based on extensive and original research in their chosen field. The specificities of PhD degrees vary depending on where and what subject you're studying. In general, however, a PhD is the highest degree a student can achieve (with some exceptions). It usually follows a master's degree, but some schools also allow students to go straight from a bachelor's degree to a PhD. In addition, some institutions offer the opportunity to 'upgrade' or 'fast track' your master's degree to a PhD, provided you possess the necessary grades, knowledge, skills, and research abilities. Traditionally, a PhD involves three to four years of full-time study during which the student completes a substantial piece of original research presented as a thesis or dissertation. Also, some PhD programs accept a portfolio of published papers, while others accept only coursework. Students must also complete a 'viva voce 'or oral defence of their PhD. This can be with just a small number of examiners or in front of an extensive examination panel (both usually last between one and three hours). PhD students are generally expected to study on campus under close supervision. Still, distance education and e-learning programs have enabled many universities to admit PhD students who study part-time or remotely. PhD admission requirements Generally speaking, PhD admission requirements focus on a candidate's grades (usually at both the bachelor's and master's levels) and their potential research capabilities. Most institutions require that candidates hold an honours degree or a master's degree with high academic standing and a bachelor's degree with at least upper second-class honours. In some cases, you can also apply for a PhD based on your master's degree grades. Grade-based PhD admission requirements may also depend on the type of funding you will be using; you may be able to apply with lower rates if you self-fund your PhD (read more on PhD funding here). Before you can be officially accepted into a PhD program, some institutions and subjects, like psychology and some humanities and science subjects, require that you find a tenured professor in your chosen institution to serve as your formal advisor and supervisor throughout the program. In other cases, you will be assigned a supervisor based on your research subject and methodology once you are accepted into the PhD program. Either way, it is a good idea to approach a faculty member at your chosen institution before applying for a PhD. They can determine whether your research interests align well with the department and even help you brainstorm PhD research options. PhD applications: language proficiency Some PhD applications require proof of proficiency in the language you intend to study. You can either provide the results of an approved standardised language exam or show evidence of completing undergraduate or postgraduate study in the appropriate language. Employment/academic references As part of your PhD application, some schools may also ask for a record of your work history, like a resume, and all of your academic transcripts, including course modules and details about what you learned in each module. Additionally, details of other research projects you have completed, as well as any publications in which you have been featured, can strengthen your application. Many PhD applicants are also asked to provide references from two or three people who know them well in an academic setting, such as their undergraduate or postgraduate tutors or professors. These references must focus on your academic performance, coursework, research abilities, research potential, and interest in your chosen field of study. Personal statements Many institutions ask for a personal statement—a short essay that you can use to demonstrate your passion for your chosen subject. For example, explain why you want a PhD, what you hope to gain, any relevant extracurricular activities, and whether you have flexibility in your research area(s). If you need help, many institutions have a guide to personal statements on their website, which can also help you tailor your personal information to each institution. PhD research proposals Applicants must also submit a PhD research proposal to be considered for admission to a PhD program. A research proposal: Outline your proposed research topics in the context of previous work, demonstrate your knowledge of current debates in the field, demonstrate a suitable level of analysis, identify relevant gaps in current knowledge, suggest a relevant research hypothesis to fill some of these gaps, explain your intended research methodology in sufficient detail, and discuss the implications for real-world policy that your PhD proposal may invite. This will help the admissions tutors determine whether you have the skills to conduct PhD research and whether your research interests align with their research priorities and the facilities they have. They will also consider whether they have the right people on staff to supervise you effectively. Therefore, learn as much as possible about an institution before applying for a PhD. You will be happier if your research interests match those of your chosen institution, and institutions may reject your application if their research interests differ from yours. Note that this initial research proposal is not necessarily binding; it is usually a starting point to develop your research idea further. Some subject areas do not ask; instead, they submit their original research proposals. Finally, the institution presents a selection of PhD research projects. Depending on the institution, this may be done at a specific time or year-round. Students can then submit a statement demonstrating their suitability to undertake the research. These PhD research projects may also have been formulated in consultation with another organisation that may provide funding or scholarships for the successful candidate. However, these pre-defined PhD projects are less common in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, where students usually submit their proposals. Applying for a PhD without relevant qualifications Suppose you wish to do a PhD but do not have the relevant qualifications or their equivalent. In that case, you might still be able to apply for a PhD program by meeting the additional requirements set forth by your preferred institution. For example, you might have to be idle if you have to do certain extra studies or pass a qualifying exam. You can also make a particular case for the school you want to attend, either based on a professional qualification that doesn't require a degree and a lot of practical experience or based on qualifications from another country. For specific case PhD applications, you will need strong support from your potential supervisor, so you will need to get their advice and support before applying in this way. PhDs through MPhil Another option for potential PhD candidates is to apply as a general research student or for an MPhil degree. PhD candidates frequently follow this path. The MPhil is a research-based advanced master's degree that can be a good fit for students without a strong research background. However, you will be required to take some taught courses to get you up to speed with research methods. The successful completion of a one-year taught program may lead to the award of the MRes degree, which includes more taught components than the MPhil and can be awarded instead of a PhD for students who still need to complete the required study period for a PhD. Alternatively, the successful completion of original research may lead to the award of the MPhil degree, which can be awarded without the candidate having to present a dissertation defence (a requirement for a PhD). If, after your first or second year of research (i.e., during your MPhil), the institution is satisfied with your progress, you may apply for full PhD registration. Usually, your supervisor or tutor will determine whether you are ready to progress to a PhD. If you're deemed prepared, you must develop a thesis title and choose your PhD program. Starting a PhD When registration has been completed, you should be officially informed of: your supervisor(s) and their area(s) of expertise; the topic or field of PhD research for which you have been accepted; the minimum length of time required before submission of your thesis; and the formal assessment methods preferred by the institution. Most institutions will give PhD and research students at the university a list of everything they need to know. They will also include milestones you must reach to achieve a PhD. Your supervisor will review these milestones and advise you on your next steps. You will need to make adequate yearly progress. Alternatives to a PhD When looking for PhD programs, keep in mind that several types of degrees have the term "doctor" in their titles, such as the Juris Doctor (typical in the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and parts of Asia), the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or the Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm), and the US and Canada version of the Doctor of Medicine (MD). Most of the time, these degrees are not PhDs because they don't involve academic research, which is a vital part of a PhD. These other types of doctorate degrees are instead referred to as "entry-level doctorate degrees." Candidates wishing to pursue a PhD may do so afterwards, known as a 'post-professional doctorate.' In both the JD and US/Canada MD programs, students must complete a specified amount of academic research to earn the degree. But there are also many research degrees, like the MD, that involve scholarly research (in the case of the MD, medical research) published in peer-reviewed journals. This makes them very similar to PhDs; some countries consider them equivalent. Some schools, like the MD-PhD dual program, offer degrees that combine professional and research training. This is helpful for medical professionals who want to work in research. Degrees higher than a PhD In addition to various degrees that may be considered equivalent to a PhD, some 'higher doctorate' courses are considered to be a step above the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Most universities in the UK and some European countries offer these, but they are increasingly given as honorary degrees. In the US, there is no system for higher doctorates, so these titles are awarded only as honorary degrees. Honorary degrees are sometimes signified by adding '"hc" (for honoris causa) to the end of the degree title. Some higher doctorate degrees include: Doctor of Science (DS/SD): Given for a significant and long-term contribution to scientific knowledge that goes beyond what's needed for a PhD. Doctor of Literature or Letters (DLitt, DLitt, or LitD): Awarded to recognise humanity's achievement or original contribution to the creative arts. Doctor of Divinity (DD): Awarded above the Doctor of Theology (DTh), usually to recognise the recipient's ministry-oriented accomplishments. Doctor of Music (DMus): This degree is given in the UK, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries based on an extensive portfolio of musical compositions and scholarly articles. Doctor of Civil Law (DCL): This is the highest doctorate except for the DD. It is awarded to publications that are very insightful and unique, and that make significant and original contributions to the study of law or politics. Are you ready to apply for a PhD? So now you've got some ideas about PhDs—source: Hasna Haidar. JAKA was delving into PhD programs.