phd candidate significado

• que son las siglas phd significado y diferencias con el doctorado

Que son las siglas PHD: Significado y diferencias con el doctorado

¿qué significa «phd».

Las siglas «PhD» provienen del latín «Philosophiae Doctor», que se traduce al español como «Doctor en Filosofía». Sin embargo, a pesar de su nombre, el título de PhD no se limita exclusivamente al campo de la filosofía. En la actualidad, el término «PhD» se utiliza para referirse a un grado académico de nivel superior que se otorga en diversas disciplinas.

El título de PhD es reconocido internacionalmente y se considera el más alto grado académico que se puede obtener en un campo específico. Los individuos que obtienen un PhD han demostrado un alto nivel de conocimiento y competencia en su área de estudio, así como la capacidad de llevar a cabo investigaciones originales y contribuir al avance del conocimiento en su campo.

El proceso para obtener un PhD es riguroso y requiere varios años de estudio e investigación. Los candidatos a un PhD deben completar cursos avanzados en su área de estudio, realizar investigaciones originales y escribir una tesis doctoral que presente sus hallazgos y contribuciones al campo.

Doctorado en Filosofía

Aunque el término «PhD» se utiliza para referirse a un grado académico en diversas disciplinas, originalmente se asociaba exclusivamente con el Doctorado en Filosofía. El Doctorado en Filosofía es el grado académico más antiguo y tradicional en el mundo occidental.

El Doctorado en Filosofía se originó en la antigua Grecia, donde los filósofos buscaban el conocimiento y la sabiduría en todas las áreas del conocimiento. A lo largo de los siglos, el Doctorado en Filosofía se ha expandido para incluir una amplia gama de disciplinas, como ciencias sociales, ciencias naturales, humanidades, ingeniería y más.

El objetivo principal del Doctorado en Filosofía es formar a los estudiantes en la investigación académica y en la generación de conocimiento original en su campo de estudio. Los estudiantes de doctorado en filosofía deben completar cursos avanzados en su área de especialización, así como realizar investigaciones originales y escribir una tesis doctoral.

La duración del Doctorado en Filosofía puede variar dependiendo del país y de la disciplina. En general, se requieren al menos cuatro años de estudio a tiempo completo para completar un doctorado en filosofía. Sin embargo, algunos programas pueden requerir más tiempo, especialmente si el estudiante está llevando a cabo investigaciones complejas o si está combinando el doctorado con otras responsabilidades académicas o profesionales.

Una vez que un estudiante completa todos los requisitos del programa de doctorado en filosofía, debe defender su tesis doctoral ante un comité de expertos en el campo. La defensa de la tesis es un evento importante en el proceso de obtención del doctorado, ya que permite al estudiante presentar y discutir sus hallazgos y contribuciones con la comunidad académica.

Después de completar con éxito la defensa de la tesis, el estudiante es otorgado el título de Doctor en Filosofía y puede utilizar las siglas «PhD» después de su nombre. Este título es reconocido internacionalmente y abre muchas puertas en el ámbito académico y profesional.

Las siglas «PhD» se refieren a un grado académico de nivel superior que se otorga en diversas disciplinas. Aunque originalmente se asociaba exclusivamente con el Doctorado en Filosofía, en la actualidad se utiliza para referirse a un título de doctorado en cualquier campo de estudio. Obtener un PhD requiere años de estudio e investigación, así como la presentación y defensa de una tesis doctoral. El título de PhD es reconocido internacionalmente y representa el más alto nivel de logro académico en un campo específico.

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What is the Difference Between a PhD Candidate and a PhD Student?

Pursuing a doctoral degree is a significant academic achievement that requires years of dedicated study, research, and intellectual rigour. Within the realm of doctoral studies, the terms ‘PhD candidate’ and ‘PhD student’ are commonly used, often interchangeably. However, a closer examination reveals that there are nuanced differences between these two designations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for both prospective doctoral students and those seeking to comprehend the various stages of the doctoral journey.

In this article, we delve into the disparity between a PhD candidate and a PhD student, shedding light on the roles, responsibilities, and progression associated with each stage. We explore the specific criteria that differentiate a student from a candidate and the various milestones marking the transition. Additionally, we delve into the responsibilities and expectations that accompany each designation, illuminating the unique experiences and commitments faced by PhD candidates and students.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the variability in terminology across international boundaries, academic institutions, and disciplinary fields, providing insights into how different contexts might influence the usage of these terms. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the contrasting aspects between a PhD candidate and a PhD student, facilitating informed conversations and a deeper appreciation for the intricate nature of doctoral education.

Introduction

Who is a phd student, when phd student attains status of phd candidate, variation in terminology.

Pursuing a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree involves conducting original research in a specific field of study, making a significant contribution to knowledge, and demonstrating a high level of expertise. It is the highest academic qualification one can attain and is highly valued in academia, research institutions, and certain industries. A PhD signifies a deep understanding of a subject area, advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to conduct independent research.

While the terms “PhD candidate” and “PhD student” are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two.

A PhD student typically refers to an individual who has been admitted to a doctoral program, actively engaging in coursework and other program requirements. They are in the early stages of their doctoral journey and are working towards completing the necessary academic components of their degree. On the other hand, a PhD candidate is typically someone who has progressed beyond the coursework stage and has advanced to the research phase of their program. They have usually completed comprehensive exams, passed a research proposal defense, and are actively engaged in independent research for their dissertation or thesis.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the distinction between a PhD candidate and a PhD student. By exploring the criteria, milestones, and responsibilities associated with each designation, this article aims to clarify the unique experiences and progression of doctoral students. It also seeks to address the varying terminology used across different contexts and disciplines, enabling readers to grasp the intricacies of the doctoral journey and fostering informed discussions around this topic.

Through this article, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the journey from being a PhD student to becoming a PhD candidate and the distinct roles and responsibilities associated with each stage.

A PhD student is an individual who has been admitted to a doctoral program and is actively engaged in pursuing their doctoral studies. They are at the initial stages of their doctoral journey, seeking to expand their knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific field of study. PhD students play a vital role in academic research communities as they contribute to the generation of new knowledge and the advancement of their discipline.

PhD students are required to complete a set of coursework specific to their field of study. These courses are designed to provide a foundation in the discipline, enhance research skills, and broaden the student’s understanding of relevant theories and methodologies. Coursework may include seminars, advanced classes, and specialized topics. The specific coursework requirements can vary between programs and disciplines.

Example: Imagine a student named Alex who has just been accepted into a doctoral program in psychology. At this stage, Alex is considered a PhD student as they begin taking relevant coursework, attending seminars, and collaborating with faculty members. They are laying the foundation for their research and acquiring the necessary knowledge in their field.

Who is a PhD Candidate?

Advancement from being a PhD student to a PhD candidate typically involves meeting specific requirements set by the doctoral program. These requirements may vary depending on the institution and field of study but often include successful completion of coursework, exams, and other program-specific milestones.

One of the primary requirements for transitioning to a PhD candidate is the successful completion of coursework and exams. PhD students are expected to complete a designated set of courses, which provide a broad understanding of their field and research methodologies. They are also required to pass comprehensive exams, which assess their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their research area.

As part of the transition to becoming a PhD candidate, students typically prepare and defend a research proposal. The research proposal outlines the scope, objectives, methodology, and significance of the intended research. The proposal defense may involve presenting the proposal to a committee of faculty members, who evaluate its feasibility, rigour, and contribution to the field. Additionally, PhD students often have to pass comprehensive exams, which test their knowledge of their research area and related disciplines.

If you are not familiar with writing PhD proposal and making PhD proposal presentation, then visit my articles on “ How to Write PhD Proposal Presentation to the University ” and ” How to Make a PhD Proposal Presentation to the University Panel” . These articles will guide you through the process of preparation and presentation of PhD proposal to the University panel.

Upon successful completion of the requirements, PhD students are often granted candidacy status. Advancement to candidacy signifies that the student has demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and potential to conduct independent research and contribute to their field. This status allows students to focus more exclusively on their research and dissertation work.

Once students become PhD candidates, there is a shift towards an increased emphasis on independent research. They are expected to dedicate a significant portion of their time and effort to conducting original research, collecting data, analyzing results, and making novel contributions to their field. The focus is primarily on their dissertation or thesis work, which serves as the culmination of their doctoral studies.

Example: Let’s consider a PhD student named Alex in the field of computer science. After completing their coursework and passing comprehensive exams, Alex develops a research proposal outlining their intention to investigate the applications of machine learning in cybersecurity. They present the proposal to a committee of faculty members, who assess the feasibility and potential impact of the research.

Alex successfully defends their research proposal and is granted candidacy status, transitioning from a PhD student to a PhD candidate. With candidacy status, Alex’s focus shifts towards conducting independent research. They spend considerable time collecting and analyzing cybersecurity datasets, developing and refining machine learning algorithms, and testing their effectiveness in detecting and preventing cyber threats.

As a PhD candidate, Alex works closely with their advisor, regularly discussing research progress, seeking guidance, and receiving feedback. They collaborate with other researchers in the field, attend conferences to present their findings and contribute to the scholarly community through publications. The focus is now on producing an original and significant contribution to the field of computer science through their dissertation.

The transition to PhD candidacy marks a critical stage in the doctoral journey, as it signifies the ability to independently drive research and make scholarly contributions. PhD candidates like Alex are immersed in the world of research, expanding knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of their field.

Terminology related to PhD candidates and PhD students can vary internationally and among different academic institutions. In some countries, the terms “PhD candidate” and “PhD student” may be used interchangeably, while in others, there may be specific distinctions. For example, in the United States, “PhD student” is commonly used, while in the United Kingdom, “PhD candidate” is more frequently employed. Additionally, different universities or institutions may have their own terminology preferences, which can create further variation.

Terminology can also vary based on the disciplinary field of study. Different academic disciplines have their own conventions and terminology for referring to individuals pursuing a doctoral degree. For instance, in the sciences, one might encounter terms like “graduate researcher” or “doctoral candidate.” In the humanities and social sciences, the terms “PhD candidate” and “PhD student” are often used. This variation reflects the specific linguistic and cultural norms within different academic domains.

In Canada, for instance, doctoral students are commonly referred to as “PhD candidates,” regardless of their stage in the program. In Australia, “PhD candidate” is the preferred term for those who have completed the required coursework and have advanced to the research phase. In contrast, in the United States, “PhD student” is frequently used to refer to individuals at all stages of their doctoral studies.

Disciplinary variations can also be observed. In engineering, individuals pursuing a doctoral degree are often referred to as “PhD students” or “doctoral students.” In contrast, in the field of education, the term “PhD candidate” is commonly used to denote those who have advanced to the research and dissertation stage.

It is important to note that these examples represent general trends, and there can still be variation within specific institutions and programs. The usage of terminology can evolve over time and may be influenced by regional or institutional preferences.

The distinction between a PhD candidate and a PhD student holds significant importance in the realm of doctoral education.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different stages and responsibilities within the doctoral journey. A PhD student is in the initial stages of their program, actively engaging in coursework, research, and academic requirements.

On the other hand, a PhD candidate has advanced beyond coursework, passed comprehensive exams, and is focused primarily on independent research and the completion of their dissertation.

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PhD Candidate vs Student: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms “PhD student” and “PhD candidate” interchangeably. However, these terms actually mean something quite different, including a different status level at universities.

We’re here to define the differences between a PhD candidate vs student, as well as other essential information, before you continue your educational journey.

Table of Contents

What I s a PhD student?

A doctoral student is anyone who is enrolled in a doctorate degree, also referred to as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. PhD students are typically required to complete a certain number of course credits and sit qualifying exams. Next, they can move on to conduct research and present it in the form of a dissertation.

A PhD is centered around self-directed research and possibly teaching/running tutorials, but they typically also involve a substantial amount of coursework and require attending classes, either online or in person.

Unlike candidates, PhD students are in the process of completing the required coursework for the degree. They haven’t passed the relevant qualifying exams yet.

What Is a PhD Candidate?

A PhD candidate has completed the required coursework and passed the qualifying exams for their doctorate program. They are currently working on their dissertation.

Most PhD students need to go through an application process  and show they meet certain requirements such as a relevant master’s degree . To become a PhD candidate, doctoral students need to pass an internal application process, typically involving a set of exams.

This stage involves significant research usually in innovative areas and incorporating this into a dissertation (this stage is sometimes referred to as “all but dissertation” [ABD]), as they’ve completed all other aspects of the program and satisfied these requirements. To complete their doctoral journey, a PhD candidate must defend their dissertation. Once they’ve successfully done this, they will be awarded their degree and move from PhD candidate to doctor of their chosen field.

PhD Candidate vs Student: 6 Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between a PhD student vs PhD candidate, from their status to the structure and nature of study.

Note: Some universities have recently started adopting hybrid approaches (where there is no clear difference between PhD students and PhD candidates). These programs don’t involve any qualifying exams and students typically begin the dissertation as part of their coursework. Most schools, however, continue with the traditional distinction between a PhD candidate and PhD student.

1. Program Stage

A PhD student could be at any stage of the doctoral program . Coursework still needs to be completed and qualifying exams must be passed. Students may be in the initial stage of the program or about to complete the coursework (before beginning their research).

On the other hand, a PhD candidate has completed all coursework and has at least started their research. They may have completed their dissertation and are preparing to defend it.

2. Research Progress

A PhD student may not have selected their research topic or settled on a particular research question. A candidate’s research is in progress and they should already have a clear research question.

3. Relationship with Advisors

A PhD student may not yet have an advisor. A candidate has an established working relationship with their advisor and works closely with them to complete their research and dissertation.

4. Level of Support

Although they work closely with an advisor, a PhD candidate is generally expected to work more independently than a student enrolled in a doctoral student. Once candidates reach this stage of their doctorate, they typically won’t receive as much direction or supervision.

5. Flexibility and Structure

Understandably, PhD candidates have more freedom and flexibility in their work. Most candidates choose their area of research, as well as the methods used to conduct their work. As part of their coursework, PhD students usually have to work within a set structure (e.g., completing core subjects, meeting deadlines).

Being a PhD candidate comes with a certain degree of status. If they’ve demonstrated a degree of expertise through completing qualifying exams, candidates can put the letters PhD(c) after their name.

Tips for PhD Candidates

A PhD is an advanced degree designed to demonstrate expertise in a given field, as well as high-level skills and abilities in various areas (including research and writing). As such, earning a doctorate can be a challenging process.

The following tips for doctoral candidates will help you put your best foot forward and set yourself up for success.

Stay Organized

Because PhD candidates have to balance many competing priorities, organization is essential. Using organizational tools such as calendars,  note-taking apps , and project management software can help you keep track of deadlines and meet your targets.

Focus on Your Research

PhD candidates likely have busy schedules with plenty of demands (such as teaching commitments and crafting a dissertation). As it’s the backbone of any doctoral program, be sure to prioritize this part of your work and monitor progress to stay on track.

Actively Seek Out Feedback

Because PhD candidates often work independently, there’s a risk of feeling isolated. Ask your advisors, mentors, and fellow candidates for feedback and advice. This will help ensure that you’re considering all aspects of your research question and multiple solutions, rather than focusing too intensely on a single area.

Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities

Networking is one of the biggest benefits for PhD candidates, so take full advantage of these events. Use this time to build a strong network of professors, advisors, fellow candidates, and other professionals you meet at conferences and events.

Take Care of Yourself

A PhD program can be taxing, and it’s easy for your mental and physical health to take a backseat. Make sure you exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep . Remember: Resting and recharging is crucial for working on your dissertation.

How Long Is a Typical PhD Candidacy?

Most PhD students require 1-2 years to complete their coursework and pass their qualifying exams. However, the length of a PhD candidacy is much more open. In most cases, programs take between two and five years, depending on:

• the complexity of the field of research
• the candidate’s other commitments, such as teaching load
• other abilities, such as a candidate’s level of organization.

Once a PhD candidate has completed their dissertation, they have to defend it successfully before a panel of faculty members before they can earn their doctorate degree. This process of defending a PhD dissertation can take several months.

Some universities specify a maximum length for PhD candidacy duration. For example, Carnegie Mellon University limits this to six years .

Benefits of Being a PhD Candidate

Being a PhD candidate can be rewarding for several reasons:

1. Research Opportunities

You’ll be exposed to vast research opportunities in your field. You may contribute to valuable discoveries while developing advanced knowledge and skills.

2. Networking

Through your PhD candidacy, you’ll also be in a great position to build gain a stronger network of fellow professionals.

3. Critical Thinking

A PhD candidacy can help you develop high intellectual independence and critical thinking skills.

4. Career Opportunitie s

A PhD is an advanced degree that allows you to build a rewarding career in the academic, government, and private sectors. PhD-holders can also expect to earn more than other graduates and are most likely to find a job.

5. Salaries

According to Northeastern University , professionals with a doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $99,290 on average (and much more for the highest-paid PhDs ) and have a 1.5% unemployment rate. For master’s degree holders, the average annual salary is $81,867 average annual salary and a 2.6% unemployment rate.

6. Personal Fulfillment

Being a PhD candidate can help you pursue your passions. This advanced qualification will allow you to become a specialist in your chosen field, allowing you to hone in on the exact subject thatl fulfills you the most.

Qualifying Exams to Become a PhD Candidate

While requirements vary by program, to become a PhD candidate, most students will need to pass a set of exams. These will test students’ knowledge in the field, measure their research skills, and ensure they’re ready to start their dissertation research.

Traditionally, qualifying exams for PhD candidates involved a written test and an oral exam. These will cover a range of topics related to your field of study, with the oral component designed to demonstrate your level of understanding.

Some universities have recently started to issue doctoral students with a set of questions and have them submit the answers within a set timeframe (usually around two weeks). Other schools ask prospective doctoral candidates to submit a dissertation proposal instead of an exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd candidate be called a doctor.

In most cases, a doctoral candidate cannot be called a doctor until after they successfully defend their dissertation and receive their doctorate.

Can I Put ‘PhD Candidate’ after My Name?

Once you’ve passed qualifying exams and embarked on dissertation research, you’re technically entitled to put “PhD candidate” or “PhD (c)” after your name. However, this is uncommon and not always recommended. It is generally more acceptable to mention that you are pursuing a doctorate (along with the field of research and university) or that you expect to complete your PhD in a certain year (on your CV and online profiles).

How Long Can You Be a PhD Candidate?

There isn’t a set length of time that a person can be a PhD candidate. The length of candidacy depends on a range of factors, including the subject of research and program requirements. Most PhD candidates complete this phase in around 3-5 years (where some university programs have set limits).

Do PhD Students Take Classes?

Yes, most PhD students must take classes and complete coursework as part of the first 1-2 years of their doctorate program. Once they’ve completed this coursework and passed qualifying exams, they move on to work on their research dissertation. At this stage, they’ll be considered a PhD candidate.

Key Takeaways

Now that you know the differences between PhD candidates vs. students, you’ve got a deeper understanding of how to obtain a doctorate. However you slice it, both will help you build your knowledge and skills to become an expert in your field.

However the program is structured, a PhD is a highly valuable degree that allows you to become a high-level professional and build a successful career.

If you know a PhD candidate who’s celebrating their accomplishments soon? Take a look at this guide to the best PhD graduation gifts .

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Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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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

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

El Candidato de Ciencias se considera similar al Ph.D., DPhill, LLD, etc. Normalmente, la perspectiva de carrera de los Candidatos de Ciencias es la de Profesor Asociado. El Doctorado en Ciencias se obtiene después del Candidato en Ciencias y se considera un título más valioso, similar al Doctorado en Ciencias Naturales (DSc), el Doctorado en Humanidades (DLitt), etc. El título de Doctor permite llegar a ser profesor titular.

En esos países, los estudiantes pueden solicitar el doctorado estrictamente después de haber completado el nivel de maestría. Por lo general, se necesitan dos años para completar cada título.

Doctorado en Europa y Estados Unidos

El mencionado sistema de dos bases para el doctorado se acoge fuera de los países de la UE y de EE.UU.. Existe un programa de estudios de doctorado completo para estos países que proporciona al estudiante el máximo rendimiento académico.

Sin embargo, dentro de este planteamiento conceptual unánime, Europa y EE.UU. presentan diferencias en los procedimientos de estudio del doctorado, que también puede ser útil considerar.

Europa es el continente de origen del doctorado moderno. Los estudios de doctorado en Europa están diseñados con una amplia diversidad de sistemas de cualificación y créditos, por lo que la mayoría absoluta de los títulos de doctorado europeos son reconocidos y aceptados internacionalmente. Muchas universidades europeas ofrecen oportunidades adicionales de formación y desarrollo incluidas en el programa de estudios de doctorado.

Estados Unidos se considera otro destino para cursar un doctorado debido a las universidades de fama internacional y a la abundancia de oportunidades profesionales adicionales. Una diferencia notable entre los estudios de doctorado en EE.UU. y en Europa es que los estudiantes estadounidenses suelen tener que dar clases como parte de sus estudios. Además, los estudiantes estadounidenses suelen tener más supervisión de sus profesores asesores.

La siguiente tabla comparativa destaca las principales diferencias entre los estudios de doctorado en Europa y en EE.UU.

Conocer las diferencias entre los programas académicos que se mencionan a continuación te ayudará a tomar una decisión más sabia sobre dónde quieres actualizar tu título. Puedes llegar al mismo resultado (el título más alto) con un camino más corto: menos años de estudios, mayor facilidad de admisión, etc.

Ver: ¿Qué es PhD? Entiende el significado y concepto que hay detrás del título

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What is a PhD?

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the PhD. Although most people have a vague understanding of what it is, there are a lot of misconceptions about what doing one actually entails. How long does a PhD actually take? Do you have to be a super genius to do one? This article will clear up the confusion and answer some common questions.

First of all, what does PhD stand for?

PhD is an abbreviation of Philosophiae doctor which is Latin for “doctor of philosophy”. All PhD are “doctors of philosophy” regardless of whether the degree is in physics, biology, anthropology or actual philosophy.

So, what is a PhD?

In the simplest terms, it’s the highest academic degree. It is earned by spending three or more years doing original, independent research to produce a thesis which is orally defended.

What does a PhD entail?

A PhD is first and foremost a research degree so the majority of your time will be spent researching. What exactly this looks like depends on the field you’re studying. You may be in a library, or running experiments in a lab, or in the field. Regardless of where you research, you will be regularly meeting with your supervisor to check your progress. Your supervisor will also give you feedback and help you work through any problems you may encounter. They will also provide encouragement and support as you progress through your PhD.

As a doctoral student, you may also have to complete a certain level of graduate-level courses or take exams to demonstrate your knowledge of certain subjects in your field. You will also be expected to participate in other vital aspects of academic life such as teaching, attending and presenting at conferences, grant writing, and publishing in academic journals.

The final step is the PhD defence. The after submitting your written thesis to your committee, they will set a date for your defence. The defence is an oral exam where you show your mastery of the subject area by explaining, discussing, and defending your thesis to a committee of internal and external examiners. The examiners also ask the candidate questions about their dissertation and the field more generally. If the defence is successful, the candidate is awarded their degree and the title of “Doctor”.

How long does it take to earn a PhD?

It can take anywhere from three to six years depending on the country you study in. European PhDs tend to be shorter as candidates begin working on their research projects right away, while American PhDs are longer and require couple years of coursework and exams before the candidate begins their research.

What qualifications do you need to do a PhD?

Drive, determination, and curiosity first of all! On a more practical side, excellent grades, strong letters of recommendation, and the appropriate qualifications. In most parts of Europe, a Master’s degree is a must for PhD applicants, while many American programs allow students to apply for a PhD straight from their undergraduate degree. You can read more about the requirements and PhD application process here .

How much will it cost?

It’s difficult to say how much a PhD will cost as it is so dependant on where you are from, where you study, and what you study. Some PhD are fully funded, such as those at the top American schools, while others are funded through university scholarships or national grants. In some parts of Europe, PhD students are paid nationally-legislated salaries. Occasionally PhD candidates do have to take out personal loans to fund their studies. You can find out more about what funding is available for PhD students from the posting itself, the departmental website, or the university’s graduate school website.

What can I do with a PhD?

A PhD is an essential qualification for a career in academia or research. It is the first step to becoming a lecturer or professor or a scientist at a university or research institute. However, not all PhDs choose to continue on in academia. The advanced research skills you learn during a PhD are advantageous in a variety of diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, finance, law, journalism, and tech.

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¿Qué significa ser un candidato PhD?

Finalizar con éxito el número requerido de cursos de pregrado asegura al estudiante recibir un título de licenciatura. En cambio, completar con éxito los cursos requeridos no asegura por sí solo que el estudiante avanzado de posgrado recibirá un Doctorado en Filosofía (PhD). Al completar los cursos requeridos, el estudiante se convierte en un candidato para un PhD. La obtención del doctorado también requiere de un examen oral general y extenso, la presentación y posterior aprobación de un estudio de investigación original llamado disertación y la exitosa defensa de esa disertación ante un comité de profesores de alto nivel en el campo.

Los orígenes de los estudios de doctorado

Los estudios de PhD o doctorado, comenzaron como un Doctorado en Derecho en el siglo IX islámico. En la Europa medieval, el Doctorado en Derecho pronto se extendió a un Doctorado en Filosofía. El término "filosofía" incluía entonces lo que ahora constituyen los campos separados de la ciencia, la religión y las humanidades.

La importancia de la tesis

Las universidades medievales en general no tenían un plan de estudios fijo. En lugar de ello, los estudiantes podían pedir a un profesor, por lo general a una autoridad ampliamente reconocida, permiso para estudiar bajo su tutela. Si el profesor aceptaba la solicitud del estudiante, eventualmente requería que el estudiante demostrara, a través de una extensa discusión, su conocimiento de los documentos más importantes en su campo.

En algún momento, el alumno podía escribir su tesis (una obra original de erudición). Hasta que la tesis había sido escrita y aceptada, el estudiante seguía siendo un candidato para el doctorado. Después de la aceptación de la tesis y su defensa exitosa, el estudiante recibía un Doctorado en Filosofía. Esta estructura fundamental de candidatura sigue vigente hoy en día.

En el lenguaje moderno, la palabra "tesis", a pesar de que se aplica correctamente al documento de un PhD, describe más a menudo el documento que se escribe para obtener un título de maestría. La palabra "disertación" se aplica solamente al documento original de investigación que se escribe para obtener un doctorado.

Después de completar tu trabajo del curso

Una vez que hayas completado tus cursos de posgrado en una universidad, y a menudo con anterioridad, tendrás que ponerte en contacto con un director de tesis. En ocasiones, los departamentos académicos te asignarán a un director de tesis; pero con frecuencia tendrás que buscar a un profesor del área específica donde tienes la intención de escribir tu tesis y pedirle que sea tu asesor de tesis.

La relación entre el estudiante y el asesor de tesis

En el mejor de los casos, la relación entre el estudiante y el asesor de tesis se convierte en una relación colegiada importante. Ustedes se reunirán para discutir tu área propuesta de investigación o estudio. Tu asesor hará recomendaciones y sugerencias. A veces, por ejemplo, tu asesor podría sugerirte que limites tu área de investigación o que modifiques tu enfoque. También estará al tanto de las preferencias académicas de los miembros del comité de doctorado y de los enfoques que pueden favorecer.

El examen oral

Una vez que hayas terminado tu tesis, también deberás haber presentado un examen oral amplio sobre tu campo: la literatura inglesa, la historia de Europa o sobre alguna otra área académica general de estudio mucho más allá de los límites de la disertación de tu tema. Los miembros del comité de exámenes orales son a menudo, aunque no siempre, los mismos profesores que revisarán y aprobarán tu disertación. Una vez que hayas pasado tus exámenes orales y haya sido aprobada tu disertación, recibirás tu doctorado.

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Patrick Gleeson received a doctorate in 18th century English literature at the University of Washington. He served as a professor of English at the University of Victoria and was head of freshman English at San Francisco State University. Gleeson is the director of technical publications for McClarie Group and manages an investment fund. He is a Registered Investment Advisor.

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Are PhD Students and PhD Researchers the same thing?

Similarly to how a Postdoc researcher is a researcher, I think that a PhD student should be considered a researcher. Especially when:

• A salary is obtained for the research that is done as part of the PhD studies. Per definition, I would say that students pay, they are not paid.
• A research master has been studied before and there are no lessons, classes, exams, etc. So in fact the person is not a student, but "at least" an "apprentice".

I know that naming things in one way or another may not make a big difference for those in academia that read the CV, but it may evoke different ideas for those out of academia that read it.

As far as I know, they are absolutely equivalent, even if one is more used than the other (mistakenly, IMHO). Nevertheless, I would like to get confirmation, if possible from an authoritative source (like a dictionary for titles), and at the same time I think that the question may be useful for many people.

• terminology

• 11 A "PhD researcher" might easily be confused with a "researcher who has a PhD". PhD students are researchers in training, and hence of course do perform research. –  Gerhard Commented Jun 19, 2016 at 21:43
• 4 I think the main issue is that people who are working towards their PhD are considered "students" in many places, but not all. For example, I obtained my PhD in The Netherlands, where most PhD "students" are employees and a master is a prerequisite. Others and I have used the term "PhD candidate" to distinguish from the "student", but this term also has other connotations in English, see academia.stackexchange.com/questions/10972/… –  Jaap Eldering Commented Jun 20, 2016 at 1:05
• 5 I agree with @Gerhard, and I'd go a bit further. To me, "Ph.D. researcher" unambiguously means a researcher who already has a Ph.D. –  Andreas Blass Commented Jun 20, 2016 at 2:12
• 5 There is no correct answer. Language varies wildly across disciplines, countries, and institutions. For extra confusion, let's throw in "PhD candidate"! –  JeffE Commented Jun 20, 2016 at 2:26
• 4 @Trylks: i unfortunately do not think so. "Doctoral researcher" might be a bit more ambiguous (in a good way from your perspective), but comparing it to "postdoctoral researcher" has the same problem as distinguishing between graduate and postgraduate students: there is no difference. Many languages have a separate word for phd students, like "Doktorand" in German, which reflects what you want to say. English unfortunately does not. The closest I can think of is "PhD candidate". I have also seen people advertise Predoctoral posts, which might also work, but sounds quite odd to my ears. –  Gerhard Commented Jun 22, 2016 at 19:48

6 Answers 6

I don't see the point in your distinctions in either bullet. Some students get a salary, some do not. Neither of these is determinative of whether a student is a researcher. Not every PhD student did a Master's degree before the began their PhD studies. I certainly did not.

Why do you care if PhD students (who I agree do "research") are "researchers" or not? Of course they are researchers because I think that anyone who does research is a researcher (paid, student, or otherwise). Are you looking to validate your ego, to overcome an officious rule that says that only "researchers" may do some thing or other, or are you looking for something else? Except in a few places, titles matter little. If titles matter where you are, then find the law or bureaucratic codes that define "researcher" and follow them. If you don't like the answer you find, you can either live with that, find a workaround, or fight (presumably through a legislative body if that place has one) for change. You haven't given us enough detail about why you care for us to helpfully answer your question.

• 1 @MikeyMike, I've seen similar things, but they almost always make the distinction that the applicant must be within X years after receiving their PhD. They're often very clear about their requirements. Being just a "researcher" is not a requirement I've ever seen. The word may be thrown around a bit cavalierly in the RFP, but the Requirements section lays out the details clearly in every case I've ever come across. –  Bill Barth Commented Jun 20, 2016 at 11:52
• 1 @Trylks, that's a pretty vague response to my question. Are you being rejected for a position or pay level because you're not a "researcher" in someone or some bureaucracy's eyes? I think PhD students are researchers and should be paid. I was regarded so and was paid, though not very well, but tuition was free and I got healthcare benefits. If you're trying to fudge or puff up your CV by adding the word "researcher" to it somewhere, that might not be OK. Some people might not even read far enough to notice. My student title was "Graduate Research Assistant" and everyone knew what that meant. –  Bill Barth Commented Jun 22, 2016 at 20:05
• 3 @BillBarth Well, I personally finished the PhD and moved out of academia, where HR people may care or not care about the word "researcher" (which I think would be the appropriate term), but in general they despise the word "student". However, I think that the whole topic may be relevant and important for people that are not me (or you for the matter). As such, I have not tried to be vague, but to be general, for the general interest of the community. –  Trylks Commented Jun 22, 2016 at 20:24
• 1 @Trylks, I haven't seen this to be a problem. Not all places use HR people to do the screening, and many hiring managers are aware of what a graduate student researcher was doing when they are looking to hire a PhD. They know that being a student researcher was part of the role, and they know this because they have hired PhDs before. –  Bill Barth Commented Jun 22, 2016 at 20:28
• 3 @Trylks, technically impossible, yes, but likely close enough. Maybe you can edit your question to add the stuff about strikes so that it's not so vague. Things are basically fine in the US right now. There's no apparent need to point out to everyone who reads your CV here that students and research assistants are researchers, too. People seem to get it. I hire PhDs who are mostly off the academic track, and I don't need to ask "Did you do research during your time as a PhD student?" –  Bill Barth Commented Jun 22, 2016 at 22:54

"PhD Researcher" implies that this person has a PhD. Also a post-doctoral researcher is something more specific. It usually refers to a person taking a short term 1-3 years individual Post-Doc after his/her PhD. Also, if you are a Researcher it should imply that you have a PhD since a PhD candidate/student is learning how to be a researcher and therefore not a qualified researcher yet. Also, a "PhD Researcher", "Researcher" or "Researcher PhD" could be more experienced than a Post-doctoral Researcher and it usually implies a more permanent position.

Personally I think it is important to stick to the title to avoid confusion. Personally I would like to see "PhD candidate" instead of "PhD student" since it sounds better. PhD candidates should be paid in my opinion as they do research for the university. But payment is independent of the title. Avoiding using wrong name is also advisable. If I was an interviewer and I had found out that I was cheated on thinking that you have a PhD, then I would not appoint you. I will loose trust on the rest of your skills on your CV. Keep your CV as truthful as possible.

The generally accepted job title of a researcher who already has a PhD is a post-doctoral researcher. Unless you want to argue that doctoral and post-doctoral mean the same thing then a doctoral researcher is a researcher who is seeking a PhD. This makes sense considering that we do not say doctoral student for students that already have obtained their doctorates. The purpose of avoiding saying "PhD Student" as your job title on your CV is because a common prejudice against people with PhD's seeking to work in the private sector is that all they know about is life as a student. This is obviously not the case if you work at a research institute where some of the researchers may not even have a phd and get to claim there time there as work experience. In German and French this is not an issue because the meaning of the words "doktorant" and "doctorand" are commonly known. In English, "doctorand" is actually the word you are looking for ( https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctorand ), but it is not as widely known which makes it less suitable for a resumé/CV. When I did my PhD there was a person from human resources responsible for all the doctorands in the French speaking part of Switzerland who explained all of this using survey data and examples. My suggestion is to use "Doctoral Researcher" because "PhD Researcher" could potentially be confused with "PhD-level researcher".

• 4 Downvoted. People are not dictionaries, and human language is not logical. Idioms also vary significantly across different countries, institution types, and research communities. –  JeffE Commented Nov 8, 2017 at 23:34
• 6 "The generally accepted job title of a researcher who already has a PhD is a post-doctoral researcher." This is just not true. Postdoctoral researcher means something much more specific. "This makes sense considering that we do not say doctoral student for students that already have obtained their doctorates." In modern anglophone academic parlance, once you get your doctorate in X you are no longer any kind of student of X. Also, "doctorand" and "PhD student" are synonymous. If someone wants to stigmatize PhD students, then they will regardless of what they are called . –  Pete L. Clark Commented Nov 9, 2017 at 0:11
• @JeffE Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not deducible from their individual words and doesn't have anything to do with job titles. Also, language does have logical structure, it is called grammar. I think what you are trying to get at is that expressions evolve based on repeated usage, regardless whether it is correct or not (e.g. main courses are called entrées in the US). –  Alex Commented Nov 9, 2017 at 0:58
• @PeteL.Clark This was based on a seminar that was available to all PhD students in Switzerland to help them plan their careers. They specifically advised us to avoid the term "student" for these reasons. Take from it what you want. I didn't make it up. It is possible that postdoc has a different connotation in certain countries such as the US. I only have experience with the Swiss and French systems where a postdoc is just a category of professional researcher who has already obtained their PhD and is not a part of the permanent staff (like a senior scientist). Maybe you could explain what you –  Alex Commented Nov 9, 2017 at 1:06

PhD students and PhD researchers are not the same thing.

A "PhD researcher" is a researcher who has a PhD, while a PhD student is working on a project in order to obtain a PhD (i.e. does not have the degree yet).

I agree with you, that the term "PhD student" in English is rather unfortunate - in reality, it is much closer to an apprenticeship, as you are training to perform research. And you do this by performing research under guidance.

Other languages have separate words for people doing a PhD, e.g. "Doktorand" in German, which give less of an impression of "studentship". In English, this is (AFAIK) not possible, and the closest I can think of is "PhD candidate".

If you just would like to avoid the term "student" on a CV because you believe that it could be misinterpreted by people outside academia, I would instead refer to something along the lines of e.g.

"PhD project (in SUBJECT)" "PhD research project"

This still covers what you have done, but avoids giving the job title you feel is ambiguous.

Making up new "job titles", especially if they can be misinterpreted, is not a good idea, as unilateral "bug fixing" of a language does not work: communication requires both parties to buy into the premise. In the best case, you will create confusion, in the worst case you will be guilty of fraud.

• The closest translation of "Doktorand" seems to be "doctoral student". The latter is also a preferable term to "PhD student" because the German doctoral degree is not actually called "PhD". –  lighthouse keeper Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 8:40
• 1 @lighthousekeeper: for all intents and purposes the translation of German (science) doctorates is "PhD", so making a distinction between "doctoral students" and "PhD students" is mainly academic (pun intended :) ). Neither of the terms helps the OP. –  Gerhard Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 8:46
• About unilateral "bug fixing", I completely agree, that is why I am asking and I consider this very important. What would be the name for a person that has finished a master and is doing research (just like a PhD student would be) but is not pursuing a PhD? Predoctoral researcher? Could PhD Students be semantically equivalent to predoctoral researchers? –  Trylks Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 21:09
• 3 What would be the name for a person that has finished a master and is doing research — "Researcher". –  JeffE Commented Nov 8, 2017 at 23:35
• @Gerhard: The German term that helps your argument is Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter : "knowledge employee." –  aeismail Commented Nov 9, 2017 at 0:03

Perhaps the difference is in what Masters and PhD entail in different countries. I've spoken to several people in the US who have very different course content in comparison to what we have here in the UK. In the UK, Masters level research is of higher quality and rigor than a Masters in the US (the same can be said about Bachelors in the US and the UK). By the time we finish our Masters here in the UK, we are quite familiar with how to do research. We are no longer students of research. From this perspective, I believe those who are doing PhD are researchers, not merely students. Someone who is already granted a PhD is a post-doctoral researcher, not a doctoral researcher.

• 1 I don't think this applies anywhere near as universally as you claim here: if what you say is true, I think this is going to depend heavily on the institution and the discipline. (And by Masters in US are you thinking MSc, MPhil, .. ? ) –  Yemon Choi Commented Nov 24, 2018 at 4:16
• This definitely isn't generally true –  Flyto Commented Oct 2, 2019 at 16:53

Six years late, but I would say they are the same.

An undergraduate researcher implies an undergraduate student who does research.

Similarly, a Ph.D. researcher implies a Ph.D. student who does research.

In my opinion, Researcher , in general, without the degree as prefix, is someone who does research as a job.

• 1 "a Ph.D. researcher implies a Ph.D. student who does research" - does it, though? Could be someone with a PhD doing research. A PhD student is not a PhD, so why use PhD as an adjective? Perhaps (PhD Student) Researcher is implied, but perhaps not. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented Jun 21, 2022 at 22:56
• As a Ph.D. student, you may do extensive research and prove it in a number of ways, like soloing papers and having an h-index in the double digits. Still, when you hand your CV to some people in the industry they will look down on you and think that "you have no real experience". What I have learned in these 6 years is that those people are idiots, and you are better off ignoring them and working with someone else, if you can. By discarding your CV, they are making you a favor. –  Trylks Commented Jun 24, 2022 at 9:12

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PhD Student Meaning – What does it mean to be a PhD Candidate?

Obtaining a PhD degree is considered the highest level of academic achievement one can reach.

However, the journey to becoming a PhD candidate is not only about the intellectual pursuit; it can also involve a deeply personal and transformative experience that shapes an individual’s character, resilience, and passion.

The process of earning a Doctor of Philosophy often requires a significant amount of time, commitment, and sacrifice, as well as the ability to navigate the complex landscape of academia.

In this article, we delve into the essence of being a PhD candidate, shedding light on the unique challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that accompanies this rigorous journey, and offering a glimpse into the myriad ways it shapes the lives of those who undertake it.

What does it mean to be a PhD student? What to expect when you become a PhD candidate

A PhD student is someone who is pursuing a doctoral degree and conducting research in their field of study.

In addition to conducting research, PhD students may be involved in teaching and assisting in their department.

On a daily basis, PhD students may spend time:

• analyzing data,
• conducting experiments and original research, 
• writing research papers and doing coursework (US degrees)
• attending seminars, conferences, and meetings

To become a PhD student, one needs to have completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and have demonstrated strong study skills.

I want to share some unique insights into what it means to be a PhD student from my doctorate. 

I graduated with a PhD in Chemistry from an Australian university back in 2011, and although my experience was fantastic, there are five things I wish I had known before embarking on this journey.

• The relationship with your supervisor is crucial. A compatible and supportive supervisor can make your PhD experience enjoyable, whereas a mismatch can make it a struggle. So choose wisely.
• Academia is highly competitive. Not only will you face competition within your research group, but also externally, as the academic system rewards peer-reviewed papers, H-index, and even sometimes involves gaming the system to get ahead.
• The importance of peer-reviewed papers cannot be overstated. They ultimately determine the success of your academic career. The pressure to publish has significantly increased over the years, making it essential to be aware of this reality.
• Grant funding is another critical aspect of academia. Your career success, as well as job security, will heavily rely on your ability to secure external funding for research. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to obtain and may not always correlate with your skill level or qualifications.
• Finally, the uncertainty of outcomes in a PhD can be anxiety-inducing. Unlike undergraduate studies, a PhD requires continuous persistence and working towards goals with constantly shifting goalposts. Developing strong project management skills and self-motivation is crucial.

Being a PhD student can be both challenging and rewarding. Before starting your PhD, take the time to understand the supervisor and the academic culture you’re entering.

And remember, persistence and self-motivation will be your best allies on this exciting journey.

What does PhD stand for exactly? What is the origin of PhDs?

The etymology of “PhD” traces back to the Latin term “Philosophiæ Doctor.”

Breaking down the term:

• Philosophiæ: This word comes from “philosophia,” which itself is derived from the Greek words “philos” (meaning love) and “sophia” (meaning wisdom). Together, they translate to “love of wisdom.” In its early usage, “philosophia” referred to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom across various disciplines, not just philosophy as it is known today.
• Doctor: The word “doctor” is derived from the Latin verb “docēre,” which means “to teach.” In this context, “doctor” signifies someone with the highest level of expertise in a particular field, qualified to teach others.

So, “Philosophiæ Doctor” or “PhD” signifies a person who has achieved the highest level of expertise in their field, embodying the love of wisdom and knowledge and being qualified to teach others.

Though the term’s origins are rooted in philosophy, it has since expanded to encompass various academic disciplines.

Who makes the best PhD Student for Doctoral Studies?

A PhD student is an individual enrolled in a doctoral degree program, working towards obtaining the highest academic degree in their field of study. They have typically completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and are now engaged in research, writing dissertations, and possibly taking on teaching responsibilities.

Personality types that may thrive in academia include:

It is important to note that while certain personality types may be more inclined to thrive in academia, anyone with the right motivation, dedication, and passion for their field can succeed as a PhD student.

The journey towards obtaining a doctoral degree requires persistence and commitment, but it can be a rewarding path for those who are truly driven to contribute to their field of study.

Wrapping up – What PhD admission means for you.

Being a PhD candidate involves a transformative journey that not only expands one’s knowledge but also shapes their character, resilience, and passion. Pursuing a doctoral degree demands significant time, commitment, and sacrifice.

A PhD student is engaged in research, writing dissertations, and possibly teaching. Success in a PhD program requires analytical thinking, curiosity, perseverance, organization, self-motivation, and effective communication.

However, anyone with the right motivation, dedication, and passion for their field can succeed in obtaining a PhD.

Before embarking on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the supervisor and academic culture, as well as the importance of peer-reviewed papers, grant funding, and project management.

The pursuit of a PhD can be challenging yet rewarding, as it paves the way for making original contributions to one’s field of study.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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PhD candidate

• Thread starter borgia_girl
• Start date May 25, 2008

borgia_girl

Senior member.

• May 25, 2008

estoy traduciendo un texto sobre psicología, sobre desórdenes alimenticios y autoestima en la infancia. en la siguiente oración no entiendo el significado de "candidate" "Brown and lead researcher John Brown, a Ph D, candidate at Penn (=Pennsylvania) State, suggest parents ..." es candidato a qué? supongo q no es candidato al doctorado ya que lo nombra Ph D, pero no dice nada más... puede ser "candidate" un titulo de honor o algo similar!? agradezco ayuda...  

hola! no debe haber una coma entre PhD y candidate sino debe ser "PhD candidate". Mi sujerencia seria candidato doctoral, pero no se si se dice eso. Espero que te ayude.  

dasboot said: hola! no debe haber una coma entre PhD y candidate sino debe ser "PhD candidate". Mi sujerencia seria candidato doctoral pero no se si se dice eso. Espero que te ayude. Click to expand...

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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 19 Aug. 2024.

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