what does phd stand for latin

What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

The meaning of a PhD

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
Conducting original research and collecting your results .
Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

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Why PhD, and not DPh

Phd is an abbreviation of Doctor of Philosophy , but unlike MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration) , BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science) and others the order of the letters is reversed.

abbreviations

D.Phil. DPhil. are also used. Not as broadly as PhD, though. – user140086 Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:06
Why is this getting downvoted? Can someone provide OP with some helpful feedback to improve their question? – Marsh Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:10
2 @MartinCarney Why? Because driveby downvoting, that's why. A plague on this site. – deadrat Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:13
2 @deadrat Well then, I'll driveby upvote it. – Marsh Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:26

Ph.D. is an abbreviation of the Latin, not the English.

Wikipedia says:

A Doctor of Philosophy degree (often abbreviated Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil) or a Doctorate of Philosophy, from the Latin Doctor Philosophiae ...

Latin does not have a set word order in cases like this , so Philosophiae Doctor is perfectly legitimate as well, and that's what the abbreviation is based on.

Even though Latin 'does not have a set word order', some orderings are much more preferred than others. In this instance, it is 'noun modifier' or doctor philosiphiae, so now we'd like to find out why the particular order of ph. d. came about rather than d. ph. (as in DPhil) – Mitch Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:50
I'll hazard a guess - and it is a guess - that anybody who was anybody was a doctor, and the important thing was the field: was the person a philosophiae doctor (PhD), a medicinae doctor (MD), a legum doctor (LLD)? – Colin Fine Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 18:59
6 Doctor is Latin for 'teacher'. A doctoral degree means the recipient is certified as being knowledgeable enough in the subject to teach it at a college level. The degree system comes from European universities (mostly originating in the 12th century in cathedral chapters at Paris, Oxford, Bologna, and other centers). All instruction was in Latin; all writing was in Latin; all discussion was in Latin. Latin was not a native language for anyone at the time. You can make up your own story about why one order got preferred for the abbreviation; it's got as much chance of being correct as any. – John Lawler Commented Oct 5, 2015 at 19:12
Note that PhD and DPhil are different degrees in some countries, with the latter usually being higher than a PhD. – Janus Bahs Jacquet Commented Jan 9, 2017 at 16:32

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ELIPHD: What does PHD stand for?

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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Why might "Philosophiae Doctor" (the source of "Ph.D.") have been preferred over "Doctor Philosophiae"?

The English abbreviation Ph.D. comes from the Latin for Doctor of Philosophy , which I understand would be either Philosophiae Doctor or Doctor Philosophiae .

I know word order is flexible in Latin, but I thought that the general rule was "noun + modifier." If so, Doctor Philosophiae would be the preferred form. And yet the widespread usage of Ph.D. suggests that the opposite order, Philosophiae Doctor , prevailed. Is there a grammatical reason that the latter option became the source of the Ph.D. abbreviation?

Related question on ELU.SE: Why PhD, and not DPh

abbreviations
academic-latin

I was always under the impression that it was Philosophical Doctor, not Doctor of Philosophy (which, though it makes little sense in English, might be fine in Latin) – anon Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 0:11
1 In the German-speaking countries, the usual form is Dr. phil. (and Dr. med. , Dr. iur. etc.). – chirlu Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 1:16
3 Isn't this question about English rather than Latin? As far as I know, Ph.D. is an English phrase, not a Latin phrase. It's based on Latin words, but these words were assembled to fit English speakers, not by Latin speakers. – Gilles 'SO- stop being evil' Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 1:29
1 @Gilles I see it as a Latin word order question that later has an impact on English. Why does "Philosophiae Doctor" exist in the first place? There's nothing "more English" about Ph.D. than D.Ph. or D.P., so where did it come from? – Nathaniel is protesting Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 2:01
1 @Nathaniel I'll keep looking for the exact dates these came into being. Also, note that in Oxford and other places, M.Phil. and D.Phil. are standard, not unlike the German abbreviation. – cmw ♦ Commented Feb 29, 2016 at 21:18

2 Answers 2

There is no significance to the word order, and both are perfectly acceptable in Latin. In fact, it is only in English translation that there is a difference felt. The genitive in Latin is perfectly at home come before or after the noun. For example, Lucretius wrote De Rerum Natura while Cicero wrote De Natura Deorum . The choice is stylistic.

And Ph.D. isn't so standard after all. While it's the most popular abbreviation in the American system, in the UK you can get a D.Phil. in Oxford , and in Germany the abbreviation begins with Dr.

So there's no grammatical reason for adopting one or the other.

"Philosophiae" is not a modifier, but a noun in the genitive case, so the assumption behind the question is faulty.

7 It is indeed a genitive noun, but it's also acting as a modifier (modifying doctor ). – Draconis ♦ Commented Jul 9, 2021 at 23:19

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What is a phd.

A PhD is the highest postgraduate qualification level that can be awarded in academic study. This is usually completed over three to four years of full-time study, and involves research into an original contribution in your chosen field.

PhD is an acronym that stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The name for PhD comes from the Latin term “Philosophiae Doctor”, which roughly translates to “Lover of wisdom”.

Whether you’re finishing up from an undergraduate degree, on a masters course or even just looking to get back into education, you’ll have seen people talking about getting a PhD .

Most people know vaguely what a PhD is – it’s a university course that means you can call yourself ‘Doctor’ without having to do medicine, right? Whilst that is surprisingly close to the truth, we’re here to answer the oft-asked question of ‘what is a PhD?’.

This guide covers everything you need to know about a PhD.

What does a PhD involve?

A PhD will typically take three years to complete. If taken part time, then it will be separated into three different stages:

Year 1: This will involve you speaking with your advisor about your research ideas, finishing your research proposal and beginning to put deadlines in place for your research. You’ll also complete your literature review in this stage. During this, you’ll review the existing research done on the topic that you’re planning to research to help you determine the gaps in the research that you can target

Year 2: During this stage, you’ll begin to conduct your research to gather data. You’ll document this whole process for your thesis and begin to attend conferences where you will have the opportunity to present your current research to other professionals and researchers in the field. You can take this further and take steps to educate the public on the benefits of your research.

Year 3: The final stage of a PhD involves using the data you’ve collected and the documentation of your research to write your thesis. You may still be conducting research at this point, and that’s OK. Once you’ve finished your thesis, you’ll justify your research and decisions in a viva .

How long is a PhD?

A typical PhD will take three to four years to complete when studying full time. Studying part time can take up to six years. The good news is that the thesis can be extended by up to four years. This means that if you haven’t gotten anywhere near finishing your research by the end of the second year, you can apply to extend your thesis and continue your research for up to four more years. Many PhD students will complete their thesis in the 4th year.

How is a PhD different from other degrees?

To start with, describing a PhD as a university course can be a bit misleading. Whilst it is a course offered by a university, it’s incredibly different to most courses. Unlike the undergraduate level, you won’t be covering your subject broadly you’ll be focused on one very particular area. Whilst a masters degree, especially a research one, may be focused, it won’t be nearly as focused as a PhD.

That said – don’t expect this focused level of research to necessarily be groundbreaking! Though part of doing a PhD is the intent to produce original research, it’s also primarily there to train your research skills and to prove yourself as a capable researcher.

A PhD is research focused

One of the main differences between PhDs and other types of postgraduate degree is that PhDs are heavily research based. PhDs involve a lot of independent research time, where you'll study your topic in detail using academic resources – such as the university's online library and online materials. This format is different to taught postgraduate degrees, which involve a lot more taught aspects such as lectures and seminars.

Do you need a masters to study a PhD?

In order to study a PhD, you’ll need to have a masters degree and a bachelors degree with a 2:1 or higher. Though self-funded students and students with professional experience in the field may be admitted with lower grades

Some students may begin with a MPhil (Masters of philosophy) or a Mres ( Master of research) and upgrade to a PhD by the end of their studies.

Where can I study a PhD?

Most universities offer PhD programs across a variety of disciplines. It is possible to study a PhD at almost any university and in almost any subject. Since a PhD is an independent research-based program, there is a lot of flexibility in regard to what you’ll study.

PhD students often choose their own study topics and carry out independent research into that topic. This makes it possible to study your intended PhD at almost any university.

Although, it is important to check which specific subject areas the university specialises in. For instance, if a university specialises in linguistics, then it would be a good idea to complete a linguistics PhD at that university as opposed to one that specialises in another subject.

It can be difficult to find the perfect course at the right university. That’s why we’ve put together advice on how to find a PhD .

It’s important to remember that a PhD is different from a typical university course. Rather than going to lectures, you’ll be conducting independent research, and so the application process will be quite different. Learn how to apply for a PhD with our expert guide.

A PhD means attending ‘optional’ lectures and conferences

PhDs do involve some aspects of taught study, including lectures and conferences, although these are often optional and take place less often than on lower level courses.

Now of course, the university doesn’t just accept you, your project and tell you to have fun. You’ll work with a supervisor, and there will be conferences, lectures, and other such things that you can attend. Unlike lower level courses, however, although you won’t necessarily be examined on these things that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! Conferences are a great way to meet people, get your name out and network . For any career, but especially one in academia, networking is well worth it.

A PhD is a high standard qualification

But what does having a PhD show, other than the fact you spent three to four years working on research and can now call yourself Dr [Your surname here]?

A PhD is a globally recognised, high standard qualification. This means that if you choose to move elsewhere in the world, your PhD will be recognised as a credible postgraduate qualification.

In addition, a PhD can open up a whole world of new job opportunities! This includes academic roles , such as postdoctoral research posts, or even possibly fellowships.

Regardless of which career path you choose to take, a PhD is regarded as the highest level postgraduate qualification – reflecting your impressive work ethic, knowledge, and workplace skills.

How to get a PhD

Getting a PhD is not easy by any means. But, if it’s something you truly want to do, it’s well worth it. So let’s take a look at just how to get a PhD!

Choose your research area

Before getting started with your PhD, you want to make sure you know what area you’d like to do it in. Don’t just pick something on a whim – this is something you’re going to be studying for the next four years of your life, and something that, once you finished your PhD, you’ll have your name attached to. So, for arts and humanities students, find an area of your subject that fascinates you enough that you’ll want to spend the next few years writing about it. For scientists, find an area you’d be happy to be working on in a team, and wouldn’t mind moving into as a career!

Find a good supervisor

Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to start looking for a supervisor . Depending on what you’re currently doing, asking tutors for contacts or recommendations can be well worthwhile, but if you can’t do this, check out what research your potential supervisor has done.

In addition, try and arrange an in-person meeting – or at least, a phone conversation. Email can make communication difficult and given this is the person you’ll be working under for the foreseeable future, you want to ensure you get on.

Then, assuming you’re accepted and have appropriate funding, you’ll be considered a probationary PhD student . At the end of your first year, you’ll be expected to prove you’re capable of the full course, so you’ll be tested in the form of writing a report. Once you pass this, you’re good to go!

Your next few years will be spent attending conferences, working on the research and your thesis. Your thesis will talk about what you’ve spent your time doing, how you dealt with any difficulties that arose, and generally show what your contribution to your subject is! Once that’s out the way, you get the fun job of having a viva – that is, talking about your thesis to a bunch of academics.

Pass the viva? Then you’ve succeeded.

So that’s how to get a PhD!

UK Research Councils

There are a selection of UK Research Councils, each of whom are part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) organisation. Collectively, these UK research councils provide an average of £380 million in PhD studentship funding every year – acting as the largest PhD funding body in the UK.

Here’s an overview of UK research councils:

Science and Technology Facilities Council
Arts and Humanities Research Council
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Economic and Social Research Council
Medical Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council

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PHD Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It?

You’ve likely seen the abbreviation PHD — but what is the meaning of PHD? We’ll tell you. Read on as we explore this common acronym.

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There are several ways to abbreviate words in the English language — hence why there are so many acronyms and abbreviations found in the dictionary today.

While some terms are pretty self-explanatory, like “Feb,” which stands for “February,” there are some acronyms that could use a bit of explaining — such as Ph.D.

Although Ph.D is an abbreviation with more than one meaning, it commonly refers to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D): spelled with a capitalized “P,” lowercase “h,” and uppercase “D.”

Interested in learning more? We can help. Read on as we explore the abbreviation Ph.D to uncover its meaning, origin, and more. Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

What Does PhD Mean?

Ph.D — aka Doctor of Philosophy — is defined by Dictionary.com as the highest degree awarded by a school in a field of academic study. A doctorate is typically awarded to an individual who has completed three or more years of graduate study and a dissertation approved by a committee of professors.

Common abbreviations used for the doctor of philosophy include:

Ph.D.

After completing the Ph.D degree or dissertation, a graduate can use Dr. or Ph.D. For example:

Dr. Suzie Johnson or
Suzie Johnson (Ph.D) or
Dr. Suzie Johnson (Ph.D)

What Is the Origin of Ph.D?

Abbreviated from the Latin term philosophiae doctor meaning “doctor of philosophy,” the Ph.D is the highest degree in most fields, with the notable exceptions of medicine and law that have their own doctorates. The degree originated in 19th century Germany when the word “philosophy” had the much broader meaning of “love of wisdom.”

Though universities have existed in Europe long before the 19th century, the degrees that medieval universities awarded to students had more in common with the MD than with the Ph.D, as they required mastery of already existing knowledge.

In 1861, Yale University became the first institution of higher education in the United States to award the degree, conferring it on three recipients; Arthur W, Wright, James M. Whiton, and Eugene Schuyler. A few decades later, Canada accepted Ph.D as their highest level of honor, and in 1917, the doctoral of philosophy was introduced in all disciplines of the subjects.

How Can I Use Ph.D in a Sentence?

Now that you understand what Ph.D means, let’s take a look at some examples of this acronym in a sentence:

“After telling him I earned an academic degree, he bragged for the rest of the night about having a Ph.D .”

“I can’t decide what academic field to get my Ph.D in.”

“Tom can’t work full-time because he is a Ph.D student and has to work on his thesis.”

“My mom is thinking about going back to school to complete a Ph.D program in psychology.”

“I am in the second year of my Ph.D program.”

“Whether you like physics, chemistry, or psychology, you can find a Ph.D program on campus,”

“Look, I understand that you’re my supervisor, but I am looking to get my Ph.D degree and ultimately become a doctor of medicine; in other words, I have to study and can’t pick up more than one shift per week.”

“Have you taken the exams yet to get your Ph.D ?”

“Did you know that some Ph.D programs accept a portfolio of published papers?”

“To get a Ph.D , it’s important to study hard and get good grades.”

“Gosh, I didn’t realize how many seminars and workshops I’d have to attend to get a Ph.D !”

“A Ph.D comes with a pretty hefty fee, so be sure to apply for scholarships.”

What Is a Doctorate?

Simply put, a doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. To qualify for one, you need to produce work at a high level that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your academic field. Doing so earns you the title “Doctor.”

Many people believe a doctorate and a Ph.D are the same. However, this is not the case, as a Ph.D is a type of doctorate, such as a Doctor of Philosophy. Other doctoral degrees or types of doctorate include:

Doctor of Education
Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Literature
Doctor of Divinity
Doctor of Civil Law
Doctor of Science

According to the American Psychological Association, the Ph.D is intended for students interested in gaining new knowledge through scientific research, or teaching experience.

Does PHD Stand For Anything Else?

Although the abbreviation PHD is most commonly associated with the Doctorate of Philosophy, it does have a few other meanings:

Pizza Hut Delivery
Press Here, Dummy
Permanent Head Damage
Pretty Heavy Drinker
Please Hire Desperate
Preparing His Disciples
Player Hating Degree
Power Hungry Dog
Premium Hot Dog
Pretty Heavy Dude
Poor, Hungry, and Determined

A Final Word

So, what does PHD mean, you ask?

Simply put, PHD is an abbreviation that stands for many words; however, it’s most commonly used to abbreviate “Doctor of Philosophy.”

We hope this guide has provided you with all of the information you need to understand the meaning of PHD fully. To discover more interesting words and strengthen your overall vocabulary, be sure to check out our website , where you’ll find definitions, grammar tips, and more!

A Brief History of the PhD | NeuWrite West
Ph.d. Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
The First American Doctor of Philosophy Degree: A Centennial Salute to Yale, 1861-1961 | The Journal of Higher Education

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

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What does phd stand for.

Reading time: 18 mins read

The doctorate or PhD degree is the highest academic degree available. For a thesis that makes an original contribution to your subject area, the title usually requires three to four years of full-time work.

This article defines a doctorate, what it entails and what you need to know before applying for a doctoral project or enrolling in a doctoral program.

PhD Meaning

A PhD is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and higher education institutions to a candidate who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field.

Doctors of Philosophy have the ability to become legends. Is it true that only geniuses can help them? Do you want to learn something amazing? Does your academic position depend on your degree?

Even the full title of “Doctor of Philosophy” is a little confusing.

Are you planning on becoming a doctor when you grow up? This isn’t a medical situation, though. Is learning philosophy a requirement? But (not unless you want to).

Before we go any further, let’s define “PhD” and what it entails.

What is a PhD?

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is a degree given to those who have completed advanced studies in philosophy.

PhD is one of the highest-ranking degrees available. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph) ilosophiae (D) octor. Traditionally, the term “philosophy” has been used to refer to the ancient Greek definition of the word, which approximately translates to “lover of wisdom.”

What is a doctorate and how does it differ from a master’s degree?

Every degree leading to a doctorate is referred to as a doctoral degree. To be considered for this, you must have completed advanced research which is instrumental in adding expertise in your field. As a result, you get the title “Doctor”, hence the name.

So how does a PhD differ from a PhD?

No, a doctorate is called a doctorate.

Doctorates are the most common type of doctorate and are awarded in almost all subjects at universities worldwide. Other doctorates are more specialized or geared more towards practical and professional purposes. In principle, all doctorates are doctorates, but not all doctorates are doctorates.

Is Master's Degree Required for a PhD?

Certainly not. Students in the Arts and Humanities frequently earn an MA (Master of Arts) before beginning a PhD to gain research skills and techniques. Students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) don’t always require an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to pursue a PhD because they’ll get lab experience and other abilities throughout their undergraduate studies.

Whether or not a Master’s degree is required for a PhD varies by country. As a substitute for their own ‘honours year,’ Australian PhDs may be required to complete a Master’s degree (where students work on research). A Master’s degree is frequently included in PhD programmes in the United States.

The PhD's Beginnings

The PhD is not an Ancient Greek degree, despite its name. It’s a lot more recent development instead. Along with the contemporary research university, the PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany.

Higher education had typically focused on mastery of an existing body of scholarship, with a Masters degree being the highest academic rank attainable.

The PhD degree was introduced to recognise people who demonstrated the necessary abilities and expertise as the focus shifted more toward the production of new knowledge and ideas.

The (PhD) Doctoral Procedure: What is Required for a Doctorate?

The doctorate usually lasts three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most master’s programs (or all undergraduate programs), a PhD a mere research degree, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be locked up in a library or laboratory for years. and varied assessment with many different components.

While the second or third year of a particular degree is very similar to the first (with more modules and courses at a higher level), a doctorate goes through several phases.

A typical PhD entails the following:

 Conducting a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).

 Performing original research and compiling your findings.

 Creating a thesis that summarises your findings.

 Putting your thesis together and turning it in as a dissertation.

 In an oral viva voce exam, you must defend your thesis.

These stages differ slightly between disciplines and universities, but they generally follow the same pattern during the course of a standard three-year full-time PhD.

A PhD Student's Ist Year

The first year of a PhD is all about establishing yourself as a researcher and gaining a firm foundation in current literature on your field.

You’ll meet with your supervisor for the first time to discuss your research proposal and a plan of action.

Performing your literature review is probably certainly the initial stage in this process. You’ll start by surveying and analysing current scholarship with the help of your supervisor. This will aid in situating your study and ensuring the originality of your work.

Your literature review will serve as a reasonable starting point for the start of your own study and data collection. This could entail devising and carrying out tests, or digging through a stack of primary sources.

It’s possible that the year will end with an MPhil upgrade. When PhD students are first registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates after making sufficient progress, this happens.

In an upgrade exam, you’ll submit information from your literature review or a draught of your research findings, which you’ll discuss with members of your department. If all goes well, you’ll continue your research as a PhD student.

A PhD Student's IInd Year

The majority of your core research will likely take place in your second year. Depending on your field, the procedure will vary, but the major focus will be on acquiring data from experiments, archival research, surveys, and other sources.

The thesis (or argument) you base your study on will evolve as well. You may even start drafting chapters or other parts of your dissertation now.

Your supervisor and you will continue to meet on a regular basis. They’ll keep an eye on your progress, give you input on your ideas, and most likely read any draughts you submit.

The second year is also a critical period in your academic growth. You’ll be well-versed in current research and have started collecting data or developing your own ideas.

However, you will not yet be faced with the difficult and time-consuming work of completing your dissertation. As a result, this stage of your PhD is an excellent opportunity to consider giving talks at academic conferences, obtaining teaching experience, or even selecting material for publishing in a peer-reviewed journal.

A PhD Student's IIIrd Year

The writing up period of a PhD is commonly referred to as the third year. This is traditionally the last stage of your PhD, when you’ll be tasked with compiling your findings and refining your thesis into a dissertation.

In reality, it isn’t always that simple. It’s fairly uncommon for PhD students in their final year to be fine-tuning studies, collecting data, or tracking down a few extra sources. This is especially true if you devote a portion of your second year to professional development.

In fact, some students spend the whole fourth year or a portion of it doing their dissertation. The terms of your enrolment – and maybe your PhD financing – will determine whether you are able to do so.

However, you will eventually be required to write your thesis and submit your dissertation. This is a process in which your supervisor will be heavily involved. They’ll go over your final draught with you and let you know when they believe your PhD is ready to submit.

The only thing left is your final viva voce oral examination. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis, with at least one internal and external examiner in attendance. It’s usually the only way to evaluate a PhD candidate. You’ve completed the task once you’ve passed!

What is it like to be a doctorate?

The “stages” mentioned above might be thought of as a basic “roadmap” for a PhD, but the real “travel” you will take as a research student will include many additional intriguing spots, some optional destinations, and at least one very significant partner.

PhD and Research

As a doctorate student, you spend the majority of your time researching your PhD thesis, which is understandable. However, this term can refer to a surprising number of activities.

When you’re supervising experiments or researching literature, the stereotype of a student working in a laboratory or sitting in a library with a stack of books can be true. However, your PhD can take you much further.

It’s possible that you’ll find yourself visiting archives or facilities to study data or look at rare source materials. You could even be able to spend a length of time ‘in residence’ at a research centre or another institution outside of your university.

In addition, research is not a solo endeavour. You’ll meet with your supervisor on a regular basis, but you may also collaborate with other students on occasion.

This is especially true if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group working on a comparable issue. Collaboration among students working on various projects is also prevalent. You can join groups that plan events and presentations, or you can work on smaller, mutually beneficial projects on your own.

Many universities also organise in-house presentations and panel discussions, which are a fantastic way to meet and provide feedback to other PhD students in your field.

Cooperation with Your Supervisor

All doctoral projects are carried out under the direction of at least one academic supervisor, who will be your main contact person and supervisor for the entire duration of the doctorate.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general research area, but he will never have done research on your exact topic (if so, your project would not be original enough for a PhD).

It is better to see your manager as a mentor than a teacher. As a PhD student, you are now an independent and original scientist who pushes the boundaries of your subject beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it.

You are doing all of this for the first time, of course. It’s not your boss. They’ll understand what it takes to run a three-year advanced research project (or more).

They’ll know how to succeed, but they’ll also be aware of what could go wrong and how to recognise the warning signs before it happens. Most importantly, they will have the time and experience to listen to your ideas and provide comments and support as you work on your thesis.

The specifics of supervision differ between universities and projects:

 A supervisor is often the primary investigator on a larger research project in Science and Technology, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes numerous PhD students and other researchers.

 A supervisor’s research in Arts and Humanities topics is more distinct from that of their pupils. They may supervise multiple PhDs at the same time, but each project is treated as an independent entity.

Furthermore, PhD candidates are increasingly likely to have two (or more) supervisors. The former is in charge of your academic research, while the latter is in charge of supervising your doctoral thesis to ensure that you complete your education on time.

As part of your project’s strategy Regardless of how you are cared for, you will have regular meetings to discuss the job and assess your progress.

Your supervisor will offer you with feedback on your work throughout your doctorate and will play an important role as you near graduation: they will read your final draught, support you in choosing an external reviewer, and (hopefully) accompany you for a celebratory drink.

PhD: a Education, Networking, and Communication

The doctorate is traditionally understood as a training process that prepares students for a scientific career. As such, it often includes the opportunity to acquire additional skills and experience that are an important part of an academic curriculum.

After all, scientists don’t just do research; they also teach students, manage departments and supervise doctoral students. The modern doctorate is also considered a flexible degree.

Not all doctoral students end up in higher education. Many pursue alternative careers related to their area of expertise or based on the advanced research skills developed by their doctoral thesis. This is also reflected in the doctoral programs. Many today place great emphasis on transferable skills or include special training sessions designed to help students communicate and apply their research outside of class.

All of this means that relatively few doctoral degrees concentrate exclusively on researching and writing a dissertation.

What are the Options During PhD?

During your PhD, you will almost certainly do some (or all) of the following:

i. Teaching

PhD students often have the opportunity to train university students in their respective institutions.In most cases, this involves leading classroom exercises in small groups, demonstrating methods and experiments, and offering tutoring. Work is often paid and formal training and assessment are becoming more common.

ii. Conference Presentation

As a PhD student, you are at the forefront of your field, doing unique research and generating new knowledge. This indicates that your research is of interest to other scientists and that your results are worth presenting at scientific conferences.

This is worth doing regardless of your career plans. You will develop transferable speaking and presentation skills, receive feedback on your results, and be recognized as an expert in your field. Conferences are also good places to network. with other students. and academics.

iii. Publication

In addition to presenting your research, you have the opportunity to publish your work in scientific journals, books or other media.

This can be a challenging process. Your work will be judged to the same high standards as that of other scientists and will usually go through extensive peer-review processes.

But it’s also very rewarding. Seeing your work “in print” is an incredible endorsement of your dissertation and a definite boost to your academic resume.

iv. Public Relations and Communication

Scientific work may be associated with the myth of the “ivory tower,” an isolated community of experts focused on obscure topics of little interest outside of the university, but this is nowhere near the case.

The “impact” of research and its wider public benefits are increasingly emphasized, and funding decisions are made accordingly.

Fortunately, as a doctoral student there are many ways to test public participation. Universities often participate in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, from workshops at local schools to lectures and public presentations.

Some PhD programmes incorporate structured instruction to assist students with tasks like the ones listed above.

Your supervisor may also be able to assist you by pointing you in the direction of acceptable conferences and public engagement opportunities, as well as participating you in appropriate university events and public engagement efforts.

These experiences will be crucial to your growth as a researcher, and will increase the value of your PhD regardless of your future aspirations.

What is the Purpose of a PhD, and Who Should Pursue One?

So now you know what a PhD is, what it entails to complete one, and what you might accomplish while doing one. Only one more question remains: should you pursue a PhD?

We’re afraid we can’t help you with this.

A PhD is an extremely demanding and specialised task. After you’ve earned your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to put in at least three years of effort and attention (and probably a Masters degree too).

During those years, you’ll need to sustain yourself, and while you’ll be honing an outstanding set of abilities, you won’t be directly developing in a profession.

A PhD, on the other hand, is extremely satisfying. It’s your chance to add to the total of human knowledge by producing work that other scholars can (and will) expand on in the future. There is no such thing as a useless PhD, no matter how obscure your topic appears.

A PhD is something to be quite proud of as well. Only a small percentage of people continue on to conduct academic work at this level. Whatever you do with your PhD, you’ll have an excellent qualification – and a title to go along with it. In addition, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly appreciating the unique talents and experience that a PhD provides.

Should I do PhD?

Elsewhere in this section, you can find more advice about the value of a doctorate and good reasons to study one. Talk to your teachers / tutors.

After completing a PhD, the best thing to do is to ask who has obtained a PhD. Ask the staff at your current or former university about their experiences in doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what advice they could give.

If you are considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about it too. Are the job prospects in your area good? And what is it really like to work at a university?

Speak with PhD students who are currently enrolled in programmes

Do you want to know how it feels to be a PhD student right now? Or how it is to conduct research at a specific institution? Inquire with an expert. Current PhD students were in your shoes a year or two ago, and the majority of them will gladly answer your queries. If you can’t meet any students in person, head over to the Postgraduate Forum, where you’ll find lots of students willing to talk about postgraduate research.

Examine the projects and programmes that have been advertised

This may appear to be an odd recommendation. After all, you’ll only be studying one PhD, so why waste time learning about others? Examining the specifics of other PhD projects, on the other hand, is a terrific approach to obtain a general idea of what PhD research entails. You’ll learn what PhDs have in common and what kinds of opportunities you might have.

Take a Look at Funded PhD Programs

Finally, on the VacancyEdu.com website, you can look at some of the fully funded PhD programs as well as CV template , cover letters etc.

We’ve looked at some of the benefits (and drawbacks) of pursuing a PhD, as well as how a doctorate might help you advance in your job. You may learn more about general areas of doctorate studies, such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation, by reading our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey. We regularly publish new articles; the best way to keep up with them is to subscribe to our free PhD opportunity email.

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The Etymology of PhD and Its Essence

How many of you know what does PhD stand for? It is a word with a Latin origination “Philosophiae Doctor”. Some wonder why PhD in any stream is explained as Philosophy. The answer here is tricky and may not be known to many. The use of the word philosophy here is not connected to the branch of science but rather to the original Greek meaning which says “Love of Wisdom”. It is a degree that highlights that the scholar has contributed to existing knowledge with his hard work and wisdom.

The only way one can find out how to do a PhD is to do one!!

In light of the above statement and the etymology of PhD that has been explained, I wonder how relevant would all tips and advices be? But we still do not refrain from giving them. I suppose there isn’t any harm also, as long as we pick up ways to simplify a journey that otherwise would be herculean for many.

As much as we dream to celebrate the end of our PhD journey, I say the beginning needs to be celebrated as well. With plenty of novel experiences and opportunities coming way, it may be over whelming. A great percentage of people quit from their PhD half way because they cannot adapt to the requirements and challenges. Even if it isn’t rosy, I say do not quit. There are good reasons for not doing so.

The requirements and challenges of PhD are distinct for each country while keeping in mind the core essence of the degree. In countries like the US and Canada they call for a specific course work before starting pure research work. In the UK things are changing, there is focus on other activities such as contribution towards teaching and other activities. The conclusion or as we say the culmination of a PhD requires to submit the original contribution to research in the form of a thesis. It has to be of standard to be reviewed published in journals of repute. To maintain the worthiness of the degree it does not end here, in the end the candidate is expected to defend work in front of a panel of experts which is called as VIVA. The word VIVA has been taken from the Latin word “Viva Voice “meaning “Live voice”. Only once the panel is satisfied with the work and the defence given by the candidate do they finally allow to award the degree and the person may get the word Doctor Prefixed to his name.

At the end, it isn’t the end. In fact a PhD is a beginning of one’s professional journey that will require you to use not just the academic skills you have mastered through the course but also the patience, determination, tolerance and capacity to hard work to move along to lead you to your path to success.

Most would probably describe someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around their neck or someone in medical scrubs—someone you would seek out if you have a deep cut that needed stitches.

That word doctor , however, is a title assigned to many who don’t come close to that description, many of whom you wouldn’t want stitching up that cut. Take your English professor, for instance. No offense, Dr. Barrett.

It can all be a bit confusing, which is why it’s important to know who and why someone might be called a doctor , as well as what all those initials and abbreviations after their name mean. Here we break it all down.

What does Dr. mean?

Let’s start with doctor or D r . for short. While the first definition of the word is “ a person licensed to practice medicine,” that doesn’t mean you want to take medical advice from anyone who calls themselves a doctor . There are many looser definitions of the word that follow and, frankly, make things a bit confusing.

For example, the third definition is older slang for a “cook, as at a camp or on a ship,” while the seventh entry is “an eminent scholar and teacher.” Bugs Bunny didn’t help matters either by plying anyone and everyone with his famous greeting,“What’s up, doc?”

The term doctor can be traced back to the late 1200s, and it stems from a Latin word meaning “to teach.” It wasn’t used to describe a licensed medical practitioner until about 1400, and it wasn’t used as such with regularity until the late 1600s. It replaced the former word used for medical doctors— leech , which is now considered archaic.

WATCH: When Did The Word "Doctor" Become Medical?

Physician vs. doctor : are these synonyms.

While the term physician is a synonym for doctor , it’s typically used to refer to those who practice general medicine rather than those who perform surgery, aka surgeons .

A quack , on the other hand, is defined as “ a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill.”

What does M.D. mean?

Moving on to initials that carry more weight than a nod from Bugs, let’s look at M.D.s .

M.D. , which can be used with or without the periods ( M.D. or MD ) is the designation for a medical doctor. This is earned by attending medical school (typically a four-year program after completing at least one undergraduate degree, plus a residency program), and learning to diagnose patients’ symptoms and offer treatment.

The initials M and D stem from the Latin title Medicīnae Doctor. There are many different types of doctors, with different specialties, but if you have a physical ailment, visiting a doctor with the initials M.D. is a good place to start.

Specialty doctors may add even more initials to their title, such as DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition), DDS (doctor of dental surgery), or countless others they acquire with additional training. To make things even more confusing, some may add abbreviations from medical associations they belong to, such as FAAEM (Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine).

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What does Ph.D. mean?

As for Ph.D. , this stands for “doctor of philosophy.” It stems from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor.

You can get a Ph.D. in any number of subjects, from anthropology to mythological studies. It’s not an easy feat, however, as to earn one, you must do original research and write a dissertation .

Ph.D. vs. M.D .: are these synonyms?

There are two big differences between Ph.D. s and M.D .s. When it comes to medicine, M.D.s can prescribe medications, and Ph.D.s can’t. And yes, it’s possible to be both an M.D. and a Ph.D. In fact, some med schools offer programs in which you can achieve both simultaneously.

You can also get a professional doctorate degree in a number of fields. For example, you might receive a doctorate of education, an Ed.D .

So, in a nutshell, both M.D.s and Ph.Ds can be referred to as doctors . If you’re looking for someone to treat what ails you physically, then you want at least an M.D. following their name. If you want to dig deep into a subject and get advice from someone who has done their own research and who likely knows the latest and greatest developments in a particular area, then you’re probably looking for a Ph.D. And if someone has both, even better—depending on your needs, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

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Why this Degree is called Doctor of Philosophy – PhD.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree that is conferred after a course of study, by universities. PhDs or Doctorates are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic disciplines. PhD scholars are usually required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a thesis or dissertation. They defend their work in front of expert/s in the field.

It is interesting to note that a person who did his masters in Arts say MA in Sociology or English or masters in Science say MSc Botany or Physics or masters in Engineering say MTech in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or masters in Management MBA, while going for higher education, is awarded a degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD, on completion of stipulated requirements, notwithstanding the nomenclature or specialization of the academic discipline i.e. Arts, Science, Engineering or Management in which the previous highest degree was obtained.

This write up is an attempt to find out why the word “Doctor” and why the word “Philosophy” is used irrespective of the branch or discipline of knowledge in which the work is being carried out and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is being conferred.

Doctor is an academic title that originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning. The word is originally an agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre ‘to teach’. It has been used as an academic title in Europe since the 13th century, when the first doctorates were awarded at the University of Bologna and the University of Paris. Having become established in European universities, this usage spread around the world. “Dr” or “Dr.” is used as a prefix for a person who has obtained a doctorate i.e. PhD.

The Ph.D. can be awarded in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, engineering and humanities. The term “philosophy,” does not refer solely to the field or academic disciple of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is ‘love of wisdom.’

There are two ways in which it may be reasoned why the term Philosophy is used in PhD.

One, the earliest doctoral degrees were in theology – Divinitatis Doctor or DD, law – Legum Doctor or LLD, later DCL and medicine – Medicinæ Doctor or MD, or DM, reflecting the historical separation of all higher University study into these three fields. Studies outside theology, law and medicine were then called “philosophy”, due to the Renaissance conviction that real knowledge could be derived from empirical observation. Studies in what once was called philosophy are now classified as sciences and humanities. Hence, most disciplines, other than few like medicine and law, have their roots in Philosophy. Accordingly the name of degree awarded is Doctor of Philosophy.

Two, the purpose of Research in Higher Education is advancement in the body of knowledge by adding to the existing body of knowledge, or challenging the existing knowledge in the form of theories, principles and postulates etc. or reinterpreting the existing knowledge.

Philosophy is the foundation of critical thinking. It brings the important questions to the table and works towards an answer. Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation. These methods facilitate the work of research. Philosophy helps in analyzing concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It also helps in synthesizing a variety of views or perspectives into one unified whole. Philosophical thinking strongly emphasizes clear formulation of ideas and problems, selection of relevant data, and objective methods for assessing ideas and proposals. It also emphasizes development of a sense of the new directions suggested by new hypotheses and questions one encounters while doing research. As the father of the field of logic Aristotle was the first to develop a formalized system for reasoning. He observed that the validity of any argument can be determined by its structure rather than its content. Aristotle claimed that a human’s highest functioning must include reasoning.

This reasoning is based on my personal understanding.

To sum up, the word Doctor in Doctor of Philosophy refers to one who is licensed to or who can teach. And Philosophy being love of knowledge and wisdom provides methods and methodology to do effective research to broaden the base of knowledge.

Vinay Nangia

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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 27 Jun. 2024.

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What is a PhD?

As the highest degree level achievable, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your research field

PhDs at a glance

Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
Can either be funded or self-funded.
Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.

What does PhD stand for?

The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

What are the most popular PhD subjects?

clinical psychology
creative writing
computer science
engineering.

How long does a Doctorate degree take?

Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.

While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.

Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?

The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.

You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.

If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .

What does a PhD involve?

A standard PhD by thesis degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:

First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

How do I find a PhD?

As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.

A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .

What other types of Doctorate are there?

Alternative types of PhD include:

Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.

Read more about the different PhD pathways at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .

How much does a PhD cost?

Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,786 per year (from 2024/25) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.

For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2024/25, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .

Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.

Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .

PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.

Read more about funding postgraduate study .

How do I apply for a PhD?

Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:

an academic CV
your academic transcripts
two or three academic references
a personal statement
a research proposal.

International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) .

This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.

Can I study a PhD abroad?

As the aim of postdoctoral research is to stretch the boundaries of understanding within your chosen field, you may find that the best place to begin your research lies overseas.

According to the Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2021/22 , 113,000 postgraduate research students are based in the UK, with 46,350 of these identified as international PhD candidates.

While studying in the UK has proved a strong draw for foreign PhD students, a number of other countries have also proved themselves to be research-orientated nations.

The following 15 countries all feature within the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2024 :

Netherlands
New Zealand
Switzerland

If you're interested in studying a PhD abroad, explore our country profiles .

What can I do next?

Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.

Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

Other career options will depend on your study area. For instance, according to HESA's Graduate Outcomes 2020/21 data, a significant number of PhD graduates went on to work in teaching, natural and social science, therapy, and business, research and administrative careers.

Consider what else a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?

Find out more

Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
Discover 5 challenges faced by PhD students .
Explore professional qualifications .

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Our Research PhD Study and the Suffolk Doctoral College Applying for a PhD Is a PhD right for me?

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Is a phd right for me.

A PhD is a postgraduate doctoral degree, awarded to students who complete an original thesis offering a significant new contribution to knowledge in their subject. PhD qualifications are normally the highest level of academic degree a person can achieve.

Violleta Negrea — PhD Student

modal video

What does 'phd' stand for.

PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy' which is an abbreviation of the latin term, (Ph)ilosophiae (d)octor. The word 'philosophy' here refers to its original Greek meaning: philo (friend or lover of) sophia (wisdom).

The PhD Research Process — What's Involved?

Unlike most Masters Courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree and does not involve any taught classes. The PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components and moves through a series of stages. Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves: • Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field). • Conducting original research and collecting your results. • Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions. • Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation. • Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages can vary between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three to four years of a typical full-time PhD.

Introduction to PhD supervision

A student reading a book in front of a bookshelf

Professional Development, Networking and Communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research. The more modern PhD is viewed as a much more flexible qualification, not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

As such, the PhD will include opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV but also with an emphasis on transferrable skills, to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

Frequently Asked Questions about PhDs

I thought a phd was only for people who want to be an academic.

It’s true that a PhD is usually the required entry qualification for a career in academic teaching and research, but that doesn’t mean that a PhD is only useful for a career in academia – or that everyone with a PhD goes on to do an academic job. On the one hand, this is part of the reality of the job market in higher education: there are only a limited number of academic posts available and competition for them is high. On the other hand, the modern doctorate is becoming a much more versatile qualification, supported by new initiatives focussing on employability and transferrable skills. Today’s PhD graduates aren’t just experts in medieval lyric poetry, protein folding or economic theory: they also have three years’ experience of project management, public speaking, and professional networking.

My PhD should lead to a brilliant, world-changing, discovery

What makes a PhD a PhD? The answer is simple enough: your thesis will need to offer a ‘significant original contribution to knowledge’. That’s the classic criteria for a PhD thesis to pass examination, but what does it actually mean? Do you need to invent a new form of space travel? Discover that King Alfred the Great was actually a woman? Prove that everything anyone has ever written about Shakespeare’s plays is wrong? No. Research is rarely that dramatic – at PhD level or otherwise. Your thesis just has to be original (no one has arrived at the same results before) and academically significant (your data and conclusions should be useful to other scholars in your field). You can change the world later.

How challenging is a PhD?

Three to four years of full time research is a tough challenge. And a PhD is hard. Like any long term project, you’ll probably have moments when you get a bit fed up. That said, it’s just as normal to have incredible breakthroughs in the library or laboratory or to take pride in the many highly rewarding personal achievements and milestones that occur within a doctorate – from successful presentations and publications to other forms of recognition. And it’s normal to share and celebrate those with your supervisors, or with other students at your university or within wider scholarly networks. Those other people will be a big part of your PhD experience and, like you, they know how awesome and impressive it is to be making that significant original contribution to knowledge. There is no doubt that a PhD is hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely and it’s about as far removed from unrewarding as you could possibly imagine.

How much does it cost to do a PhD?

Postgraduate Tuition Fees for 2024/25 are detailed below.

	Home students	International students
	Both non-lab and lab based	Non-lab / Lab-based
Full-time	£4,786	£14,500 / £15,900
Part-time	£2,393	Not Applicable

Postgraduate fees typically increase each year, therefore if you are studying over more than one academic year, your tuition fee in subsequent years is likely to increase.

International Students: A CAS deposit of £3,000 is required for the UK VISA application and the University of Suffolk Admissions team will be in contact when they are ready to request this.

Permanent members of staff who have completed the probationary period at the University of Suffolk are entitled to undertake a PhD as Staff Development training, and as such, tuition fees are waived. Each year, staff members are required to complete the Staff Development form at the start of each year of study.

All members of the University of Suffolk Alumni Association are entitled to a loyalty reduction of up to 25% on PhD course fees. This scheme has been developed to support and encourage alumni students to progress to full or part-time postgraduate research programmes at the University. More information is available on the Alumni Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme page .

The Postgraduate Doctoral Loan is also a possible method of funding and can help with fees and living costs while you study a PhD.

Doctoral Loans

A doctoral loan is available to help with the tuition fees and/or living costs for your postgraduate doctoral study. You can apply for the full amount regardless of the actual tuition fee that you will be paying. The loan will be paid directly to you in three instalments in each year of study.

Information below is taken from the Doctoral Loan: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) website

£27,892 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2022 £27,265 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022 £26,445 if your course started between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021

If you apply after your first year You can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan in any year of your course. But if you apply after your first year, you might not get the maximum amount.

You can get up to:

£11,836 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2022 £11,570 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022 £11,222 if your course started between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021

Information on doctoral loans eligibility criteria .

Full information .

Please also take a look at our Funding and Scholarships section for further information.

Am I too old to start a PhD?

The majority of current PhD students at the University of Suffolk are classed as mature students, so you wouldn’t be alone! Our PhD cohort currently ranges from 25 to 74, age is but a number!

What international students should know before starting a PhD

Becoming a PhD student is no easy feat — even more so if you are an international student.

During this period, you are a researcher. Imagine being responsible for forming your hypotheses and defending them in front of your supervisor or peers.

This can be a drastic change of pace from studying for your bachelor’s or master’s degree — which is more passive and comes with less accountability.

What’s more, you might not have time for your friends, family or even yourself. Instead, you’ll meet with supervisors, craft your PhD research proposal and interview people. You can expect to write a lot — and to meet the deadlines that come with it.

It’s a huge commitment, so knowing what to expect can help you adapt to this change. Don’t worry, though, as we will guide you through all you should know before starting your PhD:

Starting your PhD with the right expectation and mentality can help you put your best foot forward. Source: David Ryder/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

What does PhD mean?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest possible academic degree you can obtain as a student once you submit a thesis or dissertation.

These are academic papers that you write based on extensive and original research done in a chosen field.

On average, it can take you up to eight years to complete your PhD. This will change according to the programme, the subjects you’ve picked and the university offering the programme.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD is short for (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor in Latin. The word “philosophy” comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia, literally translated as “love of wisdom.”

Are PhD students doctors?

You are entitled to use the title “Dr.” once you graduate with a PhD.

They are different from the doctors you see in the hospitals as PhD graduates as social and physical scientists who have conducted and evaluated published research.

Do PhD students get paid?

Yes. They receive a salary, which is also known as a stipend. A higher stipend can help you to cope with an increased cost of living.

Currently, the average cost of living is around 1,000 to 1,600 pounds per month, including rent. This range can change depending on your lifestyle and whether you are staying with a friend.

The increasing cost of living, however, have pushed stipends below the living wage, The Guardian reported.

This has resulted in some candidates struggling to pay rent and forcing them to work part-time jobs.

In June 2022, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced that the minimum stipend for UKRI-supported students is due to increase by 2.9% for the 2022-23 academic year.

4 things to consider before studying abroad as a PhD student

1. choosing your research topic.

We get it: you want to write something impactful that you can bring forward in your career. It’s normal to feel stuck when thinking about a research topic .

Lucky for you, there are many ways to be inspired. You can start by attending conferences.

Even if you don’t have a paper to present, these events can help you source research ideas and connect with experts in the field.

Linkedin is a great alternative, too. Some faculty members share bits of their research topics on the platform. Try typing “#researchtopic” in the search bar and you will be able to filter through the relevant post.

2. Applying for the right student visa

Give yourself ample time to apply for your student visa. We recommend that you read up on how to apply for an F-1 or Tier 4 student visa if you plan to do your PhD in the US and UK, respectively.

This handy step is crucial to help you avoid any visa delays that can jeopardise your study plans.

One student had his offer to pursue a PhD programme at a Canadian uni withdrawn after being forced to defer his admission for a third time.

At the time, he had been waiting for his Canadian student visa to come through for 18 months.

Generally, most international students would require a student visa to do their PhD. Do check if there is an agreement between countries that allow citizens to move freely between them.

For example, a PhD student from New Zealand will not need a student visa to study in Australia.

As a PhD student, you will teach or become a research assistant. Most unis will pay you for this work in the form of stipends. Source: Tolga Akmen/AFP

3. Look for scholarships and financial aids

Lucky for you, there are scholarships for PhD students. Countries like the UK value a strong research culture, so it’s no surprise that many UK unis offer good scholarship packages that cover your cost of living plus an annual stipend or maintenance grant.

Some scholarships even offer you an allowance.

Those studying for their PhD in the US can consider applying for financial aid .

4. Know how to protect your mental health as a PhD student

Mental health among PhD students is poor, according to a survey done on postgraduate students in the UK.

As a PhD student, it can often feel like your wellbeing is slipping away.

Whenever this happens, feel free to reach out to your supervisor.

Aditi Paul wasn’t afraid to do this while pursuing her PhD at Bowling Green State University.

“I took a course on statistics for social science. Since it was my first time studying the topic, I would visit my professor during office hours every week,” Paul shares.

“Here, I would ask for more clarification of my weekly assignments to ensure I was on the right track.”

You can also talk to a friend or walk into your uni’s wellbeing office if you feel overwhelmed.

Use an on-campus mental health service, such as counselling, if you need professional help.

Always remember that there is always someone you can talk to on or off campus.

You can also listen to mental health podcasts or download apps like Headspace to relax your mind.

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The Doctor of Philosophy in Greek and Latin

Requirements for the ph.d. degree in greek and latin.

This page presents the rules and requirements of the Ph.D. in Greek and Latin. The department does not offer an M.A. degree in Greek and Latin, except as a terminal degree (given to students leaving the program who have fulfilled the requirements of an M.A. degree). The following rules apply to students who begin the program with a B.A.; students who enter the program holding an M.A. may have some of the following requirements waived. The Graduate School Handbook should be consulted to ensure complete adherence to all current graduation policies and deadlines. The Ph.D. degree in Greek and Latin is awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in the Latin and Greek languages, literatures, and related subjects. The requirements of the program include courses, language examinations (ancient and modern), the candidacy examination, and the dissertation. Students’ progress is supervised by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) until the appointment of an advisor for each student. The department faculty, upon recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee, may propose terminating a student's enrollment if his or her progress is deemed unsatisfactory.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Credit hours: A minimum of 80 graduate credit hours beyond the B.A. degree is required to earn a Ph.D. degree. If an M.A. has already been earned by the student, then a minimum of 50 graduate credit hours beyond the M.A. is required. Moreover, the following specific requirements are discrete, that is, one cannot use, say, a seminar to satisfy a survey requirement (unless as specified below), or a seminar to fulfill an ancillary or history requirement. The required courses listed below do not total 80 credits, and students achieve the required minimum number of credits in a variety of ways (additional seminars, courses outside the classics department, independent studies, vel sim.)
Survey sequences in Latin and in Greek (6891 and 6892 for either language, for a total of 20 credits) : the student may opt out of one sequence if he or she has passed the language exam of that sequence at the Ph.D. level. In that case, the student will be required to take one graduate seminar in that same language (Greek or Latin) for each semester of the survey sequence.
Seminars (18 credits total) : three 7000-level graduate courses in Greek and three 7000-level graduate courses in Latin. A 7000-level course under the Classics heading may count for either a Greek or a Latin seminar based on the nature of the course and the focus of a student’s work. It is expected that from these or other similar courses each student will be able to submit three research papers to the Candidacy Examination Committee that may be discussed during the oral portion of the candidacy examination (see “Research Papers” below).
History (3 credits) : One course offered by the Department of History, whether in Greek, Roman, or relevant medieval, Byzantine, or Near Eastern history.
Ancillary field (3 credits) : One course in an ancillary discipline, which may be on but not limited to Greek or Latin paleography, linguistics, epigraphy, topography, literary theory, art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, ancient religion, and Near Eastern languages and cultures. The DGS will determine which courses fulfill the Ancillary Requirement.

LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS

Once students pass the examination in a language at the Ph.D. level they do not have to take it again in that language. Students are expected to pass at the M.A. level normally by the end of their first year in the program and at the Ph.D. level at the end of their second year at most or at the start of the third year. For incoming students beginning the program, the examination results are used for diagnostic and advising purposes, though if they pass at any level those positive results are valid.
Modern language competence: Students must acquire reading proficiency in French and German before taking their candidacy examination. The advisor can require or advise a student to acquire reading proficiency in an additional language if deemed necessary for the field in which dissertation research is to be conducted. Unless students are native speakers of these languages, they will be required to pass one-hour translation examinations (with dictionary) set by the department. Students may prepare for these exams on their own or by taking OSU’s language courses (German 6101 and 6102, French 6571 and 6572). Students for whom English is not their native language may also use a modern dictionary in their native language, e.g., Russian-English.

THE CANDIDACY EXAM + DISSERTATION PROSPECTUS

Appointment and function of the advisor: The DGS initially serves as the advisor for all students in the program. As students begin to prepare for the candidacy examination, they select an advisor in consultation with the DGS. The advisor helps the student form a Candidacy Exam Committee, which he/she chairs, and, when the examination has been passed, facilitates the formation of a Dissertation Committee (of which the advisor may or may not become the Chair). The student can change advisors at any time.
Scope and function: The candidacy examination tests depth of knowledge in four specialized fields spanning different areas and disciplines (see below) that are pertinent to the student’s research interests (in preparation for dissertation work) and desired professional qualifications. It also tests the ability to interpret literature, to analyze problems, and to discuss interpretation and analysis in writing and orally. Students are expected to pass the candidacy examination no later than the end of their fourth year in the program. Students who do not pass the candidacy examination on the initial attempt must retake and pass it within one semester of the first attempt.
Timing: The normal pattern for the candidacy exam and prospectus defense is to hold both within a single semester: written candidacy exams should be sat early in the semester, the oral exam toward the middle of the semester (and no more than four weeks after the last written exam), thus leaving time for the prospectus defense to be held within six weeks of the candidacy exam and before the end of the semester. Prospectus defenses must be held in term-time, between 8am and 4pm.
The Candidacy Examination Committee is created by the student and his or her advisor and with the approval of the DGS. The Candidacy Examination Committee consists of four faculty members, including the student’s advisor, who will serve as the chair of the Committee. The composition of the Candidacy Examination Committee may be changed only by the advisor in consultation with the student and the DGS.
Research papers: Three papers that qualify as research papers shall be submitted to the Committee, whether they were written in seminars, other courses, or independent research. Each student should ask the professor for whom the paper was written (or the best qualified professor in our department, if written outside our courses) to evaluate whether it fulfills research criteria and confirm this via e-mail. The student will forward this confirmation to the DGS and the Academic Programs Coordinator to be entered into the student’s Record of Examinations. The papers may be discussed at the oral portion of the examination (see below).
Copies of the exams should be deposited with the Academic Programs Coordinator. The examination in each of the four fields will last for three hours, and these segments of the examination may be taken in combination or separately, in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School Handbook. All portions of the Written Examination must be completed to the satisfaction of the Committee before the candidate may proceed to the oral portion of the examination. The chair of the Committee will discuss with the student the Committee's evaluation and advise the student regarding his or her option to continue with the oral portion of the examination. If the student fails the examination at this point and if the Committee grants the student permission to take the examination a second time, the student must retake the failed sections of the Written Examination; an oral portion must be included in the second attempt. All completed examinations become a permanent part of the student's file.
The oral portion of the candidacy examination is administered and evaluated by the Candidacy Examination Committee. To schedule the oral exam, the student must submit an Application for Candidacy in GRADFORMS and have this approved by his or her program and advisor at least two weeks before the proposed date. Exams can begin no earlier than 7:30am and no later than 3:30pm. Exams are scheduled for two hours and can only be held at an authorized campus location, Monday through Friday, any day the university is open. Last day to complete the oral exam is the last weekday before the semester commencement. The examination itself will not exceed two hours and will be normally administered within one week of the completion of the written portion. The oral examination will explore the student's fields of expertise and interest as reflected in the four areas of examination, the research papers submitted to the Committee, and the written examination, but it will not necessarily be confined to the topics addressed there. The student will be orally informed as to whether he or she passed the Candidacy Examination immediately after the oral examination.
The dissertation prospectus: Each student admitted to Candidacy must submit a written dissertation prospectus to his or her Dissertation Committee within six weeks of completing the candidacy examination. The entire Dissertation Committee needs to provide feedback and approve the prospectus in order for the dissertation to proceed. The student will also arrange with the department's Lecture Committee to make an oral presentation of the prospectus before the department.

THE DISSERTATION

Once a student has completed the candidacy examination and has been admitted to Candidacy (i.e., is ABD), he or she begins work on the dissertation. While working on this project, students continue to earn credit hours, typically three credits of dissertation research (Greek or Latin 8999) per semester. The dissertation is the culminating experience of the Ph.D. program, in which the student writes a substantial work of innovative scholarship. The dissertation is developed in close coordination with the student’s advising committee, and it usually becomes the foundation of a student’s professional academic profile.

The Dissertation Committee: The Candidacy Examination Committee will be modified to serve as the Dissertation Committee, though changes can be made to its composition at this stage by the student and advisor in consultation with the DGS. According to University regulations, the chair of the Dissertation Committee must be a member of the Classics Department. The other two members may be from outside the department, but must be OSU faculty. A committee may have more than three members, and professors from outside OSU may be added (this requires special paperwork).
The dissertation: Rules governing the dissertation may be found in the Graduate School Handbook. In accordance with those rules, a student must submit the final copy of his or her dissertation within five years of being admitted to Candidacy. The student must submit an Application to Graduate in GRADFORMS at start of the semester they are planning to graduate.
Final oral examination: Rules governing the final oral examination may be found in the Graduate School Handbook. The student must submit an Application for Final Examination in GRADFORMS and have this approved by his or her program and advisor at least two weeks before the proposed date. Exams can begin no earlier than 7:30am and no later than 3:30pm. Exams are scheduled for two hours and can only be held at an authorized campus location, Monday through Friday, any day the university is open. The following departmental rules and procedures also apply: the final oral examination is held after the dissertation has been approved by all members of the Dissertation Committee. The examination deals intensively with the field of the candidate's dissertation. The dissertation defense will be open to all members of the department and, space permitting, to the general public. The date will be announced in advance and a copy of the submitted dissertation will be made available to faculty and students for previous consultation. Only members of the Dissertation Committee are allowed to be present at the discussion of the candidate's performance and to participate in the decision about the outcome of the examination. The student is considered to have completed the final oral examination successfully only when the decision of the final oral examination committee is unanimously affirmative.

Terminal M.A.

If a student leaves the program before obtaining the Ph.D., a terminal M.A. degree may be provided upon the fulfillment of the following requirements: completion of credit hours required by the College to grant an M.A. degree; completion of specific courses required by our program (consult with the DGS for these); passing at least one of the Greek and Latin examinations at the M.A. level. If the student has not passed the other language at the M.A. level, the student may submit a research paper on a topic that engages with texts in that language.

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What to consider when you are choosing an MD or a PhD program?

Read ahead to understand the key differences between an MD and a PhD program and what factors to consider when choosing an appropriate program.

If you have decided to make the medical profession your career, you can have a multitude of academic options to help you do that. The most commonly pursued degrees in medicine in the US and the Caribbean are MD and PhD degrees.

Both degrees have their own merits and suitable career pathways, which makes it quite difficult to choose between the two options. However, knowing more about each degree can help you make a choice.

Read ahead to understand the key differences between an MD and a PhD program and what factors to consider while you are choosing an appropriate program.

What is an MD program?

The term MD comes from Latin words ‘Medicinae Doctor’, which means a Doctor of Medicine. An MD degree allows you to pursue a clinical career and establish a practice in allopathic medicine.

An MD degree can also allow you to specialize in different branches of clinical medicine depending upon your interests and career goals. You need to complete a residency program after medical school to then become licensed and practice medicine.

What does PhD stand for?

The term PhD comes from the Latin word ‘Philosophiae Doctor’, which means a Doctor of Philosophy. You can earn a PhD degree in any field by carrying out original research which can be applied to human use.

A PhD in medicine would require you to conduct clinical or medical research, which can further the barriers of modern medicine. A PhD in medicine, however, doesn’t require you to complete a residency program.

What are the key differences between a PhD and an MD program?

Both PhD and MD degrees are graduate programs, and you would be referred as a doctor on completing either of the programs. However, there are major differences between the two academic programs.

Course structure : The course of study for an MD degree lasts for four years and combines theoretical study with clinical practice. On the other hand, PhD degree in medicine involves about a year of course work combined with research work spanning two to three years.
Career ambitions : An MD program is appropriate for a clinical career in the healthcare domain. MD degree holders use their specialist knowledge to diagnose and treat different patients. In contrast, a PhD is more suited for an academic or a research-based career. Choosing a PhD program in medicine can allow you to look for research or teaching positions in medical universities.
Academic prestige : Both degrees are highly regarded in the medical field and have their own sets of audiences. However, a PhD can be more suited for you if you wish to pursue an academic career.

Ultimately, the decision to opt for either a PhD or MD program or doing an MD after a PhD depends on your priorities. However, you can opt for an MD-PhD dual degree which can help you combine both career paths.

Dual MD-PhD degrees can allow you to become a physician-scientist focusing on scientific discoveries and inventions in the field of medicine and healthcare. Most physician-scientists opt for a research-oriented career instead of a medical one.

However, most dual MD-PhD degrees take seven to eight years to complete and require an immense commitment towards an academic life for a long time. Additionally, these degrees have limited seats in the US and the Caribbean, making it intensely competitive to secure admission into a dual program.

What factors should you consider while choosing an MD/PhD program?

Choosing a good MD or a PhD program, or medical school can be daunting. However, careful consideration of the following factors can make it very easy to make the right choice.

Preferred program size : Both MD and PhD programs have class sizes ranging from a single student to more than 100 students depending upon the medical school. You should opt for a smaller program size if you want more hands-on guidance.
Location of the medical school : As is with any academic degree, the location of the school can define your educational experience. For instance, you should opt for a good medical school in the Caribbean if you want access to beautiful beaches and tropical surroundings.
Program duration : The choice between an MD or a PhD also depends on how much time you are willing to commit for your degree completion. An MD program can be a good choice if you want to pursue a clinical career immediately after your graduation.

Other factors for consideration include the academic and clinical facilities offered by the medical college, qualifications of the faculty and the accreditations of the medical school.

If you are looking for a suitable MD program to enhance your medical career prospects, you should check out the MD program offered by Saba University School of Medicine , located on Saba Island in the Caribbean.

The key advantages of pursuing an MD at Saba include access to state-of-the-art medical lab facilities and small class sizes. Saba is also known for its academic excellence, which is reflected in its impressive first-time USMLE Step 1 pass rate of 99% between 2015 and 2020.

Learn more about MD program at Saba University School of Medicine today.

For prospective students

Saba is committed to supporting prospective students with any questions or queries throughout the application process. Please see the following links for detailed information about each topic:

If the information you are seeking is not provided here, please get in contact by contacting via WhatsApp here .

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What does PhD stand for?

PhD is an abbreviation for " Doctor of Philosophy " (Philosophiae Doctor).

The reason for the name is historical. Most universities used to have only four majors: divinity, law, medicine, and philosophy. All other modern subjects (such as physics, English, math) were part of philosophy, and so most subjects still use PhD as their doctoral degree.

To receive a PhD you first must receive a BA or BS degree (4 year undergraduate degree). You then apply for a Master's degree and then apply to be accepted to a PhD program. Some PhD programs combine the Master's and PhD into one.

It means they have a doctor of philosophy in some subject. If they are a doctor of medicine, it could mean they have a have an MD (doctor of medicine) and a PhD, or it could mean they are a doctor in some other subject and not a doctor of medicine.

In my case I have a PhD in physics, and also an MD. So I could put the PhD after my name, but I usually don't because it would add confusion.

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COMMENTS

Doctor of Philosophy
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: philosophiae doctor or doctor philosophiae) is a terminal degree that usually denotes the highest level of academic achievement in a given discipline and is awarded following a course of graduate study and original research.The name of the degree is most often abbreviated PhD (or, at times, as Ph.D. in North America), pronounced as three ...
Explained: What Is a PhD Degree?
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term 'philosophy' does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to 'lover of wisdom'.
Why PhD, and not DPh
11. Phd is an abbreviation of Doctor of Philosophy, but unlike MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration) , BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science) and others the order of the letters is reversed. D.Phil. DPhil. are also used.
ELIPHD: What does PHD stand for? : r/ExplainLikeImPHD
PHD is an acronym of the word Doctor Of Philosofy. This might be a bit confusing for the regular man since we reffer the word philosofy to thinking or pure nonsence and is a sadly non money generating major. Though in the context of PHD the word philosofy reffers to the latin word "Philosophiae" meaning "love of wisdom". Fun fact.
What is 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 ...
Ph.D. Meaning: What Is a PhD? • 7ESL
Key Takeaways. A Ph.D. is the highest academic degree in most fields, signifying advanced research skills and knowledge. It is distinct from professional doctoral degrees which focus more on practical application. The title 'Doctor' is used by PhD holders in various academic and professional contexts.
etymology
The English abbreviation Ph.D. comes from the Latin for Doctor of Philosophy, which I understand would be either Philosophiae Doctor or Doctor Philosophiae.. I know word order is flexible in Latin, but I thought that the general rule was "noun + modifier." If so, Doctor Philosophiae would be the preferred form. And yet the widespread usage of Ph.D. suggests that the opposite order ...
What is a PhD?
What is a PhD? A PhD is the highest postgraduate qualification level that can be awarded in academic study. This is usually completed over three to four years of full-time study, and involves research into an original contribution in your chosen field. PhD is an acronym that stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The name for PhD comes from the Latin ...
What is a PhD? Understanding the Highest Academic Degree
What Does PhD Stand For? PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor, which roughly translates to "lover of wisdom". It is a type of doctorate, which is a general term for any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. To qualify for a doctorate, you need to produce original ...
What Does PHD Mean?
Abbreviated from the Latin term philosophiae doctor meaning "doctor of philosophy," the Ph.D is the highest degree in most fields, with the notable exceptions of medicine and law that have their own doctorates. The degree originated in 19th century Germany when the word "philosophy" had the much broader meaning of "love of wisdom.".
What Does PhD Stand For? I ResearchTweet
A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is a degree given to those who have completed advanced studies in philosophy. PhD is one of the highest-ranking degrees available. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph) ilosophiae (D) octor. Traditionally, the term "philosophy" has been used to refer to the ancient Greek definition of the word, which ...
» The Etymology of PhD and Its Essence
The Etymology of PhD and Its Essence. How many of you know what does PhD stand for? It is a word with a Latin origination "Philosophiae Doctor". Some wonder why PhD in any stream is explained as Philosophy. The answer here is tricky and may not be known to many. The use of the word philosophy here is not connected to the branch of science ...
"M.D." vs. "Ph.D." vs. "Dr.": Are They Synonyms?
What does Ph.D. mean?. As for Ph.D., this stands for "doctor of philosophy."It stems from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor.. You can get a Ph.D. in any number of subjects, from anthropology to mythological studies. It's not an easy feat, however, as to earn one, you must do original research and write a dissertation.. Ph.D. vs. M.D.: are these synonyms?
Why this Degree is called Doctor of Philosophy
This write up is an attempt to find out why the word "Doctor" and why the word "Philosophy" is used irrespective of the branch or discipline of knowledge in which the work is being carried out and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is being conferred. Doctor is an academic title that originates from the Latin word of the same spelling ...
PhD Definition & Meaning
The meaning of PHD is the academic degree, title, or rank of doctor of philosophy; also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy. How to use PhD in a sentence.
What is a PhD?
What does PhD stand for? The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'. A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis. While some Doctorates include taught ...
PHD Latin Abbreviation Meaning
What does PHD stand for in Latin? 1 meaning of PHD abbreviation related to Latin: Share. Vote. 1. Vote. Philosophiæ Doctor.
What does PhD stand for?
PhD is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy" (Philosophiae Doctor).The reason for the name is historical. Most universities used to have only four majors: divinity, law, medicine, and ...
Is a PhD right for me?
What Does 'PhD' Stand For? PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy' which is an abbreviation of the latin term, (Ph)ilosophiae (d)octor. The word 'philosophy' here refers to its original Greek meaning: philo (friend or lover of) sophia (wisdom).
Becoming a PhD student: 4 top things you must know
What does PhD stand for? PhD is short for (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor in Latin. The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia, literally translated as "love of wisdom." Are PhD students doctors? You are entitled to use the title "Dr." once you graduate with a PhD.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Greek and Latin
Requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Greek and LatinThis page presents the rules and requirements of the Ph.D. in Greek and Latin. The department does not offer an M.A. degree in Greek and Latin, except as a terminal degree (given to students leaving the program who have fulfilled the requirements of an M.A. degree). The following rules apply to students who begin the program with a B.A ...
What to Consider when you are Choosing an MD or a PhD program?
What does PhD stand for? The term PhD comes from the Latin word 'Philosophiae Doctor', which means a Doctor of Philosophy. You can earn a PhD degree in any field by carrying out original research which can be applied to human use. A PhD in medicine would require you to conduct clinical or medical research, which can further the barriers of ...
Trump says he wants foreign nationals who graduate from US colleges to
Former President Donald Trump proposed "automatically" giving green cards to foreign nationals who graduate from a US college - comments that break from his efforts to curb both legal and ...
What does PhD stand for?
PhD is an abbreviation for " Doctor of Philosophy " (Philosophiae Doctor). The reason for the name is historical. Most universities used to have only four majors: divinity, law, medicine, and ...
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Stay up-to-date with the AHA View All News The American Historical Review is the flagship journal of the AHA and the journal of record for the historical discipline in the United States, bringing together scholarship from every major field of historical study. Learn More Perspectives on History is the newsmagazine…

The meaning of a PhD

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Why might "Philosophiae Doctor" (the source of "Ph.D.") have been preferred over "Doctor Philosophiae"?

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PHD Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It?

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What Does PhD Mean?

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