What is a PhD? The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the highest academic degree awarded in all disciplines in universities across the world. It provides an opportunity for students to research on the subjects of their choice and enhance their knowledge in their field of study. PhD students are able to connect themselves to the depth of experiments, search reasons about problems and also solve problems in more experienced ways. In this process PhD students come up with original ideas in their field of study and carry out extensive research under the guidance of the subject expert. The candidate’s program of study is supervised by at least two supervisors. A person who has successfully completed his/her PhD degree is automatically awarded the academic title of Doctor(Dr.). The PhD varies considerably according to the country, organization and time period from entry-level research degrees to higher doctorate degrees. To become a doctorate in specific subject, a student requires several years of study after the completion of the master’s degree, number of years varies according to the research content and the time taken by the student to complete his/her PhD programs. It generally takes 4 to 8 years to complete a PhD program. Applicants who do not spend their entire study period at the same university can opt for a Sandwich PhD program in which candidates spend their first and last periods of the program at one university and complete the mid research at another institution, university or research field. The duration of the PhD depends on the field, the student’s research topic and the student’s skills. Most PhD degrees require the completion of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. What is the eligibility to pursue PhD? There is no age limit to apply for a PhD program. Students who have completed their Master’s program or thesis can move towards a Doctoral degree in their related disciplines. What is the process for a PhD program? Doctoral programs are based on research in the related field of study. Before starting the PhD program candidate should choose an academic advisor and committee familiar with the area of research who can guide them. Many Universities also conduct entrance exams for the candidates to get enroll in the PhD program. To go for a research process for PhD candidates need to submit the following items with their application: -Undergraduate and Masters academic records. -A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume with the detail information about the candidate’s qualification and research work, if any. -Letters of recommendation from people familiar with candidates, they may professors and advisers who have a better understanding about the candidates’ academic knowledge. -A statement of purpose, describing what the candidate has already done and what he/she wants to achieve in their doctoral research and the choice of research supervisor with whom candidate hope to work with and the reasons why candidate want to work with that person. -Topic of research program should be original and different from previous research work done by other candidates. The candidate should choose both tenured and non-tenured professors. Tenured professors will be helpful to grant money, equipment and connections and non-tenured professors will be more personally available for the guidance.Applicants should try to get a teaching or research assistantship which will help them to earn during the years of the doctoral program.Candidates should complete essential coursework examination which covers the entire field of study done during the research period.Candidates should prepare a doctoral dissertation or thesis which describes the purpose of research and have a subject that forms the basis for years of research. What are the different types of PhD programs? Departmental PhDs Master’s level students directly registered with a department for the Phd research. This PhD program will be based on a Masters + PhD basis, which includes year of a master’s degree plus years of PhD funding. The ‘Integrated’ PhD This PhD program applies only to the Departments of Economics and Management Science and is suitable for fresh graduates or for those students who are not yet sure about the topic of research. Part-time PhDs Working candidates would prefer part time PhDs. These will take more time to complete rather than a regular PhD. MRes programmes The MRes is a ‘Masters in Research’ degree, a taught Masters course typically lasting one year. The MRes programmes deep study of the Masters for the specialization. Professional Doctorate Programmes These include research in the professions like medicine, law, veterinary medicine and dentistry for getting expertise in their profession. Joint-PhDs These are the doctorate programs which are completed at two degrees-awarding institutions. In Joint-PhDs candidates are fully registered in two universities and it will result either in two PhD degrees i.e. double PhD or one jointly-awarded PhD. This type of doctorate, also called split-site PhDs. What are the common fields of study for PhD programs? Variety of PhD programs are available in different subjects in which a PhD can be earned by the students. Some of the most common fields of PhD study are as follows: Doctoral Programs in Health Professions Wide range of doctoral degrees are available in the health and related sciences field which includes the Doctor of Medicine, Nursing Practice, psychiatric health, community health, health behaviour, health science, public health, etc. Doctoral Programs in Education It includes the Doctoral programs in Education. Students can opt for the PhD programs in education, educational leadership, special education, educational administration and policy, early childhood education, education policy, evaluation and reform, teacher leadership, higher education, etc. Doctoral Programs in Engineering There are many PhD programs in the field of engineering like civil, electrical, computer, mechanical, petroleum, geological, etc. Doctoral Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences Doctoral degrees in biomedical sciences offer several areas for PhD research; biomedical engineering, developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, neurobiology of disease, cancer biology, immunology, genetics and genomics, gene therapy, pathology, etc. Doctoral Programs in Psychology Psychology can be a huge field for PhD research. It includes following areas of study; clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, applied social psychology, behaviour neuroscience, human development, lifespan cognitive neuroscience, organizational psychology, paediatric psychology, educational psychology and many more. What are the benefits of PhD Degree ? A doctorate degree is the highest academic qualification and give the honour by adding Doctor (Dr.) before the name. It gives prestige and recognition in the society. By having a PhD degree one can become a university professor in their own field of study. A PhD holder has expertise in their own field of study. PhD degree will give more career choices, higher salary, reputed position at the workplace as compared to the candidates who do not have the same educational level. A doctorate degree is the highest academic qualification and also provide an honour by adding a prefix Doctor (Dr.) to your name. It gives prestige and recognition in the society. A PhD holder has expertise in their own field of study. By having a PhD degree one can become a university professor in their own field of study. For a career as scientist, a research degree in the related field is the minimum qualification required. A PhD holder can have a good opportunity in Industrial R&D departments, here they can engage in research, design new products, and also take part in long term strategy decisions. Candidates having PhD in the finance field can be hired as analysts, consultants, and auditors. PhD degree will give more career choices, higher salary, reputed position at the workplace as compared to the candidates who do not have the same educational level. Is there any funding opportunities available for PhD programs? Candidates get funding for PhD study through scholarships, bursaries, loans, and grants. There are many PhD scholarships available that are funding for fees, living expenses, stipend, health-services fee, etc. which may be available in the form of a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, fellowship or proctorship, etc. You can avail the scholarship opportunities listed below for your PhD programs: Read more: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): An Honour to Your Academic Career : 2012 2013 Online Scholarship Positions | Scholarships Financial Aid College Help Loans scholarship-positions
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 09:53:31 +0000
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