PhD: everything you need to know

If you have been working for several years and have a lot of knowledge and experience, it is likely that you will be interested in exploring new areas of work, such as research or teaching, which can be achieved by studying for a PhD.

PhD studies are the highest academic level that a person can achieve, this is the culmination of the academic path. Therefore, it is useful to know what it is about, what is required to do it and how long it takes. Pay attention, we are going to tell you everything you need to know.

What is a PhD?

PhD studies are university academic programmes that focus on students acquiring all the competences focused on research. As it is the highest level of studies, its demands are higher than those required for a speciality or master’s degree.

There are two types of doctorates, the research doctorate and the professional doctorate. The research doctorate is differentiated and distinguished because the student must present a thesis that contributes something new to human knowledge. With regard to the professional doctorate, it is accompanied by a practice that contributes to knowledge, this type of modality is very common in American and European universities.

How long does it take?

According to the criteria and regulations, the estimated maximum duration of doctoral programmes is determined according to the time of dedication, so there are full-time doctorates, which have 3 years for the defence of the thesis, and part-time doctorates, which have 5 years for the defence of the thesis, as long as they have the authorisation of the academic committee responsible for the doctoral programme.

Entry requirements

The main prerequisite for starting a doctoral programme is the successful completion of a master’s degree. This is because sufficient prior knowledge and skills are required to meet the challenges of this level of education, as these are acquired as a result of continuing education and years of work experience.

The other requirements are determined by each institution, but most require the following:

• Minimum average in the last grade of studies.
• Pass the entrance exams that certify that you have the necessary knowledge to study for a doctorate.
• Submit a proposal showing where you wish to focus your studies.
• The curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation or research carried out previously.

Doctoral thesis

The doctoral thesis consists of a research project carried out by the doctoral student in the subject or area of knowledge of his/her own choice, which must offer original results of benefit to society. This is similar to the final thesis in a university degree, but at a much higher level, as the knowledge and experience that students have is extensive, and therefore much more is demanded of them.

To ensure the scientific quality of the research in the doctoral thesis, the university establishes the necessary control procedures, such as the choice and registration of the topic, the language in which it is to be written and defended, to mention a few, but in most cases it is done in the student’s native language, for a better development and security of the student.

By passing the doctoral thesis, the doctorate is approved and certification is obtained. As in other defences, there is also a qualifying jury, who approve or disapprove of the research carried out.

Evaluation and results

After the doctoral thesis has been completed and defended, the examining board issues a report with the overall grade. Which may be: fail, pass, pass, notable or outstanding. In the case of obtaining the highest grade, the examining board may meet and propose the award of the Cum Laude Mention. But this is only given in really outstanding research, where the effort and quality of the thesis is rewarded.

Reaching a  PhD is something that not everyone does, because it means that over the years as a professional you have continued to educate, inform and instruct yourself in your career, overcoming the master’s degree, to thus open the door to obtaining a doctorate.