Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (usually known as PhD - an abbreviation for the Latin 'Philosophiæ Doctor' or 'Teacher of Philosophy'), was originally a degree granted by a university to learned individuals who had demonstrated a long and productive career in the field of philosophy and had achieved the approval of their peers. The term 'Doctor' indicated a life dedicated to learning, to understanding, and to the spread of knowledge.

The degree was popularised in the 19th century as an award to be granted to someone who had undertaken original research in the sciences or humanities. The existing Doctor of Philosophy degree (DPhil - a higher doctorate in the faculty of philosophy) was eventually displaced in most Universities and was replaced by the PhD (research doctorate). However, some UK universities such as Oxford, Sussex, York and Buckingham have retained the D.Phil. appellation for their research degrees.

A PhD qualification usually lasts a minimum of three years full-time research, which must be followed by the production of a dissertation or thesis, often of substantial length. Candidates must then defend their thesis in an oral examination (viva voce).