The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is generally considered to be one of the most prestigious academic qualifications and that for very good reasons. Studying and completing a PhD or any doctoral degree means dedicating yourself entirely to the research project of your choice, for a duration of three to seven years. We have also seen that in recent years, Professional Doctorates have gained considerably in importance and this trend is set to continue. But what exactly does it mean to study a PhD or a Professional Doctorate, what is involved, what are the differences, what are the requirements throughout the course and how is the degree structured? What follows is an overview of the basic structures and demands of a doctoral degree, its professional variations and tips to make the most of it.

This section provides some insights and advice on the key elements of a successful PhD application.