Analytic Quality Glossary
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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–11, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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Doctoral degree
The doctoral degree is the highest level
of award in most higher education systems.
explanatory context
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award is the core doctoral award
and has international currency. It is usually the result of in-depth postgraduate
level research resulting in a major thesis that makes a unique contribution
to the knowledge in a discipline (although this doesn't appear to always be the case in the United States).
There are various developments of the
PhD, including some that are partly (or even wholly) taught, such as the Doctor
of Education (D.Ed).
analytical review
Higher Education Authority [Ireland] (HEA, 2004) defines a doctoral degree as:
A
postgraduate degree that involves at least two yearsŐ study after the MasterŐs
Degree. More specifically, the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is awarded
after two or more years of research, while a minimum of four years is needed
for a higher Doctorate such as the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or Doctor of
Literature (D.Litt).
Northeast Texas Network Consortium
defines:
Doctoral
degree: The most advanced degree, awarded following of additional study, often
after completion of a masterŐs degree. (NTNC, 2002)
It also
expands this in its definition of Ph.D
The highest academic degree awarded by a
university to students who have completed studies beyond the bachelor's and/or
master's degrees, and who have demonstrated their academic ability in oral and
written examinations and through original research presented in the form of a
dissertation (thesis). Also called a doctoral degree.
In answer to the question 'What is a Doctorate Degree?' GetEducated.Com (2009), referrring to the US system, states:
A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree. Everyone is familiar with the medical doctor, who holds an M.D. (Medical Doctorate). But you can earn a doctorate in almost any subject area. For example, most states require licensed psychologists to hold a doctorate degree in psychology.
Typically a doctorate degree takes four years to complete, post-bachelor's degree. If you already hold a masterŐs degree, you may be able to complete a doctorate in the same subject area with only three years of additional full-time study.
Four-year doctorates will require about 90 to 120 semester credits or 30 to 40 college courses. The length and credits of doctorate programs can vary. Some doctorate programs require a research thesis to be completed. A growing number of online doctorates are designed as ŇpractitionerŐs degrees.Ó A research thesis may be optional. Instead, you may be required to complete a capstone paper and/or a supervised placement working in your career area.
Describing the PhD in the UK, Indobase.com (undated) state:
The doctoral degree is the high-status educational degree in the UK. An UK PhD today is an esteemed degree that many international postgraduates aspire for. Many of the universities in the UK award the degree either by the name of PhD or by the name of DPhil (both abbreviated for Doctorate of Philosophy). The degree is awarded to the scholars who research on the subject they specialize in. These doctorate degrees are awarded to the scholars for the creation and interpretation of knowledge, which extends the forefront of a discipline, usually through original research. Doctorate degree holders in UK, like any other country, will have the qualities needed for employment such as the ability to make informed judgements on intricate issues in specialist fields and innovation in tackling and solving problems.
related
terms
See
sources
GetEducated.Com, 2009, What is a Doctorate Degree?, available at http://www.geteducated.com/career-center/detail/what-is-a-doctorate-degree, accessed 2 March 2011.
Higher Education Authority (HEA) [of Ireland] 2004, Glossary http://www.hea.ie/index.cfm/page/sub/id/519