Do you have a love of wisdom and a clear field of academic interest? If so, a PhD might be the right choice for you. But what is a PhD, and how can you get one?
PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an academic or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field.
The word ‘philosophy’ comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia, literally translated as ‘love of wisdom’. It originally signified an individual who had achieved a comprehensive general education in the fundamental issues of the present world. Today, the Doctor of Philosophy still requires a love of wisdom but applies to individuals who have pursued knowledge in a much more specialized field.
What is a PhD?
A PhD is a doctoral research degree and normally the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.
This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project, or enrolling on a doctoral programme.
History
In the universities of Medieval Europe, study was organized in four faculties: the basic faculty of arts, and the three higher faculties of theology, medicine, and law (canon law and civil law). All of these faculties awarded intermediate degrees (bachelor of arts, of theology, of laws, of medicine) and final degrees. Initially, the titles of master and doctor were used interchangeably for the final degrees—the title Doctor was merely a formality bestowed on a Teacher/Master of the art—but by the late Middle Ages the terms Master of Arts and Doctor of Theology/Divinity, Doctor of Law, and Doctor of Medicine had become standard in most places (though in the German and Italian universities the term Doctor was used for all faculties).
The doctorates in the higher faculties were quite different from the current PhD degree in that they were awarded for advanced scholarship, not original research. No dissertation or original work was required, only lengthy residency requirements and examinations. Besides these degrees, there was the licentiate. Originally this was a license to teach, awarded shortly before the award of the master's or doctoral degree by the diocese in which the university was located, but later it evolved into an academic degree in its own right, in particular in the continental universities.
A typical PhD normally involves:
Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
Conducting original research and collecting your results.
Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation.
Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.
PH.D Admission & Complete Process:
- Application for the entrance exam
- Result declaration
- Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
- Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
- Course work class shall be attended as scheduled by University
- Course work examination
- Result declaration of course work
- Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
- Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
- Registration letter shall be issued
- Research work start by scholar
- 6 progress report shall be submitted
- Soft copy thesis submit on university email
- Plagiarism report check by university
- Final after plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
- After consent of experts pre-submission one set spiral binding shall be submit
- After successful presentation of pre-submission thesis 3 copy of hard bound thesis shall be submitted
- Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University
- Degree Awarded.
PhD Entry requirements:
An undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement and many will also require a master’s degree (such as an MA, MSc or MRes). Some scholarships will be on a 1+3 basis, which is one year of a master’s plus three years of PhD funding.
PHD APPLICATION PROCESS:
Universities shall admit M. Phil /Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test conducted by time to time notification and may decide separate terms conditions for Ph.D. Entrance Test for those students who qualify UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/teacher fellowship holder or have passed M. Phil programme. Similar approach may be adopted in respect of Entrance Test for M. Phil programme.
How long is the course:
A PhD usually lasts three years (four for a New Route PhD – see below), or rather, any available funding usually lasts for that time. Students may be able to take extra time in order to complete their thesis but this will usually be at their own expense. For part-time, self-funded students, it can take up to seven years.
How to apply?
Before applying, candidates are advised to read the Ph.D. Information Brochure carefully. Candidates must follow the following Steps while applying online Application Form
Apply For Ph. D Programmes
- Visit University Website
- Find the notification page
- Apply Online/offline. research.opjsuniversity.edu.in
- Finalize Application Form
- Pay Entrance Test Fee
PhD Documents Required
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- Graduation (3 Years Marksheet)
- Post Graduation (2 Year Marksheet)
- Original Migration Certificate last Qualication
- Id Proof (Aadhar Card)
- Passport Size Photo
Some higher doctorate degrees include:
- Doctor of Science (DS/SD): Awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a PhD.
- Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD): Awarded in recognition of achievement in the humanities or for original contribution to the creative arts.
- Doctor of Divinity (DD): Awarded above the Doctor of Theology (DTh), usually to recognize the recipient’s ministry-oriented accomplishments.
- Doctor of Music (DMus): Awarded in the UK, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries on the basis of a substantial portfolio of compositions and/or scholarly publications on music.
- Doctor of Civil Law (DCL): Highest doctorate excepting the DD, offered on the basis of exceptionally insightful and distinctive publications that contain significant and original contributions to the study of law or politics in general.
PhD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How many years does it take to have a PhD?
Ans. PhD courses take a maximum of five to six years. However, the duration may vary as per the institute where the students have applied.
Q. Can I finish my PhD in four years?
Ans. There is a possibility that a student can finish off his/her PhD in four years, but that completely depends on the chosen degree and institute.
Q. Will I be paid for PhD?
Ans. Yes. Most PhD degrees offer stipends to students. The amount varies as per the degree chosen by the candidates for the doctorate.
Q. What is a PhD course?
Ans. PhD is the short form of Doctor of Philosophy and to be eligible, the students are required to have completed their Master’s degree.
Q. Do I need to qualify for an entrance exam for PhD admissions?
Ans. No. Students are not required to qualify for any entrance exam for PhD admissions.
Q. How can I get a fellowship for PhD?
Ans. Students can get fellowships by attempting and qualifying entrance exams such as UGC-NET, GATE and more.
Q. What are the required skillset for PhD?
Ans. Students should be dedicated and good at research for PhD. Additionally; they should also be self-motivated and good at writing for all the reports and their thesis, which they will prepare.
Q. How can I get PhD admission?
Ans. For PhD admissions, the students will have to apply at the official website of the institute they prefer. Some institutes may also ask for research proposals to select the students for admission into their institute.
Q. How is the course flow of PhD?
Ans. After admissions, the students will have to work on their research proposal along with their allotted supervisor/guide. Students will have to participate in seminars and research papers while preparing their thesis. The final thesis will have to be submitted as a hard copy as well as a soft copy. A viva-voce will be conducted where the students will have to defend their thesis.
Q. Is a person with PhD a doctor?
Ans. No. A person with PhD has completed his/her Doctorate of Philosophy while a doctor has completed his education in Medicine and works to help other people with their medical conditions.
Q. Do I need M.Phil to apply for PhD.
Ans. Most of the colleges accept students with a Master’s degree for PhD. However, some institutes may require M.Phil for PhD admissions.
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