What is a PhD?
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated Ph.D. (American English) or PhD (British English) is an advanced academic degree. In the English-speaking world it has become the most common denomination for a research doctorate and applies to graduates in a wide array of disciplines in the sciences and humanities. The detailed requirements for award of a Ph.D. vary throughout the world - however there are a number of common factors. A candidate must submit a thesis or dissertation consisting of a suitable body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-refereed context. In many countries a candidate must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university (in the form of an oral exam sometimes referred to - at least in the United Kingdom, Ireland and India, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth - as a viva, and in the United States simply as the "oral defense"). In other countries the dissertation is examined by a panel of expert examiners who stipulate whether the dissertation is in principle passable and the issues that need to be addressed before the dissertation can be passed; no oral defense takes place (e.g. Australia).
How do I write at PhD level?
This is an extremely difficult question to answer! PhD standard means work carried out that requires independent thought and independent research. Your work must contribute something to the area of study that no other person has written about before.
However, typically, PhD students show these qualities in their work:
* A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice
* A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship
* Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline
* Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses
* The ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
* Demonstration of self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
* Continuation of advancement in their knowledge and understanding, and development of new skills to a high level
* Demonstration of qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
These guidelines are very general because PhD level work is extremely difficult to categorise. It must be publishable quality, faultless, written to an exceptional standard and contribute original ideas to the academic field (not just rehash or analyse other people's ideas).
If you're interested in writing professionally, why not apply to Academic Knowledge?
