phd by publication medicine

PhD by Published Works

Candidates seeking a Doctorate by Published Work must be University of Buckingham graduates or members of staff. Graduates of other universities seeking to obtain a Doctorate by Published Work should contact the university from which they graduated.

The candidate must submit published scholarly work which gives clear proof of a significant and original contribution to the knowledge of the discipline. This contribution should consist of the discovery of new knowledge, or the exercise of a new and independent critical approach, e.g. the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory, or the revision of previously held views. The candidate must show, by means of a 20,000 word commentary on the submitted work and in a viva (oral examination), that they appreciate the relationship of their special work to a wider field of knowledge.

Registration must be for a period of one year, during which time the candidate will have regular supervisions with the Supervisor and be guided in accordance with the same process and provision as if registered for a PhD by research programme.

The degree of PhD by Published Work may be conferred on:

(a) graduates of this university of not less than five years standing;

(b) graduates of another university of not less than five years standing who have also held an appointment as a member of staff of this university for at least two years;

(c) graduates of another university of not less than five years standing who have also held a Fellowship of this university for at least two year.

The degree of Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) by Published Work may be conferred on:

(a) holders of the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS), or equivalent approved medical qualifications, of not less than five years standing who have held an appointment as a member of staff of this university for at least two years;

(b) holders of the degrees of MB BS, or equivalent approved medical qualifications, of not less than five years standing who have held a Fellowship of this university for at least two years.

In the first instance, a person wishing to pursue a Doctorate by Published Work should submit an application through the University website for the PhD in the discipline in which they wish to be considered, including, in place of the usual research proposal, a summary of their published work and an explanation of how it meets the criteria for the award.

This application will be forwarded for consideration to the appropriate Research Officer. If the application is approved, the Research Officer will identify a supervisory team, who will be appointed for a term of 12 months and be responsible for providing assistance to the student in preparing the submission for the degree. The fee shall be equivalent to one year at the typical PhD fee rate.

Further details can be found in the University’s Research Degrees Handbook , Section 1.3.

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by Published Work

If you have a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications to the standard of a PhD or MD, you can submit your work for consideration for the award of PhD or MD by published work.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Introduction

About the PhD or MD

The MD or PhD by Published Work is a degree award for an established researcher who has already published significant research in their discipline. The published work must be peer reviewed (for example in books, journal articles, and research reports).

Your portfolio of published work must form a coherent body of work that constitutes a significant contribution to knowledge in a given area in medicine or medical science.

Your works should be published in high calibre peer review journals or by established publishers in your academic or clinical discipline. The journal/publisher should have a good academic standing. All the publications must have been published physically or electronically, in the public domain.

The number of publications is not as important as the quality of scientific inquiry they represent, their academic standing, and their contribution to the field of study .

Your portfolio of work should resemble a conventional MD or PhD thesis. As an indicative guide, the maximum word limit for a conventional MD and PhD thesis is 80,000 words. There is no lower word limit.

Your research

Along with your portfolio of published work, you must also submit a commentary not exceeding 10,000 words that introduces and contextualises your work, establishes links between your publications and concludes your original contributions to your discipline.

You will be allocated an academic member of staff to act as your advisor, to help direct and support you in the preparation of your submission

You will have between three and twenty-four months to prepare and write up your thesis. Your final thesis must be submitted within 24 months of your registration date.

Your final submission/thesis will be examined like a conventional MD or PhD. It will include a viva with two examiners, at least one will be external to the School.

We welcome applications from candidates within our Hull York Medical School and university community. You are eligible to apply if either:

• you have been a Hull York Medical School graduate for at least three years; or
• you are a member of staff employed by the University of Hull or the University of York; or
• you hold an honorary title awarded by the Hull York Medical School

For the MD by Published Work, you will need to have obtained a medical degree recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) and have been practising medicine for a minimum of two years after graduation.

English language requirements

If you're a non-native English speaking applicant you must provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept any of the following:

• IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
• PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
• CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
• TOEFL: 87, with no less than 21 in each component
• Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
• Duolingo: 110, minimum 100 in all other components

You do not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities if certain conditions apply. Check English language exceptions on the University of York website .

Tuition fees

A £1,000 administration fee applies for this programme.

How to apply

If you would like to make an application, please contact us to discuss your proposal and eligibility in the first instance. Please email: [email protected]

You are also encouraged to contact a potential supervisor in the Medical School to discuss your case. The decision of your admission is made by an independent panel, not any staff you may have spoken to.

Candidates will then need to submit a prima facie case, including your CV and list of your publications.

Your case will be reviewed by the Dean and the Medical School’s Board of Studies, on the recommendation of a Panel including at least one external assessor appointed by the School. The Panel will support or reject your application based on your submission.

A prima facie case will only be considered if the published work falls within a Hull York Medical School research theme and can be supervised by a member of Hull York Medical School staff.

The following documents should be submitted in support of a prima facie case:

• A CV (on a Hull York Medical School pro forma)
• A list of peer-reviewed publications of sufficient quality and academic standing, accompanied by copies of the publications themselves
• A statement clearly indicating the degree (MD or PhD) sought and an explanation of how the work:
• provides an introduction and places the work in context
• establishes the linking hypothesis or theme between the various topics covered by the published work
• gives emphasis, couched in a critical discussion, to significant findings and conclusions
• provides an indication of areas for further research development and exploration
• indicates in the case of work submitted under joint authorship, the contribution made by the candidate (signed statements from corresponding authors are required).
• In the case of joint authorship, a commentary indicating the candidate’s contribution. This should be accompanied by statements from the corresponding authors of these publications affirming the contribution
• A statement indicating whether any of the submitted papers or books have resulted from work for which an earlier degree has been awarded (or for which the work is being considered or has already been considered for the award of a degree)

If your application is rejected

You will receive feedback from the Panel. You may re-apply only if you have made significant improvements on your published works.

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A PhD by publication or how I got my doctorate and kept my sanity

Associate, Children's Policy Centre, Australian National University, Australian National University

Disclosure statement

Mhairi Cowden does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Australian National University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Doing a PhD is a difficult business. Long hours, personal stress, institutional pressure to complete on time – and all this for what?

Increasingly a PhD alone does not guarantee an academic career. We are expected to publish, teach and contribute to professional development. Oh and did I mention you have to publish, publish, publish?

However there is a way to publish and do a PhD - hopefully without perishing.

I recently completed my PhD by publication, which for me was a way of getting a doctorate while keeping my sanity.

What is a PhD by publication?

A PhD by Publication is just what it sounds like, instead of producing one large monograph, you produce a series of articles to be published in peer reviewed journals or as book chapters.

The normal format is four to five research papers bookended by a substantial introductory chapter and a concluding chapter. The thesis must still read as a cohesive whole and therefore despite the articles being stand alone pieces, they must also relate to each other.

The aim is that when they are read together they become more than just the sum of their parts.

It is a relatively new concept within the social sciences and humanities but has been around for a while in the hard sciences here in Australia. It is much more common in European Universities where it is often the standard approach for doctoral studies.

The advantages

There are many advantages to doing a PhD this way. One of the more self-evident ones is that it allows you to publish and finish a PhD – academically hitting two birds with one stone.

There are many pressures of doing a PhD that are taken away from publishing. PhD by publication focused my writing on achieving output and helped to avoid the trap of always pushing the publications to the side.

A PhD by publication also helps you to develop practical skills. Through my own process, I learnt how to write to journal editors, deal with rejection and pitch articles – all skills that are important for professional academic life.

This method also divides the PhD up into more manageable chunks – sometimes the hardest thing about a PhD is the enormity of the task it presents. But dividing it up into five discrete papers allowed me to see a way ahead making the PhD seem more achievable.

Last but not least, you can get both expert feedback and it can provide that “tick” factor. PhD students were usually high achieving undergraduate students used to receiving recognition and reward for their work. Entering the land of doctoral studies, you don’t get the pay off from your work until the end of many years and lack of recognition can be deeply un-motivating.

But each time something is published is a chance to celebrate and take a deep breath before moving on to the next portion.

The expert feedback you get during this process is also very helpful even it’s not always pleasant (see below). By the time your PhD goes to examiners it has already gone through a rigorous peer review process.

In times of PhD panic, it was comforting to think that my work can’t be that bad if someone had already agreed to publish it.

The disadvantages

Of course, though, there are some disadvantages to electing to do a PhD in this way.

Chief among them is the pressure to start publishing immediately. Publishing is hardly a quick process; it can sometimes take up to two years from submission to a journal long periods of fieldwork may not be compatible.

Therefore candidates taking this route need to start straight away. Aim to have your first paper finished within the first 6 months.

It’s also worth recognising that this is not a format for the faint hearted. Rejections from journals can be brutal. You need to be prepared to take this on the chin and send it out again.

That said, this is a skill you need to develop for academia. Being exposed to it early helped me develop a thick skin and be humble about my work.

With the benefit of feedback, there’s also the downside of extra work. You may often need to rewrite work for journal editors.

After all, editors have their own agenda and interests and in some respect you are writing for them and not for you. However this taught me to stand my ground with editors and defend things I wished to keep as well as framing things for different audiences.

Another thing to be wary of when considering a PhD by publication is that you need to understand that it’s not a professional Doctorate. A Professional Doctorate recognises contribution to a profession and usually doesn’t include the same level of original contribution or indeed a thesis.

PhD by publication is still examined to the same standards as a traditional PhD. However countering this assumption that it is not a “real” PhD is sometimes hard.

Finally, because you’re likely to be treading new ground in your institution, there’s not always a clear path before you.

I did my PhD in a department which was still sorting out its policy towards this format. As a consequence I needed the strong support of your supervisor and head of department to make this work (which I was lucky enough to have). You shouldn’t expect a clear set of instructions here; guidelines and policies seem to vary between departments, disciplines and universities.

The up shot

The biggest advantage is that I have come out of my doctoral studies not only with a PhD but with a healthy publication record. This I hope will assist me when taking the next step in my career.

For me, PhD with publication provided a framework, a way forward from which I could see the path to submission. It provided me with a way to get my doctorate without worrying about the process. It allowed me the opportunity to contribute to debates while developing my ideas.

If academia is to expect Australian candidates to now finish their PhD and publish, then it should promote and encourage alternative formats such as this. It can only be good for both PhD candidates and the profession at large.

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Concentrations:

• Allergy Immunology & Infectious Disease
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Pathology and Cell Biology

Also available as a Concurrent Degree.

The Medical Sciences Ph.D. combines intensive biomedical sciences training and research opportunities in a variety of fields. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program will participate in a common first semester curriculum that will provide an essential background for biomedical science research. Firsthand exposure to research areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and infectious and cardiovascular diseases is gained through laboratory rotations without restriction to any one area of focus.

Collaboration among laboratory scientists of all disciplines is encouraged. The PhD program thrives upon the participation from USF Health’s world-class faculty and our successful collaborations with our research partners: the Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, All Children’s Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital. Students have a plethora of opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects on a multidisciplinary basis – from molecules to systems, from bench to bedside.

Successful USF graduates go on to be involved in research at academic, industrial and government institutions.

Major Research Areas:

Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Research, Neuroscience & Neurodegenerative Diseases, Diabetes/Metabolic Disorders, Molecular Medicine

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

• Minimum grade-point average of 3.00 in the sciences
• Course-by-course foreign credential evaluation (if degree is non-U.S.)
• General biology (1 year)
• General chemistry (1 year)
• General physics (1 semester)
• Organic chemistry (1 semester)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Personal Interview
• One-two page personal statement
• Research experience preferred

Application Procedures -  http://health.usf.edu/medicine/graduatestudies/phd/apply_phd.htm

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 90 hours post-bachelor’s (59 hours post-master’s)

• Core - 13 Credit hours
• Concentration - 13 Credit hours minimum
• Lab Rotations - 1 Credit hour minimum
• Dissertation - 24 Credit hours minimum
• Remaining hours: Seminars, Lab Rotations, Directed Research, Dissertation, etc. - 41 Credit hours

Core Course Requirements (13 hours)

Each student shall complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of didactic course work (excluding journal clubs, seminars, laboratory rotations, directed research, etc.). In addition to the required courses listed below (11 hours are didactic; GMS 6091 & GMS 6002 are not considered didactic, but are still required core courses), the student shall fulfill the 24 credit hour minimum by completing at least 13 additional hours of didactic coursework in their chosen concentration. A concentration is required, except in rare circumstances that may be approved by the Associate Dean.

All students are required to successfully complete the following didactic courses:

• GMS 6001 Foundation in Biomedical Sciences Credit Hours: 4-8 (6 credits in this program)
• GMS 6002 Success Skills in Biomedical Sciences Credit Hours: 1
• GMS 6091 Responsible Conduct in Research Credit Hours: 1
• GMS 6094 Experimental Design and Analysis Credit Hours: 3
• BCH 6935 Grant Writing and Scientific Communication Credit Hours: 2

Concentration Requirements

Students select from the following concentrations.

Allergy, Immunology & Infectious Disease (13 hours minimum)

Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of how microbes interact with the host to cause disease and how the immune system responds to allergens, infection and neoplasms. Students in this concentration are currently pursuing research projects in areas including emerging infectious diseases, bacterial pathogenesis, cancer immunotherapy, microbial drug resistance, malaria, Lyme disease, Clostridium difficile infections, regulation of immunity and inflammation, oncogenic viruses and respiratory viruses in acute and chronic diseases.

Complete the following:

• GMS 6103 Foundations in Medical Microbiology and Immunology Credit Hours: 4
• GMS 6101 Molecular and Cellular Immunology Credit Hours: 3-4 (3 credit hours)
• GMS 7939 Graduate Seminar Credit Hours: 1

And complete at least 6 credit hours from the following list (or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director):

• BCH 6746 Structural Biology Credit Hours: 3
• BCH 6135C Methods in Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 4
• GMS 6107 Advances in Virology Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 6114 Vaccines and Applied Immunology Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 6110 Microbial Pathogenesis and Host-Parasite Interactions Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6940 Supervised Teaching in Molecular Medicine Credit Hours: 1-3 (2 credit hours)
• GMS 6115 Medical Parasitology and Mycology Credit Hours: 3

Cardiovascular Biology (13 credit hours minimum)

A concentration in cardiovascular biology provides training in such diverse fields as gene regulation and differentiation in smooth muscle, molecular biology of smooth and cardiac muscle, receptor function and signal transduction in smooth muscle and endothelial cells, matrix, and adhesion molecules in endothelial cell function, cell-cell communication, vascular development and inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling.

• GMS 6440 Basic Medical Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6505 Basic Medical Pharmacology Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6410 Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Disease Credit Hours: 2

And complete at least five (5) credit hours from the following list (or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director):

• GMS 6543 Advanced Medical Pharmacology and Physiology Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 7930 Selected Topics Credit Hours: 1-3

Molecular Medicine (13 hours minimum)

In this concentration, you will examine molecular mechanisms that underlie the cellular aberrations in clinical disorders and incorporate fundamental principles learned in coursework to medical research.

• BCH 6627 Molecular Basis of Disease Credit Hours: 4

And complete at least nine (9) credit hours from the following list (or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director):

• BCH 6886 Fundamentals of Structural Bioinformatics Credit Hours: 4
• GMS 6706 Basic Medical Neuroscience Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6334 Pathobiology of Human Cancer Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6610 Advanced Neuroanatomy Credit Hours: 3-6
• GMS 6735 Neuropharmacology Credit Hours: 3
• PCB 6230 Cancer Biology I - Basics of Molecular Oncology Credit Hours: 3
• PCB 6231 Cancer Biology II - Immunology and Applied Biology Credit Hours: 4
• PCB 6205 Cancer Biology III - Cancer Genomics and Drug Discovery Credit Hours: 3

Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology (13 hours minimum)

Focused on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of nervous and cardiovascular systems and related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and drug addiction.

• GMS 6707 Medical Neuroscience Credit Hours: 3-7 (3 credit hours)
• GMS 6704 Advanced Medical Neurosciences Credit Hours: 2

Neuroscience (13 hours minimum)

Approaches to the study of the nervous systems and related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and drug addiction. Areas of expertise include biochemistry and cellular and molecular neuroscience, neural systems and computational neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, neuroimmunology, and neuropsychopharmacology, among others.

• GMS 6706 Basic Medical Neuroscience Credit Hours: 3 (3 credit hours)

And complete at least 8 credit hours from the following list (or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director):

Strongly Recommended:

• GMS 6708 Neuroimmunology Credit Hours: 3 (3 credit hours)

Other Course Options:

• GMS 6604 Human Structure and Function Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6773 Stem Cells and Brain Repair Credit Hours: 3

Pathology and Cell Biology (20 hours minimum)

Focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of cancer, reproductive pathobiology, neurological disease & injury and related diseases, including cancer biology, angiogenesis and morphogenesis, gene discovery, neurobiology, cell biology and new educational technologies.

• GMS 6630 Basic Medical Histology Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6605 Basic Medical Anatomy Credit Hours: 3

And complete at least eight (8) credit hours from the following list (or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director):

• GMS 6111 Basic Medical Pathology Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6067 Current Topics in Molecular Medicine Credit Hours: 1

(Biochemical Pathology - proposed GMS 6112 - 3 credit hours)

• GMS 6601 Introduction to Laboratory Medicine and Diagnosis Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 6323 Pathology Case Studies 1 Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6324 Pathology Case Studies 2 Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 6325 Pathology Case Studies 3 Credit Hours: 2
• GMS 6326 Pathology Case Studies 4 Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6352 Forensic Pathology Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6609C Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Credit Hours: 3-6 (4 credit hours)
• GMS 6612 Supervised Teaching in Human Anatomy Credit Hours: 1-3 (1 credit hour)
• GMS 6610 Advanced Neuroanatomy Credit Hours: 3-6 (3 credit hours)
• GMS 6671 A Brief History of Medical Sciences Credit Hours: 2

Lab Rotations (1 hour minimum)

Students are also required to complete at least one semester of lab rotations.  One hour minimum required.  Typically students take four (4) credit hours.

• GMS 6942 Laboratory Rotations in Biomedical Sciences Credit Hours: 1-3 (1 credit hour minimum)

Dissertation (24 hours minimum)

The final phase of the program emphasizes research and independent study, which leads to a written dissertation. Students will present their dissertation in a public seminar and will defend it to an examination committee of faculty members with appropriate expertise in the subject matter.

• GMS 7980 Dissertation: Doctoral Credit Hours: 2-19

(24 credit hours)

Qualifying Exam and Doctoral Candidacy

To progress to doctoral candidacy, students must complete a written research proposal and present it in a formal public seminar. Students will defend the proposal to an examination committee of faculty members with appropriate expertise in the subject matter.

Remaining Hours and Other Requirements (41 hours minimum)

Students complete the remaining hours with lab rotations, directed research, or additional dissertation hours.

Other Requirements

Prior to the successful completion of all requirements for the Ph.D., students will be expected to publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed original research articles, at least one of which must be a first author publication related to their dissertation research. 

Students must present an annual seminar outlining their research progress.

• GMS 7910 Directed Research Credit Hours: 1-19

Concurrent Degree

Also available as a Concurrent Degree    

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Doctoral studies are carried out by science postgraduates, medical students combining clinical training with the PhD, and clinically qualified doctors undertaking scientific training. The research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies.

Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work, students receive further training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke's site and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship.

Candidates wishing to take a shorter course of research and write a thesis for the master's after one year may apply for the MPhil in Medical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of medicine, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

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• MD (Doctor of Medicine) MD
• Medical Science (Medicine) MPhil
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Introduction: Demystifying the PhD by Publication

• First Online: 28 September 2022

Cite this chapter

• Sin Wang Chong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4519-0544 3 &
• Neil H. Johnson   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8604-1193 4  

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This chapter documents the rationale for compiling a collection on the PhD by Publication. The aim of the book is to “demystify” this alternative route of doctoral education because there is a dearth of publications (journal articles or books) on this PhD route which is gaining popularity around the world. This book attempts to “demystify” PhD by Publication by identifying pertinent issues and (mis)conceptions pertaining to policies and practices through research, research syntheses, and surveys of university policies on the PhD by Publication internationally (Part I – Landscapes of PhD by Publication). Another layer of “demystification” pertains to experience (Part II: Narratives of PhD by Publication). The inclusion of reflective and autobiographical accounts by PhD by Publication supervisors, students, and graduates internationally provides a vivid insider’s perspective toward this PhD route. This chapter closes with an outline of each chapter of the book.

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Chong, S. W. (2020). PhD by published work and “doctorateness”: My experience at a UK university. Innovative Practice in Higher Education, 4 (1), 1–12. http://journals.staffs.ac.uk/index.php/ipihe/article/view/204/319

Google Scholar  

Chong, S. W. (2021). Demystifying commentary guidelines of PhD by published work in the UK: Insights from genre analysis. In Innovations in education and teaching international (pp. 1–10). Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2020.1871396

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Hyland, K. (2015). Genre, discipline and identity. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 19 , 32–43.

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Jackson, D. (2013). Completing a PhD by publication: A review of Australian policy and implications for practice. Higher Education Research and Development, 32 (3), 355–368. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2012.692666

O’Keeffe, P. (2019). PhD by publication: Innovative approach to social science research, or operationalisation of the doctoral student … or both? Higher Education Research and Development, 39 (2), 288–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1666258

Smith, S. (2017). Supervising on a PhD by published work route: An exploration of the supervisory role. Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung. Journal for Higher Education Development, 12 (2), 19–43.

Smith, S. (2019). The challenge of supervising students who are doing a PhD by published work . Trust Me! Blog. Retrieved from https://eprints.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/id/eprint/5648/1/TheChallengeOfSupervisingStudentsWhoAreDoingAPhdByPublishedWorkAM-SMITH.pdf

Wilson, K. (2002). Quality assurance issues for a PhD by published work: A case study. Quality Assurance in Education, 10 (2), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684880210423555

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Chong, S.W., Johnson, N.H. (2022). Introduction: Demystifying the PhD by Publication. In: Chong, S.W., Johnson, N. (eds) Landscapes and Narratives of PhD by Publication. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04895-1_1

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• PhD by Publication – Explained
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Introduction

Obtaining a PhD by publication is relatively uncommon in higher education. It can, however, be especially useful for established researchers who have published work but don’t yet have a PhD. This article gives information on exactly what a PhD by publication is, how it works and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Read on to learn more.

What is a PhD by Publication?

A PhD by publication is a doctoral degree awarded to a person who has several peer-reviewed publications that have been put together as separate ‘chapters’, contributing to a unified research theme within a specific field.

This format typically consists of a significant introductory chapter, up to 10,000 words, similar to a traditional thesis, followed by around five published research papers and a final chapter to bring things to a conclusion. Although these papers will be separate bodies of work, it’s important that they’re connected along one research theme.

This route to PhD can be attractive to researchers that have published a lot in their academic career but have not followed the traditional PhD path. It helps them gain recognition for their contributions to their research field and recognition that the work they have done has been of a doctoral level without having to write a separate PhD thesis.

A PhD by publication is awarded following a  viva (also known as an oral examination) with examiners, similar to the process of a traditional PhD.

What are the Advantages?

A clear advantage of a PhD by publication is that you’re submitting a portfolio of work that has already gone through extensive peer review. This means that by the time you come to defend your work at a viva, it’s much easier. For example, the questions your examiners may ask you could be very similar to the questions you were asked by your reviewers during your paper publication phase and so you will already have prepared suitable responses to these.

Another advantage of this route is that it’s a much quicker way of obtaining a PhD degree; traditional PhD programmes take between three and four years from registration to completion whereas you can get a PhD by publication within one year of registration with the University, assuming that you enrol on this degree having already published all the papers that you will include in your portfolio of work. The shorter duration means that you often will only have to pay for one year of University fees, meaning that this approach is cheaper than a traditional method. It’s often possible that you can work any part-time job alongside preparing your publication portfolio for viva examination submission.

What are the Disadvantages?

Not all research fields or questions are suitable for a PhD by publication. In some cases, it may be necessary to design, set up and run a new PhD project in the field, recording the generation of further data. Additionally, it may be difficult to expand upon your previous publications and explore different research ideas as you put together your portfolio of papers. As this approach is a relatively uncommon way to get a PhD, some institutions may be unfamiliar or not set up to facilitate a PhD by publication. While the final viva examination will be the same as that in a traditional PhD, there is always the risk that some examiners may not see this publication route as being a ‘real’ PhD.

You’re also likely to miss out on some other aspects of PhD life by going down the publication route, including opportunities to teach or supervise undergraduate students and the experience of working within a research lab alongside other PhD students.

How Long Does a PhD by Publication Take?

You should expect a PhD by publication to take six months to one year to obtain from your point of registration with a UK University. This is on the basis that you have already published work for all the material that you would plan to include within your PhD portfolio, or that it is currently going through the review process. This approach is shorter than pursuing a traditional PhD, which typically takes between three and four years as a full-time student.

What is the Application Process?

You apply using the standard process required by the university to enrol, in the same way as the traditional route of a PhD. In addition, however, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your prior publication track record and a supporting statement outlining the work of these existing publications, detailing how they tell a coherent story with the relevant subject area you’re applying to. You won’t need to submit a formal PhD research proposal as most, if not all, of the research should already have been completed.

Do you have Supervision?

Yes, in the same way that a traditional PhD student will have a primary supervisor to oversee your project. The role of the supervisor will be to help you establish a clear narrative for the theme you’re putting together of your publications, offering critical appraisal where necessary.

He or she will advise you on how to structure the introductory and concluding bodies of work that are required before you submit your portfolio for external examination and viva. Remember that the supervisor is there to advise and not tell you how to structure your dissertation; this is the same for any research student doing a standard PhD.

With this researcher-supervisor relationship, your options may be open in terms of whether you need to be based at the University in person or if you choose to work remotely as a distance learning student, communicating with your supervisor over email or video calls.

How does Assessment Work?

The body of work that you submit will be read and assessed by two examiners that are experts within your subject area of research. This will be followed by the viva examination with the two examiners, in line with the conventional PhD approach. To be awarded this research degree you will need to demonstrate that your work has made an original contribution to furthering the subject knowledge within your field.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Much Does It Cost?

As a PhD by publication usually takes about a year to complete, most universities typically charge a fee equivalent to one year of PhD study. The exact amount will vary depending on the University, but usually, the tuition fee will be around  £4,500  for one year for UK and EU students, and considerably more if you are an international student. It’s challenging to secure funding for these types of PhD degrees and you will find that you’re unlikely to be eligible for financial support from research councils or other routes of funding.

What Kind of Publications Can I use in my Portfolio?

Universities will have specific guidance about factors such as how many publications you can include in your portfolio and there may be some restrictions on when they should have been published. Typically, you will include 5 publications in your submission to your PhD examiners, but this can in some circumstances be as low as 3 or 4 or as high as 10 separate papers. Most often these will be in the form of  journal articles accepted by peer reviewed journals but can also include published book chapters, scientific or technical reports that have been published or other forms of publication that have gone through a level of peer review.

A PhD by publication is a good way for you to graduate with a doctorate if you enter this research programme having already published several academic papers on a single research theme. You need to demonstrate that you have made a significant contribution to your field through previous research. At this stage it is likely to be the cheapest and fastest route to gaining a PhD. However, applicants should be mindful when they apply that it may be challenging to secure funding for this.

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Phd by publication.

Many universities have recently introduced the ‘PhD by Publication’ method of obtaining a PhD, instead of the more conventional thesis. The availability of this option will vary from place to place, some won’t offer it at all, whilst others may only offer it to staff who have yet to achieve a PhD.

So just how is a PhD by publication awarded? Well, it varies from country to country – for instance, Scandinavian students will more commonly obtain a PhD this way, so let’s look specifically at getting a PhD by publication in the UK.

PhD by Publication in the UK

This method of gaining a PhD is relatively new, (even though getting published is important) and hence, the requirements may vary from place to place. Generally, though, instead of submitting a thesis written specifically during three/four years study with the university, you are instead required to submit a number of published papers.

In general, this method of gaining a PhD is not offered as an alternative to the standard way – it is not aimed at those starting on an academic career. It is usually offered to academics already in their career who have not yet completed a PhD. This is usually confirmed by the fact that many universities require you either to be staff, or to have graduated at least seven years ago to be eligible.

So just what sort of publications can be considered?

#2 Book Chapters Chapters written for anthologies or collections of essays are suited to being used in your portfolio. However, they are often not sufficient to stand alone, so you would need other works too.

#3 Research Papers Research papers that have been published in journals or other peer-reviewed sources.

#4 Technical Reports More for the science side of things – published peer reviewed technical reports are eligible.

#5 Other Published Media Other published media can be included – things such as scholarly editions of books, or architectural plans – but this will be on a case-by-case basis.

Often, with shorter works, it is necessary to submit multiple pieces – often five to seven – to complete an entire portfolio. However, in some cases, less may be acceptable. Each of the works featured in the portfolio must be linked in some manner, and they must be consistent in theme. Unrelated works will not be allowed to count towards a PhD by publication.

In addition to the portfolio of published work, the candidate is expected to have a supporting statement. This statement must critically discuss the works featured in the portfolio – discussing how they fit together, discussing their methodologies and explaining why they chose these methods, and how they feel it worked. In addition, they must point out their original contribution to scholarship – this is one of the most vital parts of getting a PhD, regardless of method.

You may be asking yourself what role the university would play other than examining the portfolio. In this case, a supervisor will assist with the portfolio, assessing whether the works submitted are cohesive, consistent and most importantly, of a high enough standard to be entered. They will also help with the supporting statement – making sure all vital information is included.

After this stage, there will be an oral examination. This will be similar to a viva , and should be prepared for as such. You will have to be prepared to defend any points made in the supporting statement. Depending on how long ago works were published (there is a time limit on when they are eligible) you may want to re-read them and ensure you are familiar both with your own work and the source material it draws on. In one sense, this may be more difficult than getting a PhD in the conventional manner as the work is not as recent, but it may also be easier in that it has already been peer reviewed and you will be aware of many possible questions and arguments.

Getting a PhD in this manner is not without difficulty, no matter how good the publications - while the submission of the portfolio and the oral examination may seem alright, the problem arises with finding a suitable place to apply. Due to the restrictions – some universities only opening to staff or alumni – you will be limited in options, and from those options, it may be more difficult than normal to find a supervisor. That said, for those who have been in academia for a while without a PhD, it may be well worth your time – take a look at our blog on the pros and cons of a PhD .

Related articles

PhD Funding In The UK

Doing A PhD: Why It’s Important To Publish

The Alphabet Of PhD Study

Common PhD Myths

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London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Mphil and phd - research degrees, the mphil and phd are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on an independent piece of research..

LSHTM provides a stimulating environment with state-of-the-art facilities in which to carry out research training in three academic faculties: Epidemiology and Population Health, Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Public Health and Policy.

MPhil/PhDs are very diverse: they may be desk-based, or include laboratory work or field work, but there are some common elements. You will be working on a health-related topic with advice from a supervisory team of academics. You will be encouraged to attend transferable skills and other courses, but these do not contribute to the formal assessment (unlike PhDs in some other countries). The examination of both MPhil and PhD is based on an oral examination ( viva ) of a written “thesis”. At LSHTM we encourage students to publish their work, and your thesis (maximum 100,000 words) may be a combination of chapters and published papers.

All PhD students initially register for an MPhil. Toward the end of the first year (second year if part-time), there is a formal upgrading process, with a written report (maximum 7,500 words), a seminar and an assessment panel in which two independent assessors explore the research plans with student. This provides feedback to improve the research, and identifies any students who may choose to, or may be better suited to, continue with an MPhil degree rather than transferring to a PhD. For students intending to stay registered for the MPhil the procedures are similar, with a formal review instead of the “upgrading”.

All students have a first supervisor and a second supervisor (who will be identified before registration) and may have further members in their supervisory team. They provide advice and guidance throughout the degree. Students will be in contact with their supervisor(s) at least once a month (full-time) or once every two months (part-time).

Students are expected to spend a minimum of 9 months in London over the course of the programme, usually including the first 3 months after registration. This is to enable students to benefit from the School’s academic environment and gain any training required for successful completion of their doctoral work including the opportunity to take relevant modules from LSHTM masters’ programmes to cover particular skills. Most students spend longer than this in London. Note that students without previous academic training in their discipline of interest will usually be advised to undertake an appropriate MSc as a first step before registering for a PhD.

Typically, a full time student might spend the first year in London, until after upgrading. In the second year, students continue laboratory work or carry out data collection/fieldwork either at or away from LSHTM. In the third year, students analyse and write up their research to prepare the thesis for submission. The final thesis should be submitted within 4 years (full time) or 8 years (part time).

LSHTM Research

LSHTM’s wide-ranging research programmes examine ways of improving and promoting health and health services and investigate the fundamental biology of pathogens and pathogenesis, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Research covers a wide range of topics and areas; these can be found by looking at the Research by Faculty (and clicking on the individual Departments), or at the cross-Faculty Academic Centres .  Many research programmes are carried out in collaboration with institutions outside the UK. Such collaborative work enhances the quality of the training experience and is one of the unique aspects of training at LSHTM.

Part-time study

LSHTM requires students who apply for part-time study to be available to study for at least two days per week (not including weekends). A letter from your employer is required to confirm that at least two days per week will be permitted for work on your degree.

Part-time students who are employed at one of LSHTM's specifically approved institutions may be able to carry out their research at their place of employment under the guidance of a supervisor at LSHTM.

PhD by Publication

This route is only available to staff members of LSHTM. The PhD by Publication, comprises a minimum of four linked peer-reviewed publications and a doctoral commentary. Consult the Programme Specification for details and how to apply.

Those interested in applying for MPhil/PhD study should refer to the How to Apply section. Registration for MPhil and PhD programmes takes place at three points in the academic year only, on the first day of each term. The entry points are normally in September, January and April. 

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Academic requirements

A student must normally satisfy the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine general entrance requirements as follows:

The normal  minimum  entrance qualification for registration at the School on a MPhil/PhD programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

• a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed  (recommended)
• a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
• an upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

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If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements:  Band B

Please see our  English Language Requirements FAQs  for information

Applying for a Research Degree can be a lengthy process and requires some preparation. Please allow plenty of time between submitting your application and your intended start date – we recommend at least 12 weeks. If you require a visa to study in the UK, you should also allow at least an additional 4 weeks for the visa application process. It may take considerably longer. If you are applying for a funded studentship you may need to start thinking almost a year in advance.

If you are not applying for an advertised funded project, you may find the following guidelines helpful.

Check that you meet the entry requirements

Please check the entry requirement section.  

Decide which Research Degree programme you want to apply for

LSHTM offers different Research Degree options: MPhil, PhD, and DrPH.  Read the   information online  to help you decide which research degree is right for you. 

Clarify your research topic and research opportunities

There are two main types of research degree opportunities:

• Studentships  - Funded PhD studentships will be advertised on our  Research Funding page . Each studentship will stipulate its own application process and entrance requirements. Many will be for specific research topics.  
• Jobs at LSHTM with opportunities to do a PhD  - Some academic jobs will allow you to do a PhD alongside your work, if it is closely related to the work itself. This should be mentioned in the job details. Or, if it is not mentioned, and the job does not require the candidate to have a doctorate already, you could email the contact person to ask. All  jobs at LSHTM are advertised.  
• PhD by Publication – Only available to existing staff members of LSHTM (see programme specification for details)  
• Speculative opportunities  - Students, who meet the entrance requirements, are encouraged to be proactive to identify opportunities with LSHTM academics whose recent research closely matches their interests. Candidates who have a clear research topic are more likely to identify a suitable supervisor quickly.

You may already have ideas for how you could be funded, or this may be something that you could explore with a potential supervisor (see below).

Identify a prospective supervisor

You do not have to name a supervisor on your application, but it is more likely to be processed quickly if you already have one in mind and you have been in contact with them before you submit the formal application. Use the website to look at research taking place across the School and identify the members of staff who would be most appropriate for your area of interest. See Before you apply for information on finding and writing to a prospective supervisor.

Think about how your Research Degree will be funded

You will need to consider how the Research Degree will be funded – tuition fees, living expenses and project costs. The School website contains some further information on potential  sources of funding . Some candidates apply for a place via studentships advertised by the School. Others manage to secure funding from elsewhere prior to applying, and some submit funding applications at the same time as applying for the research degree.

Draft a research proposal outline

Unless applying for a studentship with a project which has already been defined, applicants are expected to submit a research proposal with their application. Once you have a clear research topic, outline your proposal in a few paragraphs. This should include:

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• Data collection methods and analysis
• Research costs

Please be aware that the research proposal submitted with your application does not have to be the final research project: if and when you are offered a place, you will have the opportunity to refine your project through discussions with your supervisor. The main purpose of the proposal is to demonstrate that you have the necessary critical thinking skills, an understanding of the relevant research area, and an appreciation of the demands of a Research Degree.

Submit a formal application

If you have been successful in identifying a prospective supervisor and have been encouraged to apply, please see the  Research Degrees Application section online   for further details about how to apply.

Please also read  LSHTM's Admissions policies   prior to submitting your application.

It is still possible to submit an application without a named supervisor, but please be aware that the application may take longer to process.

Paper application forms are available upon request and will normally incur an administration fee of £50. You must send a copy of the personal details and photograph page of your passport with all paper applications.  Your application will not be considered until you have provided the above documents. 

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Peninsula Medical School

Phd on the basis of prior published works in medical studies.

Peninsula Medical School (PMS) sits within the Faculty of Health at the University of Plymouth. By studying with us you will be joining a dynamic research community of students, academics and staff that are doing their bit to tackle some of the greatest problems impacting science and society. Supported by internationally recognised academics, you will work closely with a Director of Studies to curate and frame your research into a portfolio for examination.

This degree programme enables eligible candidates who have not previously been able to register for a higher degree but have been research active and publishing – or making research available – in the public domain, to submit a collection of works for consideration for the award of a PhD.

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Programme overview.

• personally made a systematic study
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• made a distinct contribution to knowledge.  

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The Doctoral College is able to answer any questions you may have about applying for or undertaking a postgraduate research degree at the University of Plymouth: [email protected] or +44 1752 587640 . 

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Division of Medical Education MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

Medical education research is a rich, cross-disciplinary field of enquiry. On this full or part-time PhD programme, you will have access to high levels of pedagogical expertise for your development as a successful independent researcher. It will prepare you for a diverse range of careers in medical education within the NHS, University and with partner organisations.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, plus Master's-level study in either education or medical education. A primary medical qualification is required for a clinically-orientated doctorate.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Medical education research is fundamental to improving medical and health professional's practice, and spans the medical education lifespan from medical school to postgraduate training and through to continuing professional development.

The Research Department of Medical Education at UCL Medical School has a significant and vigorous educational research profile, which draw on a range of qualitative and quantitative focusing on a range of methodologies.

Our teaching is informed by our research, and our research is informed by our teaching. We are also dedicated to contributing to the wider education community by sharing our research findings and involving key stakeholders in our educational research.

This research degree involves conducting a single piece of research driven by your own interests, resulting in a 100,000-word thesis. You will be supported by academics and research staff from a variety of backgrounds, including education, psychology, health, and social sciences, as well as clinical specialties.

You can complete this programme full-time over three years, or part-time over five years.

Who this course is for

This research programme is particularly suitable for students who have completed a postgraduate course in medical education or an equivalent subject.

We welcome applications from medical, dental, and healthcare professionals who are interested in undertaking either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method approaches to their work. It is also suitable if you have a background in health and social services, psychology, or education.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

• Support from an internationally renowned group of medical education researchers with vast experience in a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• High-level education and supervision to support your development as a medical education researcher.
• A research skills development programme delivered by the UCL Doctoral School.
• Access to a series of online research methods modules focusing on medical education.
• Supervision meetings in person and/or online.

The foundation of your career

This PhD will prepare you for a substantive career as an educational researcher. Graduates go on to high-level posts either as NHS consultants or academics in university settings, as well as roles in medical education with local/national and international influence.

Employability

Many graduates have continued to practise in healthcare while also playing a significant role in local education. You will be equipped for senior positions in other medical schools and in the postgraduate sector, or to go on to a research career.

The UCL Medical School offers events and activities that will give you the opportunity to network with medical educationalists across the UK and internationally. These will give you the chance to learn from their examples of good practice and their research findings.

You will also be encouraged to attend local, national, and international medical education conferences, such as the annual Association of Medical Education in Europe Conference.

Researchers are often involved in teaching our taught undergraduate and graduate programmes at UCL.

Teaching and learning

Most of your research will be carried out independently. There will also be a series of training requirements that you will need to complete in the early stages of the programme.

The following optional research methods modules are delivered via the University's online learning platform:

• Approaches to educational research
• Research and the theoretical field
• Research methods
• Qualitative data analysis
• Writing and presenting educational research & Information and literature searching
• Quantitative data analysis

Your first milestone will be to upgrade from MPhil to the PhD degree. For this, you will submit and present a report. In your final year, you submit a thesis covering your research and discuss this at a formal interview known as a viva examination.

Most of your time will be spent conducting independent research, alongside regular meetings with your supervisory team and completing your training requirements. We also encourage you to attend relevant research events at UCL and elsewhere.

Research areas and structure

• Assessment in medical education
• Clinical communication
• E-learning in medical education
• Equality and diversity in medical education
• Fitness to practise of doctors
• Interprofessional education
• Peer-assisted learning
• Professional identity
• Selection in medicine
• Medical revalidation
• Transitions in medical careers
• Work-based learning.

Research environment

The Research Department for Medical Education (RDME) is the research arm of UCL Medical School and one of the UK’s top medical education research departments. We draw together experienced doctors, nurses, psychologists, and educationalists to ensure that our work is based on strong pedagogical research foundations.

A key part of our ethos and research strategy is to ensure our research makes a difference. Our work on selection (including widening participation), postgraduate clinical assessments (including medical revalidation and differential attainment), mental health and well-being, and social justice broadly has had significant impact outside of academia. As a unit we uniquely submitted to the research excellence framework in 2014 and in 2021. Each time, our research led to impact case studies which have been rated highly.

Our award-winning public engagement projects ensure our work is informed by, and useful to, patients and the public. In 2021 we were awarded the Association for the study of medical education institution to citizenship, which is testament to our commitment to high quality research and high-quality research environment.

We help medical educators adopt evidence-based best educational practice and use our knowledge and experience to continually develop our undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes. We also work to aid development in other international institutions.

Our academic and research staff are from a variety of backgrounds, including education, sociology, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and medical ethics, as well as clinical specialties. They all contribute to our interdisciplinary educational research activities. Our research outputs and reputation are of national and international importance.

When you accept your place on the programme, you will initially register for an MPhil in Medical Education.

In your first year, your programme will include the following optional research methods modules as part of the Doctoral Skills Training Programme. These are all delivered via an online learning platform:

• Approaches to Educational Research
• Research and the Theoretical Field
• Research Methods
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Writing and Presenting Educational Research and Information and Literature Searching
• Quantitative Data Analysis.

You will be eligible to upgrade to PhD status between 9-18 months into your registration. Upgrade decisions are based on an evaluation of an upgrade report, which you produce with support from your supervisors, and a viva examination.

Throughout your programme, you will have the opportunity to play a full part in the life of the RDME.

• Research Methods.

You will be eligible to upgrade to PhD student status between 15-24 months into your registration. Upgrade decisions are based on an evaluation of an upgrade report, which you will draft with the support of your primary and subsidiary supervisors, as well as assessment by viva examination.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Additional costs may include items such as books (perhaps £100-£200 per year), and expenses whilst attending conferences. Conferences are optional and costs vary significantly, but the average one-day event has registration fees of c. £280, plus travel (cost varies by location) and accommodation where relevant for longer events. Students will pay for their own attendance themselves unless there is a source of external funding.

Your research degree may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (also known as bench fees), which is payable by yourself or your sponsor. This covers the costs related to consumables, such as equipment and materials, which are not included in the tuition fee. As each research project is unique, this fee is calculated on an individual basis and is determined by your academic supervisor. It may also depend on whether you receive external funding to complete your degree.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Your deadlines and start dates will usually be dictated by funding arrangements so you will need to check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application. In most cases, you should identify and contact your potential supervisors before you apply.

Consider your choices

We recommend that you read these tips for studying medical education at doctoral level and familiarise yourself with our research staff to consider who might supervise your project.

If you decide to apply, you will need to send a CV and a research proposal of approximately 2,000 words to [email protected] .

The proposal should include your research interests and proposed topic and address the following:

• The research problem and your research questions
• Background, including a brief literature review
• Relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives
• Methods, including sample, recruitment, data gathering, data analysis
• Your new contribution to knowledge
• Timetable and bibliography.

If your proposal has potential and we believe we can match you to a supervisor, we will arrange an interview. This can take place online for applicants who are currently overseas.

If you are successful after this, we will invite you to apply using our application platform and to provide references.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

UCL Medical School

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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Home > Research study > PhDs and research degrees

PhDs and research degrees

Research programs and requirements

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Entry requirements and admission pathways options for research students

Whether you're beginning your research study or continuing at a higher level, our degrees provide a unique opportunity to follow a specific interest in a particular research area.

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD is Griffith’s premier research training degree. It is awarded for a thesis (or a series of published papers), drafted under supervision, which makes an original, significant, and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in your field of study.

Learn more about PhDs

Doctor of Philosophy (by prior publication)

This degree can offer you formal recognition for your work if you are an established researcher and do not already hold a doctoral level qualification.

Learn more about PhDs by prior publication

Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Philosophy concurrent pathway

The PhD will allow you to complete the first two years of the Doctor of Medicine program before commencing two years of full time PhD work in clinical research.

Learn more about concurrent pathways to a PhD

Professional Doctorates

These are integrated degrees of professional and research work, and include doctoral level coursework associated with a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Education

Doctor of Musical Arts

Doctor of Visual Arts

Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded for a thesis, drafted under supervision, which presents original research and demonstrates both knowledge of a research topic and discipline. It is shorter than a PhD and offered across all schools.

Learn more about the MPhil

Specialist Masters by Research

These are specialist degrees which combine coursework with professional and/or artistic practice.

Master of Arts Research

• Master of Design Research
• Master of Education and Professional Studies Research

Master of Medical Research

Master of Music Research

Master of Science

• Master of Visual Arts Research

Graduate Diploma of Research Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies provides a Griffith pathway to a PhD or MPhil for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission. These are offered in specific disciplines.

• Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies
• Graduate Diploma of Health Research
• Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies
• Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business
• Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Engineering
• Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Information Technology
• Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science

Research study abroad

International students currently enrolled in a research degree in a university overseas may undertake a research project at Griffith University for one to three semesters, under the research study abroad program.

You’ll be able to study in any research area, provided supervision and resources are available. Credit gained at Griffith is transferred toward the degree at your home institution, with that institution’s agreement.

Learn more about research study abroad

A joint doctoral program allows you to undertake research at Griffith University and one of our partner universities.

Griffith offers a joint degree with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Students undergo a five-year program commencing with one year of coursework training at UCAS , followed by a four-year research program at both UCAS and Griffith.

The GU - UCAS application round for Griffith University is currently closed.

Intake Dates

Griffith offers you the choice of four research intake dates to commence your PhD or Master of Philosophy.

If your research program includes coursework, please also check the trimester start dates .

Intake 3, 2024  8 July 2024

Intake 4, 2024  14 October 2024

Intake 1, 2025   24 February 2025

Intake 2, 2025 28 April 2025

Pathways to research

Griffith offers multiple admission pathways to a PhD or other doctoral degrees

Find out more

Fees and financial support

Domestic candidates.

Australian (domestic) candidates are any applicants who are: Australian citizens; or New Zealand citizens residing in Australia; or holders of an Australian permanent residency visa; or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

If you are a domestic candidate applying for a doctorate or masters by research, you are currently exempt from tuition fees under the federal government’s Research Training Program. You will need to consider additional study costs such as personal study materials and some support services.

Note. Doctor of Philosophy (by Prior Publication), Master of Science, and Graduate Diploma of Research Studies candidates are required to pay tuition fees.

International candidates

International candidates are any applicants who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents, or a holder of an Australian Permanent Humanitarian visa.

International candidates study on a fee-paying basis and they must pay the full costs of their education through tuition fees, either directly or through a third party (sponsor, government, or scholarship). International candidates will also need to consider living costs associated with studying in Australia, such as living expenses and accommodation.

Remote candidature

If you are not intending to relocate to the Brisbane/Gold Coast region to undertake your program, you can apply to pursue your candidature predominantly away from the University (remote candidature). A number of factors will need to be considered including the appointment of a qualified local supervisor and a minimum period to be spent on campus at the University. You will need to provide a statement with your application that addresses the following:

• The resources and facilities available at the location to support the research program (for example laboratory space, library facilities, computer access)
• A schedule of contact indicating the frequency and medium of communication between the candidate and supervisors
• A program of visits to the University, as required to undertake your research project
• Details of a qualified person at the location who has agreed to act as a local associate supervisor, where appropriate

Understand your program requirements

Griffith research programs have different requirements for entry and for completion.

Degree Finder

Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Qualifications required

A bachelors degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A), or a masters degree incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.5, and a grade of 6.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale).

Doctor of Philosophy (by Prior Publication)

Established researcher of international standing in the respective field on the basis of an ongoing record of academic work, and for who admission to the PhD program is inappropriate; and have a portfolio of high quality publications that meet the program criteria.

A bachelors degree in psychology with first-class or second-class honours (Division A), or a masters degree in psychology incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.5, and a grade of 6.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale). Qualifications must be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Note: Admission is restricted to candidates who are registered Psychologists or who are eligible for probationary registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy

A numerical score equivalent to a Distinction for year 1 of the Doctor of Medicine program; and a bachelors degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A), or a masters degree incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.5, and a grade of 6.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale).

Research Study Abroad (Non-Award)

Enrolled in a Doctoral program in an overseas institution.

A bachelors degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A), or a masters degree incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.5, and a grade of 6.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale), and professional engagement pertinent to the degree of at least 3 years.

A bachelors degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A), or a masters degree incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.5, and a grade of 6.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale), and normally professional experience pertinent to the degree of at least 5 years.

A bachelors degree with second-class honours (Division B), or a masters degree incorporating a significant research component with equivalent grades (GPA of at least 5.0, and a grade of 5.0 for the research component on a 7.0 point scale).

A postgraduate qualification with a GPA of at least 5.0 (on a 7.0 point scale), or a bachelors degree with second-class honours (Division B). Qualification must be in a related discipline.

Master of Education and Professional Research Studies

A Bachelor degree in medical science, biological science, pharmaceutical science or a related health discipline with a GPA of at least 5.0 (on a 7.0 point scale) or equivalent.

A Bachelor of Music degree with second-class honours (Division B) or a postgraduate qualification in music with appropriate professional experience.

A Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology in a relevant science discipline with a GPA of at least 5.0 (on a 7.0 point scale) or equivalent.

Master of Visual Arts

A bachelor degree with second-class honours (Division B) or an equivalent 4 year bachelor degree in an appropriate visual art or design discipline. Practitioners with substantial experience and a corresponding exhibition record will be considered.

Master of Design (Research)

English Language Requirements

All research applicants are expected to have reached an appropriate level of proficiency in English. International applicants and other applicants who have undertaken their prior studies overseas must provide documentary evidence of their English language proficiency (ELP). Full documentary evidence in support of English proficiency must be submitted with applications for candidature and scholarship.

English language tests

Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE
• OR a score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

English test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application. For a full list of accepted English tests and minimum scores, please see the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Applicants should be aware that these test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for most disciplinary areas and that some elements may require higher levels of proficiency.

Higher Degree Research Policy

English pathway option

If you do not meet specific English entry requirements for your program, you may wish to consider English pathway options at Griffith University. The Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) provides high-quality English language instruction for international students who wish to prepare for postgraduate courses in Australia. GELI has three centres located at Griffith’s Nathan, Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast campuses. You can complete the Direct Entry Program at GELI to meet the language requirements for your program.

Direct Entry Program

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Types of research degrees

What is a research degree?

Research degrees are the highest level of qualification awarded by universities in the UK, and are at level 8 of the   National Qualifications Framework (NQF) . Candidates carry out an independent research project under supervision over an extended period of time, before submitting a thesis or dissertation consisting of original material.

Research degrees offer a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of research: if you have these qualities we can offer a rich, dynamic and supportive environment in which to pursue research. At the University of Exeter, research students are supported by our  Doctoral College .

We offer a range of research degrees, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Masters by Research (MbyRes)

Engineering doctorate (EngD)

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Master of Surgery (MS)
• Professional doctorates (such as DClinPGR and EngD)

You can find out about the length of each type of degree on our   degree durations   page.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and MPhil (Master of Philosophy)

The MPhil, although a qualification in its own right, is often used as a route to the longer PhD. A PhD is only awarded when the results make an original contribution to knowledge in the field, which is normally assessed by a written thesis and oral examination.

Thesis / PhD by publication

Research degrees usually involve the completion of a written thesis, although alternatives may be allowed where suitable. Alternatives can include the presentation of part or all of the thesis as a multimedia document or a piece of art, or a record of professional practice in the form of a series of case-studies, which must be accompanied by a commentary. If you are interested in completing a thesis by alternative submission please contact the appropriate department to discuss this during the application process. If you publish research you have undertaken during your studies, it may also be possible to include such work in its published form in your thesis.

If you already have a portfolio of suitable quality published work which demonstrates a coherent research direction, you may be eligible for the PhD by Publication. This option reduces the study duration, and you will work with a supervisor to produce an integrating chapter explaining how the publications form a coherent whole.

How long does a PhD take?

A PhD takes three-to-four years when studied for full time, and six-to-seven years when studied for part time. And MPhil takes two-to-three years full time, and four-to-five years part time.

Can I study for a PhD part-time, distance learning or split-site?

In many instances, it's possible to study your PhD in a way that suits you. This may be part-time, around work or childcare, or from a distance. If you have access to appropriate academic facilities, becoming a split-site researcher may be an option. All off-campus research students receive supervision and support from our staff and are normally expected to attend the University for limited periods. 

Further information about   split-site study

Further information about   part-time study

Details of which research degrees offer distance learning or split-site study are on individual research topic pages.

How can I pay for my PhD?

There are many ways to fund a research degree, from full studentships that pay your tuition fee and a significant living stipend, to small grants from educational charities and trusts. You can find out much more about funding your research degree on our regularly-updated  PhD funding pages.

Masters by Research

The MA or MSc by Research lets you obtain a research degree without the commitment of a longer-term PhD. Not to be confused with the taught MRes degree, it’s ideal for people interested in pursuing a specific shorter-term research project, perhaps while working. You will have the option to apply to transfer to an MPhil or PhD.

Professional Doctorates

Professional doctorates combine a significant taught element with production of a research thesis, and are designed to help members of specific professions develop both their academic and professional knowledge (eg educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, teachers and lecturers).

Professional Doctorate, Psychology (DClinPGR)

The Professional Doctorate programmes in Psychology are different from conventional PhDs, which essentially offer training in academic research skills. These programmes all include taught academic and clinical research modules as well as applied psychological practice (DClinPsy and DPPClinPrac) and leadership (DClinPsy and DClinRes). All programmes include a major research project dissertation.  Find out more

An EngD is equivalent in level to a PhD and is awarded for industrially relevant research. The degree provides a vocationally oriented approach to obtaining a doctorate in engineering. You can find out more about the EngD degrees we offer on our  Engineering page.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)/Master of Surgery (MS)

These professional degrees contain no taught element and, like a PhD, are only awarded if an original contribution to knowledge is made. The degrees require a clinical degree or equivalent. Please see our  Healthcare and Medicine page  for further information.

PhD Funding

Doctoral College

Research proposal

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PhD by Published Work

You may be eligible to apply for the PhD by Published Work which is a one-year programme pulling together themes from your existing publications.

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If you are a member of staff or have a close link to the University, with a body of research already published, you may be eligible to apply for the PhD by Published Work which is a one-year programme pulling together themes from your existing publications.

Find out more in this route to PhD by viewing the regulations , which explain the entry criteria and the requirements of the programme.

You may apply for this route to PhD via the online application system .

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30 years of (re)productive biology: a symposium honoring professor Martin M. Matzuk, MD, PhD

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T Rajendra Kumar, Kathleen H Burns, Wei Yan, 30 years of (re)productive biology: a symposium honoring professor Martin M. Matzuk, MD, PhD, Biology of Reproduction , Volume 110, Issue 5, May 2024, Pages 852–853, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioae051

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Martin Matzuk, MD, PhD, is a professor and the Stuart A. Wallace Chair of the Department of Pathology and Immunology at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. During the span of over 30 years at a single institution, he has made seminal contributions to various areas of reproductive biology research, including systematically deciphering the developmental roles of TGF-β growth factor family members (inhibins, activins, activin receptor-2, follistatin, GDF9, BMPs, and SMADs) in normal physiology and pathology of ovarian, testicular, and uterine functions. In the last decade, he developed a comprehensive drug development center at Baylor College of Medicine embarking on rapid target identification using DNA-encoded chemistry and in silico screening. In addition to continuing basic research, his team is now mostly focusing on the development of highly specific drugs for male contraception, endometriosis and ovarian cancer, and many other diseases.

Dr Matzuk received numerous honors and awards, including the Elected Member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Carl Hartman Award, the highest award conferred by the SSR, and, more recently, The Texas State Hill Prize. He trained numerous undergraduate, graduate, clinical, and postdoctoral fellows who have made distinguished careers in basic science and clinical medicine. Many of his former trainees and some of his collaborators met in person in April 2023 and felicitated his achievements in a day-long scientific symposium organized by the three of us (TRK, KHB, and WY) at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX ( Figure 1).

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Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

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Online Ph.D. programs and doctorates can be challenging — but they're often worth the cost and effort , especially if you have a clear passion and career path in mind. With a doctorate, you can become an expert in your field and qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, professional settings, and the government sector.

Whether you're considering a doctorate in nursing , computer science, education, or business, an online program can help you maintain flexibility while achieving your goals.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of doctorates and Ph.D. programs available online. We'll cover popular subjects you can study and what jobs you can get after earning your degree.

Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: How Do They Differ?

Many people use the terms "Ph.D." and "doctorate" interchangeably, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing.

A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest educational credential you can achieve. Typically, a doctorate takes 4-7 years to earn, though this length can vary depending on your field and program.

Doctorates come in many forms. Professional doctorates are geared toward specific roles and industries. For example, an aspiring business professional might earn a doctor of business administration (DBA), while a budding physician would need to enroll in a doctor of medicine (MD) program.

A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is a specific type of doctorate focused primarily on academic research. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original research and add to their field's discourse. Most Ph.D. programs also require you to write and defend a dissertation .

All Ph.D.s are doctorates, but not all doctorates are Ph.D.s.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Explore Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates by Subject

Select the jump links below to learn more about the different subjects you can study in an online doctoral program.

Earning an online doctor of business administration (DBA), Ph.D. in business, or Ph.D. in accounting can give you the credibility and expertise needed to expand into managerial roles at companies and organizations.

In addition to qualifying you for promotions to C-suite positions like CEO and CFO, a doctorate in business allows you to teach at the college level, go into research, or even become president of a college. Most DBA and Ph.D. in business programs require 3-6 years of study.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chief executives earned a median salary of nearly $190,000 in 2022.

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Criminal Justice & Legal

In an online Ph.D. in criminal justice program, you can choose from concentrations in areas such as forensic science , homeland security, criminal justice policy, criminology , and juvenile justice.

Typically, you'll spend 4-8 years completing degree requirements. Potential careers with a doctorate in criminal justice include criminal justice professor, forensic scientist, law enforcement leader, and policy analyst.

If you're interested in law , you can also get a juris doctor (JD). This professional degree is the minimum requirement to become a lawyer . According to the BLS, lawyers earned a median salary of $135,740 in 2022.

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Interested in education administration or other education leadership roles? Then you might want to consider getting an online doctor of education (Ed.D.) or Ph.D. in education .

These programs can prepare you to develop curricula, oversee a school or school district, conduct research on educational theory, or teach the next generation of educators at a college or university. Unlike other doctoral programs, you can complete an Ed.D. in as little as two years.

One of the highest-paying roles you can get with an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education is postsecondary education administrator. These professionals take home a median salary of $99,940 (BLS, May 2022).

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Healthcare plays a large role in the economy, and the number of jobs in this sector continues to increase. Earning an online doctorate in healthcare can put you on the path to becoming a medical provider or securing leadership roles at hospitals, clinics, and more.

If you want to become a medical provider, such as a physical therapist , you'll likely need to complete any clinical or practicum requirements in person. In contrast, a doctorate in a subject like healthcare administration or healthcare management can qualify you for high-level positions without necessarily requiring in-person training.

Healthcare roles are some of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S., according to the BLS. For example, physical therapists and occupational therapists both earned median salaries of over $90,000 in 2022.

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Humanities & Social Sciences

The humanities and social sciences cover a wide array of subjects, including English literature, anthropology, political science, communication, public administration, and economics.

Earning a Ph.D. in one of these fields usually means you plan to work in academia or research, though some graduates find work in professional or government roles. Most online humanities and social sciences Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete and require you to submit a dissertation.

College professors earned a median salary of $80,840 (BLS, May 2022). Some of the highest-paid humanities and social sciences professors are economics teachers and anthropology teachers.

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Looking to advance your nursing career? With a doctorate in nursing, you can move into advanced practice, leadership, and academic roles.

A graduate degree in nursing pays off for many students. Nurses with a doctorate often work in high-paying, in-demand advanced practice roles. With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), you can become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner .

These in-demand nursing careers report a median annual salary of $125,900 (BLS, May 2022). Advanced practice nurses also benefit from high demand, with 38% projected job growth from 2022-2032.

By pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctorate in nursing, you can also qualify for roles like nursing professor and nurse researcher.

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Best online nursing ph.d. programs, psychology & counseling.

If you have a passion for mental health, an online doctorate in psychology or counseling could be right for you. Earning a Ph.D. in one of these subjects qualifies you to work with clients of various ages, identities, and backgrounds.

To become a clinical psychologist , you must have a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree, in addition to getting state licensure. You can choose from many types of psychology for your degree, such as forensic, school, or clinical psychology.

Psychologists take home a median salary of $85,330 (BLS, May 2022). Jobs for psychologists are also projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Prepare for cutting-edge STEM careers with a doctorate in a science, technology, engineering, or math field.

As a doctoral student, you can advance your expertise in areas such as biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence , and materials science. You'll take advanced coursework in your specialty and conduct original dissertation research to earn your STEM degree .

With a doctorate, you can become a computer scientist , mathematician, or college professor. And STEM professors tend to earn high salaries . Engineering professors, for example, earn a median annual salary of $103,550, while earth and space professors make $97,770 (BLS, May 2022).

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Social Work

A doctorate prepares you for top careers in social work . While you need a master's degree to become a licensed social worker , a doctorate can advance your policymaking, research, and leadership abilities.

A Ph.D. in social work prepares graduates for academic and research roles, including as a college professor. Meanwhile, a doctor of social work (DSW) emphasizes clinical practice and prepares graduates for leadership roles.

With a DSW, you can lead social work organizations and mentor clinical social workers. You can also play a key role in setting policy. Social and community services managers report a median salary of $74,240 , with a faster-than-average projected job growth (BLS, May 2022).

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The cost of an online doctorate can add up, especially when you're typically spending at least three years in your doctoral program.

On average, graduate tuition and fees cost around $20,510 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

But tuition costs vary widely, with public schools averaging $12,600 per year in tuition and fees and private nonprofit institutions averaging $29,930. When factoring in other expenses, the total cost for a doctorate can increase to over $40,000 per year .

Several factors can affect costs, including the program length and school; however, you'll likely have many funding options in an accredited doctoral program. In fact, according to numbers shared by the Urban Institute, over 70% of doctoral students receive grant aid .

You might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to cover costs. And don't forget: You can take out federal loans as a doctoral student.

What Can You Do With an Online Ph.D. or Doctorate?

Earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate signals to employers your industry expertise and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge. It can also lead to rewarding leadership roles, many of which boast above-average salaries .

Here are some popular roles you can get with an online doctorate.

Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?

For many students, earning an online doctorate is worth it for several reasons.

In addition to opening the door to professional leadership opportunities, these degrees routinely provide a pathway to higher salaries. Online programs can also offer increased flexibility for students with full-time jobs, children, or other commitments.

According to the BLS, people with a bachelor's degree as their highest credential earned a median salary of around $74,000 in 2022, while those with a master's degree earned a median salary of around $86,000.

However, people with a doctoral degree earned much more, with a median annual salary of around $108,000. This means doctorate-holders earn about $22,000 more each year than those with master's degrees — and a whopping $34,000 more than those with bachelor's degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

• Collapse All

Can you do a Ph.D. completely online?

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in a fully online format. Many doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and STEM use an online learning format. In these programs, you'll complete coursework in a virtual learning environment while meeting any hands-on or clinical requirements in your local area.

Online doctorates from accredited programs meet the same high academic standards and licensure requirements as in-person doctoral programs.

Are online Ph.D. programs and doctorates respected?

Yes, online doctorates are respected. These degrees feature the same curricula and content as on-campus programs. However, since online degrees can't always provide the same type of instruction and interaction as on-campus programs, some fields — particularly medical ones — do not provide 100% online options.

How long do online Ph.D. programs take?

The typical online Ph.D. program takes 4-7 years to complete. Depending on your course load and schedule, the program may extend beyond that timeline. You may take longer to complete your research and dissertation, for example.

What is the easiest Ph.D. to get?

All Ph.D. and doctoral programs require dedication and stamina to make it through advanced academic courses. That said, Ed.D. programs tend to take less time than other doctorates, meaning you can put your degree to work more quickly.

The difficulty of a doctoral degree ultimately depends on your skills, interests, and career goals, as well as on the specific requirements of each program.

Which Ph.D. is most in demand?

According to BLS data, many positions in healthcare, business, and technology are projected to rank among the fastest-growing jobs in the coming decade . Professionals with advanced degrees in these areas will be needed to fill a large number of open roles.

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Meet Yale Internal Medicine: Allison Gaffey, PhD

Listen to "meet yale internal medicine: allison gaffey, phd".

As a part of our “Meet Yale Internal Medicine” series, today’s feature is on Allison Gaffey, PhD, assistant professor (cardiovascular medicine).

As an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, Allison Gaffey, PhD , assistant professor (cardiovascular medicine), first became interested in reciprocal mind, body, and biological behavioral connections. That interest led her to pursue a career in research – first as a research assistant for studies of health behavior in survivors of physical and psychological trauma, then as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on bio-behavioral interactions within the scope of risk of cancer, and later at Harvard, where she supported investigations of psychosocial stress, emotion, and related autonomic nervous system and endocrine activity.

Altogether these experiences honed her appreciation for how stress and related social circumstances beget poor health, as well as which factors may be protective, and led her to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame.

“A PhD in clinical psychology was the ideal way to investigate the effects of stress on related physiology and psychological health, and to also maintain the patient's perspective,” said Gaffey.

Beginning in residency at the Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Gaffey says her choice to pursue this work within cardiovascular medicine just made sense.

“Cardiology is an ideal setting for pursuing questions about how stress and other adverse aspects of our daily lives and lifetime experiences ‘get under the skin’ to affect our health,” said Gaffey. “Many people don’t think of psychosocial stress as a risk factor for heart disease, but the data are abundant. This includes examinations of cardiovascular reactivity to short-term, mental stress tasks in a research laboratory or scientific evidence bridging chronic stressors from work, relationships, or discrimination with a greater and earlier incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Stress also directly affects our sleep, another lesser-known cardiovascular risk factor. As cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., working in this area is immediately impactful.”

Gaffey came to Yale in 2018, where she trained with Matthew Burg, PhD , professor of medicine (cardiovascular medicine), a preeminent expert in cardiovascular behavioral medicine who investigates the effects of mental stress on cardiovascular physiology. At the same time, she completed an Advanced Research Fellowship in Women’s Health through the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, where she trained with Sally Haskell, MD, MS, and Cynthia Brandt, MD, MPH.

“It was the perfect opportunity to simultaneously extend my expertise in cardiovascular medicine and women's health, both in the general population and among Veterans more specifically,” said Gaffey. “It has been estimated that our knowledge of cardiovascular disease in women is about 50 years behind the literature concerning men. There’s an immense need to better understand women, their health, and the exposures that are unique to their lived experiences – as called for by President Biden’s recent executive order for women . Doing this work can also help us to learn about cardiovascular disease in men as well.”

Gaffey, who was promoted to assistant professor earlier this year, recently received a K23 grant , a patient-oriented, mentored career development award, from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to support research exploring associations between high blood pressure among younger adults, who are beginning to show high blood pressure earlier in the lifespan.

Gaffey’s research will investigate how stress, childhood trauma, discrimination, and other social vulnerabilities, together influence the increase of blood pressure among younger men and women and may predict the onset of hypertension. She will also examine the role of poor sleep in these associations.

“Many studies have looked at specific types of stress or adversity across the lifespan in relation to cardiovascular risk. In this project, we hope to aggregate those adverse experiences under the umbrella of social vulnerability to see if those who experience greater cumulative vulnerability are more likely to show early increases in blood pressure over time. By doing so, we may learn which men and women need earlier or additional support to manage their blood pressure and when to provide those resources,” said Gaffey.

She is working with data from the CARDIA , a nationwide, prospective cohort study that has been in progress for more than 30 years. Gaffey is conducting a secondary analysis of blood pressure data from that study to determine which factors predict early blood pressure elevations amongst women and men, respectively.

“Although men are diagnosed with hypertension earlier in their lifespan, women show a steeper incline in the rate at which blood pressure increases over their lifespan. Besides certain health conditions and complications associated with pregnancy, we really don't know what social factors are important and implicated in that early risk,” said Gaffey.

As she continues her career, Gaffey hopes to model and identify opportunities for earlier patient-centered prevention and how to test and implement those models in the current healthcare system. She recently co-authored a perspective with Burg and Bruce Rollman, MD, MPH (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), encouraging the American Heart Association to include psychological health – particularly depression and anxiety – as one of their risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the next update to their Life’s Essential 8 heart health metric.

“Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, anxiety, life stress, and other social vulnerabilities are associated with risk for cardiovascular disease,” said Gaffey. “In line with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, screening for depression and anxiety alone would be a meaningful first step towards better addressing these risk factors and more holistic, patient-centered care.”

Gaffey tells her trainees that it is important to surround yourself with people who have varied backgrounds and interests, who can offer different types of support while allowing the freedom needed to develop your unique scientific, clinical, educational, and policy-focused interests.

“In academic medicine, it’s vital to recognize the value of your unique expertise and the power of your voice, but also to use your voice to reflect the patient’s perspective – their lived experiences and motivations,” said Gaffey. “There’s fulfillment in giving voice to our patients.”

The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators, educators, and staff in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more, visit Internal Medicine.

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• Can kinesiotaping optimise the results of an exercise-based treatment for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? (PhD Academy Award)
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7127-6560 Fábio Carlos Lucas de Oliveira 1 , 2
• 1 École de kinésiologie et de loisir , Université de Moncton , Moncton , NB , Canada
• 2 Research Unit in Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF) , University of Coimbra Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education , Coimbra , Portugal
• Correspondence to Dr Fábio Carlos Lucas de Oliveira, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada; fclud{at}ulaval.ca

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What did I do?

My PhD project aimed to determine whether kinesiotaping provided additional benefits for treating individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). To achieve this goal, I investigated (1) the alterations in the rotator cuff (RC) muscle activation, (2) the immediate effects of kinesiotaping on the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and shoulder proprioception and (3) the effects of kinesiotaping on the symptoms, functional limitations and underlying deficits associated with RCRSP.

Why did I do it?

The application of kinesiotaping has been a popular approach in clinics. However, few studies have investigated its immediate, short-term or isolated effects among individuals with RCRSP. 4 Current evidence has been insufficient to conclude the effectiveness of kinesiotaping in improving pain and function in this population. 5 Therefore, there was a need for high-quality evidence to better guide clinicians on whether to use kinesiotaping for the rehabilitation of individuals with RCRSP.

How did I do it?

First, I conducted a systematic review 6 to synthesise the evidence concerning the electromyographic activation of RC muscles in individuals with RCRSP. This study guided which RC and scapulothoracic muscles should be targeted for treatment and how these muscles should be rehabilitated. Based on this work, I designed a 6-week exercise-based rehabilitation programme as the cornerstone of my PhD project.

To assess underlying deficits, I conducted a cross-sectional study 7 that investigated whether kinesiotaping provides an immediate increase in the AHD (assessed using an ultrasound scanner) and whether the active joint repositioning sense (assessed using inertial measurements unit wireless sensors) was changed in individuals with RCRSP.

Lastly, I conducted a randomised controlled trial 4 (RCT) to identify whether adding kinesiotaping to the treatments would provide a faster and impactful difference to the healing of individuals with RCRSP. Fifty-two (52) individuals with RCRSP were recruited. Participants had at least one positive sign in each category of the following clinical tests 8 : (a) painful arc of movement (flexion and abduction); (b) Neer or Hawkins-Kennedy impingement test and (c) pain during resisted external rotation, abduction or empty can test.

Primary outcome (functional limitations) was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm (DASH) questionnaire at baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were evaluated at commencement (baseline) and following the treatment (week 6), which included: pain intensity assessed using the Brief Pain Intensity (BPI), symptoms assessed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, pain-free and full range of motion (ROM) (shoulder flexion and abduction) assessed using a universal goniometer, and AHD at rest and 60° of shoulder abduction assessed using an ultrasound scanner.

All participants were evaluated at baseline and randomly divided into experimental or control groups. Both groups received a 6-week rehabilitation programme composed of 10 physiotherapy sessions. Kinesiotaping was added to the treatment of individuals allocated in the experimental group ( figure 1 ). Halfway through treatment (week 3), self-report outcomes (DASH, BPI and WORC) were re-evaluated to assess functional limitations and symptoms. At the end of treatment (week 6), all outcomes were re-evaluated as performed at baseline. Participants received four exercises tailored to individual needs to be performed at home throughout the treatment and during follow-up periods. Self-report outcomes were also re-evaluated 12 weeks and 6 months after the first physiotherapy session to identify continued changes.

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Kinesiotaping technique for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain and underlying deficits. First strip ((1) Y-shape surrounding deltoid muscles), second strip ((2) I-shape in functional correction for multiaxial shoulder instability over the glenohumeral joint, supraspinatus, trapezius and middle deltoid muscles) and third strip ((3) I-shape in mechanical correction for glenohumeral joint).

What did I find?

The systematic review 6 revealed strong evidence that the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle activities were not altered during isometric contractions. Moderate evidence indicated that alterations in the RC muscle activities are best observed during dynamic tasks.

The cross-sectional study showed that kinesiotaping induced an increase (p<0.001) in AHD at 60° abduction in individuals with RCRSP, whereas no immediate effect was observed with the proprioception.

The RCT 4 demonstrated that functional limitations, symptoms, ROM and AHD improved in both groups, although adding kinesiotaping did not lead to superior outcomes compared with the exercise-based treatment alone in the mid-term and long term for individuals with RCRSP.

What is the most important clinical impact/practical application?

This PhD project revealed that kinesiotaping is not an essential element for rehabilitating individuals with RCRSP. Individuals who used kinesiotaping did not present with faster or more impactful results than those who did not, evidencing that kinesiotaping did not provide additional benefits for treating individuals with RCRSP in the mid-term and long term. Subsequently, clinicians and healthcare professionals should not expect supplementary gains from kinesiotaping when added to a rehabilitation programme based on sensorimotor exercises for individuals with RCRSP.

Ethics statements

Patient consent for publication.

Consent obtained directly from patient(s).

Ethics approval

This study involves human participants and protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02881021 ) on 25 August 2016. Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Quebec Rehabilitation Institute (IRDPQ #2016-496) of the Centre Integrated University of Health and Social Services (CIUSSS-CN). Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.

• Maenhout AG ,
• Vanderstukken F , et al
• Hébert LJ , et al
• van der Heijden GJ
• de Oliveira FCL ,
• Pairot de Fontenay B ,
• Bouyer LJ , et al
• Saracoglu I ,
• Bouyer LJ ,
• Ager AL , et al
• Michener LA ,
• Walsworth MK ,
• Doukas WC , et al

X @fabiophysio

Contributors FCLO contributed to conception, design and preparation of the procedures. He also conducted the recruitment of participants, data collection, the rehabilitation programme, analyses and data interpretation, and writing.

Funding This work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). FCLO received a doctoral scholarship from the Brazilian Government through the Science without Borders programme in association with the CAPES Foundation.

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Author note This doctoral project was conducted at the Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (Cirris), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada.

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Cecilia Lee , MD, MS

Undergraduate Education:  BS, Emory University, 2004 Graduate Education: Masters of Science in Epidemiology at UW School of Public Health Medical School:  MD, Emory University School of Medicine, 2008 Post Graduate Education: Internship:  Transitional, Emory University, 2009 Residency:  Ophthalmology, Emory University, 2012 Fellowships:  Uveitis, Washington University in St. Louis, 2013 Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital, 2014   Board Certification:  American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO)                                             

Membership:  American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (WAEPS)

Subspecialty memberships:     American Uveitis Society (AUS), American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), The Macula Society, Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group (OMIG)

Dr. Lee was born in South Korea and raised in both Seoul, Korea and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University in Biology. She remained at Emory University for her MD degree and completed her internship and ophthalmology residency working at various hospitals, including Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital. After her residency training, she completed a uveitis fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis, and medical retina fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.

Dr. Lee joined the UW faculty in 2014. She is a clinician scientist, and her time is divided into seeing patients with retinal conditions, performing cataract extractions, teaching, and pursuing her research in medical retina and uveitis.

Dr. Lee offers medical treatments for vitreoretinal diseases and performs cataract surgeries. She enjoys being actively involved in clinical research and teaching residents. She is dedicated to educating her patients with the most current information and offering diverse treatment options.

Having grown up in Buenos Aires, Dr. Lee enjoys Latin American culture and is delighted to see Spanish-speaking patients in her clinic. Her pastimes include traveling, hiking, Crossfit, music, and pottery. 

Primary office

Karalis Johnson Retina Center at South Lake Union 750 Republican St., Building F Seattle, WA 98109

Patient Care Philosophy

"I love participating in my patients’ healthcare by providing personalized, up-to-date medical care. I enjoy translating next-generation research tools in medical retina to the clinic and providing deeper insights into each patient’s care.“

Awards and honors

2000-04 Callaway Scholar

2003-04 Phi Beta Kappa

2004-08 Mary W. Rautenbusch Scholar

2012 National Eye Institute Travel Grant

2013 Golden Apple Award “Best Fellow Teacher Award” Washington University    

Research focus

Dr. Lee's research interests focus on finding the connections between the eye and the brain using non-invasive imaging, Big Data and advanced computational approaches. Dr. Lee aspires to take advantage of increasingly complex and massive amounts of ophthalmic clinical data to better understand blinding eye diseases, discover new ophthalmic biomarkers of brain disease, and translate the research findings into providing better care for the patients. 

Aaron and Cecilia Lee collaborate on the mining of large clinical data sets and registries from around the world and unlocking the power of Big Data through recent breakthroughs in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Major research focuses include bioinformatics, deep learning, next-generation sequencing, clinical epidemiology, and data visualization. Recently published work includes clinical outcomes research in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Visit their website below.

https://comp.ophthalmology.uw.edu

Publications

No publications are available at this time.