what can a phd do for you

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Is a PhD the right option for you?

Too often starry-eyed students rush into a PhD without knowing what it entails or how useful it will be. Daniel K. Sokol discusses what you need to consider before taking the plunge.

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Embarking on a PhD is a big decision. Not only will it consume three to five years of your life but, in some UK institutions, the failure rate exceeds 40%. During that time, the 'great work' (ie the thesis) will hover above the candidate like the sword of Damocles, even in moments of supposed rest. So when students say they are thinking of doing a PhD, I ask them why.

For most jobs, a PhD is unnecessary. I, and many of my PhD friends, dropped the title soon after our release into the real world. The initial buzz of having Dr before your name dims with time, and using the title in a non-academic context exudes more than a whiff of self-importance.

People also equate the prefix with a medical degree. On a plane back from Australia one year, I heard the call dreaded by doctors and title-wielding PhDs alike: "is there a doctor on the plane?" Sensing that my knowledge of grounded theory would do little to assist the feverish passenger, my wife, a medical doctor, volunteered to save the day.

If future income is a consideration, a PhD is worth little more than a master's. According to Bernard Casey, who published a study on the economic contribution of PhDs, male PhDs earn 26% more than those who could have gone to university but did not. However, men with a master's degree earn almost as much, with a 23% increase. For women, the difference is smaller still. Variations also exist within individual disciplines. Casey concludes: "PhDs in social sciences, languages and arts do not enhance earnings significantly for either sex."

When I enrolled on my PhD, I didn't care about so distant an issue as future income. Armed with three years of funding, I cared only about my subject and pushing the frontiers of knowledge, however modestly.

Enthusiasm fills the heart of most prospective PhD students, but this enthusiasm can soon fade. The drop-out rate for PhDs is high. In the United States, only 57% of PhD students obtained their PhD 10 years after enrollment. In the humanities, the figure dropped to 49%. In my department, four of us enrolled on the PhD programme in medical ethics; two completed it. Contrary to popular belief, a PhD is not intellectually difficult but it calls for discipline and stamina.

A PhD, especially in the humanities, is a lonely affair. Days are spent alone in front of a computer. Antidotes to the common ailments known as PhD fatigue and PhD blues are, first, choosing a subject that can sustain interest for several years. Often students realise after a few months that their topic is not as gripping as initially believed. An additional consideration, when selecting a topic, is whether the choice will bolster an academic career. Some topics lie on the fringes of the field and may raise eyebrows in reviewers of articles and conference abstracts and in interviews for lectureships. An obscure PhD is also poor preparation for teaching a broad curriculum to undergraduate students.

The second antidote is choosing good supervisors. Knowledge aside, a good supervisor should be willing to devote time to the thesis. Beware the elusive professor, however stellar his or her reputation. It is worth talking to a supervisor's past or current PhD students before making your request.

Sadly, stories of disastrous PhD experiences abound. Unsupportive or bullying supervisors, lack of institutional support, late or radical changes of topic, poor advice, unfair viva voce examinations – the list of potential woes is long. So common are such problems that, after representing an aggrieved PhD student at an appeals hearing, I founded a service to help university students appeal unfair decisions. A frequent fault of students is allowing problems to grow rather than nipping them at the bud; early intervention is key. When I ask eager students their reasons for enrolling in a PhD programme, I do not seek to dissuade them. My own PhD experience, and those of countless others, was positive. Meetings with my supervisors were regular and enjoyable. The viva (or oral examination), which lasted three hours, went smoothly. Although academic jobs were scarce, I was lucky to obtain a lectureship immediately after the PhD. My thesis may even have contributed, microscopically, to the field.

Too often, however, starry-eyed students rush into a PhD program with scant knowledge of what it entails or how useful it will be in the future. The drop-out rate would be reduced, and much misery avoided, if prospective students possessed a more balanced view of the challenges, as well as the joys, of the PhD.

Daniel K. Sokol PhD is honorary senior lecturer in medical ethics at Imperial College and director of Alpha Academic Appeals

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10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Here we've got everything you need to know about getting started.

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Are you sure about that? It’s not going to be an easy decision, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree. Oh, and don’t panic!

I have recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a PhD in Plant Sciences after four difficult, but enjoyable, years. During those four years, I often felt slightly lost – and there was more than one occasion on which I didn’t even want to imagine writing up my thesis in fear of delving into fits of panic.

On reflection, I realise that – to quote a colleague – commencing my PhD was like “jumping in the deep end with your eyes closed.” If only I’d known to take a deep breath.

1. Are you sure you want to do a PhD degree?

Let’s be under no false impressions, completing a PhD isn’t easy. There will be times when you feel like Wile E Coyote chasing after the Roadrunner – a little bit out of your depth a lot of the time. It’s four years of your life, so make sure it is what you really want to do.

If you want to pursue a career in science, a PhD isn’t always necessary.

It is possible to make great inroads into industry without a doctoral degree. That said, a PhD can also be a very useful qualification with many transferable skills to add to your CV.

By the time you’ll have finished, you can include essentials such as time management, organisational skills, prioritising workloads, attention to detail, writing skills, presenting to an audience – and most importantly – resilience, to name but a few.

2. Choose your project, and supervisor, wisely.

This is very important.

Time after time, our experienced scientists at EI, including Erik Van-Den-Bergh (and I agree) say, “ make sure you’re extremely passionate about exactly that subject. ” When I saw the PhD opening that I eventually was offered, I remember being demonstrably ecstatic about the project before I’d even started it.

I was always interested in calcium signalling and organised a meeting with my potential supervisor immediately, which (to quote Billy Connolly) I leapt into in a mood of gay abandon.

Not only does this help you to keep engaged with your project even through the painstakingly slow times, it also greatly enhances your ability to sell yourself in an interview. If you can show passion and enthusiasm about the project and the science then you’ll be that one step ahead of other candidates – which is all the more important now that many studentships are competitive.

You have to be the best out of many, often exceptional candidates.

However, as important as it is to be passionate about your project, make sure that the person who will be supervising you is worthy.

Does your potential supervisor have a prolific track record of publishing work? What is the community of scientists like in the lab you may be working in? Are there experienced post-doctoral scientists working in the lab? Who will your advisor be? Is your supervisor an expert in the field you are interested in? Is the work you will be doing ground-breaking and novel, or is it quite niche?

There is nothing more frustrating – and I know many PhD degree students with this problem – than having a supervisor who is rarely there to talk to, shows little interest in your work, and cannot help when you are struggling in the third year of your project and some guidance would be much appreciated.

Personally, and I was very lucky to have this, I think it’s incredibly useful to have two supervisors. My PhD degree was split between the University of Manchester and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. Between my supervisors, I had two people with expertise in different fields, who could give me some fantastic advice from different perspectives. This also meant that I had two people to check through my thesis chapters and provide useful comments on my drafts.

PhD students networking during the last Student Symposium

Make sure you are passionate about your subject before taking it to PhD level. And by passionate I mean really passionate.

For a start, you will most likely have to write a literature review in your first three months, which if done well will form the main bulk of your thesis introduction and will save you a lot of stress and strain when it comes to writing up.

At the end of your first year, you will have to write a continuation report, which is your proof that you deserve to carry on to the end of your three or four years. This doesn’t leave much time for lab work, which means time management is incredibly important. If you think you’ll be able to swan in at 11 and leave at 3, think again.

Fundamentally, never, ever rest on your laurels! As tempting as it may be to slack-off slightly in the second year of your four year PhD, don’t.

4. Be organised.

This is a no-brainer but still, it’s worth a mention. Take an hour on a Monday morning to come up with a list of short-term and long-term goals. You’ll probably have to present your work at regular lab meetings, so it’s always worth knowing what has to be done (lest you look a pillock in front of the lab when there’s nothing to show for your last two weeks.)

It’s always good to have a timeline of what will be done when. If you have a PCR, maybe you can squeeze in another experiment, read a few papers, start writing the introduction to your thesis, or even start collecting the data you already have into figures.

The more good use you make of your time, the easier it’ll be to finish your PhD in the long run. Plus, it’s lovely to sit back and look at actual graphs, rather than worry about having enough to put into a paper. Once you’ve typed up your data, you’ll realise you’ve done far more than you had anticipated and the next step forward will be entirely more apparent.

5. Embrace change – don’t get bogged down in the details.

Felix Shaw – one of our bioinformatics researchers at EI – put it best when he said, “ it felt like I was running into brick walls all the way through [my PhD]… you’d run into a brick wall, surmount it, only to run straight into another. ”

You’ll find that, often, experiments don’t work. What might seem like a great idea could turn out to be as bad as choosing to bat first on a fresh wicket on the first day of the third Ashes test at Edgbaston. (Yeah, we don't know what that means either - Ed).

Resilience is key while completing your PhD. Be open to change and embrace the chance to experiment in different ways. You might even end up with a thesis chapter including all of your failures, which at the very least is something interesting to discuss during your viva voce .

6. Learn how to build, and use, your network.

As a PhD student, you are a complete novice in the world of science and most things in the lab will be – if not new to you – not exquisitely familiar. This matters not, if you take advantage of the people around you.

Firstly, there are lab technicians and research assistants, who have probably been using the technique you are learning for years and years. They are incredibly experienced at a number of techniques and are often very happy to help show you how things are done.

There are postdocs and other PhD students, too. Not only can they help you with day-to-day experiments, they can offer a unique perspective on how something is done and will probably have a handy back-catalogue of fancy new techniques to try.

There are also a bunch of PIs, not limited to your own, who are great to talk to. These people run labs of their own, have different ideas, and might even give you a job once you’ve completed your PhD.

Don’t limit yourself to the labs directly around you, however. There are a massive number of science conferences going on all around the world. Some of them, such as the Society of Biology Conference, take place every year at a similar time in different locations, attracting many of the leaders in their respective fields.

If you are terrified by the prospect of speaking at a full-blown science conference and having your work questioned by genuine skeptics, there are also many student-led conferences which will help you dangle your fresh toes in the murky waters of presenting your work.

One such conference, the Second Student Bioinformatics Symposium, which took place at Earlham Institute in October 2016, was a great place for candidates to share their projects with peers, who are often much more friendly than veteran researchers with 30 year careers to their name when it comes to the questions at the end of your talk.

Another great reason to attend conferences, of course, is the social-side too – make the most of this. You never know who you might meet and connect with over a few drinks once the talks are over and the party commences.

7. Keep your options open.

You should be aware that for every 200 PhD students, only 7 will get a permanent academic post , so it’s incredibly unlikely that you’ll become a Professor – and even if you make PI, it probably won’t be until your mid-forties.

You may also, despite having commenced along the academic path, decide that actually, working in a lab environment isn’t for you. Most PhD graduates, eventually, will not pursue an academic career, but move on to a wide range of other vocations.

It might be that Science Communication is more up your street. This was certainly the case for me – and I made sure that I took part in as many public engagement events as possible while completing my PhD. Most Universities have an active public engagement profile, while organisations such as STEM can provide you with ample opportunities to interact with schools and the general public.

You might also consider entrepreneurship as a route away from academia, which might still allow you to use your expert scientific knowledge. There are a variety of competitions and workshops available to those with a business mind, a strong example being Biotechnology YES.

I, for example, took part in the Thought for Food Challenge, through which I have been able to attend events around the world and meet a vast array of like-minded individuals. Many of the participants from the challenge have gone on to set up successful businesses and have even found jobs as a result of the competition.

8. Balance.

Remember that you still have a life outside of your PhD degree – and that this can be one of the greatest opportunities to make amazing friends from around the world.

A science institute is usually home to the brightest students from a variety of countries and can provide a chance to experience a delightful range of different people and cultures. Don’t just stick to the people in your lab, go to events for postgraduate students and meet people from all over campus.

There are usually academic happy hours happening on Fridays after work where you can buy cheap beer, or some lucky institutions even have their own bar. At Norwich Research Park, we not only have the Rec Centre, along with bar, swimming pool, calcetto, samba classes, archery, and a range of other activities, but there are also biweekly “Postdoc pub clubs” which are very fun to join on a Tuesday evening.

Maintain your hobbies and keep up with friends outside of your PhD and you’ll probably find it’s not that gruelling a process after all.

Plus, the people you meet and become friends with might be able to help you out – or at least be able to offer a sympathetic shoulder.

9. Practical advice.

If, after reading all of this, you’re still going to march forth and claim your doctorhood, then this section should be rather useful.

Firstly, make sure your data is backed up. It’s amazing how many people don’t do this and you’d be bonkers not to. Keep your work saved on a shared drive, so that if your computer decides to spontaneously combust upon pressing the return key, you won’t have lost all of your precious work – or have to go through every one of your lab books and type it all up again.

Secondly, don’t leave your bag in the pub with your half-written thesis in it. I did this, the bag was fine, I was in a state of terror for at least half an hour before the kind person at Weatherspoons located said bag.

Thirdly, read. Read broadly, read anything and everything that’s closely related to your project – or completely unrelated. It’s sometimes amazing where you might find a stroke of inspiration, a new technique you hadn’t thought of … or even in idea of where you might like to go next.

Finally, ask questions – all of the time. No matter how stupid it might sound in your head, everyone’s probably been asked it before, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

You’ll probably look far less stupid if you just ask the person standing next to you how the gradient PCR function works on your thermal cycler rather than standing there randomly prodding buttons and looking flustered, anyway.

10. Savour the positives.

At the end of all of this, it has to be said that doing a PhD is absolutely brilliant. There’s no other time in your life that you’ll be this free to pursue your very own project and work almost completely independently. By the time you come to the end of your PhD, you will be the leading expert in the world on something. A real expert! Until the next PhD student comes along …

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Why do a PhD? Learn what a PhD can do for you 🎓

Finishing university can open up an exciting world of possibilities. But this can also be quite daunting.

Where to go next? Grad schemes, travelling, and getting experience in a job sector are all possibilities.

For those who enjoyed the academic side of university life, doing a PhD might also be on the table.

So, why do a PhD?

Below you’ll find some tips and info to help you understand what a PhD is, and whether it’s right for you.

If you’d like to write for our student and graduate blog competition and gain valuable copywriting experience, get in touch below.

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a research degree. It’s a type of doctoral degree (or doctorate), the highest form of academic qualification attainable.

A PhD is the most common doctorate and stands for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. Other doctorates in the UK include Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

The use of ‘philosophy’ in PhD might be confusing – but don’t be put off! Technically, PhD stands for the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor (which is why the letters are abbreviated in that order).

The word ‘philosophy’ denotes the wisdom and knowledge of the degree holder. So no, you don’t need to be studying philosophy!

A PhD typically takes 3 or 4 years to complete full-time. You can also do it part-time, which takes around 6 years.

In the UK, most PhD students are provisional until they pass a mini viva (oral) exam at the end of their first year, also known as an ‘upgrade’ or ‘transfer’.

After this, they are official PhD candidates!

Can you do a PhD without a master’s degree?

In the UK, most PhD students will be expected to have a master’s degree – or, at least, be working towards one when they apply.

In the arts and humanities, you’ll be expected to have one.

This means that PhD students in these subjects will have completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree prior to their PhD.

However, in STEM subjects, it isn’t always necessary.

PhD programmes in STEM subjects sometimes involve a year of training at master’s level.

For example, some funded PhD projects in the sciences will be advertised as ‘1+3’, where the funding includes a one-year master’s course followed by a three-year PhD.

What does a PhD involve?

This can vary depending on what subject you are in. In general, a PhD will require a thesis of up to 100,000 words based on original research.

This usually includes a literature review of current scholarship, and the presentation of new research (e.g. through data that has been collected, or through an original written piece of work).

The PhD culminates in a viva voce (oral examination) where the student must defend their thesis.

Many PhD students also engage in other activities beyond the dissertation, such as presenting conference papers, teaching undergraduates, and writing journal articles.

As a research (rather than taught) degree, it involves lots of self-led and independent work.

As a PhD student, you are becoming a specialist in your subject area – so it’s a great opportunity to make a unique contribution to your discipline!

But PhD students aren’t on their own.

They are overseen by a supervisor or a team of supervisors, who are there to offer support and guidance.

Supervisions are a great time to review your work, discuss how things are progressing with your research, and ask for support if you need it.

In the sciences, many PhD students can also benefit from the collegiality of a wider research team.

Is a PhD worth it?

First and foremost, a PhD student is a researcher.

Like the idea of doing research? Good at committing to a project and seeing it through? Have a specific project in mind that’s of interest to you?

These are all sure-fire signs that you will enjoy a PhD!

In the arts and humanities, PhD applicants are invariably expected to propose their PhD project, too – meaning you have a lot of ownership over it and get to devise a project you’d enjoy.

A PhD is an opportunity to dedicate a few years to researching and studying something of interest to yourself, and of value to society.

It’s important to consider your motivations too – it’s not just about the end result of having a doctorate or being called a doctor.

Make sure you’ll enjoy the process too!

If you have the determination and ability to devote yourself to a demanding project, and if you thrive working independently, you could be very well-suited to doing a PhD.

It’s true that a PhD can be challenging – but it’s also very rewarding.

It comes with a lot of flexibility, given that most PhD students manage their own time and workload.

The downside to this is that many PhD students tend to overwork.

But if you can manage your own time well and put boundaries in place, having some flexibility and control over your working hours can be fantastic.

What could a PhD do for you?

When weighing up if a PhD is right for you, consider if and how it could contribute to your career.

You don’t need to have your life’s career mapped out, or even know exactly what you want to do after.

But having some idea what you’d like to do will help you identify if a PhD is right for you.

A PhD is the highest academic qualification, so this will open doors.

Having a relevant PhD is nearly always a requirement for an academic career.

A PhD will provide you with experience in teaching, marking, conducting research, publishing articles, and presenting at conferences.

So, if you’d like to work at a university as a lecturer or eventually a professor, a PhD is the perfect choice for you.

But a PhD can also be a good opportunity even if you don’t want to pursue academia.

It’s a great opportunity to indulge your curiosity and intellectual creativity, to advance your knowledge, gain experience, and develop skills.

In fact, having a vested interest in your research is a very good reason to do a PhD, and will help keep you motivated.

PhD students can develop hard skills like using software, coding, or working with a particular type of data.

But there’s also a vast array of transferable skills PhD programmes can give you, such as:

Written communication
Project management
Public speaking
Time management
Communicating to non-specialist audiences
Grant writing
Report writing

Pursuing something for your own interest and skills development can be a career contribution in itself, especially if these align with your long-term professional goals.

Finally, doing a PhD is also a good opportunity to help you discover what you are (and aren’t) interested in.

By having a go at the various things a PhD involves, you might learn more about how you want to work.

This could be deciding whether you prefer working alone or in a team, and even figuring out if you like working in a office or prefer to be doing something a bit more active.

It could help you figure out what kind of people you want to be surrounded by, what’s important to you, what you find tedious and what you find enjoyable.

If you have skills you’d like to develop, passion for your subject, and ability to do research, a PhD could be a great opportunity.

But remember: you are the one who can decide if a PhD is right for you!

Student Blog Writer

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What is a PhD?

Are you considering a phd degree we take a look at what a phd is, how long it takes and how you can go about getting one..

What’s a PhD?

What does phd stand for, how long is a phd, how much does a phd cost, how to get a phd, can you do a phd without a master’s, is a phd worth it.

A PhD is the highest postgraduate-level qualification offered by universities in the UK. It’s for those who are looking to build on what they studied during their master’s degree, or for those currently working who wish to research a particular area within their field.

PhDs are research-based degrees. The student comes up with an original research question, often in collaboration with a university professor, and explores that topic in depth. At the end of the degree a final thesis is produced that could range from 40,000 to 120,000 words.

The number of students enrolling in PhD degrees is increasing year-on-year. From 2015/16 to 2019/20 enrolments increased by 2.9%, according to 2019/20 HESA data on student enrolments . This highlights the growing interest in and demand for the postgraduate qualification.

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. You’ll often find this abbreviated to just ‘Doctorate’ as a PhD falls under the umbrella of doctorate degrees.

They vary in length, based on what you decide to research and whether you choose to study part-time or full-time. Full-time PhD students often take three or four years, with part-time students taking up to seven. Some universities even offer deadline extensions of up to four years.

You can expect to pay anywhere from £3,000 to £6,000 per year. This applies to all UK and EU students, with other international students paying more. Most PhD students fund their degree through scholarships, bursaries, and grants. Many UK research organisations also offer studentships through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) , which can be another form of funding.

Bursaries and scholarships
Postgraduate funding

Having a strong interest in a particular subject is the first step to a PhD. You’ll either be applying for an already funded project being offered by a university, or you’ll be pitching your own research proposal. Admissions teams want to see your dedication and enthusiasm, so make sure you’re passionate about the subject first.

Universities tend to list available research projects and who’ll be supervising them on their website. Don’t hesitate to contact any professors you know that are doing research in an area you’re interested in. They may have a PhD position available they haven’t yet advertised.

When applying, you’ll need a:

Cover letter
Research proposal (if pitching an original research idea)
Reference (may be asked to provide three people, who know you in an academic setting or can comment on your research capability)

Use your application as a chance to really convey your passion for the subject. It’s important to expand on your interest, explain why you have that interest and cite examples of you pursuing this interest through past experiences. You’ll be studying for at least three to four years and the admissions teams will want to make sure you’ll be dedicated.

Yes, but this will depend on the course you’re applying for and what previous experience you have. Most PhD degrees will require you to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent, but exceptions can be made if you can demonstrate your capability. Universities want to see that you’re passionate, hard-working, and determined.

This is up to you and your career aspirations. Consider how important it is that you have a doctorate degree and what contribution it’ll make to your future.

Boost your employability

Many choose to do a PhD because it’ll increase their chances of employment. This’ll depend on what you want to study and what industry you want to work in, but doing so could increase your job prospects. Recent data from HESA on graduate activities by level of qualification found that 78.9% of doctorate students were employed upon graduating in the academic years 2017/18 to 2019/20. Only 3.4% were unemployed.

Helps you pursue an academic career

Many students use a PhD as a pathway into academia, progressing into full-time roles at a university or other higher education institution. This could be as a professor, researcher, or other role. PhD students are often employed by the university while they study, helping in lectures, labs, tutorials or as research assistants.

Make a significant contribution to your field

Doctorate degrees offer the opportunity to explore an original research question and advance your knowledge in your chosen field. It's a satisfying position to be in and comes with recognition from your peers. This could also open up a wealth of further research to be explored by either you or your peers.

Develop a range of transferrable skills

Through a doctorate degree you’ll learn a range of invaluable skills, transferrable beyond your studies. These can include:

Project management
Time management
Independence
Writing and presentation skills
Communication skills
Research skills
Teaching others

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The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

PhD FAQs – A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Doctoral Study

Tempted to do a PhD but have lots of questions? Hopefully this collection of popular PhD FAQs will help you to tick a few off the list!

Note – If you’re already sure that you want to do a PhD, and are looking for guidance on the applications process, check out my post on How to apply for a PhD which includes advice from successful PhD applicants. My post-PhD reflections on the things I regretted from my own PhD may be useful for you too, you can find that post here .

Let’s start with the absolute basics of PhDs!

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Doctor of Philosophy ? No matter which subject area your PhD is in you’ll become a Doctor of Philosophy because philosophy derives from Greek to mean “Love of wisdom” which make a bit more sense.

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a type of research degree classified as a doctorate. You get a PhD by doing original research into a topic, typically for at least three years.

There are loads of other types of doctorate and a PhD is simply the most common. EngD is another which is relatively common for industry-funded engineering students here in the UK.

PhD & DPhil what’s the difference?

There is no real difference between a PhD and DPhil, they’re both Doctor of Philosophy qualifications. A small number of historic institutions in the UK such as Oxford and York offer DPhils but the degree itself is equivalent.

How common are PhDs amongst the population?

Approximately 1% of the working population (25-64 years old) have a PhD. This varies a lot by country:

Can you call yourself Doctor with a PhD?

Yes you can. Though to avoid confusion with medical doctors, rarely will PhD-holders use the “Dr” title outside of their workplace.

Sometimes PhD-holders will add the abbreviation PhD after their name if they want to make it clear they are a non-medical doctor, for example “Jeff Clark PhD”.

What have I done about my title since getting my PhD? Nothing so far!

Why do a PhD?

Unlike a lot of other degrees, most PhD students get paid to study . Read more in the finances section below.

There are lots of potential reasons to want to do a PhD. The PhD students from our monthly PhD Profiles series said the following:

Sara found research the most enjoyable part of her undergraduate degree and a PhD was a way to carry on with research.

Ornob wants to pursue a career in evolutionary biology so began with a PhD in the field.

Vivienne has aspirations to be a professor so a PhD is a job requirement to progress in academia.

Jeff (me!) had an interest in the field and enjoyed research. I wrote a whole post with a deep dive on why I decided to do a PhD here .

Floor had enjoyed research during her Masters and didn’t think that she wanted a career in industry, so decided to do a PhD.

It’s important to mention that you don’t need to have a desire to stay in academia to do a PhD. In fact, even if you do want to go into academia afterwards, it’s probably good to know early on just how competitive it can be. Many people sadly cannot make a career out of academia long term.

Enjoy the subject matter and want to spend a few years researching it? That is reason enough to do a PhD. I’ve also now written a whole post about the benefits of having a PhD .

Applying for a PhD

Do you need a masters degree to do a phd.

No you don’t necessarily need a Masters degree to do a PhD as long as you can demonstrate you’d be suitable for a PhD without it.

For a more in-depth answer see the separate post here :

Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you don’t have a Masters, I’d recommend checking out Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) which offer combined Masters + PhD courses. We have discussed CDTs with a graduate in Floor’s post here .

What grades do you need to do a PhD?

Entry requirements for PhDs can vary. In regards to the UK system usually you’d generally be expected to have at least a 2:1 from your undergraduate degree, plus some research experience.

My experience : I (narrowly) got first class honours in my undergrad (MEng) which certainly does help. But if you can demonstrate aptitude in research you usually don’t need a 1:1. It would be expected for you to have done well in any research projects. If you can get your name on a publication then even better!

The easiest way to find out what is expected is to check the PhD advert for entry requirements. For details on applying for a PhD, including how to find PhD adverts, check out my guide here :

How to apply for a PhD

I work in industry, can I come back and do a PhD?

Absolutely! I worked for almost four years between finishing my first degree and starting my PhD.

A PhD is more similar to a job than any other point in your education, so if you’ve spent time in a structured role it can provide you with a good work ethic. If your time in industry adds relevant skills and experience to your application, even better!

I’ve met loads of people older than me who are pursuing PhDs. If it’s your dream, it’s never too late to start a PhD!

What is the social life of a PhD student like?

Let me get this out the way first: PhD students should be able to have a life outside of the lab! If a PhD student has no time away from research I would personally suggest that they were doing things wrong.

Even if you really enjoy your project, it is good for your mental health to have a social life!

No matter the size of your research group there are often departmental and university-wide events. Plus, besides everyone you may meet through your research and department, PhD students can still join societies and sports clubs through the students’ union. I spent one of my birthdays during my PhD on the beach in Morocco with the surf club, don’t let being a PhD student put your off getting involved!

Check out the full post I’ve written: Do PhD Students Have a Social Life? Sharing My Experiences Making Friends and Avoiding PhD Loneliness

If you do go on to do a PhD, make sure to make the most of all the opportunities ! Your time as a PhD student is fantastic for personal growth.

How much holiday do PhD students get?

Sadly unlike undergraduates, PhD students don’t follow fixed semesters. This means no more three month long summer holiday, sorry!

However most departments recommend PhD students take 7-8 weeks of holiday a year , which is more than practically any job outside of academia.

I kept track of all the time off I took during my PhD and you can find the details here , including a month by month breakdown:

Do PhD Students Get Holidays? Sharing How Much Annual Leave I Take

Getting a PhD

How much work is a phd.

For a month I tracked how many hours I was working and what I was working on, so you can see a breakdown of my calendar here . I found I was working for roughly 40 hours a week. Now that I’ve recently finished my PhD, I’d say that that amount of hours was pretty representative of the whole PhD.

How Much Work is a PhD?

I do of course know some people who worked much longer hours, but most PhD students were on a similar schedule to me. Working roughly 9-5 on weekdays. Treat it like a job and you’ll be fine. PhD students don’t need to be slaving away long hours.

I managed to be strict with my time, largely avoiding work late nights or going in at the weekends. One of the main perks of doing a PhD is that you have autonomy and can be flexible with when you work. As long as you get the work done, any reasonable supervisor won’t mind when you’re there.

Yes I’ve heard stories of PhD students having to clock in and out with an expectation that they spend a certain number of hours in the office. I personally think this is stupid and doesn’t build trust. Try to speak to current PhD students from the group when choosing a supervisor .

How is a PhD assessed?

What you submit at the end of your research varies between universities and countries. Sometimes it’s a thesis and other times it can be a bunch of published papers. In all situations you give some kind of presentation and answer questions about your work.

In the UK you usually submit a thesis in preparation for a viva voce . The viva is an oral exam where you discuss your research with several academics and at least one will be an expert in your field. My viva wasn’t as scary as I thought it might be, but nonetheless it was five hours ( FIVE HOURS! ) long. At the end of your viva you’ll get told the outcome of your PhD with any changes to be made to your thesis.

There is often no requirement , to publish your work in journals during a PhD in the UK but it does help.

In other countries you may have to publish a certain number to pass your PhD and effectively these can be submitted instead of the thesis. This approach makes much more sense to me.

How long does it take to get a PhD?

In the UK, typically between three and four years to complete your research and submit the thesis. It can then take a few months for the exam (viva voce) to take place and then for any corrections to the thesis to be made.

Nosey about my PhD? For me personally, I started the PhD on 1st October 2016, submitted my thesis on 17th February 2020, had the viva on 25th March, submitted my minor corrections on 30th March and had the email to say it was officiated on 1st April 2020. Yep, April Fool’s Day…

When you realise your degree certificate will forever say your PhD was awarded on April Fools Day! #academiclife @imperialcollege pic.twitter.com/hKsGFyuc0x — Jeff Clark (@savvy_scientist) April 14, 2020

We cover all the stages of a PhD here, including putting the length of a PhD in the perspective of a whole career:

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD?

Are PhDs really difficult?

No, well not how you might think.

You don’t need to be a genius, but you do have to be smart with how you work. Here I go into how a PhD is pretty different to all the prior years spent in education:

How Hard is a PhD?

Check out my new post covering academic challenges and failures relating to my own PhD: Overcoming Academic Challenges and Failure During a PhD

Money-Related Questions

How much does a phd cost.

If you have funding, which is explained below, all your fees are paid for by the funding source. If you are looking to self-fund, then you’ll have to pay bench-fees/tuition fees, which are usually approximately £4,000 a year for home students in the UK.

Fees vary massively depending on both the country the PhD work takes place in and where you’re from. For example, I believe Australian universities charge around $100,000 in fees to overseas PhD students. Of course ideally you have funding which covers both this and pays a stipend!

Do PhD students pay taxes?

In the UK, PhD students do not pay income tax, national insurance, council tax and student loan repayments. This means that if you can secure funding, even though you may earn less than friends in typical jobs, you get to keep all your earnings!

Do PhD students get paid?

Most PhDs, at least in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) get a stipend: basically a tax-free salary.

How much do PhD students get paid?

At the time of writing, most PhD students in the UK get around £16,000 a year . Doesn’t sound like a lot, but:

As mentioned above, you don’t pay income tax, national insurance, council tax or make any student loan repayments. My most popular post is this one , comparing the income of PhD students vs grad jobs and the difference really isn’t that big. Plus it’s only for 3 to 3.5 years!
You’re getting paid to learn science, working on something you’re really interested in. It’s amazing.
You have a lot more freedom than practically any “proper job”.
You’re getting paid, to be a student…

PhD Salary UK: How Much Do PhD Students Get Paid?

In summary, PhD stipends are really not that different to grad starting salaries. Please don’t be put off from a PhD simply because for a few years you might be earning a bit less than if you were working in another job.

Depending on what you want to do with your career, having a CV may lead to higher salaries. What is 3 years of lower wages out of a 40+ year career? The answer: nothing!

Where do I find PhD funding?

Getting funding will likely be the biggest hurdle for you to secure a PhD. I have a post here detailing the different types of funding and how you can find a project with funding attached.

How to Find PhD Funding in the UK

Can you self-fund a PhD?

Yes you can self-fund a PhD, and some students are in a position to do so. Just be careful that you account for university fees and not just your living costs.

Are you allowed to have another job at the same time?

Most universities encourage you to get involved with work within your department as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA). Some countries even insist that you work a certain number of hours as part of a contract for your monthly stipend.

Working as a GTA you might be invigilating exams, helping in tutorials, marking coursework etc and at Imperial you usually earn around £15-£26 an hour.

If you’re looking to work a full time job in tandem with your PhD (and doing the PhD full time), it is best checking your university’s policy. Some may have regulations against you working over a certain number of hours which could impede you from concentrating on the PhD.

There are extra ways to make money on the side which I address here :

How to Earn Money Online for Students

Can you get a mortgage as a PhD student?

Since I did my PhD in London I didn’t even consider buying somewhere during my PhD. I’m not interested in being tied into a massive mortgage for 25 years to buy a shoebox!

If I’d accepted my PhD offer for a CDT at Leeds I certainly would have tried to buy somewhere with my partner. I found this page useful when doing research. Buying a property with a partner who has a normal job would definitely make the mortgage application a whole lot more successful.

Will a PhD help your career?

This depends on what you want to do with your career. Some example scenarios:

Staying in academia – a PhD is usually required
Certain technical jobs in industry – a PhD may be required or a big bonus
Non-technical jobs – a bonus

I do not imagine any scenarios where having a PhD is worse than not having one. It is true though that for certain careers there may be other things you could do which would be a better use of your time, for example gaining more direct work experience.

If you want to do a PhD that shouldn’t stop you though, and considering the length of your career taking a few years out for a PhD is inconsequential.

Whichever career path you fancy taking, if you are at all interested in doing a PhD I think you should at least apply.

PhDs in London

Can someone afford to live in london as a phd student.

Yes! I lived in London for my PhD and actually was able to save money every single month while taking many holidays and not living in a tent.

I have a few posts sharing my experiences living in London which you may find useful:

For a month last year I tracked all my expenses to get an idea of my costs living in London as a student, you can find it here .

Sharing my monthly living expenses as a student in London: September 2019

Related to reducing costs, I learned to cycle in London and loved it. It saved me about £100 a month too!

Learning to cycle in London: my first 1000 miles

On top of that, for the whole of 2019 (third year PhD) I tracked my money, and the report is here :

My personal finances report for 2019

Where is good to live in London?

I’ve lived in three different houses during my PhD in London and have a pretty good idea now of good places to live in London. You can read this whole post talking about living in London as a student and the associated costs including a breakdown of rent :

London student accommodation: Breaking down the cost of living in London for students

Bonus: Read the journeys of PhD students

Before I started my PhD I had a ton of questions and nobody who I could ask about their experience. The reality is that many of these PhD FAQs have a variety of answers as everyone’s PhD story is different. Therefore if you’d like to hear first hand from people who are going through the journey check out my series of PhD profiles , with a new profile every month. You can also discover some of their top tips for applying!

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

Is there anything else you’d like to know to help with a potential PhD application? Let me know and I’ll write about it! You can subscribe to stay up to date here:

PhD Salary UK: How Much Do PhD Students Get Paid Compared to Graduates?

5th February 2024 5th February 2024

The Benefits of Having a PhD

7th September 2022 30th January 2024

My top PhD regrets: 10 lessons learned by a PhD grad

21st April 2022 25th September 2023

Privacy Overview

Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD

By Michelle Lanchart and Stacy Hartman

Earning a PhD provides you with more skills and career opportunities than you might think it does. Below are ten jobs where you can use your PhD—some in academic settings and some not. There are many other opportunities available to you; this list is just a place to start thinking about your career options.*

1. Staff culture writer, digital media company

Staff writers report on artistic and cultural events, providing analysis and context for a broad audience on a variety of topics. As a PhD, you already have the excellent writing and research skills the job requires, and your advanced training in the interpretation of literature, culture, and language enhances your ability to articulate the significance of cultural and artistic phenomena.

2. Dean of students, private high school

A dean of students leads curriculum design, develops academic and behavioral policies, and determines the best strategies to build students’ academic success. The research, leadership, and teaching experience you acquired while earning your PhD makes you a good candidate in this field.

3. Assistant professor, university or college department

An assistant professor teaches undergraduate (and, depending on the institution, graduate) courses, serves on committees that help determine academic and organizational policies for the department and institution, and conducts research, with an eye toward receiving tenure.

4. Research associate, variety of companies

As a research associate you would gather data to determine whether a product or service is desirable to consumers or companies. Your extensive experience conducting research and presenting it to a variety of audiences is a transferable skill that you bring to research associate positions.

5. Development writer, nonprofit or university

A development writer builds relationships with donors and increases public engagement through written and oral communication. Your ability to write about specialized research or technical activities for a general audience is useful for this position.

6. Assistant director, learning programs

Assistant directors have a variety of responsibilities, from providing instructional support to faculty members and graduate students to assessing and improving educational services. This can be an exciting opportunity to apply your teaching and leadership experience beyond the classroom.

7. Associate director, global programs

Associate directors work with faculty members to develop programs and curricula for students studying abroad. Your experiences teaching, developing educational programs, as well as studying, living, and researching abroad, are ideal for this position.

8. Program officer, think tank, foundation, or scholarly association

As a program officer you would take the lead in program development, which involves procuring grants and funding, managing projects, and overseeing budgets. These roles leverage your experience applying for funding and managing complex projects.

9. Copywriter, many companies and organizations

Copywriters produce and edit copy (i.e., writing) for marketing campaigns and then plan and implement those campaigns, which help companies promote products and services across a variety of media. Excellent research and writing skills and an ability to write for different audiences are essential for this job.

10. Curriculum designer, educational technology

Curriculum designers develop educational content and curricula to be delivered digitally to students or employees and often provide technical support to instructors or trainers. This is a great role for those who have developed skills in the digital humanities or in blended learning, and it also leverages your experiences in teaching and in curriculum development.

Your PhD gives you the skills to pursue a variety of career paths. To learn more about how to prepare for the job search and how to gain experience in the industries that interest you, visit the Connected Academics Web site .

*Please note that the job ads are provided as examples and may no longer be accepting applications. A job ad’s inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of the employer by the MLA.

3 comments on “Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD”

Steve Colburn says:

And don’t forget Government service at the Municipal, County, State, and Federal Level. I know Language and Literature academics who have pursued rewarding careers at all of these levels of Government service to the public, and have received good financial compensation, enjoyed reliable job security, defined-benefit pension programs, and the opportunity to pursue a challenging, rewarding job! Retired Training Manager and Senior Organizational Policy Analyst for Local County Government in Sunny South Florida! Life Member of the MLA, since Grad School in 1976.

Peter Marbais says:

There are a number of language editing opportunities in addition to copy editing. I made the transition from teaching English literature and composition to editing documents for ESL writers aspiring to publish in English-language journals. My experience helping ESL students at the Kent State University writing center and in my composition courses paved the way to helping researchers from around the world. The work is highly rewarding, and there are a number of great resources available online for both contract editors (freelancers) and full-time editors. This link provides a good overview of several types of editing roles: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/freelance-editing-jobs-1360401 .

Peter Marbais, PhD, ELS Quality Control Editor III American Journal Experts, a Research Square company

David -Ross Gerling says:

I made the transition to a law firm in Spain whose clients are Brits and American ex-pats or just foreigners in trouble with the Spanish legal system. My work as ex-pat advocate is every bit as satisfying and infinitely more lucrative than teaching Spanish . David-Ross Gerling, PhD

5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

PhD by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

It's often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare , teaching and education , and engineering and manufacturing , this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Explore what's currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate .

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

Explore what is a PhD?
Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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Unlocking Possibilities: What Can You Do With a PhD in English?

The world of academia has long been associated with the pursuit of knowledge, scholarly research and teaching careers. For years, earning a PhD in English was almost synonymous with pursuing a career within academia. But, as the landscape of education and industry continues to evolve, so do the options available to English PhD graduates.

The assumption that an academic career is the sole path for English PhDs is shifting, revealing a multitude of exciting and rewarding alternatives.

Is a PhD in English on your to-do list? Get all the facts before you apply — find out if a humanities PhD is worth it for you!

Shifting Focus: the State of Employment in Academia

Traditionally, tenure-track positions were the ultimate goal for aspiring academics. But the job market has become increasingly competitive, leaving a limited number of academic jobs for English Phds seeking employment. Moreover, the rise of adjunct positions, which offer less stability and fewer benefits, has created an environment where job security in academia is more elusive than ever — even well-qualified English PhDs can find themselves navigating through a maze of adjunct positions and temporary contracts.

As a result, English PhDs are reconsidering the assumption that academia is their only option. This shift in academia’s landscape has sparked a conversation about the need to broaden career horizons and consider alternative paths that utilize the skills and knowledge gained during doctoral studies.

Exploring Alternatives: English PhD Jobs Outside of Academia

The desire for stability and a healthier work-life balance is a driving factor for many scholars leaving academia. The uncertainty surrounding tenure-track positions, coupled with the pressure to publish prolifically and compete for dwindling opportunities, has led many to seek alternatives in various industries and fields.

On the bright side, English PhDs are uniquely qualified to work in nearly any field and the skills acquired during their study are highly transferable. Critical thinking, research proficiency, effective communication and the ability to analyze complex narratives are all qualities that can be applied to a wide range of career options.

The Expansive Landscape of Non-Academic Careers

While tenure-track positions in academia are few and far between, the world outside the academy is teeming with opportunities that align with the skillset and passion of English PhDs. Here’s a glimpse into the exciting array of non-academic careers English PhDs are well suited for:

1. Content Strategist and Brand Storyteller:

English PhDs thrive in the realm of content strategy and brand storytelling. Their profound understanding of narratives and language nuances can transform English PhDs into sought-after content creators, crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences across industries.

2. Media and Communication Specialist:

Mastery of language empowers English PhDs to excel in media and communication roles. Whether crafting press releases, managing social media content, or curating engaging digital campaigns, their ability to convey messages effectively is invaluable.

3. Technical Writer and Documentation Expert:

Navigating the world of technical writing, where clarity and precision reign, is second nature for many English PhDs. Their meticulous analysis and eloquent communication make them proficient creators of user manuals, guides and documentation for intricate subjects.

4. Cultural Critic and Reviewer:

English PhDs know how analytical prowess can shape cultural discourse. Becoming critics or reviewers for literature, art, film, or even pop culture is an avenue where English PhDs can use their insights to influence public opinion and shape trends.

5. Marketing Analyst and Consumer Insight Expert:

Armed with finely-tuned research skills, English PhDs are a good fit for market research. As marketing analysts, they decode consumer behavior, unearth market trends and offer strategic insights crucial for business growth.

6. Public Relations and Corporate Communications:

Their knack for persuasive language aligns English PhDs seamlessly with public relations and corporate communications. Managing reputation, crisis communication, and maintaining brand image become their forte.

7. Grant Writer and Nonprofit Advocate:

English PhDs who excel at persuasive writing to make a tangible impact may find their perfect home in the nonprofit space. By becoming a grant writer or working with nonprofits in other ways, English PhDs can contribute to social change and secure funding for noble causes.

8. Publishing Industry Specialist:

As editors, manuscript reviewers or content curators, English PhDs are well-suited to navigate the publishing world. Their discerning eye and deep understanding of literature can contribute to shaping literary landscapes.

9. Entrepreneurial Ventures:

Launching a blog, podcast, or digital platform allows English PhDs to blend their love for literature with modern technology, catering to niche audiences and carving a unique path.

10. Government and Policy Analyst:

The critical thinking skills gained in an English PhD program are assets in governmental or policy roles. Analyzing complex documents, articulating ideas succinctly, and contributing to informed decision-making are roles where an English PhD’s expertise shines.

Earning a PhD in English isn’t just about academics; it's about embracing a multifaceted world of opportunities. The journey you embark on equips you with skills that transcend traditional boundaries. As you step beyond the classroom, remember that your passion for language, critical thinking, and storytelling has the power to redefine industries and carve pathways less traveled. The possibilities are boundless, waiting for you to embrace them and make your mark in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

Learn more about what doctoral study in the humanities can do for you in our guide!

Are you intrigued by the diverse possibilities a PhD in English can unlock? Connect with us at SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies to explore how our program can pave the way for your journey into these exciting career realms. Your expertise has the potential to shape industries and redefine success.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Psychology?

Key Takeaways

A PhD in psychology will open career opportunities in the fields of research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy.
Psychology positions have a projected job growth of 6% over the next decade.
Those who earn a PhD in psychology work in medical settings, government agencies, educational institutions, or in private practice.

If you’re passionate about building a successful career in psychology, earning a doctorate in psychology could get you there. For those who are passionate about the subject but wonder, “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?“, we’ll help you explore your options so you can decide whether a PhD in psychology is worth the shot.

Woman writing down notes as she talks to her patient during a therapy session

Featured Programs

With a PhD in psychology, you can pursue various career paths, including research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy. Alternatively, a doctorate also helps you pursue different areas of specialization within the field of psychology.

If you are considering a PhD degree in psychology, you’ve likely already earned your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. However, to progress further into the roles of research, academia, authorship, or lectureship, you have to take the next step. If you’re already employed in a field of psychology, earning a PhD helps you level up.

While a doctoral degree gears you up to become a licensed clinical psychologist, there are plenty of other career options to explore. Here’s a list of the most popular career pathways you can pursue with a PhD in psychology, along with their salaries and growth statistics.

Psychological Researcher

Psychological researchers, or research psychologists, deeply understand the human mind. Their primary duties include conducting experiments to test procedures to explore various aspects of psychology. This includes selecting candidates for clinical trials, administering tests, and carefully observing and documenting the outcomes of their research.

By the time they are done with PhD, psychological researchers are capable enough to review existing literature and contribute to scholarly discussions. Some may serve at universities, while others may work for hospitals or government agencies. If you’re passionate about research and writing, this might be a pretty lucrative field with tons of career opportunities.

National average salary: $99,577 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028

Clinical Director or Supervisor

The clinical director is one of the most highly paid yet growing careers in psychology . Clinical supervisors monitor psychologists and other mental health professionals to oversee the quality of clinical care provided. They establish best practices for the workplace and check whether the institution complies with regulations in the mental health field.

As a clinical director, you’ll serve in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, universities, or even private practices. Also, these professionals arrange development opportunities for staff members, gather feedback from patients, and delegate cases to team members.

National average salary: $120,761 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031

Woman writing down on her clipboard as a woman in her couch talks during a therapy session

Psychotherapist

Like clinical psychologists, psychotherapists support individuals with mental health conditions and help them live a fulfilling life. Unlike clinical psychologists, psychotherapists diagnose more general mental health issues. They closely monitor their client’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts to develop specific treatment plans for them.

Additionally, they use different tools and therapeutic techniques to develop coping strategies for their patients and improve the way they regulate emotions. A PhD in psychology potentially makes you a perfect fit to deal with the complexity involved in psychotherapy. Ultimately, you understand your clients better to know where they’re coming from.

National average salary: $115,281 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032

Psychometrics Specialist

A psychometric specialist looks at assessments to gather information about a patient’s personality, symptoms, and cognitive abilities. They often join hands with mental health specialists to facilitate research or diagnose and treat patients. On top of that, these professionals play a key role in collecting data for research and ensuring its accuracy.

They use a combination of interviews, examinations, and standardized tests to gather data about a patient’s psychological state and decode it to help clinicians and researchers reach conclusions. As a psychometric specialist, you’ll work in research or educational institutions, clinics, government agencies, or independently as a consultant.

National average salary: $62,264 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028

Human Resource Director

If you would rather work in an organizational setting, a PhD in psychology also helps build a mindset that prepares you to work in HR. HR directors are highly paid individuals responsible for shaping the recruitment and selection process in an organization. They create and implement corporate policies in areas like talent management, employee relations, and workplace culture.

With a PhD in psychology, you bring a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivation to the role. Plus, as an HR director, you can use the knowledge from your doctorate to develop thoughtful policies, systems, and resources to support employee well-being.

National average salary: $116,601 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031

Marketing Director

With a PhD in psychology, you can also serve as a business or marketing director and build a fruitful career. Marketing directors use the knowledge of psychology to bridge the gap between relevant products and customers. Serving at multiple profit or non-profit sectors, these graduates contribute to public relations, management, and technical services.

As a marketing director, your background in psychology equips you with the right knowledge of consumer behavior and effective ways to communicate with them. This, in turn, helps you develop successful marketing campaigns that resonate perfectly with your audience.

National average salary: $120,014 per year
Growth: Expected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028

Woman explaining with the help of a whiteboard while a man listens intently, while sitting down

Management Consultant

Management consultancy is another productive career path you can choose after a doctorate in psychology. Management consultants improve an organization’s efficiency, productivity, and performance. With a deep understanding of psychology, you can easily identify and deal with the underlying issues and patterns within your company.

Plus, management consultants provide feedback and recommendations on addressing employee and business management problems. They might also join hands with top-level management to devise practical solutions that align with the company’s core values.

National average salary: $108,555 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychology is a rapidly growing field that requires individual practitioners to obtain a state license. Psychologists in this field work closely with law enforcement to investigate crimes. For a license, you need to complete a doctoral degree from an APA-approved program and have clinically-supervised work experience.

Licensed forensic psychologists assist legal professionals with addressing the psychological aspects of the cases they’re dealing with. For instance, they conduct evaluations, assessments, and psychological testing to understand the case. Once they have come up with logical reasons, they present their findings and opinions to judges and juries.

National average salary: $87,877 per year
Growth: Expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031

Behavioral Health Specialist

As the name suggests, behavioral health specialists counsel and support individuals with behavioral or mental health problems. They use therapeutic techniques to help patients develop new behaviors and cope with their existing condition. Most importantly, they use their psychological knowledge to identify the root causes of their patient’s behaviors.

If you have a PhD in behavioral health, you can work with patients who have severe mental illness or developmental disorders like autism. The advanced degree helps you set developmental goals for your patients and implement evidence-based treatment plans to guard their well-being.

National average salary: $54,663 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028

Addiction Counselor

PhD in psychology also enables you to serve as an addiction counselor, where you support patients on their journey to recovery from addictive behaviors. Typically, addiction counselors guide through the rehabilitation process and help manage withdrawal symptoms. They often work together with medical professionals to effectively detoxify clients from drugs and alcohol.

In addition to one-on-one counseling sessions, addiction counselors arrange group therapy sessions. This provides clients with peer support and learning about new experiences and coping mechanisms. They monitor clients throughout the rehabilitation process till they finally achieve sobriety.

National average salary: $65,310 per year
Growth: Projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032

Prerequisites for Earning a PhD in Psychology

If you’ve made up your mind and want to earn a PhD in psychology, you’ll generally need at least a bachelor’s degree to get in. While some institutions may also require a master’s degree as a prerequisite, it largely depends on the program you’re opting for. Some universities offer combined master’s and doctoral degrees, so you get both degrees at once.

However, the most integral part of your PhD program is the area you’ve chosen. When applying, it’s recommended to thoroughly research the specialties the universities on your radar are offering. This isn’t just about coursework since the topics of your dissertation will also depend on your chosen concentration.

Plus, to make sure you quickly get through the admission process, it’s important to prepare for it beforehand. While the specific requirements depend on your university, here’s a list of some basic prerequisites when applying for a PhD in psychology:

A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field
A master’s degree (depending on the institution)
Strong academic record
Letters of recommendation
Relevant research experience or coursework
Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Interview (as a part of the application process)

Person using their laptop while their notebook, papers and phone are in her table

Benefits of Earning a PhD in Psychology

Even if you’re sure about earning a PhD in psychology, it’s best to take a look at the benefits to check whether they align with your future goals. While the time required to complete a PhD may be significant, the benefits you reap make it worthwhile. Here’s an overview of the pros of getting a PhD in psychology:

Obtaining a License

Earning a doctorate in psychology is the only path to practice independently as a licensed psychologist. A license allows you to diagnose and treat mental disorders and provide therapy sessions to clients.

Better Employment Opportunities

Many employers, including those in the educational sector, prefer PhD holders over candidates with a master’s in psychology . This is due to years of experience and practice acquired through a doctoral program. For instance, PhD holders are often preferred for faculty positions, research roles, and leadership positions.

Skill Development

PhD holders are seen as authorities in the field of psychology and research. Through extensive training and coursework, PhD students develop advanced knowledge and skills in areas like research methodology, statistical analysis, and clinical assessments.

High Paying Positions

Doctoral degree holders in psychology are paid way higher than those with bachelor’s degrees. The difference in salary reflects the higher earning potential that comes with advanced degrees in psychology. For instance, candidates with a PhD may easily qualify for higher paying positions in academia, clinical practice, research, or consulting.

Where can you work with a doctorate in psychology?

Fortunately, you can choose from plenty of workplace options once you get your PhD in psychology. You may work as a psychologist in a clinic or even begin practicing privately. Some individuals with a doctorate serve at government agencies, hospitals, and even educational institutions.

How long does it take to get a PhD in psychology?

Generally, getting a PhD in psychology takes around 5-8 years , including some hands-on experience and a year-long internship. However, it’s worth noting that PhD programs are highly competitive. So, the earlier you prepare for your dream university for your psychology degree , the sooner you can secure a spot.

We hope we’ve adequately answered the question “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?” for you and you have more clarity about whether this is the right path for you. Whether you’re into clinical practice, research, or social service, a doctorate in psychology can accommodate your personal preferences if you pick the right area for yourself.

PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

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Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
View the PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

What Sets Us Apart?
Private Nonprofit University
600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

Corporate psychologist
Program or department head
Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online PhD in Psychology – Theology track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
Contact information for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
Statement of Purpose is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
Departmental approval is required.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

Active Duty
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Veterans/Retirees
Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

Industry Advice Education

By earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you’re preparing yourself for a career with lasting impact—on students, on the future of a college or university, on your community, or on the trajectory of a nonprofit trying to improve other communities locally and abroad.

You’re also positioning yourself for advancement. Professionals who earn an EdD are qualified for roles leading and operating schools at the elementary, high school, or college level. They learn to lead in a way that can be transferred to the front of a classroom or at the ground level of an organization.

An EdD signals to employers that you’re a thought leader; that you’re someone who’s demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. With your doctorate in hand, you’re prepared to take on a leadership role across a variety of industries.

Here’s a look at the types of positions EdD graduates pursue and eight of the top careers available in the field.

Download Our Free Guide to Earning Your EdD

Learn how an EdD can give you the skills to enact organizational change in any industry.

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What Type of Positions Do EdD Students Pursue?

Northeastern’s EdD students cultivate their leadership skills in the program by integrating practice and insights from experienced faculty and high-achieving peers . They come from diverse fields, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, military, human services, and the nonprofit sector. Their job titles and careers are just as diverse, with students working as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders within higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.

Top Careers for Doctor of Education Graduates

1. college president.

Average Annual Salary: $272,203

Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute on their school’s strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors, lawmakers, government, and faculty, to raise the profile of the institution both locally and abroad. They also collaborate with senior administrators, faculty, and staff to devise new ways to support students and improve their learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Depending on the type of public or private institution they lead, college presidents can earn impressive seven-figure salaries .

2. Chief Learning Officer

Average Annual Salary: $152,225

In education, top executive roles include positions like “chief learning officer”—a senior-level professional who develops and drives strategies that help his or her college or university meet critical business goals. Chief learning officers (CLOs) focus on creating strategies for training, learning, and development, and typically oversee an institute’s latest technologies, such as its online learning platform.

Average Annual Salary: $148,783

A provost—or vice president, depending on the college or university—is a senior-level academic administrator who tends to be second in command after the president. Provosts work closely with deans and department heads, and help determine their institution’s academic goals and priorities, as well as how to allocate the resources necessary to support those initiatives. They often oversee daily operations and work to hire and retain a diverse faculty.

4. School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $116,931

Superintendents are the top executives of a school district. They’re responsible for establishing and overseeing their district’s budget, staffing, infrastructure, and spending. Superintendents collaborate closely with a school board to develop and implement new policies and programs in line with the district’s short- and long-term goals, as well as allocate the financial and human resources necessary to achieve the district’s overarching vision.

5. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal

Average Annual Salary: $95,310

Principals oversee the daily operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They hire teachers and staff, manage the budget, and enforce disciplinary rules when necessary. Principals also develop and assess educational programming aimed at achieving student learning outcomes, all while striving to create and maintain a positive learning environment. More than 11,000 principal positions are expected to emerge by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

A principal’s salary might differ depending on whether he or she works at an elementary, middle, or high school. The mean wages for principals at each level, according to PayScale are:

Elementary School : $81,095
Middle School : $87,989
High School : $92,197

6. Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $90,339

Deans work at the senior administrative level of a college or university. The role varies depending on the institution, but deans often manage faculty and staff, set academic goals, implement strategic planning, oversee their department’s budget, help fundraise, support research initiatives, and foster student development. Some departments you might find them in are:

Admissions : Those working in admissions develop and lead recruitment initiatives for a college or university. They evaluate applications, decide the number of students who should be admitted to the school, who those students should be, and communicate with prospects and their families.
Research : A dean of research often oversees faculty and collaborates with them to create a strategy for developing short- and long-term research initiatives. They also work to secure research funding, oversee the research budget, and establish key industry partnerships.
Student Affairs : The student affairs office typically oversees a variety of different departments, such as residence life, athletics, student support services, and diversity and inclusion. A dean of student affairs typically establishes and evaluates nonacademic programs that foster and enrich the student experience, as well as handle disciplinary issues and communicate with students’ parents or legal guardians.
Advancement : The advancement office—also known as “development” or “alumni relations” depending on the school—is responsible for securing funding for the college or university from potential donors, including alumni, government policymakers, corporations, and foundations. They nurture and maintain those relationships, ensuring all gifts received are being used as intended.

7. Professor

Average Annual Salary: $78,470

Postsecondary teachers, or professors, work at the college or university level, developing course curricula, instructing students in a specific area of study, and assessing their progress. When they’re not teaching, professors are often conducting research, writing scholarly papers, or attending conferences.

Professors’ salaries vary based on where they are on the tenure track and their area of expertise. The median salary for a professor based on rank, according to PayScale, is:

Instructor : $49,510
Lecturer: $51,101
Assistant Professor : $67,021
Associate Professor : $76,250
Professor : $87,018

Salaries range further depending on the professor’s focus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying subjects—and what those subjects offer in terms of average annual wage—are:

Law : $111,140
Engineering : $101,720
Economics : $101,720
Health Specialties : $97,370
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science : $90,860
Physics : $90,800
Architecture : $86,980
Forestry and Conservation Science : $86,900
Agricultural Sciences : $84,640
Business : $83,960

8. Executive Director of Education

Average Annual Salary: $73,640

Executive directors are often the senior leaders of a nonprofit organization or business. They work closely with a board of directors but are the ones who make the daily operational decisions. Executive directors hire and manage staff, handle external relations, engage volunteers, oversee the budget—including all fundraising initiatives—and develop policies, programs, and strategies that guide the organization’s mission and purpose.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern?

When you earn your EdD from Northeastern , you’re not only advancing your own work, you’re joining a top-tier university and pursuing a rigorous education with an entrepreneurial orientation toward making our world a better place. You’re joining a vast network of students and alumni in the EdD, which spans more than 2,000 professionals across many domains of education. You’re gaining access to engaging faculty who understand the importance of professional experiences in a growing leadership capacity, and who are prepared to offer you personal attention to support your professional development.

With your EdD, you can make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and organizations, as you transform your problem of practice into a plan for change and action.

Download Our Free Guide to Earning Your EdD

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in September of 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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About shayna joubert, related articles.

What is Learning Analytics & How Can it Be Used?

Reasons To Enroll in a Doctor of Education Program

Why I Chose to Pursue Learning Analytics

Did you know.

The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)

Doctor of Education

The degree that connects advanced research to real-world problem solving.

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We are offering an interesting

Phd position - foundation model for hydrological downscaling.

Do you have a Master degree in science or can you prove advanced deep learning skills and have a degree in mathematics or physical science? Do you have experience with deep neural networks and understand the concept of unsupervised training? Are you familiar with working on larger Linux clusters or HPC systems? Are you looking for a PhD in computers science with specialization in Earth system research? Then we might have an attractive job offer for you. Our research group Earth system Data exploration (ESDE) at the Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC) is teaming up with the Simulation and Data Laboratory on Terrestrial Systems and leading researchers from other Helmholtz research centers, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting and CERN to develop a cutting-edge foundation model for climate predictions in the Helmholtz Climate Representation Learning (HClimRep) project. At JSC, we will soon operate Europe`s first exascale computer system, which is well-tailored to train large-scale AI models.

In this position, you will be an active part of our ESDE research group and the HClimRep consortium. You will contribute to the development of the HClimRep foundation model for climate predictions and create an application of this model for hydrological downscaling. The model will extend the proven AtmoRep concept. which is at the forefront of international AI research. We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who is quick to grasp new concepts and ideas and can solve complex problems with high-quality software solutions. You will work with machine learning, HPC, and domain science experts and design workflows for training, running, and evaluating a downstream application of HClimRep that will deliver high-quality ecohydrological forecasts for drought, flood, and ecosystem analysis. Specifically, you will:

Familiarize yourself with the AtmoRep model and its extension for meteorological downscaling to understand the concept and scientific ideas,
Contribute your expertise to the design and implementation of the new HClimRep foundation model,
Assist the HClimRep team with testing and improving the HClimRep model,
Develop a concept of software package of hydrological downscaling based on the HClimRep foundation model,
Run case studies and statistical evaluations of hydrological downscaling and improve the downscaling model based on these results,
Perform general research into the application of advanced deep learning for hydrological problems,
Engage in national and international ML/DL communities
Present research results and scientific meeting, conferences, and as scientific papers,
Contribute to educational events, such as university lectures, JSC courses and hackathons.

Your Profile:

Excellent Master in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physical Science,
Very good knowledge and proven skills with larger deep learning networks and unsupervised training,
Proficiency in software development including the use of version control systems,
Interest in scientific topics related to climate change and hydrology,
Self-motivated personality, curiosity of working in a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems,
Very good command of written and spoken English

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

Work on frontiers of scientific and technological challenges with access to cutting-edge and unique supercomputing systems including the upcoming first Exascale computer in Europe,
Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development,
Extensive company health management,
Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy,
Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
30 days of annual leave and an attractive regulation for bridging days

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

Questions about the offer.

Please feel free to contact us via our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.

You can find helpful information on the application and selection process here . You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs .

Reader's Digest

Best Android & iOS Security Apps for Safeguarding Your Phone

Posted: May 10, 2024 | Last updated: May 10, 2024

<p class=""><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Free to download; monthly subscriptions range from no charge to $4</p> <p><a href="https://www.rd.com/article/good-passwords/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Good passwords</a> are hard to come up with on your own. Cybersecurity experts suggest using a different random password for every online account you have. But how on earth will you keep everything straight? "I personally use the password manager LastPass," says Adam Aviv, PhD, associate professor of computer science at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Not only does this security app randomly generate secure passwords—no more using the names of your kids—but it also remembers them for you and automatically fills them into the password field when you try to log in to an account. It's available for mobile and computer use, so you'll never need to hit the "I forgot my password" button again.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://lastpass.com/misc_download2.php">Download Now</a></p>

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Download Now

Available on: iOS and Android

Cost: Free to download; monthly subscriptions range from no charge to $4

Good passwords are hard to come up with on your own. Cybersecurity experts suggest using a different random password for every online account you have. But how on earth will you keep everything straight? "I personally use the password manager LastPass," says Adam Aviv, PhD, associate professor of computer science at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Not only does this security app randomly generate secure passwords—no more using the names of your kids—but it also remembers them for you and automatically fills them into the password field when you try to log in to an account. It's available for mobile and computer use, so you'll never need to hit the "I forgot my password" button again.

<p class=""><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Free to download; monthly subscriptions start at $3</p> <p>Like LastPass, the password manager 1Password is a favorite of cybersecurity experts. Use it to generate strong passwords, autofill passwords when logging in to your accounts, and store passwords on all your devices. Although it doesn't offer a free version, the mobile 1Password app is easier to set up and use than the mobile LastPass app, according to cybersecurity website CyberNews. It also offers more storage space to protect sensitive photos—like a snap of your driver's license. Once you've set up 1Password on your phone, check out these <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/iphone-privacy-settings/" rel="noopener noreferrer">iPhone privacy settings</a>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://1password.com/downloads/">Download Now</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-1Password

Cost: Free to download; monthly subscriptions start at $3

Like LastPass, the password manager 1Password is a favorite of cybersecurity experts. Use it to generate strong passwords, autofill passwords when logging in to your accounts, and store passwords on all your devices. Although it doesn't offer a free version, the mobile 1Password app is easier to set up and use than the mobile LastPass app, according to cybersecurity website CyberNews. It also offers more storage space to protect sensitive photos—like a snap of your driver's license. Once you've set up 1Password on your phone, check out these iPhone privacy settings .

<p class=""><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Free to download</p> <p>Worried that someone is snooping on your texts? Leery about sending sensitive info—about finances or health, for example—via text? <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/secure-messaging-apps/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Secure messaging apps</a> like Signal convert text into a form that only the sender and recipient can read. "For encrypted messaging, <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/what-is-signal/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Signal</a> is great," says Aviv. Download it to send secure text messages, photos, and voice messages, or to make calls and video calls.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/signal-private-messenger/id874139669">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thoughtcrime.securesms">Download on Android</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-Signal-Private-Messenger

Download on iOS

Download on Google Play

Signal Private Messenger

Cost: Free to download

Worried that someone is snooping on your texts? Leery about sending sensitive info—about finances or health, for example—via text? Secure messaging apps like Signal convert text into a form that only the sender and recipient can read. "For encrypted messaging, Signal is great," says Aviv. Download it to send secure text messages, photos, and voice messages, or to make calls and video calls.

<p class=""><strong>Available on: </strong>iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Starts at $3.99 per month</p> <p>Getting your work done in a cute coffee bar sounds like the dream, but it does pose an extra security threat compared with your own home or office network. Hackers have a lot of ways to steal data from public Wi-Fi hot spots. "If you have to spend money on an app, the first place to spend it is a VPN service," says D'Ovidio.</p> <p>Short for "virtual private networks," VPNs essentially supply an encrypted tunnel for your data by hiding your IP address on public networks. With NordVPN, you can connect up to six devices in one account. Another reason to drop cash on this security app? <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/creepy-things-google-knows-about-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google tracks you online</a>, and most websites use cookies to track you too. But a VPN makes it much harder for them to follow you around the Internet.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://nordvpn.com/pricing/">Download Now</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-NordVPN

Cost: Starts at $3.99 per month

Getting your work done in a cute coffee bar sounds like the dream, but it does pose an extra security threat compared with your own home or office network. Hackers have a lot of ways to steal data from public Wi-Fi hot spots. "If you have to spend money on an app, the first place to spend it is a VPN service," says D'Ovidio.

Short for "virtual private networks," VPNs essentially supply an encrypted tunnel for your data by hiding your IP address on public networks. With NordVPN, you can connect up to six devices in one account. Another reason to drop cash on this security app? Google tracks you online , and most websites use cookies to track you too. But a VPN makes it much harder for them to follow you around the Internet.

<p class=""><strong>Available on: </strong>iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Starts at $8.32 per month</p> <p>Another VPN provider highly recommended by experts, ExpressVPN costs a bit more than other options but generally supplies a faster connection. This security app also has the edge for a feature called split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps use VPN and which access the Internet directly. For example, you might want to stream <em>Ozark</em> from Netflix as usual but have ExpressVPN provide the connection for your work email or for Safari as you <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/anonymous-search-without-tracking/" rel="noopener noreferrer">browse the Internet anonymously</a>. The app works on all devices, from your smartphone and computer to your smart TV.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.expressvpn.com/order">Download Now</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-ExpressVPN

Cost: Starts at $8.32 per month

Another VPN provider highly recommended by experts, ExpressVPN costs a bit more than other options but generally supplies a faster connection. This security app also has the edge for a feature called split tunneling, allowing users to choose which apps use VPN and which access the Internet directly. For example, you might want to stream Ozark from Netflix as usual but have ExpressVPN provide the connection for your work email or for Safari as you browse the Internet anonymously . The app works on all devices, from your smartphone and computer to your smart TV.

<p><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p> <p>Like the name suggests, this security app keeps your device safe. It tells you how safe your device is—and gives you specific, easy-to-follow suggestions for improvements. It uses your configuration settings and other factors to assign your phone a numerical security rating. For instance, if you have notifications enabled on the lock screen, your device will rate lower. The app also reports security breaches that may have compromised your password. It clearly explains what to do in these cases and provides free training videos on a variety of security topics. Speaking of taking action to secure your device: Here's <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/remove-spyware-iphone/" rel="noopener noreferrer">how to remove spyware from an iPhone</a>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/safe-me-by-safe-security/id1498885997">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lucideus.safeme_serverless_android&hl=en_US&gl=US">Download on Android</a></p>

Download on Android

Like the name suggests, this security app keeps your device safe. It tells you how safe your device is—and gives you specific, easy-to-follow suggestions for improvements. It uses your configuration settings and other factors to assign your phone a numerical security rating. For instance, if you have notifications enabled on the lock screen, your device will rate lower. The app also reports security breaches that may have compromised your password. It clearly explains what to do in these cases and provides free training videos on a variety of security topics. Speaking of taking action to secure your device: Here's how to remove spyware from an iPhone .

<p class=""><strong>Available on: </strong>iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Free to $4 monthly</p> <p>Available to anyone with AT&T wireless or prepaid service, the no-charge version of this app automatically <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/stop-robocalls-for-good/" rel="noopener noreferrer">blocks fraud calls</a>, sends unknown callers to voicemail, and alerts you about data breaches. For an extra fee, you receive protection on public Wi-Fi and alerts if your personal info is leaked. You can also enter any U.S. phone number to receive info about the caller. That'll help you avoid falling prey to a spoofing call.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/at-t-mobile-security/id1218465964">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.att.mobilesecurity&hl=en_US&gl=US">Download on Android</a></p>

Rd 11 Mobile Apps For Security And Privacy Ecomm At&t Activearmour

At&t activearmor.

Cost: Free to $4 monthly

Available to anyone with AT&T wireless or prepaid service, the no-charge version of this app automatically blocks fraud calls , sends unknown callers to voicemail, and alerts you about data breaches. For an extra fee, you receive protection on public Wi-Fi and alerts if your personal info is leaked. You can also enter any U.S. phone number to receive info about the caller. That'll help you avoid falling prey to a spoofing call.

<p class=""><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p> <p>Even a strong password doesn't supply all the security you need. Two-factor authentication (2FA) gives you an extra layer of protection. "It relies on something you know—your password—and something you have, like your cell," says D'Ovidio. For instance, after you enter your password, you may receive a text with a code that you need to enter for access. This security app takes that protection to the next level. It scans QR codes on participating websites to create two-factor authorization codes within the app, so you don't need to have them texted to you. You'll want to set up 2FA for all your accounts—it'll help you avoid getting <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/hacked-on-instagram/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hacked on Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-recover-hacked-facebook-account/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>, and other social media sites.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en_US&gl=US">Download on Android</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-Google-Authenticator

Google authenticator.

Even a strong password doesn't supply all the security you need. Two-factor authentication (2FA) gives you an extra layer of protection. "It relies on something you know—your password—and something you have, like your cell," says D'Ovidio. For instance, after you enter your password, you may receive a text with a code that you need to enter for access. This security app takes that protection to the next level. It scans QR codes on participating websites to create two-factor authorization codes within the app, so you don't need to have them texted to you. You'll want to set up 2FA for all your accounts—it'll help you avoid getting hacked on Instagram , Facebook , and other social media sites.

<p class=""><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Starts at $35 per year</p> <p>A VPN and antivirus app all rolled into one, McAfee is a one-stop security shop available for your smartphone, tablet, and computer. Advanced plans offer identity monitoring and <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/signs-someone-stole-your-identity/" rel="noopener noreferrer">identity theft</a> insurance coverage. You'll also receive a "protection score" to see how safe you are online and alerts if a company experiences a data breach and leaks your information.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/antivirus/mcafee-total-protection.html">Download Now</a></p>

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Mcafee total protection.

Cost: Starts at $35 per year

A VPN and antivirus app all rolled into one, McAfee is a one-stop security shop available for your smartphone, tablet, and computer. Advanced plans offer identity monitoring and identity theft insurance coverage. You'll also receive a "protection score" to see how safe you are online and alerts if a company experiences a data breach and leaks your information.

<p class=""><strong>Available on: </strong>iOS and Android</p> <p class=""><strong>Cost:</strong> Starts at $15 annually</p> <p>Depending on the plan you opt for, this app can provide secure VPN and antivirus protection for up to five devices. It also monitors the dark web—the Internet underground world where confidential info is bought and sold—to make sure your passwords, social security number, and other keys to your identity haven't leaked. That's important because <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/what-hackers-can-do-with-email-address/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hackers can do a whole lot with just your email address</a>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://us.norton.com/products/mobile-security-for-ios">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://us.norton.com/products/mobile-security-for-android">Download on Android</a></p>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-Norton-360

Cost: Starts at $15 annually

Depending on the plan you opt for, this app can provide secure VPN and antivirus protection for up to five devices. It also monitors the dark web—the Internet underground world where confidential info is bought and sold—to make sure your passwords, social security number, and other keys to your identity haven't leaked. That's important because hackers can do a whole lot with just your email address .

<p><strong>Available on:</strong> iOS and Android</p> <p><strong>Cost:</strong> $15 annually</p> <p>Keep your personal information secure and avoid malware and tricky <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/what-is-phishing/" rel="noopener noreferrer">phishing</a> websites with this do-it-all security app. Bitdefender includes a VPN, protects your passwords and other personal information, filters traffic from other apps to stop your data from being exposed, and more. And it does all that without draining your battery. Don't want to pay $15 a year for this hard-core security? Android users can download <a href="https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/antivirus-free-for-android.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bitdefender Antivirus Free</a> (at no cost, naturally) to get pared-down offerings that include malware protection and scans to ensure your device stays secure.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/mobile-security-ios.html">Download on iOS</a></p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/mobile-security-android.html">Download on Android</a></p> <p><strong>Sources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/identity-theft-resource-center-2021-annual-data-breach-report-sets-new-record-for-number-of-compromises/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Identity Theft Resource Center</a>: "Identity Theft Resource Center's 2021 Annual Data Breach Report Sets New Record for Number of Compromises"</li> <li><a href="https://drexel.edu/coas/faculty-research/faculty-directory/dovidio-robert/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robert D'Ovidio</a>, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at Drexel University</li> <li><a href="https://www.seas.gwu.edu/adam-aviv" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adam Aviv</a>, PhD, associate professor of computer science at The George Washington University</li> <li><a href="https://cybernews.com/best-password-managers/1password-vs-lastpass/" rel="noopener noreferrer">CyberNews</a>: "1Password vs. LastPass"</li> </ul>

RD-11-Mobile-Apps-for-Security-and-Privacy-Ecomm-Bitdefender-Mobile-Security

Bitdefender mobile security.

Cost: $15 annually

Keep your personal information secure and avoid malware and tricky phishing websites with this do-it-all security app. Bitdefender includes a VPN, protects your passwords and other personal information, filters traffic from other apps to stop your data from being exposed, and more. And it does all that without draining your battery. Don't want to pay $15 a year for this hard-core security? Android users can download Bitdefender Antivirus Free (at no cost, naturally) to get pared-down offerings that include malware protection and scans to ensure your device stays secure.

Identity Theft Resource Center : "Identity Theft Resource Center's 2021 Annual Data Breach Report Sets New Record for Number of Compromises"
Robert D'Ovidio , PhD, associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at Drexel University
Adam Aviv , PhD, associate professor of computer science at The George Washington University
CyberNews : "1Password vs. LastPass"

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IMAGES

How to get a PhD: Steps and Requirements Explained
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Masters Vs PhD: The Difference Between Masters & PhD/Doctorates 2024+
PhD meaning and its tale
The Advantages Of Getting A PhD In 2024
A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a PhD in India [2023]

VIDEO

Can PhD students pursue any additional course along with PhD? #youtubeshorts #phd #shorts
PhD without Research Experience: Is it Possible ? All 'Bout Research
7 Habits of a PhD Scholar
What's the difference between stress & burnout, and how can PhD students tell which they're feeling?
Investigating Inflammatory Mediators in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Vlog 86

COMMENTS

What Is a PhD?
Learn more about whether earning a PhD could benefit your career. A Doctor of Philosophy, often known as a PhD, is a terminal degree —or the highest possible academic degree you can earn in a subject. While PhD programs (or doctorate programs) are often structured to take between four and five years, some graduate students may take longer as ...
Explained: What Is a PhD Degree?
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term 'philosophy' does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to 'lover of wisdom'.
A Guide to PhD Success: How to Thrive During Doctoral Studies
You'll need to choose a research topic, design and conduct your research, compile and analyze your data, and then write, rewrite, and defend your dissertation. Plus, some classes may only be offered during a particular semester or in a specific order. In short, getting a PhD isn't a quick process. 4.
Is a PhD the right option for you?
According to Bernard Casey, who published a study on the economic contribution of PhDs, male PhDs earn 26% more than those who could have gone to university but did not. However, men with a master ...
Applying for a Ph.D.? These 10 tips can help you succeed
The key is knowing what to do to prepare and how to compile and submit a strong application. We hope these 10 tips will help you get started. 1. Be true to yourself: First and foremost, consider your goals. Many students are initially interested in pursuing a Ph.D. because they want to become a professor.
9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD
9. There are no real breaks. In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done."
10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree
5. Embrace change - don't get bogged down in the details. Felix Shaw - one of our bioinformatics researchers at EI - put it best when he said, " it felt like I was running into brick walls all the way through [my PhD]… you'd run into a brick wall, surmount it, only to run straight into another. It's true.
PhD Careers
A PhD in Maths and Computing could benefit jobs in Finance, Investment or Web Development, complimenting skills in logic, problem solving and data. A PhD in the Physical Sciences demonstrates experience with software and data. This could set graduates up to work in Software Engineering, Data Science or even Sound Engineering.
Why do a PhD? Learn what a PhD can do for you
Learn what a PhD can do for you 🎓. Elle Thwaites is a graduate of Exeter University, and a PhD student in sociology of religion at the University of Leeds. Deciding on whether to do a PhD? Don't stress! Check out our latest student blog for some useful advice on what a PhD is and how it can benefit your career.
What is a PhD?
A PhD is the highest postgraduate-level qualification offered by universities in the UK. It's for those who are looking to build on what they studied during their master's degree, or for those currently working who wish to research a particular area within their field. PhDs are research-based degrees. The student comes up with an original ...
PhD FAQs
Yes you can. Though to avoid confusion with medical doctors, rarely will PhD-holders use the "Dr" title outside of their workplace. Sometimes PhD-holders will add the abbreviation PhD after their name if they want to make it clear they are a non-medical doctor, for example "Jeff Clark PhD".
Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD
Below are ten jobs where you can use your PhD—some in academic settings and some not. There are many other opportunities available to you; this list is just a place to start thinking about your career options.*. 1. Staff culture writer, digital media company. Staff writers report on artistic and cultural events, providing analysis and context ...
5 routes to getting a Doctorate
This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal. A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions.
11 examples of jobs for PhDs that suit any degree subject
Examples of jobs for PhDs that suit any degree subject. There are many roles that suit a PhD graduate's research background and specialist knowledge, but most of these are relevant to the discipline that you studied. Here are some examples of jobs for PhDs that suit any subject background: 1. Editor. National average salary: £30,731 per year ...
What Can You Do With a PhD in Psychology? (11 Jobs To View)
Earning a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology provides you with extensive knowledge about human behavior and thought processes. You can apply your Ph.D. in psychology to clinical environments, research positions, academic roles and corporate development projects. If you have a Ph.D. in psychology or want to explore potential career paths ...
What Can You Do With an Education Doctorate? (With 10 Jobs)
5. Education professor. National average salary: $61,014 per year Primary duties: An education professor works in a higher education institution teaching education theory to students at the college or university level. They create semester-long lesson plans, assign projects, design exams and assign and grade papers.
Unlocking Possibilities: What Can You Do With a PhD in English?
Here's a glimpse into the exciting array of non-academic careers English PhDs are well suited for: 1. Content Strategist and Brand Storyteller: English PhDs thrive in the realm of content strategy and brand storytelling. Their profound understanding of narratives and language nuances can transform English PhDs into sought-after content ...
What Can You Do with a PhD in Psychology?
With a PhD in psychology, you bring a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivation to the role. Plus, as an HR director, you can use the knowledge from your doctorate to develop thoughtful policies, systems, and resources to support employee well-being. National average salary: $116,601 per year.
Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs
Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.
What the heck do you do with a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences?
In this scheme, hopeful young Ph.D. students start their careers by taking classes and doing research under the mentorship of a professor in a particular field. Graduating from a Ph.D. program usually requires a thorough demonstration of independent thinking through the publication of academic papers related to a thesis topic and the formal ...
Online PhD in Psychology
An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive. Liberty's PhD in ...
8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education
Top Careers for Doctor of Education Graduates. 1. College President. Average Annual Salary: $272,203. Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute on their school's strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors ...
How To Pay For A Ph.D.
If your heart is set on earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, you'll join an elite club. In the United States, only 4.9 million people—about 2% of adults—hold a Ph.D. or other ...
Online Computer Science & Engineering Degrees
With a bachelor's degree in computer science or your master's degree in computer science, you can expect to take courses in programming, security, computer systems, data visualization, and much more.While a bachelor's degree can be a great entry point into the subject matter, a master's degree will deepen your understanding while allowing you the space to specialize in a more niched ...
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Psychology?
Master's-degree holders can pursue rewarding opportunities in counseling, organizational psychology, and research. If you want to pursue doctoral studies, a master's in psychology prepares you for dissertation research, strengthening your advanced writing, research, and communication skills. Doctoral degree holders can go on to pursue careers ...
Compare Mortgage Rates and Loans
Simply enter your home location, property value and loan amount to compare the best rates. For a more advanced search, you can filter your results by loan type for 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed and ...
PhD Position
2024D-051. Apply offer. Your Job: In this position, you will be an active part of our ESDE research group and the HClimRep consortium. You will contribute to the development of the HClimRep foundation model for climate predictions and create an application of this model for hydrological downscaling. The model will extend the proven AtmoRep ...
Best Android & iOS Security Apps for Safeguarding Your Phone
Download Now. Available on: iOS and Android. Cost: Starts at $35 per year. A VPN and antivirus app all rolled into one, McAfee is a one-stop security shop available for your smartphone, tablet ...
GEN-Z ACCOUNTANTS: Redefining Traditional Accounting Practices
Join us at 6 PM (WAT) this Thursday May 9, 2024, as our distinguish guest will be discussing the topic: GEN-Z ACCOUNTANTS: Redefining Traditional...

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10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

1. Are you sure you want to do a PhD degree?

2. Choose your project, and supervisor, wisely.

4. Be organised.

5. Embrace change – don’t get bogged down in the details.

6. Learn how to build, and use, your network.

7. Keep your options open.

8. Balance.

9. Practical advice.

10. Savour the positives.

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