A PhD is a 3-4 year period of study (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time) during which you will carry out extensive and independent research on a specific topic. One of the main differences between a PhD and other postgraduate study is that it involves creating substantial new knowledge or applying existing knowledge in a new way. At the end of the PhD you take a viva voce examination (a verbal examination where you defend your PhD) and on passing you become a Doctor of Philosophy and can use Dr. as your title.

A PhD degree equips you with a huge range of transferable and professional skills, such as time management, project management, writing for different audiences, leadership, critical thinking, innovative thinking, ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, collaboration and work with others, independence and initiative, and qualitative and/or quantitative research skills.

Alongside your research, you will often be engaged in many other professional responsibilities such as organising events or seminars, building and maintaining professional networks, preparing for and attending conferences, teaching undergraduates, and data analysis and administration.

A PhD can be very exciting with lots of opportunities to learn and develop as a researcher and subject expert. It is also a big financial and time commitment, and you will need the ability to cope with long periods of often solitary study, resilience to overcome times when your research isn’t working, and managing relationships with your supervisor.

Before applying, it is a good idea to reflect on your motivation for PhD study, your future career plans, and the reality of pursuing PhD research. You could do some research such as talking to other PhD students and reading the guides available such as the ‘Should I do a doctorate?’ guide .

If you are hoping to increase your employability, research what a PhD will give you that adds to what you have gained from your previous studies. To find out more, check whether existing employees in your target area usually have PhDs: you could look at some LinkedIn profiles as part of your search, and talk to academics to find out their perspectives.

If you are considering a PhD to help you find work, you should be aware that there is no guarantee of employment. You can apply for both a PhD and job roles at the same time – you don’t have to decide straight away to choose one specific route.

In terms of future career paths, a PhD is usually a necessary step for a career in academia. In the UK, some academic roles may be open to you without one, although this is unusual. The current UK government strategy is encouraging PhD graduates to use their research expertise in many other sectors such as the charity, pharmaceutical and government sectors.

Common career paths outside of academia include data and risk analysis, consultancy, government advisory and research roles, policy and many more. Many PhD graduates use their research skills directly in their field and others will use the transferable skills in roles that are related but not necessarily pure research. Vitae’s data shows that 3.5 years after graduating from a doctorate, over 90% (up to 95% in biomedical sciences) feel very or fairly satisfied with their career so far.