jobs.ac.uk answers your key PhD questions following our ‘Preparing for the academic job market‘ webinar
Are you thinking about completing a PhD? Would you like to work in academia however you are not sure what qualifications you would need? In the below article, we shall explore some key PhD questions which many people ask before embarking on doctoral studies.
According to the University of Plymouth, people complete a PhD for a wide range of reasons: becoming an expert in their field, improving their career prospects and expanding their network just to mention a few. Your studies could provide you with the opportunity to become part of a closely-knit academic community and to dive deep into your area of interest. However, it is a challenging journey. Based on a study of 26,076 PhD candidates, nearly 20% of students who start a doctorate degree do not finish it, with 16.2% of students leaving their PhD early, and 3.3% of students failing their viva. Embarking on a research degree is a significant investment of your time and resources.
Is it necessary to have a PhD to work in academia?
If you would like to be a lecturer, you may not initially need to have a doctorate degree. You may be offered associate lecturer positions with a master’s degree. Many people find lecturing an incredibly rewarding job. You can talk about a subject that you genuinely enjoy. You get to see young people’s love of their subject increase, their academic performance improve and you can guide them in their choice of future career. Students can make you change the way you think about your academic work and can be a source of inspiration. Serious disciplinary problems might be rare because most students engage with their chosen course.
Although you may be able to work as a lecturer initially, you may find it challenging to get promoted to more senior roles if you have a master’s degree (and not a doctorate). The most prestigious universities normally require candidates to have completed a doctorate degree in a relevant field and this is indicated as an essential criterion in the job description. It is a good idea to complete a PhD as this will develop your career prospects. If you have a master’s degree only, you could take up lecturing and complete a doctorate at a later time. Your employer may provide support towards your studies (e.g. subsidised tuition fees, allocated study days).
How do I gain academic experience alongside my PhD?
One of the best ways to get academic experience is to take up a role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. This may involve teaching seminars, marking students’ assignments, and helping students develop their academic skills. You could apply to become a guest lecturer and share your expertise with university students. You may be involved in research which could fit in well with your studies. Some PhD positions may be linked to specific research projects, covering your tuition fees and a stipend.
You may be able to take up remote marking and assessing opportunities. If you are detail-oriented and you enjoy giving people feedback on their work, this could be a great role to be involved in. Since these positions are generally offered remotely, you might be able to fit it easily around your existing commitments. You could also take up supervision of postgraduate students and help them successfully complete their dissertations. If you want to work in higher education after completing your PhD, it can be helpful to gain some relevant experience while studying towards your qualification. The University of Bath offers some guidance on how to get started with lecturing while studying.
Do check your university’s vacancy page on a regular basis to learn about new openings. You could also ask your dissertation supervisor or senior lecturers if they might need some help with delivering teachings or research (or if they could connect you with somebody). It is also a good idea to sign up for job alerts at jobs.ac uk to keep informed about vacancies.
Is it important how long it takes to complete my PhD?
A full-time PhD usually takes between three and four years, while a part-time degree could last between five and six years. Completing a degree part-time would allow you to stay in employment while you study and to ease financial pressures. If you study part-time, you may also be able to dig deeper into your area of research. Doctoral students who complete their studies part-time may have also gained some previous professional experience which can contribute to the success of their research. If you can take three to four years out of your professional career and focus solely on your doctorate studies, then a full-time programme may be the best option. If you have done thorough research in your chosen area over the years and completed a well-written dissertation, it is unlikely that future employers would question the amount of time you have spent on your doctoral studies.
It may be possible to complete your doctorate training in two years (if you have a very clear idea of the questions you want to explore). Some universities may however not let you submit a dissertation before a given stage. In addition, it could potentially be a red flag for future employers. They may assume that you have rushed through your studies and did not thoroughly engage in your research area.
Can you work in academic research with a postgraduate degree but not a PhD?
You are more likely to be offered a research position in academia with a doctorate degree. Some universities may accept a research-based master’s degree if you can demonstrate strong research and analytical skills. Your postgraduate studies would need to closely align with the research area you would be working on. If you would like to progress in your field as an academic researcher, you would need to consider completing doctoral studies.
A doctoral degree will contribute to becoming an expert in your field, improve your career prospects, or change your career direction. Your studies will provide you with the opportunity to become part of an academic community and to dive deep into your area of interest. Completing a doctorate degree is a life-changing experience.
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