PhD vs Doctorate: Understand the difference with our full guide. Doctorates, PhDs, and Professional Doctorates: what do these terms mean, and what can you achieve after completing your degree?
Understanding advanced academic degrees can be confusing, especially since terms like PhD and doctorate are often used interchangeably.
Many students who want to study at the highest level in their field may be uncertain about what sets these terms apart.
I break down what they mean and explore the career paths they can lead to.
PhD vs Doctoral: What’s the difference?
The doctorate
A doctorate is a broad term that refers to any degree at the highest academic level, including PhDs and professional doctorates such as EdD, DBA, MD, PsyD and others.
Upon completion, you are entitled to use ‘Dr’ as a personal title if you hold a genuine, accredited degree.
Alternatively, you can place your specific degree, such as PhD or EdD, after your name, depending on your preference or standard practice in your discipline.
In public circles, the term ‘doctorate’ is widely understood, while in academic or professional settings, people will recognise the exact type if you specify terms like PhD or DBA.
Calling it a ‘doctorate’ is a bit like saying you play a musical instrument without immediately specifying whether it is the piano, cello, or drums.
It is a simple, non-intimidating term to use, without overcomplicating things when you introduce yourself at your neighbour’s barbecue.
Titles such as PhD, PsyD, and other specialised degrees fall at the more specific end of academic terminology.
The PhD
The PhD term is frequently used in academia.
PhDs are generally theoretical, focusing on generating new insights. This terminal degree involves conducting original research, analysing theories, and advancing understanding in a specific academic field.
It may take three to four years to complete full-time, or longer depending on study mode, country, institution, and focus.
Its emphasis is on academic and theoretical mastery, critical thinking, hypothesis testing, and problem-solving at a fundamental research level.
The typical structure involves submitting a research proposal, conducting original research, and completing some form of defence at the end.
You may receive institutional or other funding, or, in some countries, a salary with tuition waived. With a completed PhD, career paths include academia (professor, researcher), consultancy, research institutes or advanced industry roles where deep research expertise is valued.
A glance at job and PhD scholarship opportunities on jobs.ac.uk shows that these degrees are common in mathematics, engineering, the humanities, and more.
The professional doctorate
In contrast to PhDs, professional doctorates tend to be more practice-oriented. You may come across professional or applied doctorates such as:
- DBA: Doctor of Business Administration
- DClinPsy: Doctor of Clinical Psychology
- MD: Doctor of Medicine (professional in some countries)
- DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice (advanced nursing practice)
- PsyD: Doctor of Psychology (often with a clinical focus)
- EngD: Doctor of Engineering (practice-based with an industry focus)
What all these degrees have in common is that they advance knowledge and practice within a specific profession, with a stronger emphasis on applied work than on developing research theory.
Many professional doctorates still contribute to theory, though it tends to be more applied.
They can deepen professional expertise, drive innovation in niche sectors, solve real-world problems, and help you move into leadership roles.
The duration of these degrees is generally similar to that of PhDs, but the coursework typically includes more taught modules and practice-based research and activities.
Some professional doctorates are slightly shorter, or more flexible, as they are designed for working professionals.
Candidates are still required to submit a substantial piece of work, whether a thesis, portfolio, or series of publishable papers, with outcomes oriented toward professional practice.
Funding can come from institutional sources, professional bodies, or employers investing in development. With a professional doctorate, your options afterwards are varied.
Many graduates step into senior management, consultancy, policy-making, or specialist practice.
Others stay in academia, particularly in applied or professional fields, or in roles that connect universities and industry.
For purely research-heavy academic posts, though, a traditional PhD is often preferred.
PhD and professional doctorate examples
In fields like Business and Education, both PhDs and professional doctorates exist.
Here are key examples:
- A PhD in Education prepares you for academic or research careers, focusing on theory, original research, and publications. An EdD emphasises applying research in real-world settings, leadership, and professional practice. PhDs prioritise global recognition, while EdDs focus on practical impact, though research opportunities exist in both.
- A PhD in Business prepares you for careers in academia or research, focusing on theory development, original research, and publishing in scholarly journals. A DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) emphasises applying research to solve organisational challenges, preparing you for executive leadership, consulting, and professional practice, while still offering some research opportunities.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
If you have not started your degree yet, choosing between a PhD and a professional doctorate can be challenging. These questions can help you decide:
- What are your career goals: advancing theory and research (PhD) or applying knowledge to professional practice (e.g., EdD, DBA, PsyD)?
- Do you prefer a doctorate centred on original research (PhD) or one that balances research with applied practice (professional doctorate)?
- What type of impact do you want to make: mostly generating new theories (PhD) or solving real-world problems (professional doctorates)?
- Do you want your doctorate to prepare you for a teaching and lecturing career (PhD), or your focus is mainly on applied practice and professional leadership (professional doctorate)?
- Do you want a degree that is widely recognised worldwide (PhD), or one that is more established in certain countries or professions (professional doctorate)?
- Do you prefer the less structured path focused mainly on independent research (PhD), or a more structured programme combining taught modules with applied projects (professional doctorate)? Which environment suits you best: independent research, collaborative projects, or a mix of both?
- What is your employment context: does your sector value academic credentials (PhD) or professional expertise and leadership (professional doctorates)?
- Are you aiming for a career in academia or research (PhD), or leadership and industry practice (professional doctorate)?
- Who do you know: are your networks stronger in academia (favouring a PhD) or in professional/industry settings (favouring a professional doctorate)?
- What funding or scholarships are available at your preferred institution, regionally, or abroad, and do you plan to apply for them for a particular doctorate?
- What type of supervisor or mentor do you wish to work with, and does their expertise align with your goals and research interests?
- Are you interested in building a strong publication record during your doctorate, and how important is this for your future career path?
Can I switch career paths?
Midway through your doctorate and (re)considering your career options? Even with a professional doctorate like an EdD or PsyD, you can work in academia if you build publications and research experience. Similarly, a PhD graduate can pursue applied or professional roles by developing practical skills and networks.
What matters most is the skills and experience you gain (research, communication, leadership, and technical expertise) alongside networking and professional development. Strategic publications and portfolio-building, even for professional doctorates, can showcase your expertise and open opportunities across academia and industry.
Seek mentorship during your degree to navigate academic and professional pathways and identify research, publication, or applied project opportunities. Engage in interdisciplinary projects to expand your skills, adaptability, and visibility. You can seek relevant employment or volunteer opportunities aligned with the career you want, which can help you gradually establish yourself in different paths.
Finally, how you frame yourself is crucial: clearly articulating how your degree and work solve real-world problems or advance your field makes you attractive to employers, funders, and collaborators.
Looking ahead
If you are planning or doing a doctorate, the key is to pick the path that matches your goals and use your degree to grow skills, networks, and opportunities along the way.
Start planning your future career early.
Adopting an open, versatile approach in your studies and familiarising yourself with both theory and practical applications is the best way to widen future career options.
Stay flexible while doing your programme. Combining experience, skills, mentorship, and networking lets you succeed across academic, professional, and leadership roles.
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