Hi,
Am wondering if anyone can explain to me what the difference between the two are?

I have completed my Masters & am being encouraged to develop my research interests by registering on the doctorate. I have been advised that after about 18 months I may then decide to transfer onto the PhD.

When I asked my supervisor what the difference is, she said a matter of 30, 000 words and that's it. Seems odd that I could complete a doctorate level of study in 3 years and walk away with the same award as someone who studies for 6 producing a few more chapters?

If anyone can expand upon my superivor's explanation I'd be grateful.

Many thanks,
Lib

Unless I've been in denial all this time:

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) = Doctorate

... or DPhil, or...

I'm aware it seems something of a daft question.However, I am being presented in balck and white with a choice of registering for a doctorate (2-3 years) which is being explained as a shorter less intense reserach option than the (a) PhD.

My subject area is psychoanalysis...maybe that explains everything and nothing.

to me that sounds like PhD-direct option, rather than transferring from MPhil first. Mine is PhD-direct for example, so I didn't have to do a transfer stage, and it is 2-3 years full time on the paper, but the reality side is 3-4 years.

Thanks 404, that makes sense and fits with what I managed to find out in between yours and my last post.

Cheers

Or do they mean a professional doctorate (doctor of ..... not sure, if it would be psychoanalysis, I know there is a doctor of clinical psychology) as opposed to a PhD (doctor of philosophy).

not that I know much about professional doctorates, 'cept they are for, err, people in professional areas, and I think more about practice and for people who want to continue in professional practice (rather than become academics).

like the MD for medics.

Like aliby says, doctorates can be professional qualifications (like clinical or educational psychology) - these tend to be based around placements and essays as opposed to a thesis (there is usually a thesis as part of it, but this is much shorter in length) - it is not a PhD.

Liberty, are you studying at an American University? That might account for the difference and confusion.

I only ask because you mentioned 6 years worth of study for a PhD (and your freedom-sounding liberating name )

hey coastman,

you know your post made me smile. I was glad for it. The tone here is too serious.

I did a year of my BA in the states, Cornell, (us politics) but am now 'movin-on/keepin'on' studyin' in the u.k.

I'm such a dumb-ass. I now realise that my PhD is indeed a training oriented doctorate and as such somewhat 'deviant' from the 'regular' channels of study at this level.

Keep smilin'- suits you,
xx

A smile is good