The Road Less Travelled: Rewards & Challenges of a Doctorate

Difference between a PhD and a Doctor of Philosophy

The terms “PhD” and “Doctor of Philosophy” are often used interchangeably and refer to the same degree in most contexts. However, these degrees differ based on terminology, specialisation, and country.

Let’s look into these differences:

• A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy”. This degree is attained by students who’ve finished a dissertation or significant research project in a specific academic field. It’s considered the highest level of education in many countries.
• A Doctor of Philosophy is the same as a PhD, but it’s the full, formal title of the degree.

The name of this qualification can vary from country to country. For example:

• In the U.S., the qualification is mainly recognised as a PhD, irrespective of the field.
• On the other hand, in the U.K., most people refer to this qualification as a “Doctor of Philosophy” or “Doctor of Science”.
• Still, in other countries, such as Germany, there is a specific degree called the “Dr.RER.Nat”, Latin for Doctor of Natural Sciences.

Beyond the standard Doctor of Philosophy or PhD, specialised doctoral degrees may include unique features or specialised coursework. For example:

• Professional PhDs include degrees such as the Doctor of Education and Doctor of Medicine, designed for specific career professions and may require much practical work.
• Some institutions also offer what’s known as a “hybrid degree”, which is a programme that combines multiple disciplines.

Challenges of pursuing a doctoral degree

Students face several challenges in pursuing this degree throughout their journey. These challenges can differ based on the institution, field of studies, and the individual. Here are some of the most common challenges.

• Time and commitment: Pursuing a Doctorate takes a significant time commitment. It can span over several years.
• Costly: A PhD can be a significant financial undertaking if the student doesn’t receive a scholarship or funding. Some of these costs include their tuition, fees, and course material.
• Balancing work and personal life: Since a Doctoral Degree requires a massive time commitment, students can find it challenging to balance their studies, work, and personal obligations.
• Mental and emotional strain: The stress excelling academically, producing a dissertation, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities can be quite stressful and overwhelming.
• Finding the right institution: Some students may struggle to find the right institution to pursue a Doctorate . In South Africa, there are significant variations in the policies, procedures, student admissions, and examinations of these degrees.

MANCOSA offers an accredited Doctoral programme that focuses on Business Administration. This degree has a cutting-edge curriculum and flexible schedule, making it accessible to students regardless of their responsibilities.

Rewards of pursuing a PhD

There are many benefits of earning a Doctorate. These include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• More job opportunities: Although many jobs only require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, some positions, such as an academic Professor, require a PhD. Furthermore, doctoral degrees can give applicants a competitive edge when applying for a job that requires a lesser education. You’ll also be able to apply for senior roles, like an executive. Discover how you can advance your MBA to a DBA degree (and, in so doing, your career).
• Higher-income potential: Senior positions often correlate with higher salaries. A doctoral degree can drastically increase your monthly income if you land a managerial or executive job.
• Develop new skills: Doctoral students develop unique research and technical abilities. They also learn crucial soft skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and writing abilities, preparing them for leadership roles.
• Build a strong network: You can build an even more extensive network as you get to know other academics, professors, and professionals in your field. This opens the door to future career and collaboration opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
• More confidence: Getting this advanced degree in your field can help boost your confidence. As you work and study in a particular field for many years, you’ll gain much knowledge and be considered an expert. Additionally, you’ll gain the title of a doctor, enhancing employers’ confidence in your abilities when applying for a job.

5 tips for managing Doctorate Degree studies

Managing your studies can be highly demanding and mentally draining if you don’t approach it correctly. Here are some tips to help manage your studies to enhance your progress and overall well-being.

Polish up your time management skills
Time management is crucial in a Doctor of Philosophy degree. You need to create a structured schedule and prioritise your tasks so you don’t get overwhelmed. You can use online calendars or project management software to help manage your studies and personal life.

Decide on your dissertation topic early
You can get a head start if you choose your dissertation topic as early as possible. Having a well-defined research question from the beginning will help guide your research and studies.

Maintain a good balance
You need to maintain a healthy work-life balance to see your studies through. This includes balancing your studies, work, and home life. To achieve this, set boundaries, take enough breaks, and engage in activities that make you happy.

Consider online or distance learning
Online PhD programmes can offer you more flexibility to balance your responsibilities without worrying about constant travelling since you can study from anywhere. However, this requires a lot of self-discipline.

Types of Doctorate in Business Management

Specialised PhDs in business disciplines are advanced degrees that focus on areas within business and management. These programmes provide in-depth expertise in specific business practices. Here are some examples of these programmes:

• Doctor of Accounting (DAcc)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Economics (DEcon)
• Doctor of Entrepreneurship (DEnt)
• Doctor of Finance (DFin)
• Doctor of Management (D.M.)
• Doctor of Marketing (DMkt)

MANCOSA offers a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with flexible learning options so you can maintain a good work-life balance.

Register for a Doctorate Degree with MANCOSA

A Doctorate Degree unlocks a realm of expertise, innovation, and career opportunities, making it a worthy pursuit for those committed to intellectual growth and professional advancement. If a Doctorate in Business Administration fits your career aspirations and personal goals, take a look at MANCOSA’s DBA degree and register online.