Academic degrees demic degree

Doctoral degree — PhD

Doctorate/Doctoral degree is a postgraduate degree, which is assigned to experts in a particular field who have successfully completed doctoral studies. In one form or another PhD exists in all countries of the world. As a rule, master’s students and in very rare cases, the holders of the Bachelor's degree with Honors, which exists in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, are accepted into such programs. Historically the most common titles are PHD / DPhil / Doctor of Philosophy but, at present, it has no practical relation to philosophy and is awarded in all scientific fields.
This degree:

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  Grants the opportunity to engage in scientific (research) work, to teach in universities or to start an academic career;
  
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  Serves as a proof of the deep knowledge and high qualifications in the selected field.
  

In most countries of the world, doctoral studies last from 3 to 6 years and are the highest degree. PhD holders can conduct their research in the initial academic positions (Postdoc or Research Associate / Scientist / Fellow).