With the growing demands in PhD, many universities and colleges are, now, eager to provide part-time PhD, alongside the full-time course. PhD is a doctorate degree and is counted as one of the highest achievements in academics. The duration of PhD is 3-5 years wherein more emphasis is given on thesis writing and research methodology.
PhD focuses on the authentic research work on a specific topic by an individual. One needs to take entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, and much more. Every researcher is appointed a research supervisor who helps the researcher with their thesis. Some of the most prestigious universities include JNU, University of Delhi, IITs, BHU, VIT Vellore, and many more.
Studying a part-time PhD or full-time PhD depends on a lot of factors, both have their advantages as well as disadvantages. PhD is solely based on research work and presenting it to a committee that specializes in a similar field of study. In this article, we will explore more about part-time and full-time PhD.
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What is a PhD?
PhD is the highest level of academic achievement that any individual can achieve. PhD requires a rigorous amount of coursework and research for one to gain a successful doctorate degree. A researcher is supposed to pick an original research topic and work on it, providing fresh and original research data. Part-time PhD or full-time PhD is now available for many specializations.
Full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. The course duration of PhD is 3-5 years which can be extended depending on the researcher and the university guidelines. An individual focuses on rigorous and authentic research work and the completion of thesis under an appointed supervisor whose sole work is to keep a check on the individual’s progress while guiding them at the end points. With the completion of PhD, an individual earns a PhD degree but also a Doctoral Title before their name.
Full-Time vs Part-Time: Overview
| Aspect | Full-Time PhD | Part-Time PhD |
| Duration | 3-5 years | 3-7 years (with an extended timeline) |
| Commitment | Full-Time PhD requires an individual to complete their degree without any distractions | Part-Time PhD requires an individual to complete their degree alongside their job and other personal commitments. |
| Research Intensity | High as an individual is researching daily | Moderate as the individual can manage it alongside their job |
| Funding and Scholarships | More opportunities for fellowship and stipends | Limited funding; often self-funding |
| Networking | Strong Campus Presence; Close Faculty Interaction | Limited Academic Exposure; Relies more on the virtual or periodic interactions |
| Best for | Academic Professors, Researchers, Academic Careers | Industry-Focused Research; Working Professionals |
Part-Time PhD Benefits
As the rift and the confusion between which course to choose from increases, an individual is left with many choices but no solution. Below provided are some of the benefits of Part-Time PhD:
1. Designed for Working Professionals: Part-time PhD courses are mostly made with a big importance to working professionals. Many of the working professionals who are interested in pursuing PhD as the demand for PhD professionals is increasing can enroll in the Part-Time Programs.
2. Perfect Balance: A part-time PhD helps in the creation of a perfect balance between the work, academics and personal commitments. An individual does not need to constantly juggle between the three. This can help individuals divide their time equally throughout the day for an equitable balance of work and academics.
3. Opportunity to Apply for Industrial Research: Working Professionals are free to combine their academic research with real-world industry problems. This does not only help in giving them exposure to the outside world but also benefits the organization, adding a significantly greater amount of value to the research.
4. Extended Duration of Time: While it mostly depends on the universities, when an individual is pursuing part-time PhD courses, they are granted an extended amount of time than the full-time PhD researchers.
Full-Time PhD Advantages
While discussed above are some of the part-time PhD benefits, but for individuals who are keen about the Full-Time PhD can also get to know its benefits. Mentioned below are some of the advantages of PhD in a full-time mode:
1. Immersive Research Environment: A full-time PhD offers researchers an immersive research environment. This helps them in exploring the topic of their choice, more deeply and broadly. This immersion helps the individuals to complete their thesis early on.
2. Faster Completion Timeline: When an individual is not engaged in something other than their PhD research, the chance of completing the research faster is greater. This helps some of the students to establish themselves as researchers, early on.
3. Greater Access to Everything: An individual who is enrolled in a full-time degree can access things like research funding, scholarships and campus facilities more than the part-time PhD students or working professionals. Along with that, they get access to financial support, unlimited library visits, and a supervisor to guide.
4. Academic Networking Opportunities: Being physically present on the campus lets an individual interact more and gain more connection with like-minded people. These relationships help later in life for collaborations, guidance, or even for job prospects.
Flexible PhD Programs
PhD Programs in online or offline mode create a flexibility while bridging a gap between in-campus and off-campus classes. The flexibility in part-time PhD and full-time PhD program helps working professionals to pursue their passion while also helping the researchers who cannot travel to a different state for their PhD. These courses are also best suited for international scholars who cannot travel to a different country.
Who should Choose a Part-Time PhD?
Part-time PhD programs are specifically beneficial for the working professionals who are looking forward to completing a degree alongside their jobs. This is an easier way out for them to seek their ambitions while going on a higher terrain, i.e., a higher job opportunity.
1. Working Professionally: A part-time PhD is a good option for individuals who are already working and have difficulty in pursuing a full-time degree. This part-time PhD will help them gain knowledge as well as complete their experience as working professionals.
2. Prefer a Slower Pace: It is also beneficial for someone who works a little slower than the others. Some researchers and individuals often find themselves out of time while working on their research. Research is the biggest part of the whole PhD thesis. It takes an ample amount of time. Thereby, an individual who prefers extra time can work at a slower pace.
3. Personal Commitments: Sometimes an individual who is interested in pursuing a PhD gets entangled with their own personal problems and prior commitments which intervenes on their degree time duration. Such individuals can choose to work their way out with a part-time PhD.
Who should Choose a Full-Time PhD?
Just like for some individuals who would prefer a part-time PhD. Some other individuals prefer and should choose a full-time PhD. A full-time PhD comes with its own sets of benefits as we have discussed about. Let us now dive deep into who is capable of choosing a full-time PhD.
1. Aspiring Researchers: A full-time PhD is most beneficial for individuals who want to become a professor later in their lives. Aspiring researchers and academicians who are aiming to be professors should pursue a full-time PhD as this will help them in choosing a particular discipline that they can teach and excel in.
2. On a Hunt for Scholarships: Individuals who are on a hunt for scholarships or institutional funding can get it through a full-time PhD. Based on the individual’s entrance scores, one can get full scholarships and more benefits.
3. Time Commitment: It is also beneficial and made for individuals who can commit to the time of 2-5 years with no extension. This is specifically beneficial for the ones who want to finish their research early on and can commit to finishing it faster.
Conclusion
According to your needs, requirements and eligibility, an individual is free to choose a part-time PhD or a full-time PhD. A PhD full-time helps an individual to gain experiences and connections that are otherwise very difficult to make. Along with that, many get easy access to university libraries and labs for much-detailed research. Part-time PhD on the other hand, is beneficial for working professionals or an individual with personal commitments. It may not help one equip with connections, but it continues to build their working experience alongside their degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
