Doctorate degree titles

There are various doctorate degree titles and disciplines depending on the doctorate degree major and the university teaching the degree. Most universities use PhD for Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Medicine (MD or DM) is sometimes a professional doctorate in some study destinations such as the USA and Canada while it is a research degree in the UK.

The Doctor of Medicine degree is classified in some cases as the higher doctorate degree while the MD/DM research degree often demands a shorter period of study than, a PhD degree and is considered by British universities to be equivalent to an MPhil degree than a PhD degree.

Doctor of Philosophy is normally for doctorates awarded on the basis of original research submission, while other junior doctorates are based on extensive taught courses. Higher doctorates are normally awarded as honorary degrees (honoris causa), but can also be awarded on the basis of recognized published research. DUniv is an honorary degree only. The doctorate degree title may differ for both junior doctorate degree and higher doctorate degree depending on the granting institution or university.

Junior Doctorates degree titles: The junior doctorate degree may vary depending on the study destination, awarding or granting university and the degree research topic, however the following is the most common degree titles



Higher Doctorates degree titles: The higher doctorate degree title may differ from university or another particularly in the seniority of the doctorate degree awarded, however the following is a general list of higher doctorate degree titles.