what does phd conferred mean

What Is a Conferred Degree? [2024 Guide]

What is a conferred degree? When can you say you have a college degree? Is it just about taking college classes or is there more to it than that? Find out what the different terms mean.

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Many people have conferred degrees, but not all of them have completed the normal coursework. Others have earned their degree but it hasn’t been conferred yet. Here’s why.

What Is a Conferred Degree?

At the most basic level, the phrase “conferred degree” means you’ve finished all the academic and administrative requirements of your education program.

When your degree is conferred, it shows you are a legal and official graduate of your program. There are two ways to earn a conferred degree.

Traditional Degree

The first, and most popular way, is to finish all of the requirements in an educational program, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate curriculum. You finish the work, you attend a graduation ceremony, you get the diploma, and you have a conferred degree.

There may be some steps between completing your course work and your degree conferral. For example, you may have to pay an outstanding balance on your school account, return materials to the school, or file paperwork to request your diploma.

The degree is not conferred until your school audits (or checks) that you have met all of the requirements.

Honorary Degree

The second way to earn a conferred degree is to accept an honorary diploma. Universities give honorary degrees to people who have made outstanding accomplishments in their field.

For example, Kanye West earned an honorary doctorate from the School Of Art Institute Of Chicago for his work in music, even though he did not finish college.

An honorary degree doesn’t mean you’ve finished (or even started) all of the course work. It only means that the school gave you a diploma. For example, Kanye West is not considered a “doctor” and isn’t accepted academically for his doctorate.

Still, the term “conferred degree” applies to both situations. Whether you complete all of the course work to earn a degree or the school awards you an honorary one, once you have the diploma in hand, it is conferred.

Degree Completed vs. Degree Conferred

As we said earlier, there may be some steps between finishing your last class and having your degree conferred. In fact, your graduation date is very likely different from your degree conferred date.

Many graduates walk at a ceremony, and they are handed a piece of paper on stage for a nice photograph. It’s only later that they receive their actual degree in the mail.

This is the case at California State University , where graduates have a commencement (or graduation) ceremony, but get their degree in the mail 6-8 weeks later.

To find your degree conferred date, check your academic transcript. It might say any of the following at the top:

• In Progress
• Awarded or Conferred

“In progress” could mean that you haven’t finished all of the requirements of the program yet. For example, you might have to take more classes.

“Completed” means you’ve finished all of the academic requirements for your degree, but you don’t have your diploma yet.

Your completion date can be useful. For example, if you want to apply to another educational program or apply to a job and show that you’ll soon have your conferred degree.

Your transcript will most likely say “completed” until you meet all of the other requirements of your school for conferral. You might have to pay fees, file paperwork for a graduation ceremony, or settle any outstanding issues.

Finally, “conferred” or “awarded” means you have a conferred degree. Not all schools use the same terms, so your transcript might say “awarded” instead of “conferred.” Don’t worry; your awarded date is the same as your conferred date.

What Does Degree Completed but Not Conferred Mean?

Let’s go back to the application for your dream job. If you have a transcript that says “conferred” or “awarded,” then you’re set. Write down that date as your degree conferred date.

If your transcript says “complete,” don’t write down the date of completion. That is not the same thing as the date conferred. Employers can check your information. You don’t want to have to explain why the dates don’t match up.

A better option is to check a box for (or write) “degree completed but not conferred.” This shows that you’ve finished all of the academic requirements for your degree. You just don’t have your diploma yet.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, many employers check to make sure degrees are real . An employer might call your school or use a company to verify that your information is accurate.

An application may ask for a copy of your official, sealed transcript. This will also reveal if your conferral date is accurate or not.

There is no shame in writing “degree completed but not conferred.” It’s accurate, it shows you will soon have your degree conferred, and it will match your school’s records in case someone verifies your information.

There’s no need to wait until you have a conferred degree to apply for your next education program or dream job. “Degree completed but not conferred” can help you move forward. You can always update the application later when your degree is conferred.

How Long Does It Take for a Degree to Be Conferred?

A typical progression for finishing an education program might look something like this:

• You finish your last class.
• You file paperwork with your registrar.
• You attend a commencement (graduation) ceremony.
• The school audits your paperwork to make sure you’ve completed all the requirements.
• The school officially awards (confers) your degree.
• You receive your diploma in the mail.

There is no standard time between finishing the last class and receiving a diploma. Some schools process paperwork faster than others.

Make sure to check with your registrar’s office for their specific timeline for conferring your degree.

How Do You Confer Graduates?

One question to ask your school’s registrar is, “How do you confer graduates?” Some schools automatically mark transcripts “complete” once the last class is finished. As we discussed, complete isn’t the same as conferred.

You might need to fill out a form to ask to graduate. This will trigger the audit of your classes and accounts with the school that is needed for conferral.

Every school’s process is unique, so check with the registrar. Don’t wait for a degree to show up in the mail. Chances are if you don’t tell your registrar, or at least your academic advisor, that you’re interested in graduating, nothing will happen.

In some cases, your transcript might not even be marked “complete” unless you alert the registrar that you have finished your program. To avoid delays, communicate with your advisor and registrar.

When Can I Say I Have a Degree?

When your degree is conferred, your official and unofficial transcript will show it. Look for a mark of “awarded” or “conferred.” At this point, and only this point, should you say that you have your degree. It’s okay if your diploma is still in the mail. Your conferred degree means you “have” your degree.

To say you have a degree, you should have at least one of the following:

• A transcript that says “awarded” or “conferred.”
• Confirmation from the registrar’s office that your degree has been conferred.
• A diploma (although this might arrive in the mail after the date of conferral).

Keep in mind that there are some alternative things you can say to potential employers or education programs if your degree is not conferred yet. It’s fine to say your degree is complete but not conferred. Just make sure your transcript is marked “complete” first.

If your transcript says “in progress” or “complete,” it is not okay to say that you have your degree. Remember, employers may check by calling your school.

What Does Conferral Mean?

To recap, you have a conferred degree when your school officially and legally awards you an undergraduate or graduate degree .

Either you have completed all of the academic work and administrative tasks that your college requires, or you have been awarded an honorary degree. Both count as conferred degrees.

In a typical path, you might talk with your advisor or registrar, finish your last class, and file the necessary paperwork to complete your program. At this point, your transcript will say “complete.”

Then, your paperwork will be audited to make sure you’ve met all of the requirements for conferral. You might attend a ceremony, such as a graduation, to celebrate. You’ll receive a conferred degree and finally receive your diploma, possibly in the mail.

Lastly, there’s no need to wait for your conferred degree to start applying to jobs and other educational programs. Just be clear in communicating that your degree is “in progress,” or “complete but not conferred.”

Conferring a degree can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Employers should understand this. Still, they may check to make sure your statements about your degree are accurate. They may call your school to verify the status of your degree.

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Date Conferred: What Is It And How To Use It On A Resume

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Summary. Date conferred is the date you officially graduated from your degree program. Often times this is not the date of your graduation ceremony since your school needs to you met all of your requirements for your degree. You can find this date by looking up your official transcript. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to have your degree conferred upon you.

When you apply for a professional license, a higher education program, or even some jobs that require a degree, the application will likely ask for the date your degree was conferred. Many people assume this is simply asking for the date you walked across the stage at graduation, but there’s actually much more to it than that.

In this article, you’ll learn what “date conferred” actually means, how to use it on your resume and in forms, and how your school will go about conferring your degree.

Key Takeaways

“Date conferred” and “date completed” are two different dates referring to when your school issued your diploma and when you completed the requirements to earn said diploma.

It can take a few weeks to a few months from your last exam to have your degree fully conferred.

You know your degree has been conferred when you see it marked as “conferred” on your transcript or when you receive your diploma.

What Does “Date Conferred” Mean?

How to use “date conferred” on a resume, degree completed vs. degree conferred, what does degree completed but not conferred mean for a resume, how long does it take for a degree to be conferred, when can i say i have a degree, conferred graduation date faq.

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The date your degree was conferred is the date you officially graduated from your degree program – this is the date that applications often ask for.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t the date of your commencement ceremony. Usually, the school needs to do an audit to make sure you meet all your study program requirements before it can legally award you your degree.

These graduation requirements include passing all of your classes and coursework on your degree plan sheet, finishing all of your clinical or other fieldwork hours, and paying all of your tuition and fees.

The date your degree is conferred also isn’t the day you receive your diploma in the mail, as institutions mail these out and can’t guarantee when you’ll get them.

The actual date usually comes without much recognition, as it is the date the school completes your audit and marks on your transcript that your degree has been awarded.

You can find this date by looking up your official transcript. Many schools provide online access to this, but you can also call the registrar ’s office to check your status.

If you can look at your transcript, it will state if your degree status is still “in progress,” “completed,” or “conferred” (or “awarded”). If it says “conferred” or “awarded,” then congratulations, you have a degree.

When you put your degree and the date it was conferred on your resume , it’s usually a good idea to create a separate “Education” section. Even if you only have one degree to put into it, this helps hiring managers quickly find the information they’re looking for when they’re reading your resume.

In this section, you can place multiple types of educational achievements:

High school diploma

Associate’s degrees

Undergraduate degrees

Graduate degrees

Doctoral degrees

Honorary degrees

Obviously, you don’t need to include all of these if you don’t have them. Because it’s implied you have a high school diploma if you completed any postsecondary education, you don’t usually need to put your high school diploma in this section unless it’s specifically required or is the highest level of education you’ve obtained.

For all of these degrees, list the specific degree, the name of the school you obtained it from, and the date conferred — you can do this with either the exact date or simply the month and year.

If you want to, you can also include the date (or month and year) you started the degree, as well as any academic honors you earned or minors or concentrations you completed.

You might see some applications asking for and records listing a “degree completed” date. This is different from your “degree conferred” date.

Degree completed. The day you complete your degree is the day you meet all of your degree program’s academic requirements.

For some programs, this may be as soon as you take your final tests, but others will require that you also have finished any required clinical or other on-the-job training hours before you can officially say you’ve completed your degree.

Degree conferred. Your degree conferral date, on the other hand, comes after you’ve checked these boxes, paid any remaining balances, and passed the audit the registrar performs on your records.

Most organizations won’t ask for your degree completion date if you have your conferral date. Still, some will ask for both because they have requirements for how far apart the two can be without an additional confirmation letter from the school.

This is especially true for applications for medical and other professional licenses. They need to make sure everyone they license is above-board and fully completed their degree programs, so they do some extra checking.

Others may want to know this date if you check the “degree completed but not conferred” box on the application. Keep reading to find out more about this.

If you’ve met all of your academic requirements and just haven’t received your diploma yet, you should mark “Degree completed but not conferred” on your application.

This lets the organization know that while you don’t technically have a diploma yet, you’ve passed all of your classes to get it and are just waiting on the school to complete the process.

Organizations understand that the degree conferral process can take a little while, so they will usually accept this and let you move forward in the application process. They’ll just want to see that you did finish your program and will receive your degree down the road. However, they will reserve the right to change your status as an applicant or employee if you don’t receive it for some reason.

Do not provide your completion date as your conferral date. Many organizations will call the school to make sure you actually do have your degree or are on track to receive it, and if they see that something doesn’t add up, it won’t reflect well on you.

There’s a reason there’s an option for “Degree completed but not conferred,” so don’t be afraid to check that box.

It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to have your degree conferred upon you. The length of the degree conferral process is different for everyone, as it’s more involved than you might think, and the registrar has to go through it for each individual student.

Some of these steps are up to you, but others take place behind the scenes. Here’s what this process generally looks like:

You complete your classes. That feeling of freedom that washes over you as you walk out of your last final exam, while momentous, is only the first step in the degree conferral process.

You turn in paperwork to the registrar. This paperwork’s specifics can vary, but there is usually some kind of application to graduate or other forms you need to file. This often also includes paying any outstanding balances, which is required before your degree can be conferred.

You walk in your graduation ceremony. Congratulations! You’ve made it through all the late-night cramming and never-ending to-do lists , and now it’s time to celebrate.

The registrar will conduct an audit. After you say your goodbyes and move out, the registrar will be hard at work going through each student’s records to make sure they are, in fact, eligible to receive their diplomas.

Usually, they begin this process earlier in the semester, but they still need to double-check at the end to make sure you’ve turned in everything you need to and finished all of your required classes and clinical hours.

They’ll mail your diploma. Once you pass your audit, the registrar will mark that your degree is “awarded” or “conferred” on your official transcript and put your diploma in the mail.

There is no way of guaranteeing when your diploma will arrive, so this is another reason for an inconsistent timeline. Be sure to start checking your transcript regularly a few weeks after graduation. Organizations that want a degree conferral date don’t need your diploma; they just need to know that you earned it.

If you notice that all of your friends are receiving their diplomas and you haven’t, look at your student accounts or call the registrar to make sure everything is in order. It may be that you have an extra fee to pay that you didn’t know about or that you need to complete an additional form.

If you have pursued your degree the traditional way through taking classes, you can legally say you have a degree when your transcript says that your degree has been “awarded” or “conferred,” when you receive your diploma, or when the registrar provides some other type of confirmation.

You also may legally say this when you receive an honorary degree. These degrees are awarded to people who didn’t take classes but who the college or university decided earned it. These are just as legal as any other degree, as they’re usually given to those who have accomplished something significant in the field of the degree they’re awarded.

However, you cannot legally say that you have a degree when you finish your finals or walk across the stage at graduation, although you should go ahead and celebrate like you do.

What does conferral mean?

Conferral means that the school has officially and legally awarded you an undergraduate or graduate degree. You have fully met the academic and administrative requirements necessary to be awarded a degree, and the school has performed an audit to ensure that this is the case.

How do I know when my degree is conferred?

You will know that your degree is conferred when your official academic transcript states either “Awarded” or “Conferred.” This information is usually found at the very top of your transcript.

Remember that “Completed” does not mean the same thing as conferred — the school still has to run an audit to confirm you meet all of the academic and administrative requirements for conferral.

Is conferral date the same as graduation date?

No, conferral date is not the same as graduation date. You may graduate when you’ve completed all of your classes, but before you’ve paid all your fees and/or completed all the administrative tasks you need to complete.

While it is technically possible that your degree is conferred on the same day that you graduate, it would be completely coincidental.

Is a degree conferred or awarded?

You can say a degree was conferred or awarded and it means the same thing. The difference in word choice depends on your school, but you may use the words interchangeably when describing the status of your degree.

How long does it take to get a degree conferred?

Degree conferral can take between 2 weeks and a few months from the completion of your degree program. However, unless you have reason to believe that an audit will bring your degree’s status into question, you can still list your graduation date on your resume.

Just be sure to accurately respond to any questions that ask you to specify whether your degree is completed but not yet conferred.

Arizona State University – What Does Conferral Date Mean?

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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When can you call yourself doctor?

I just passed my dissertation defense. This means there is nothing left but paperwork to get my doctorate. Among the various congratulations I've received a couple have termed me: Dr. My assumption was that I'm not really a doctor until I go through the graduation ceremony, but now I'm wondering. Is there a convention as to when exactly I can call myself Doctor?

• 26 It is apparent from your question that, you are excited to hear people calling you Dr. Ewert! Congratulations. –  user1162 Commented May 11, 2013 at 3:42
• 15 This may be country-dependent. In some places (such as the US), use of the Doctor title is merely a question of etiquette and may be subjective; but in others (e.g. Germany) it is actually governed by law. –  Nate Eldredge Commented Nov 27, 2013 at 3:36
• 16 “The name I chose is ‘The Doctor.’ The name you choose is like a promise you make.” — Doctor Who –  F'x Commented Nov 27, 2013 at 7:16
• 4 Following up on @NateEldredge, in Germany some (not all) universities grant successful PhD defendants the right to hold a "Dr. des." (Doctor designatus) until the degree is officialy conferred. –  non-numeric_argument Commented Nov 27, 2013 at 10:50
• 6 I have a PhD and rarely use my title (Dr). Happy to give it to those who clamour for the title. Any takers? –  user25277 Commented Dec 8, 2014 at 3:18

8 Answers 8

Writing as an Administrator:

It is appropriate to use the title when you are a graduate, ie, when the degree is conferred either in notice by letter or by ceremony (which ever comes first). Prior to that your status is that of a graduand. If you've been using the work-title PhD Candidate you might consider changing to PhD Graduand to indicate this status: that you're awaiting conferral but you've met the substantive criteria for fulfillment of your degree. Additional source: Swinburn on Postnominals .

Congratulations by the way!

• 56 But in practice, nobody but lawyers and administrators will object if you claim to have a PhD once your thesis has been approved and deposited. The graduation ceremony is just a play. –  JeffE Commented May 11, 2013 at 19:56
• 13 Following up on what JeffE said, in my experience it is quite common practice (but not one I agree with) for people other than the student to start using the title "Dr." from the moment the dissertation defense is passed. –  David Z Commented May 12, 2013 at 22:20
• 11 While this is somewhat tangential to the question, if you are applying for jobs, a letter (usually from the University Registrar) or an official transcript that indicates that you have "fulfilled all requirements for conferral of the degree of Ph.D." is usually sufficient to indicate proof that you have a Ph.D degree. –  Irwin Commented May 13, 2013 at 16:54

First, Congratulations! Second, in about two weeks you'll forget about the whole issue with when to call yourself a doctor, simply because it will have been overcome by the events of your actual graduation. That is to say: at this point, it doesn't really matter, and no one is going to care one way or another; the gray area between when you pass your defense, and when you are officially conferred the degree is a short, finite time.

The bigger question may be, When should you call yourself a doctor (even after graduation)? Or, What is the proper way to address yourself . I recommend being tactful when considering introducing yourself as "Doctor X," because that can come across as pretentious, and you don't want that as a first impression.

On a lighter note, a professor I know stopped selecting the "Dr." salutation for airline flights after a flight attendant asked her to help with a medical emergency. Her reply to the request was, "unless the medical emergency can benefit from intricate knowledge of computer architecture, I'm not the doctor you're looking for!"

• 1 Thanks. The time period is actually longer in my case because I've defended too late to graduate this semester, so I'm actually graduating in August. –  Winston Ewert Commented May 11, 2013 at 5:25
• 4 @WinstonEwert Same thing happened to me -- either way, it is a matter of months, and not really long enough to stress about (though for official documents, I would refer to Samuel Russell's answer). My committee chair congratulated me with "Dr. Gregg" immediately after I came back into the room after defending, and that night to dinner I wore a "Trust me, I'm a doctor" t-shirt I was given. To the extent that you can, live it up now! :) –  Chris Gregg Commented May 11, 2013 at 6:08
• I'm not really stressed about it, I'm just thinking I'm going to have a lot of people ask me about over the next months, and I'd like to have the correct answer. –  Winston Ewert Commented May 11, 2013 at 13:35
• Congratulations! Also, from a lighter side, I am about 6 months off completion of my PhD, and are already called 'Dr. D' by my colleagues and 'Doc' by my students (ama high school teacher). –  user7130 Commented May 22, 2013 at 11:44

In British universities, the relevant point is when the result of the viva (thesis defence) is published. This usually takes the form of the result being pinned on a board in a corridor somewhere in the adiministration building - I like to think of the corridor being subterranean with the sound of constant dripping water, the only visitor ever to enter being the person who pins the results up. This is normally about a week or so after the viva, if you pass without corrections, or a similar period after the examiners have said that you have corrected the thesis to their satisfaction. Then you can call yourself doctor and have all your bank cards changed! The graduation could be 6 months after you pass, and when you get your certificate the date of the award will be the publication date rather than the date of the graduation ceremony.

• 4 This may be the case at some British universities, but it is not universal (compare universities where graduation is the ceremony that confers the degree, rather than simply marking the change in status; then one is not a doctor until one has been made a doctor; a notice of results is just an announcement that this is going to happen). –  dbmag9 Commented Jun 4, 2015 at 11:14

Quoting Yogi Berra, "it ain't over till it's over". Just because someone feels the degree has been earned, does not mean it will be conferred. After a successful dissertation defense, the graduand likely has some additional obligations to the institution.

Should you state that you are 'married' just because your wedding is near? Same thing for degrees. You do not have it until you have it.

I defended my final dissertation defense two weeks ago, and my chair congratulated me and called me Dr. Woo! I always thought it was until when the title is conferred in a doctoral commencement, they can call you Dr. But on the contrary, you are called Dr. the moment you pass your dissertation defense.

• 7 I'm not so sure if it's technical/legally correct, but it certainly is a common thing for committee and friends to do after the defense. I remember, it feels good! –  F'x Commented Nov 27, 2013 at 7:17

In most German universities, you're not a doctor before you've published the dissertation, typically a book. Another year to make it exciting. But at least you can call yourself Dr. des. (doctor designatus) in the meantime.

• 1 In Germany, it is technically a criminal offence to call yourself a "Doktor" without the final certificate. –  Karl Commented Nov 11, 2017 at 0:56

This depends on the country. Luckily there is a long Wikipedia page dedicated to the use of the Doctor title .

In the United States, the title Doctor is commonly used professionally by those who have earned a doctorate-level degree.

So in theory you're not a doctor till you get some paper attesting you earned your doctorate-level degree.

• 1 I'm not sure that I would jump from what Wikipedia says is "commonly used" to an "in theory" assertion ;-) –  Flyto Commented May 30, 2018 at 8:44

This varies by institution. I haven't heard that attending the actual graduation ceremony is obligatory anywhere, but I haven't checked around. Where I got my degree, the University of Minnesota, the rule was that the degree takes effect on the last day of the month in which all the paperwork gets completed by the candidate and the institution, and there was no obligation to attend the ceremony. But a few years earlier, it was done quarterly rather than monthly.

As to when you can call yourself "Doctor", I would think it depends on the context and purpose. At a party you can tell someone you just finished your Ph.D. In more formal contexts, you can say you finished your Ph.D., to be effective April 31st.

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Office of the Registrar

Graduate degree conferrals.

• For Students
• Degree Guidelines
• Graduate School

Conferrals occur on three different dates over the course of the academic year.

Beginning in Fall 2019 graduate students are eligible to have degrees conferred, and to receive their diploma, on three different dates over the course of the academic year:

• October  (for students who complete their  terminal*  degree requirements the preceding summer term)
• February  (for students who complete their  terminal*  requirements the preceding fall term)
• May  (at Commencement, for students who complete their requirements over the preceding spring term)

*The October and February Conferral dates were created to satisfy the need for terminal graduate degree candidates to obtain their degree/diploma in advance of the traditional May Commencement Ceremony. Doctoral students picking up a transitional master's degree en route to the PhD must wait until the May degree conferral.

• October and February degree recipients are welcome to participate in the subsequent May Commencement. The Graduate School will reach out in late January, to the email address recorded on the Application to Graduate, with instructions for registering to attend and participate.  
• Graduates who choose this option must bring their diploma covers with them, as the Office of the Registrar cannot provide additional covers
• There is no ceremonial commencement in October or February. Students whose degrees are conferred at those times are listed in the May Commencement Bulletin, and noted as prior-term completers. 

Required Steps and Deadlines

• Application to Graduate - open 7/01/24 through Friday 9/06/24.  This degree conferral is for those who are no longer enrolled after August.  Candidates who are active for any part of Fall semester must wait until the February conferral. ( *see note above regarding transitional master's degrees )

The Application to Graduate is a required step to graduate, and is available in  Banner Self Service , under Applicant and Student > Student Records. Students who fail to apply by the deadline would need to wait until next degree conferral cycle to apply. 

• Thesis Defense Deadline/Grade Deadline – Friday 9/06/24 All degree candidate grades must be entered, and Thesis/Dissertation must be recorded by the Graduate School by this date.
• Degree Conferral - October 20, 2024
• Application to Graduate deadline open 10/01/24 - Friday 1/10/25.  This degree conferral is for those who are no longer enrolled after December.  If you are a graduate degree candidate active for any part of Spring semester, you need to wait until the May conferral. ( *see note above regarding transitional master's degrees )

The Application to Graduate is a required step to graduate, and is available in  Banner Self Service , under Applicant and Student > Student Records. Students who fail to apply by the deadline would need to wait until next degree conferral cycle to apply.

• Thesis Defense Deadline/Grade Deadline - Friday 1/10/25 All degree candidate grades must be entered, and Thesis/Dissertation must be recorded by the Graduate School by this date.
• Degree Conferral February 9, 2025

University Commencement Weekend

• Application to Graduate deadline open 1/13/25 - TBD.  This degree conferral is open to all terminal and transitional degree candidates eligible to complete degree requirements.

The Application to Graduate is a required step to graduate, and is available in  Banner Self Service , under Applicant and Student > Student Records. Students who fail to apply by the deadline would need to wait until next degree conferral cycle to apply. 

• Thesis Defense Deadline/Grade Deadline - Thursday 5/01/25. Thesis/Dissertation must be recorded by the Graduate School by this date.
• Degree Conferral is Commencement Sunday, May 25, 2025

Please note that the Graduate School will not grant extensions beyond the Thesis deadline.  

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Degree approval and conferment

Degree approval, mphil/ mres, med and mst degree approvals.

Once you have been examined for your degree, reports and marks are sent to the Degree Committee for consideration at their earliest meeting. The Degree Committee will send you a letter/email to confirm their decision and any further action you need to take.

Degree Committee meeting dates can be found here .

It is your responsibility to keep your mailing addresses on CamSIS up to date, which can be done via your CamSIS Self Service account.

• Self Service Account

PhD, EdD, EngD, MD, MSc and MLitt Degree Approvals

After your oral examination (viva voce) the reports are sent to your Degree Committee for consideration at their earliest meeting. The Degree Committee's decision is then sent to the Student Registry who will email you with the decision. Further information about the process following the viva, including approval of corrections to the thesis if required, can be found here.  

Please note that your degree is not unconditionally approved until the Student Registry has formally confirmed this in writing.

The length of time it takes for approval will differ according to the schedule of meetings relating to the qualification and department concerned. Meetings take place in term time, so expect longer delays if your viva takes place towards the end of the Easter Term.

Degree Committee (and Postgraduate Committee) meeting dates can be found here . 

Congregation dates can be found here .

Students admitted on a Tier 4 Student Visa:

If you are being sponsored by the University on a Tier 4/Student visa, you should ensure you are aware of when your visa expires.

For any visa queries, contact the  International Student Office . Their website also provides some information about visa considerations when finishing your studies .

Graduate visa eligibility

If you are eligible and intend to apply for the Graduate visa , you cannot make the application until:

• your record has been updated to reflect the successful completion of your degree, and
• you have received notification from the International Student Office that this has been reported to UKVI. You will receive this by email to the email address on your student record. Do not submit your Graduate visa application until you have received this email.

Masters students who will not complete all the required assessment (i.e. final submission or exam) by the original end date in their CAS should contact the International Student Office to check whether they will still be eligible for the Graduate visa as this may depend on whether final results will be received prior to their current visa expiry.

Conferment of Degree

To be eligible to graduate (in person or in absence) you need to have been unconditionally approved for your degree.

Masters students: Only when you receive written confirmation (normally from the course’s Degree Committee) of unconditional approval for your degree will you be eligible to have it conferred at a graduation ceremony.

• If your Department or Degree Committee advises the date when your cohort's results will be released, please do not apply to a ceremony that takes place before the result date that they advise.
• If your Department or Degree Committee does not advise when the overall outcome for your course will be advised, please do not apply to a ceremony until you have received confirmation of unconditional approval.

PhD students: Only when you have received written confirmation of unconditional approval from the Student Registry, should you apply to graduate.

Following unconditional approval for your degree you may choose:

• to have your degree conferred (granted) at one of the University's Congregations (graduation ceremonies)
• to delay receiving your degree until a time that is convenient for you and your family
• to receive your degree without attending a ceremony - known as receiving the degree in absentia

Contact your college praelector or tutorial office to arrange any of these options.

The Praelector will make all the necessary arrangements for the degree to be conferred in the University's Senate House and will tell you what to wear for the Congregation, how to get tickets, where to hire hoods and gowns and how the ceremony operates.

You must not make any travel arrangements or book airline tickets until it has been confirmed which congregation you will be attending.

• Degree Ceremonies

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My Adelaide

Search our frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Can I take a course from another university (cross-institutional study)? Updated
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What does conferral mean, and what is the difference between conferral and completion?

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• I am feeling stressed and anxious about my exams. Who can I talk to?
• How can Study Overseas support me in organising my self-reporting program?
• When is the last date to enrol in courses?
• Can I study a language at the University of Adelaide?
• If someone declines an offer to my first preference of exchange university, can I be kept on a waitlist to take their place?
• How long does a Study Overseas exchange application take to complete?
• What do I do if my exams clash?
• Why do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
• Is there any way for me to get my archived emails back?
• What happens if I fail a course while I’m on an overseas exchange?
• When can I go on an overseas exchange?
• What do I do if I need to change to part-time study but my scholarship requires a full-time enrolment?
• How do I join a Zoom meeting?
• After accepting an offer to study oral health, dentistry, or medicine, what happens if I become a permanent resident?
• Am I eligible for the airport pickup service if I am arriving with family members? Updated
• How many guests can I bring to my graduation ceremony?
• Can I add my own travel to an overseas study tour?
• I have a condition/disability. Can I request an extension for an assignment? Updated
• Can postgraduate research students use the Maths Learning Centre to help with statistical analysis?
• What is the correct abbreviation of my award title to place after my name?
• Where do I fill out a HECS-HELP form for my program? Updated
• What benefits are there for alumni?
• How do I get access to a particular building on campus? Updated
• Can I change my major or minor?
• I am worried that my internet connection is not stable enough to sit the online proctored exam.
• What is OS-HELP and how do I apply?
• Does the University Health Service have female doctors?
• What immunisations do I need for clinical placement?
• My testamur was damaged or destroyed by an Australian natural disaster (i.e. bushfires/flood). How do I obtain a replacement?
• Following the Academic Progress process, if I achieve successful grades in consecutive teaching periods, will my GPA improve?
• Is there a hearing augmentation system available within lecture theatres and classrooms? Updated
• How can I stay involved in international education after my Study Overseas experience?
• A file upload (e.g. a handwritten document) is required as part of my online exam. Do I get extra time? Updated
• How can I pay my fees? Updated
• Where can I buy my textbooks? Updated
• How do I renew my student ID card? Updated
• I am a parent of a student who is thinking of, or already, studying overseas. Where can I get information?
• My exchange host university says I need to purchase local health insurance. Is this so?
• Who can do the English Assist Program?
• What do I do if I need to go to the hospital?
• Do I need to attend the Academic Progress Committee meeting in person?
• How long will it take me to complete the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)?
• If I have an OSHC policy, do I have to see a direct billing doctor?
• Who can I direct feedback to about LinkedIn Learning?
• I am a Category A student. Under what circumstances do I need to contact Disability Support? Updated
• Are my guests allowed to take photographs during the graduation ceremony?
• How can I become a volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
• How quickly can I get my official academic transcript? Updated
• Can I count courses towards both the Diploma in Languages and my primary degree?
• I'm a Bachelor of Finance and Banking student; which combination of first-year maths courses should I do?
• I need help with some personal issues. Who can I talk to? Updated
• Can I make up my own double degree if the two programs I want to study are not offered as a set double degree? Updated
• What is Show Cause?
• Can I speak to a student who has been on exchange to my host institution in the past?
• How can I find the course selection for my electives in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• What if I have a concern about the proctor during my exam?
• What is CareerHub?
• I'm getting a login error with the Echo360 app. What do I do?
• How do I apply for the Diploma in Languages?
• Do I need to register with a National Board to study medicine, dentistry or oral health?
• I am dissatisfied with my exclusion from my program due to unsatisfactory academic progress - what can I do?
• What is the MicroMasters program in Big Data, and how does it fit into the Masters of Data Science?
• Are there any resources available to help me improve my online study skills and assist me with assignment preparation and avoiding plagiarism?
• How do I access Studiosity?
• What does it mean to receive my testamur in absentia?
• Where can I park on the day of the graduation ceremony?
• Why have I been given an alternative assessment for my exam?
• I'm travelling to Australia - what items am I prohibited from bringing into the country?
• Are there Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific scholarships? Updated
• What is the minimum number of units credit I need to be approved to receive from my exchange?
• I have received an Academic Progress notification and have been asked to complete a survey. What is the purpose of this?
• As an international student, can my children attend school while in Australia?
• Who will determine if academic misconduct has occurred?
• Can I upload my exam questions to a file-sharing or ‘homework help’ website? Updated
• Where can I start looking for employment?
• How do I hire a locker in Hub Central? Updated
• Can I use my dictionary or notes during the exam?
• What Scholarships are available for Study Overseas experiences?
• What courses do I enrol in for my degree in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• What is a study tour and how do I apply?
• How do I make an OSHC claim for health expenses?
• What happens if I fail to meet my conditions set as a result of Show Cause meeting?
• I’ve accepted my offer, when can I enrol? Updated
• Why has my library item been recalled and the due date changed?
• What will it cost to go on a Study Overseas Experience?
• How do I register as a teacher?
• I have dropped a course. Why is it still appearing in MyUni?
• I’m a permanent resident/international student. Do I need to do anything extra regarding my residency if I am going to study overseas?
• Why are domestic and international student fees different? Updated
• Where can I find information about academic integrity? Updated
• Who do I contact if I have questions about my online program? Updated
• Can I have extra time for the exam if English is not my first language?
• Does the Maths Learning Centre offer tutoring to high school students?
• I am required to watch a DVD for my course. Can I watch this in the library?
• Can I start a language midyear?
• Where can I go to get course advice if I'm thinking of changing my degree?
• How do I contact a Chaplain? Updated
• I am an elite athlete. Am I eligible for the Elite Athlete Support scheme? Updated
• As a first year student, can I apply to study overseas?
• Why does MyUni say a course is 'unavailable'?
• Can I join a sporting club? Updated
• Who do I contact for advice or assistance in preparing my Show Cause submission?
• Where can I get advice to help me plan the practical experience requirement under my Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)?
• What happens to the previous version of my digital academic transcript when I order a new digital transcript? Updated
• How can I contact Study Overseas?
• How much can I earn from part-time employment in addition to my research scholarship?
• Do I have to have OSHC with the University’s preferred OSHC provider?
• Are conversations with Disability Support confidential? Updated
• Am I eligible for the airport pickup service? Updated
• Do I have to complete SELT surveys?
• Who gets to see my Access Plan? Updated
• How do I appeal an administrative decision of the University?
• Who can I speak to about where my studies can lead me?
• How do I find out which study period a course is available in? Updated
• How do I apply to graduate?
• Will I have enough time to get to my next class if they are back-to-back?
• I am in South Australia and want to take my exam online. Can I?
• I have been conferred, can I receive my testamur now?
• How do I notify the University of my change of citizenship or residency status? Updated
• Are there enrolment information sessions I can attend?
• How do I pursue an assessment grievance or request a re-mark or review of a grade?
• I have two passports. Which one should I travel on for my Study Overseas experience?
• How do I enrol correctly to complete my degree during the time period specified in my Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
• I am an elite athlete and have commitments during the exam period. How can I make alternative arrangements to sit my exam? Updated
• I am currently under review for unsatisfactory academic progress, or I have been excluded. Can I apply for a retrospective Withdraw No Fail (WNF) grade?
• How do I find out how much my HELP debt is? Updated
• Can I enrol into a level II or III course when I still need to complete my level I?
• How will integrity and fairness be ensured for all students taking online proctored exams?
• Where do I direct questions about enrolment at the University of Adelaide while I’m on an overseas exchange?
• What is a Degree Check?
• How do I enrol in an internship course?
• What are the main exam session times?
• Can I borrow from other university libraries?
• How do I request a review of an academic integrity outcome? Updated
• How will my privacy be protected?
• Where will my exam be held?
• Can the Maths Learning Centre help students beyond first-year level?
• How do I know if I’ve been granted a Replacement Examination, Assessment Extension or Additional Assessment?
• How do I make an appointment to see a Disability Advisor? Updated
• Can I borrow iPads from the library?
• How can I keep myself safe on campus?
• Am I eligible for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP? Updated
• Can I borrow from the University of South Australia and Flinders University libraries?
• Can I request a particular school for my first or second year teaching observation placement?
• Are there any restrictions regarding where I can go on a self-reporting program?
• What should I do after receiving a notice for overdue fees? Updated
• How can I ensure the correct name appears on my testamur if it is incorrect in Access Adelaide/MyAdelaide?
• What happens once I have completed the English Assist Program?
• How do I know which classes to enrol into? Updated
• Can I take a toilet break during my online proctored exam?
• What textbooks will I need for my courses, and when should I purchase these? Updated
• How do I apply for credit to go towards my program? Updated
• I hold citizenship/have previously lived in the country in which I wish to study on exchange. Is this ok?
• What are my login details?
• How can I find out who my course coordinator is?
• How do I apply for Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• What is a University Medal?
• Why do I need to take a photo at the start of the exam?
• Who will meet me if I book the airport pickup service? Updated
• Is there a Health Service on campus?
• As an international student, where should I go if I am having problems?
• As an international student, do I need to complete the Engineering Communication EAL course?
• When does my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cover start?
• Do I have to attend a graduation ceremony to receive my testamur?
• Why is my ID card not working? Updated
• What is Endnote?
• How do I apply to be a volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
• What is a Commonwealth supported place? Updated
• Why can't I find my course in Access Adelaide? Updated
• Where can I get my travel insurance policy number?
• Why am I not receiving any emails from the University?
• How do I submit my assignments to the Adelaide Law School?
• Do children need a ticket to attend my graduation ceremony?
• Where is the Sciences Engineering and Technology Student Success located?
• Can I apply for credit from previous studies?
• What do I do if my password is not working?
• There is an error on my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). What should I do?
• How do I obtain a replacement transcript or ID card if it was destroyed in an Australian natural disaster (i.e. bushfires/flood)? Updated
• I need to submit my Show Cause but I don't have all my supporting documentation/evidence yet. What do I do?
• What do I do if I missed my exam?
• How do I replace my testamur if it has been lost or damaged?
• How do I change my bank account details for scholarship payments?
• How do I borrow from the library?
• What should I do if I have booked the airport pickup service but there is no one to meet me? Updated
• I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. How many courses do I need to do to complete my degree?
• Where can I find initial training for LinkedIn Learning?
• What are the minimum technical requirements necessary to sit an online proctored exam?
• My first language is English, should I still do the English Assist Program?
• How do I get credit for my Study Overseas experience?
• What types of accommodation are available for students? Updated
• Can I graduate with outstanding fees?
• How do I change some of the information I provided in my application to graduate?
• Can I use headphones or listen to music while doing the online proctored exam?
• Is it possible to use a preferred name at Uni?
• Are there showers on campus? Updated
• How do I enrol in Indonesian, Italian or Modern Greek courses?
• Do I need to be at my exam venue by a certain time?
• Why are some of my results missing from my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
• What scholarships are available at the University, and how can I apply?
• How do I register for the Elite Athlete Support scheme? Updated
• Will I need to pay a gap when using my OSHC?
• What happens if I don’t return an item by its due date?
• Who can I speak to if I'm not sure I'm studying the right program?
• How is my exchange reflected on my University of Adelaide transcript?
• What happens if I don't have a Tax File Number? Updated
• What is an online LMS? Updated
• Why can't I see my class in my timetable?
• Do I need to select a major or minor in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• How do I organise a Welcome to Country?
• How do I submit an assignment in MyUni (Canvas)?
• What is the program fee associated with the overseas study tours offered via Study Overseas?
• I've injured my arm/hand and am having difficulties with writing/typing. What should I do? Updated
• How will I receive information about my conferral and presentation event?
• I am an alum of the University of Adelaide; how can I update my contact details?
• What is an Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
• I have been granted an Additional Assessment due to academic grounds. Is it compulsory to sit the additional assessment?
• Can I access an Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islander Counsellor?
• Can I apply for a refund? Updated
• What languages does the University of Adelaide offer?
• Can I apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) with a degree from the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• Where can I return my library books?
• I have mobility difficulties and can’t manage stairs. Will I be able to access my lecture theatre/tutorial room? Updated
• Can I study a combined Honours program in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• Who do I contact if I have a technical issue with LinkedIn Learning?
• Do I need to make appointments for the Writing Centre?
• What are the changes to Teaching Degree Programs from 2022?
• What cultural support and assistance can I access? What services do the Wirltu Yarlu Cultural Advisors offer?
• What accommodation options will I have on exchange, and how do I secure my accommodation?
• Are there any scholarships to support conference attendance for research students?
• Are there extra eligibility requirements if I want to study in another language on an exchange program?
• Will I still be able to access the library after I have submitted my thesis?
• How can I access LinkedIn Learning outside the University of Adelaide network, on a home computer or mobile device?
• What kind of assistance can I get from the University if I am an elite athlete? Updated
• Do I need to include a cover letter with my job application?
• Can the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) be done as part of a double degree?
• How do I arrange to be met when I arrive in Australia? Updated
• How do I apply to my exchange host university?
• When will I find out the outcome of my scholarship application?
• What information do I need to provide to verify my identity during my exam?
• What is a self-reporting program?
• When can I apply for an overseas exchange?
• Can I park on campus?
• What after-hours car parking is available on campus? Updated
• Do I have to register to attend any Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?
• Can I track and receive certificates for courses and learning paths completed on LinkedIn Learning?
• How many teaching areas do I need for the Bachelor of Teaching or Master of Teaching?
• Where can I go on a Study Overseas exchange?
• Do language courses enrolled under a Diploma in Languages affect Centrelink benefits?
• What online support will there be during my ProctorU exam?
• How do I renew my library items?
• Can I hire or buy my Academic Dress from a supplier other than GFP?
• Am I eligible for FEE-HELP assistance? Updated
• Who do I contact in an emergency regarding a Study Overseas experience?
• What is EnrolMe? Updated
• What is Studiosity?
• Should I follow the study plan from the year I started or the current year? Updated
• I think I may have been sexually assaulted. Who can I turn to for help? Updated
• I’m studying two degrees. Can I qualify for OS-HELP using both?
• What supports are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students? Updated
• How can I obtain mobile app access to LinkedIn Learning?
• How do I provide my Tax File Number? Updated
• I am undertaking my studies from another country and don’t have a student ID card. What should I use?
• Where can I find the most recently released LinkedIn Learning courses?
• What should I do if I get sick before receiving my OSHC card?
• What Level III Economics courses can I study?
• Can I self-source my own Internship?
• What is Multi-Factor Authentication/okta?
• Where can I find employment or volunteering opportunities whilst studying?
• How many OS-HELP loans can I get?
• Who will accompany the group on an overseas study tour?
• Do I have to enrol into all the classes in a course?
• How can I get extra help with my studies? Updated
• I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. What is Honours?
• I have been working in a school environment. Can I receive status toward my teaching placement?
• How can I find a Justice of the Peace? Updated
• What are the important dates?
• How can I get a hard copy of my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
• What is One Hundred Factorial?
• I'm having a problem downloading lectures.
• Where can I get help to write a resume? Updated
• I've received an exchange offer from Study Overseas. Am I now accepted to the host university?
• Do domestic medicine students need to complete a rural placement?
• I can’t access a library electronic resource, what should I do?
• When can I enrol if I commence my program midyear?
• I'm a Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics student and want to plan an overseas study experience - where do I start?
• How many level 1 courses do I need to enrol into for my program?
• What are the important deadlines for graduations this year?
• What is a minor in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• What does "Welcome, No Access" in Access Adelaide mean? Updated
• Can I have food or water during my ProctorU exam?
• Can Honours be deferred in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• How can I arrange temporary accommodation in Adelaide? Updated
• Is the Maths Learning Centre (MLC)/Writing Centre open outside of teaching weeks/in summer semester?
• Is it a problem that I am studying two programs but only have enrolments against one of these?
• Does the University provide travel insurance for my exchange or study tour?
• What is the Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy and how could it affect me?
• What will my personal information be used for?
• How can I get help writing university reports and assignments?
• Do I need to apply for travel insurance for my Study Overseas experience?
• What Accounting courses are required for CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants?
• Are there any short overseas study options available to current students?
• Why have I received an email about my Academic Progress?
• What do I do if my program is not available through internal transfer?
• Am I eligible to apply for the Diploma in Languages?
• When will I receive my scholarship payments?
• Can I use a tablet device to write answers on for handwritten responses or general working?
• Can I get help improving my job interview skills?
• As a cross-institutional student, how do I send my results to my home University? Updated
• What bicycle facilities are available on campus?
• Do I have the right to object to possible examiners of my research thesis?
• Where do I find the Academic Integrity Module for commencing students? Updated
• What happens if I become a permanent resident during my oral health, dentistry, or medicine degree?
• When can I collect my testamur if my presentation event is in absentia?
• What is a vacation program?
• What support can I expect during my studies online? Updated
• What if I have a printing error? Updated
• According to MyUni, I'm enrolled in an incorrect course, but when I go into Access Adelaide I have enrolled in the correct course.
• What funding can I receive towards a Study Overseas experience?
• I was granted a replacement exam but sat the primary exam. Can I still sit the replacement exam?
• What process do I need to follow for science field trips?
• What can the Security Office help me with?
• How do I become a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader?
• How does ProctorU work?
• How do I remove from my record a SATAC offer I rejected?
• When will I know where I’m going on exchange?
• How will Pass Non Graded (PNGs) be used in my application to Medicine, Dentistry or Oral Health?
• Where do I purchase a lab coat, hard toe boots, overalls and safety glasses?
• Can the Writing Centre edit my work for me?
• How can I keep getting my Centrelink payments while studying overseas?
• Can someone else collect my testamur?
• How do I apply for an overseas exchange?
• What support services can I access while on exchange?
• I'm an international student and I want to leave Adelaide early. Can I arrange to sit my exam early?
• Am I eligible for a Study Overseas exchange program?
• Can I change my offered exchange partner institution if I am not happy with my offer?
• I will complete my program at the end of the year. Can I apply for a postgraduate program before I graduate?
• When should I apply for a passport for my Study Overseas experience?
• How do I apply for a visa for my Study Overseas experience?
• What if I don’t want to be immunised for my clinical placements?
• How soon after transferring into a new program can I enrol?
• When will I graduate?
• Is there a limit to how much HELP I can get? Updated
• I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) I need to study overseas?
• Where is the Maths Learning Centre (MLC) and when is it open?
• What other insurance companies offer OSHC?
• How do I search for library resources?
• What online resources are available to help me with maths in my courses?
• Where can I find the Accommodation Service? Updated
• When and where do I collect my academic dress from?
• When are course offerings and timetables released for next year?
• Is there Microsoft training available through the University?
• Is an overseas study tour regarded as full-time study?
• What is ProctorU?
• What is ADAPT?
• When and where will my teaching placements take place?
• Can I book Hub Central for an event? Updated
• Do I need to register for the Elite Athlete Support scheme every year? Updated
• I've paid my overdue account, why can't I enrol? Updated
• I am a new international student. When should I arrive in Adelaide?
• I am receiving an error when submitting a MyUni or Turnitin Assignment. What do I do?
• What is a graduate program?
• What other communication support and resources are available to me, in addition to the English Assist Program?
• What type of feedback can I leave in the SELT survey?
• Can I study two languages in a Diploma in Languages?
• Do I need extras cover for OSHC?
• What do I need to bring with me to the Writing Centre?
• Do I still need to submit a Return from Leave of Absence form if my candidature is about to lapse?
• What is the AIM Overseas program?
• How do I remain enrolled at the University of Adelaide while on a Study Overseas experience if I am not studying here?
• I am a Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology student; where do I submit assignments?
• How can I collect my official academic transcript? Updated
• How do I change or correct the details on my Overseas Student Health Cover?
• I'm getting an enrolment error, what should I do? Updated
• As a recent graduate, what careers services can I still access?
• Does the University Preparatory Program (UPP) entitle me to receive Centrelink benefits?
• What can I expect from the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) as a mature age student?
• I have a medical condition/disability and need Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) to sit my exam. How do I organise this? Updated
• How do I submit a poster for digital display in the Roseworthy Hub? Updated
• Can I apply for more than one project for the Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship?
• I am struggling with the maths in my course. Can somebody help me?
• What happens if I originally elected to attend a graduation ceremony, but now can't attend?
• What documents can Ask Adelaide certify? Updated
• How can I appeal my exclusion from my program due to unsatisfactory academic progress?
• My bike has been stolen. What do I do?
• Where can I get research help for my course?
• Can I study a major in psychology as part of my Bachelor of Arts?
• Where can I find further information about Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
• Why should I volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
• When should I book my flights for my overseas exchange?
• Can I ask other members of my household for assistance if I don't know the answer to a question in my exam?
• How do I use an eBook?
• Can I apply to my exchange host university on my own?
• Can I choose my nursing placement venue?
• Does the University have an international alumni community?
• How much time do I need to dedicate per course in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)?
• Should I link my account in My eQuals with a private email address? Updated
• How can I request that something be added or removed from my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
• Does the University provide a counselling service for students? Updated
• I've already received credit towards my degree from previous studies at another institution. Can I still study overseas and receive credit towards my degree?
• I have received an automatic application for conferral - how do I change this to have a different degree on my testamur?
• What is the High Use Collection? How long can I borrow these items for?
• If I study online, what will my testamur(parchment) say? Updated
• Are there any policies around using the library?
• Where and when can I collect my guest tickets for my graduation ceremony?
• How do I copy files using ADAPT?
• Can I use scratch paper to write on, or refer to books, during the exam?
• What is the difference between studying the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Science (Advanced)?
• Will the Writing Centre help me prepare for my IELTS?
• What happens in a graduation ceremony?
• What should I do if I am not eligible for conferral or if I miss the application deadline?
• Can I borrow a laptop from the library?
• What should I do in an emergency?
• How do I accept or decline my scholarship offer?
• Do I have to pay tuition fees for the enrolment course for an overseas study tour?
• When are Academic Progress Review Periods?
• How can I change my contact details?
• How can I join the library?
• How will the University communicate with me? Updated
• What do I call my lecturer?
• Why doesn’t my course appear in MyUni?
• Can I do a study tour before or after an overseas exchange?
• What do I do if I need technical support to help me set up ProctorU?
• How can I enter Bonython Hall for my graduation if I require special access due to my disability?
• What tuition fees do I have to pay for my Study Overseas experience?
• Can I study Health Science subjects in the Bachelor of Science?
• Can I study core courses or languages overseas as a Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics student?
• Why won't my address save in Access Adelaide/My Adelaide? Updated
• As an international student, can I undertake online, distance or cross-institutional study?
• How do I manage my enrolment in a Diploma in Languages and my primary degree?
• Is there an after-hours security escort?
• Do I have to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee if I am studying overseas?
• Does the University provide a service to help me travel between campuses?
• What happens if I can't find my immunisation record?
• Am I still able to get career advice whilst interstate or overseas?
• How do I renew my OSHC cover before it expires?
• What differences should I be aware of when considering a self-reporting program rather than an exchange or study tour?
• I've received my offer, when can I enrol?
• I’m an international student. Can I go on exchange to another (third) country?
• What do I do if I receive an email about an academic integrity concern? Updated
• Will my scholarship affect my Centrelink payments?
• How can I change my faculty approval or courses in SMART for exchange?
• What are tutorial marks for?
• How will I find out if I have been successful in being offered an Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship?
• What is PASS?
• Can I receive an exchange offer to more than one partner university in case one doesn’t accept me?
• Where is the Roseworthy Student Services Office? Updated
• Can I use my mobile phone or smart watch to check the time during an exam?
• When should I register my self-reporting program in SMART?
• How do I appeal an academic misconduct finding/penalty?
• What is a graduate briefing, and when is it held?
• How can I access items from other campus libraries?
• How do I get in contact with students who are studying overseas at the same time I am, or who have studied overseas before?
• If I sit a replacement exam will it show on my official academic transcript?
• How will I receive my scholarship payments?
• Where is the Careers Service located?
• What is an assessment centre?
• Will I have to pay to apply to my exchange host university?
• Can the Writing Centre help me write a resume to use in applying for jobs?
• Can I graduate from the Diploma in Languages before my undergraduate degree?
• Do I need OSHC if I am an Australian Awards student, or if I have a reciprocal health care arrangement?
• Do I need to pay the Student Services Amenities Fee if I am a student and a staff member? Updated
• Who can I talk to if I have disputes with my landlord? Updated
• How do I know if I am eligible for assistance in relation to a disability? Updated
• Am I eligible to apply for Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
• Is there a careers adviser at the University?
• How do I make an appointment with a Wirltu Yarlu Cultural Advisor?
• Do I have to stay in university accommodation while on exchange?
• Why can't I get into a workshop that is full for the English Assist Program?
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What does conferral mean?

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Updated 31/08/2023 04.22 PM

'Conferral' or 'conferred' means you have officially been awarded your degree.

Conferral happens at the next scheduled graduation ceremony after you have completed your course, either in your presence or 'in absentia' if you can't make it to the ceremony.

You can't delay the conferral of your award (you'll graduate at the ceremony whether you attend or not), but you can take part in a future ceremony as a walk through (where you participate in a graduation ceremony as though you were graduating but have already had your award conferred). 

To be eligible for conferral, you must have completed all requirements for your award and have no outstanding fees.

Graduation dates and information can be found on the Graduation ceremonies webpage . 

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This is the date recorded on your transcript signifying when your degree was officially recognized. All requirements must be met by this date. Dates are published in the University's Academic Calendar.

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What does conferral mean?

Conferral is the act of conferring or bestowing an award, where your academic achievement is recognised at a public ceremony. Conferral generally occurs at a graduation ceremony, either in your presence or in absentia, or at a scheduled meeting of University Council.  

If your award is conferred at a graduation ceremony in absentia this means that your award is granted to you, but you are not there in person to receive your award.

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Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

The meaning of a PhD

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

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So..What is the difference between a PROGRAM COMPLETION DATE & GRADUATION DATE?!

August 2015 - When applying for Initial Certification, if the Program Completion and Degree Conferred dates are more than 30 days apart, AANPCP requires receipt of a letter from the NP Program Director or Academic Dean verifying the Program Completion date.

A : The Program Completion date is the date all courses & clinical hours of an applicant's NP Track are completed.

A : The Degree Conferred date is the date one is awarded their graduate degree or post-graduate certificate.

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What is the difference between an official final and unofficial transcript?

Official final transcript(s) must be received either in the original sealed envelope (never opened) or emailed via a secured website from the registrar's office

Official final transcript(s) will have the university insignia, degree completed, and date degree awarded/conferred

Faxed transcripts are not official, unless sent from the registrar

Unsealed, or tampered transcripts are not official

Unofficial transcript(s) must include the student's first and last name, however it will not be acceptable if the transcript was modified by the student/candidate

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Meaning of confer in English

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confer verb ( TALK )

• talk A group of men were talking in the street.
• speak Could I speak to you privately?
• say I couldn't hear what they were saying.
• chat We were just chatting about the party.
• have a chat We had a little chat over the fence.
• chatter They spent the morning chattering away.
• agent provocateur
• argue against something
• argue for something
• controversial
• kick around
• no ifs, ands, or buts idiom
• no-platform
• no-platforming
• on the doorstep
• uncontroversially
• undialectical
• undiscussed
• war of words
• wash (something) up

confer verb ( GIVE )

• give Give me that dirty plate.
• offer Your doctor should be able to offer advice.
• provide This booklet provides useful information about local services.
• supply The lake supplies the whole town with water.
• donate Four hundred dollars has been donated to the school book fund.
• accommodate
• accommodate someone with something
• administration
• arm someone with something
• hand something around
• hand something back
• hand something down
• hand something in
• re-equipment
• reassignment

confer | Intermediate English

Confer | business english, examples of confer, translations of confer.

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to become dry, smaller, and covered with lines as if by crushing or folding, or to make something do this

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What is a PhD?

• Types of Doctorates
• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest globally recognized postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award.
• PhDs are awarded to candidates who undertake original and extensive research in a particular field of study.
• Full time PhD programmes typically last three to four years, whilst part time PhD programmes typically last six to seven years.
• A PhD can lead to an academia teaching role or a career in research. A PhD can also equip you with skills suitable for a wide range of jobs unrelated to your research topic or academia.

Definition of a PhD – A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD , Ph.D or a DPhil ) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible.

PhDs differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in that PhDs are entirely research-based rather than involving taught modules (although doctoral training centres (DTCs) offer programmes that start with a year of lecture-based teaching to help develop your research skills prior to starting your project).

In most English-speaking countries, those that complete a PhD use the title “Doctor” (typically abbreviated to Dr) in front of their names and are referred to as such within academic and/or research settings. Those that work in fields outside of academia may decide not to use the formal doctor title but use post-nominal letters (e.g. John Smith PhD); it’s unusual though for someone to use both the Doctor title and post-nominal letters in their name.

PhD vs Doctorate

A PhD and a professional doctorate are both research-based terminal degrees.

However, where a PhD focuses on original research mostly around theoretical concepts, a professional doctorate focuses on examining existing knowledge to solve real-life, practical problems.

While there is much crossover between the two, a PhD is generally better suited for an individual to wants to advance the knowledge and understanding in their field, and a professional doctorate degree is better suited to a working professional who wants to better be able to apply knowledge and understanding to their field.

What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD?

To be accepted on to a PhD programme, students usually need to hold at least a high ( 2:1 and above ) undergraduate degree that is related to the field of research that they want to pursue. A PhD candidate may also be expected to hold a Master’s degree , however, this does not mean you must have one, as it is still possible to enrol into a PhD without a Master’s .

Self-funded courses may sometimes be more relaxed in relation to entry requirements. It may be possible to be accepted onto a self-funded PhD programme with lower grades, though these students typically demonstrate their suitability for the role through professional work experience.

Whilst a distance learning project is possible , most PhD candidates will carry out their research over at least three years based at their university, with regular contact with two academic supervisors (primary and secondary). This is particularly the case for lab-based projects, however, some PhD projects require spending time on-site away from university (e.g. at a specialist research lab or at a collaborating institution abroad).

How Long Does a PhD Take?

Typically, full-time PhDs last 3-4 years and part-time PhDs last 6-7 years. However, at the discretion of the university, the thesis writing-up period can be extended by up to four years.

Although most doctoral programmes start in September or October, they are generally much more flexible than taught-courses and can start at any time of the year.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Tuition fees for UK and EU students vary between £3,000 and £6,000 per year, with the average tuition fee of £4,712 per year for 2023/24 programmes.

Tuition fees increase considerably for international students, varying between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average tuition fee of £19,600 per year .

Nonetheless, most students will secure PhD funding in the form of studentships, scholarships and bursaries to help pay for these fees. These funding opportunities can either be partial, which cover tuition fees only, or full, which cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

UK national students can also apply for Doctoral Loans from Student Finance England if they are unable to secure funding.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

What Does a PhD Involve?

To be awarded a PhD, a doctoral student is required to produce a substantial body of work that adds new knowledge to their chosen field.

A PhD programme will typically involve four key stages:

Stage 1: Literature Review

The first year of a PhD involves attending regular meetings with your supervisors and carrying out a search on previously published work in your subject area. This search will be used to produce a literature review which should set the context of the project by explaining the foundation of what is currently known within the field of research, what recent developments have occurred, and where the gaps in knowledge are. In most cases, this will be an extension of your research proposal should you have produced one as part of your application. The literature review should conclude by outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the research project. This stage of setting achievable goals which are original and contribute to the field of research is an essential first step in a successful PhD.

The supervisor is the main point of contact through the duration of a PhD – but remember: they are there to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you . It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work as well as to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them.

Stage 2: Research

The second year (and prehapse some of your third year) is when you work on your research. Having identified novel research questions from your review of the literature, this is where you collect your data to help answer these questions. How you do this will depend on the nature of your doctoral research: for example, you may design and run experiments in a lab alongside other PhD students or visit excavation sites in remote regions of the world. You should check in regularly with your supervisors to update them and run any ideas or issues past them.

Have the structure and chapters of your thesis in mind as you develop and tackle your research questions. Working with a view of publishing your work will be very valuable later on.

Stage 3: Write up of Thesis

The next key stage of a PhD is writing a doctoral thesis , which typically takes from anywhere between three months to one year. A thesis is a substantial body of work that describes the work and outcomes of the research over the previous two to three years. It should tell a detailed story of the PhD project – focusing on:

• The motivations for the research questions identified from the literature review.
• The methodologies used, results obtained, and a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings.
• A detailed discussion of the key findings with an emphasis on the original contributions made to your field of research and how this has been impactful.

There is no universal rule for the length of a PhD thesis, but general guidelines set the word count between 80,000 to 100,000 words.

For your thesis to be successful, it needs to adequately defend your argument and provide a unique or increased insight into your field that was not previously available.

Stage 4: Attending the Viva

A viva voce , most commonly referred to as just a ‘ viva ‘, is an interview-style examination where the PhD student is required to engage in a critical appraisal of their work and defend their thesis against at least two examiners. The examiners will ask questions to check the PhD student has an in-depth understanding of the ideas and theories proposed in their thesis, and whether they have developed the research skills that would be expected of them.

The viva is one of the final steps in achieving a PhD, and typically lasts at least two hours, but this duration can vary depending on the examiners, the university and the PhD project itself.

Once you have done the viva – you’re on the home stretch. You will typically be asked to make some amendments to your thesis based on the examiner’s feedback. You are then ready to submit your final thesis for either:

• PhD – If you pass the requirements you will be awarded a PhD degree (most common outcome),
• MPhil – If you failed to meet requirements for a PhD, you may be downgraded to an MPhil degree (uncommon outcome),
• Fail – No award is given, typically for cases of plagiarism (extremely uncommon outcome).

What Is It Like to Undertake a PhD?

We’re often asked what it is like to undertake a PhD study. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer to this question as every research project is different.

To help give insight into the life of a PhD student, we’ve interviewed PhD students at various stages of their programmes and put together a series of PhD Student Interviews . Check out the link to find out what a PhD is like and what advice they have to offer you.

What Are the Benefits of A PhD?

A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and independent research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but sets you up with invaluable skills and traits.

Career Opportunities

First, a PhD prepares you for a career in academia if you wish to continue in this area. This takes form as a career in the Higher Education sector, typically as a lecturer working their way to becoming a professor leading research on the subject you’ve studied and trained in.

Second, a PhD also enables the opportunity for landing a job in a research & development role outside of the academic environment. Examples of this include laboratory work for a private or third sector company, a governmental role and research for commercial and industrial applications.

Transferable Skills

Finally, in possessing a PhD degree, you can show to employers that you have vital skills that make you an asset to any company. Three examples of the transferable skills that you gain through a PhD are effective communication, time management, and report writing.

• Communication – presenting your work in written and oral forms using journal papers and podium presentations, shows your ability to share complex ideas effectively and to those with less background knowledge than you. Communication is key in the professional environment, regardless of the job.
• Time management – The ability to prioritise and organise tasks is a tremendous asset in the professional industry. A PhD holder can use their qualification to demonstrate that they are able to manage their time, arrange and follow a plan, and stick to deadlines.
• Report writing – Condensing three years of work into a thesis demonstrates your ability to filter through massive amounts of information, identify the key points, and get these points across to the reader. The ability to ‘cut out the waffle’ or ‘get to the point’ is a huge asset in the professional industry.

Aside from the above, you also get to refer to yourself as a Doctor and add fancy initials after your name!

What Can I Do After a PhD?

One of the most desirable postdoctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on a R&D position.

It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only opens the door for an academic career such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD opens these doors, the opportunities extend far beyond educational roles. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles . This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking.

How Do I Find a PhD?

We appreciate that finding a PhD programme to undertake can be a relatively daunting process. According to Higher Education Student Statistics , over 22,000 PhDs were awarded in 2016/17 within the United Kingdom alone. Clearly there are a huge number of PhD programmes available. This can sometimes be confusing for prospective doctorates, particularly when different programmes are advertised in different places. Often, it is difficult to know where to look or where to even start. We’ve put together a list of useful sources to find the latest PhD programmes:

• A great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database of available PhD positions .
• Assuming you are still at university, speak to an existing PhD supervisor within your department.
• Attend as many postgraduate open days as you can. Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhDs are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the UKRI website.

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