As a way of rounding off the a recent discussion on doctoral work, a few words on the relative merits and demerits of British and American Ph.D.’s:
American doctoral programs (in the humanities) typically require a minimum of 5 years work including 2 years course work (the remaining time for dissertation). Entrance into American programs can be very competitive, but many schools offer generous tuition and stipend packages that can ease the strain of doctoral expenses. Similarly, there is often the opportunity to teach as a doctoral student on the undergraduate level. Finally, because of the length of American programs, greater emphasis is often placed on such things as languages. For example, entrance into an Islamic studies program at many American schools will require research proficiency in Arabic, but also Farsi and often 2-3 other research languages (e.g., German, French, and other research-specific languages [e.g., Turkish or Urdu]). Proficiency in these languages can be expected prior to matriculation, but can also be obtained within the first year of study.
Because of languages, broad course work, and teaching opportunities, doctoral candidates from American schools graduate with skills highly prized by American universities looking to add to their faculties (broad knowledge of subject area and teaching experience).
British doctoral programs are much more concise. They require only a minimum of 3 years of study and focus almost entirely on the writing of one’s thesis (a thesis, not a dissertation, in Britain). Any other relevant needs (languages, course work, teaching experience, etc.) are the responsibility of the student. For international students, Americans in particular, there are much fewer financial resources available.
Personally, having completed 2 masters degrees, I was ready to be done with course work. I also wanted the fresh perspective of a non-American scholarly community (I realized later on how significant/interesting this was in terms of Islamic studies). Being fairly disciplined, I was also prepared to sink into thesis-work without having to attend to peripheral “requirements.” It also came naturally to me to participate in seminars that I knew would broaden my knowledge, carve out time in my personal schedule for language study, and seek out opportunities to publish and present my work (though term-length teaching opportunities alluded me). I also enjoyed the emphasis they placed on research. All of this made me greatly prefer the British approach to doctoral work.
Certain American schools looking to add to their faculties may at times be skeptical of a British Ph.D. (is it a rounded degree or just thesis focused, they may wonder) and so it will be, in part, my responsibility to defend the excellence of my degree. Of course, the reputation of my school, its faculty, and alumni go before me as well.
Feel free to add questions or comments.
How does one get into a British doctoral program? Make connections early on with potential advisors and be sure to write something substantial as a part of your m.a. work. Many of these programs want to know that you already have research and writing skill and the “pre-approval” of a potential advisor can go a long ways with admission committees.
thanks for posting. this is helpful. I just finished 2 masters also and I’m sick of coursework. what british/european schools would you recommend for writing/reading on Xian-Muslim relations?
In Britain there are scholars in this field at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cambridge. If you are a bit more broad you can include Oxford and London. Some of these schools have scholars dedicated to the field; others also have dedicated study centres.
In Europe there is, most notably, Leiden.
But perhaps I would be more helpful (if you want) if I knew the exact nature of what you’re hoping to study. I would be interested anyway, so let me know. Perhaps I can even pass along a few names ….