Part-Time PhD: Is It Right for Your Career?
This article explains what part-time PhD programs are, and who they're best suited for.
- ⏳ 3-5 min read
In recent years, part time PhD programs have become increasingly popular, offering a flexible alternative to the traditional, full-time route.
For many professionals, the idea of furthering their education while working is appealing. However, before starting a part-time PhD, it's important to think about how it fits with your long-term career goals.
What is a part time PhD?
A part-time PhD allows you to pursue your doctorate at a slower pace, typically over 6-8 years, compared to the 3-5 years it takes for a full-time program. The structure of a part-time PhD is similar to that of a full-time program, involving research work, taking courses, and a thesis defence.
The key differences lie in the number of working hours per week, flexibility of a program and finding a university willing to give you this not so common experience. Part-time students often have more freedom in scheduling their studies around other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities, while still compelling.
Pros of pursuing a part time PhD
Work and study at the same time
One of the most significant advantages of a part-time PhD is the ability to continue working full-time. This flexibility allows you to keep your career on track while pursuing your academic goals.
Maintaining a full-time job while studying means you don’t have to sacrifice your income, offering financial stability throughout your studies. This can make it easier to manage tuition costs if there are any.
Grow knowledge and excel at your job
A part-time PhD can be especially beneficial if your research is closely related to your current job. You can use the data from work as part of the research project, or apply new knowledge at work, potentially leading to improvements in your workplace.Also it allows you to expand your network within the expert community.
The extended timeline of a part-time PhD allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in your research. This can lead to a more thorough and well-developed dissertation, as you have more time to explore your topic.
Cons of pursuing a part-time PhD
Extended time commitment
While the flexibility of a part-time PhD is appealing, the extended time commitment (usually 6-8 years) can be daunting. Balancing work, study, and personal life over such a long period can be challenging. You should be ready to devote these years to one specific topic of interest.
What's more, if you’re aiming for a career in academia, a part-time PhD might slow down your career progression. The extended duration could delay your entry into academic roles, and part-time PhDs are sometimes perceived less favorably in academic hiring.
Juggling work and studies can be difficult
Juggling the demands of a PhD with a full-time job and personal commitments requires strong time management and self-discipline. The risk of burnout is higher and maintaining a balance can be difficult.
Limited professional network growth
Attending conferences is often mandatory for PhD students as a part of their education. Unfortunately, due to limited time, not all part-time PhD students meet this requirement, and, as a result, they can’t build as broad of an academic network like full-time PhD students can.
Who should consider a part-time PhD?
A part-time PhD might be a good fit for professionals looking to enhance their careers without stepping away from the workforce. If you have strong time management skills, self-discipline, and an interest in research that relates directly to your job, this path could align well with your goals.
Nevertheless, some fields like Life Science require a full working day and therefore you probably won’t find a part-time PhD program there. For example, I conducted experiments forupto 24 hours and couldn’t leave the lab for more than 3 hours like inthe case of long experiments.I don’t want to scare you but sometimes experiments require being alert every 3 hours, like in developmental biology when the time is especially crucial.
Career implications of a part-time PhD
Completing a part-time PhD can lead to career advancements, such as promotions or new opportunities within your current role, thanks to the expertise gained in a specialized area. However, if you're aiming for a career in academia, the slower pace and potential perception challenges of a part-time degree could pose some difficulties.
Potential for promotions
The advanced knowledge and research skills acquired from a part-time PhD can position you for leadership roles in your industry. Your ongoing work experience, combined with academic achievement, may distinguish you from peers.
Expertise in a niche field
A part-time PhD allows you to become an expert in a specialized area, which can be particularly valuable in certain industries. This expertise can enhance your career or open doors to new opportunities.
Academic career considerations
For those pursuing academia, the extended duration of a part-time PhD may delay your entry into postdoctoral or faculty roles. Full-time PhD graduates might enter the academic job market sooner. Additionally, some institutions may still view full-time PhDs as more immersed in research, although perceptionsare evolving as diverse experiences become more valued.
Funding options for part-time PhD students
Funding a part-time PhD can be challenging but not impossible. Many scholarships, grants, and employer sponsorships can help offset costs or fund your research.
Nevertheless, in some countries, like USA or EU countries, the PhD program is fully funded by a Principal Investigator (PI) of a laboratory and students get competitive salaries.
Other opportunities include part-time jobs in academia, like teaching positions or research assistantships. Effective budgeting and financial planning are essential for managing the long-term costs of part-time study.
Conclusion
Pursuing a part-time PhD is a significant commitment that requires careful consideration of your personal and professional goals. While it offers flexibility and the opportunity to continue working, it also demands strong time management and dedication.
For those whose career paths align with the unique structure of a part-time PhD, it can be a valuable investment in both personal growth and professional advancement.
Before deciding, take the time to evaluate how this path fits with your long-term aspirations and whether it will help you achieve your desired outcomes.
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Natalia Akkuratova
Author
Natalia holds a PhD in Medical Science from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and has 13 years of academic experience, including teaching and student mentorship. After defending her PhD, she worked as a digital marketing specialist at Keystone Education Group.
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