The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities in most countries. It is considered to be a research degree at an advanced level. Often, it takes candidates some years working on a project before they can complete their PhD and gain access to doctoral programs. In order to earn a doctorate you need exceptional ability and dedication as well as excellent grades from previous degrees. More courses are now taught at distance learning colleges and open university courses via online, meaning there is no longer any limit to where you live. If these things have made earning your doctorate sound appealing but you have never done anything like it before then do not worry – help is at hand!