Doctoral degrees were, for many years, primarily subject specifıc, but this changed following the introduction of the PhD as a research-based qualifıcation early in the 20 th century. For most of the last fıfty years the doctorate degree has been virtually synonymous with the PhD (except for the specifıc case of the MD degree). Since 1991 there has been a rapid growth in the UK of Professional Doctorates, which have returned to the model of subject specifıc titles, such as Deng, and EdD. These doctorates differ in a number of reşpects from the traditional PhD, and this has led to a number of tensions in UK universities. The most signifıcant differences are that a greater proportion of the professional doctorate is taught and that the subject matter covered by the professional doctorate includes a considerable emphasis on discipline-related professional practice as well as on the content of the discipline. In some cases professional doctorates serve a dual purpose, acting as a professional qualifıcation as vvell as leading to a doctoral degree. This paper examines the differences between PhDs and Professional Doctorates, and considers how these are likely to develop över the next few years, reflecting the changing nature of the relationship between universities and employers. Comparisons are also drawn wıth practice in other European countries, since there is considerable diversity of practice in the area of doctoral degrees.

Doctoral degrees were, for many years, primarily subject specifıc, but this changed following the introduction of the PhD as a research-based qualifıcation early in the 20 th century. For most of the last fıfty years the doctorate degree has been virtually synonymous with the PhD (except for the specifıc case of the MD degree). Since 1991 there has been a rapid growth in the UK of Professional Doctorates, which have returned to the model of subject specifıc titles, such as Deng, and EdD. These doctorates differ in a number of reşpects from the traditional PhD, and this has led to a number of tensions in UK universities. The most signifıcant differences are that a greater proportion of the professional doctorate is taught and that the subject matter covered by the professional doctorate includes a considerable emphasis on discipline-related professional practice as well as on the content of the discipline. In some cases professional doctorates serve a dual purpose, acting as a professional qualifıcation as vvell as leading to a doctoral degree. This paper examines the differences between PhDs and Professional Doctorates, and considers how these are likely to develop över the next few years, reflecting the changing nature of the relationship between universities and employers. Comparisons are also drawn wıth practice in other European countries, since there is considerable diversity of practice in the area of doctoral degrees.