PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the most advanced degree to obtain by a student. There are two types of PhD programs that most institutions offer – part time and full time. In this write-up, we will discuss the pros and cons of the part time and phd full time, so that you can make an informed decision of which one to pursue. 

Part-time PhD

1. Pros

• Work-study balance: Students can do both study and work and they can apply their research to their work. 
• Financial security: They can reduce financial stress by pursuing a part time phd. 
• Career development: Part-time students are able to improve their careers while at the same time pursuing their studies. 
• Real-world application: Work experience can be helpful and relevant for assessment throughout the process. 
• Flexibility: Flexible schedules are also common in part-time programs because the majority of students are usually working individuals. 
• Employer support: Some employers offer financial incentives or flexible schemes for PhD candidates. 

2. Cons 

• Duration: As for part-time PhD students, the time to complete a degree usually ranges from 5 to 7 years or even longer. 
• Limited immersion: Working while studying means less time for research and other study activities. That is why part time students often fail to create a quality research paper.
• Reduced financial opportunities: Part-time students may not be able to get scholarships, grants, or teaching assistants. 
• Slower skill growth: This can reduce the chances of acquiring research and teaching skills due to limited time spent on campus.

Full-time PhD

1. Pros

• Funding opportunities: Most full-time PhD programs offer some form of financial support like a stipend, scholarship, or teaching assistantship.
• Networking: As you will be on campus most of the time, there are more chances to interact with fellow students, professors and other visitors.
• Access to resources: Full time students are in a better position to access some of the facilities in the university such as laboratories, libraries and other equipment.
• Skill development: There are more chances to acquire research and teaching experience from workshops, seminars, and teaching assignments.
• Publications: By devoting more time to research, phd full-time students can publish more, thus improving their academic portfolio.

2. Cons

• Financial strain: Even if funding is available, the stipend could be very less, which may lead to financial difficulties.
• Less experience: As students who pursue full time PhD, they do not have the chance to work. This is the reason they can not gain as much experience as others.
• Study Pressure: The syllabus of a full time phd course can be hard for students to complete within a specific time and it can cause stress.

Final Words

This shall clear your doubts on the two types of phd program. GD Goenka University, which is the Top MBA College in Delhi, offers both part time and full time PhD programs for students who want to pursue higher education. You can visit their website to get more information about the programs like fees and admission process.