• Question: How long does it take to get a PhD?

    Asked by tram532mobs to jesshawkins, Gemma C on 30 Sep 2025. This question was also asked by yard532mobs.
    • Photo: Jess Hawkins

      Jess Hawkins answered on 30 Sep 2025:

      It varies a lot! I have done my PhD part time (4 days a week) so it has taken me 5 years. Generally in the UK, you get paid for 3 and a half years, with up to a year after that to submit your thesis. It goes by very quickly

Comments

  • Photo: Michael C

    Michael C commented on :

    I got my PhD part-time, while working in a microbiology lab, so it took me 5 years. Unfortunately, for some of that I was not paid, so I had to get a job and finish the writing part in my spare time! For most people it takes between 3.5-4 years. Though, everyone is different and you never know what is going to happen sometimes.