1. PhD by Coursework and Dissertation:
* Coursework Emphasis: A significant portion of the program involves taking advanced-level courses. This provides a structured learning experience covering a broader range of topics within the field.
* Dissertation Component: While there's a dissertation, it's typically smaller in scope and depth than a traditional research PhD dissertation. It may involve a smaller research project or a synthesis of existing literature.
* Less Independent Research: The focus is more on acquiring knowledge and demonstrating understanding through coursework and a smaller-scale research project, rather than groundbreaking, original research.
* Shorter Duration: Generally, these programs are shorter in duration than traditional research PhDs.
* Suitable For: Students who want a strong theoretical foundation and some research experience but may not aspire to an academic career heavily reliant on independent research. It's sometimes a pathway for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in their field.
2. Research PhD (The Standard Model):
* Research Emphasis: The overwhelming majority of the program is dedicated to independent research. Coursework is usually minimal and serves primarily as foundational support for the research.
* Dissertation as Central Piece: The dissertation is the cornerstone of the program, representing a substantial, original contribution to knowledge in the field. It requires significant independent research, data collection, analysis, and writing.
* Extensive Independent Research: Students develop their own research questions, methodologies, and conduct extensive original research, often over several years.
* Longer Duration: These programs typically take significantly longer to complete (4-7 years is common).
* Suitable For: Students with a strong research interest and ambition to pursue an academic career or research-intensive roles in industry or government. It's the typical path for those intending to become professors or leading researchers.
In short: a PhD by coursework and dissertation is a more structured, course-based program with a smaller research component, while a "research" PhD is primarily a research-focused program culminating in a substantial, original dissertation. The latter is the far more common model for a PhD globally. The term "research PhD" is often implicit—if someone just says "PhD," they typically mean the research-focused type.