The PhD is a postgraduate degree, after the Master\u2019s degree. The PhD entitles the holder to the title of doctor. The PhD is also a highest academic degree, recognized internationally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PhD is the result of an initial original scientific research work, followed by the writing of a manuscript called \"thesis\" and a defense before an academic jury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the disciplines, PhD educational can last between 3 and 7 years. For disciplines in the exact sciences, training lasts on average 3 years and can be extended for two years. For disciplines in Human and Social Sciences, the average duration of training is 5 years, with a possible extension of two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout his training, the PhD student is under the direction of a team composed of faculty members and\/or researchers to supervise the PhD student on a research topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a student wishes to join a PhD program in the Exact Sciences, he or she generally has a doctoral contract, which is a specific employment contract for PhD students. Its duration is three years and it can be renewed. The PhD student receives a salary based on his activities. Other types of funding can be used. However, for doctoral programs in the Human and Social Sciences, funding is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his thesis, the PhD student will carry out a bibliographic research corresponding to his research topic, compare existing methods in the state of the art, bring an original scientific advance and finally evaluate its solution by simulation and\/or real experimentation. In addition, the PhD student will have to share his research by writing scientific articles for either publication in magazines and\/or scientific journals, or oral presentation at national and international conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the thesis supervisor considers that there is sufficient original scientific content with conclusive results, the PhD student is authorized to defend his thesis in front of a jury with the aim of obtaining the PhD degree. In addition, the PhD student will have to fulfill other conditions, set by the doctoral school where the student is enrolled, to support before a jury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the PhD is obtained, the young researcher can have three types of possible career: an academic career at a university or at the CNRS, a non-academic career in the public service or a non-academic career in the private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the PhD, the young person may also wish to build a research project in order to obtain the Habilitation \u00e0 Diriger des Recherches (HDR), which is a specific diploma for France and higher than the PhD...<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about the PhD in France, you will find more detailed information available on Campus France:<\/p>\n\n\n\n