Academic degree
Doctoral degrees or doctorates, such as the Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD or DPhil) or Doctor of Education (EdD or DEd) are awarded following a programme of original research that contributes new knowledge within the context of the student's discipline. Doctoral degrees usually take three years full-time. Therefore, in the UK it may only take seven years to progress from undergraduate to doctoral level – in some cases six, since having a Master's is not always a precondition for embarking on a doctoral degree. This contrasts with nine years in the United States, reflecting differences in the educational systems.
Acadia Divinity College
Applicants with no or little prior study in their intended field complete a 60 credit hour program (two years, if full-time). Applicants who already possess a graduate theological degree or an honours undergraduate degree in the subject they wish to specialize may be permitted to complete the Master of Arts (Theology) in 30 credit hours (one year, if full-time)