As an expert in the field of higher education, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question about the academic hierarchy beyond a master's degree. In the context of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), which is an Irish organization that has since been replaced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the progression of degrees is structured as follows:


1. Higher Certificate at Level 6: This is typically a postgraduate qualification that can be obtained after completing a Level 5 qualification.

2. Ordinary Bachelor's Degree at Level 7: This is a standard undergraduate degree that usually takes three to four years to complete.

3. Honours Bachelor's Degree or Higher Diploma at Level 8: These are more advanced than a standard bachelor's degree and typically require additional study or research.

4. Master's Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at Level 9: These are postgraduate qualifications that require a bachelor's degree for entry and involve further study or research.

5. Doctoral Degree or Higher Doctorate at Level 10: This is the highest level of academic degree and involves extensive research and the submission of a thesis.

Now, let's discuss what is considered higher than a master's degree. After completing a master's degree, the next step in the academic ladder is to pursue a Doctoral Degree, also known as a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or an equivalent doctorate in a specific field. Here are some key points about doctoral degrees:

- Research Focus: Doctoral degrees are heavily research-oriented. They require candidates to conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to their field of study.
- Time Commitment: The time it takes to complete a Ph.D. can vary widely, but it typically takes three to six years of full-time study after obtaining a master's degree.
- Thesis: The culmination of a doctoral program is the submission of a thesis or dissertation, which is a lengthy document that presents the findings of the candidate's research.
- Defense: After the thesis is written, the candidate must defend their work in an oral examination, often referred to as a viva voce or simply a "viva," where they are questioned by a committee of experts.
- Career Prospects: Holding a doctoral degree can open up opportunities in academia, research, and high-level positions in various industries.

In addition to the Ph.D., there are other types of doctoral degrees, such as:

- Professional Doctorate: These are often designed for practitioners in a specific field and may have a more applied focus than a Ph.D.
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): This is a professional doctorate focused on educational leadership and policy.
- **Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A. or D.B.A.)**: Similar to an Ed.D., this degree is aimed at business professionals and focuses on advanced business research and practice.

It's important to note that the structure and nomenclature of academic degrees can vary by country and institution. However, the general progression from a master's degree to a doctoral degree is a common academic pathway worldwide.

Now, let's proceed with the translation into Chinese.

read more >>

The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) award the following: A higher certificate at Level 6; An ordinary bachelor's degree at Level 7; An honours bachelor's degree or higher diploma at Level 8; A master's degree or postgraduate diploma at Level 9; A doctoral degree or higher doctorate at level 10.read more >>