starting a phd at 50

What's it Like to Start a PhD in Your 50s?

I’ve long been a follower of the blog and newsletters here on FindAPhD and have enjoyed reading other students’ stories. Recently though, I found myself asking why more isn’t written about doing a doctorate at a later stage in life, i.e. in your mid-forties or fifties.

I recently completed my own Masters degree at Manchester Metropolitan University between 2016 and 2018, studying alongside many other students. A good number of us decided to pursue doctorates after finishing the Masters. While the more traditional approach for doctorate studies is along the Bachelors-Masters-PhD route, done in the twenties, there are also plenty of potential students considering the PhD option later in life. I am one of them and so is my fellow student, Helen Connor.

In this post, I want to share our different reasons for considering and eventually undertaking a PhD.

Our background

Both Helen and myself had completed Masters Degrees before (Helen in her twenties whereas I finished my MBA in my late thirties) but sought new challenges to take on. Helen looked for a “kick up the bum” to study again and explore different challenges, having spent some time as a working mother.

For me, it was a time where I had been in leadership for some years and wanted the latest academic knowledge to be blended with my professional experience. I also wanted to get some fresh insight and time to reflect, but for this to be embedded in an academic framework leading to a degree.

I have started to research different universities already, browsing websites and thinking about a possible theme / title for my research proposal . So far it is clear to me that the programme needs to be part-time as I have to accommodate studies alongside work and family commitments.

I want to research a leadership topic within a small and medium-sized (SME) company context. The next step is to narrow down the possible choices and to start looking for suitable supervisors who might be interested in my topic. I plan to visit some potential universities in person at open days and PhD study events , in order to see the facilities and to speak to staff, students and potential supervisors.

Helen’s reasons – professional development and new horizons

Having been in employment for many years now, Helen feels that opportunities to develop professionally have been limited. In her own words, she sees further study as a way to progress, bringing in a range of new skills, and honing existing ones: “At the very least it is a way to keep my brain functioning well, and keep me excited about my work and about life in general. It will add to my satisfaction and happiness.”

Helen also sees the PhD as an opportunity to develop within her existing career: “I work in a university, in a support staff role; having a PhD could enhance opportunities for me in the future if I wanted to lecture, or collaborate with academic staff. So in some ways, it is a means of future-proofing myself.”

The experience of heading back to university for an MSc has also played a role – as it has for me – as we both see a PhD as an opportunity to follow up on our Masters.

Helen writes: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experiences during the MSc-course, the discussions and the time spent with my inspiring and creative colleagues definitely encourages me to consider undertaking a PhD. The opportunity to spend focused time, examining a narrow topic in great detail is a real treat. It makes my heart sing to consider this and to think about different aspects of leadership to study. The opportunity to spend time in Kenya as part of my research is a real attraction too, and something I’ve wanted to do for some time. This would offer me a framework to guide my project.”

She also sees the PhD as an opportunity to give something back to society at this stage in her life: “I think that I could make a positive difference to peoples’ lives through rigorous and well-designed research. Society can certainly benefit from the right work being done at PhD level and I want to contribute to that.”

My reasons – flexible study for a flexible career

I had so many enlightening moments during my Masters: both during the taught study and during the research for the dissertation. By the end, I knew that I wanted to continue with some more studies.

Doing a full-time PhD was not feasible due to financial commitments (as well as not wanting to give up my job), doing a part-time PhD was a more practical option. I want to use the PhD as a platform for a career-change, reducing my full-time job to part-time and opening my own business in the coaching / consulting area. The PhD will give me a framework to really work on one subject and become an expert in it, with the doctorate to prove that. I also hope that some teaching/sharing opportunities will open up along the way to give back some of my professional experience to society in general. Helping others is a key motive for me.

Professionally speaking, I have found that a PhD gives a lot of credibility in the consulting business I wish to work in. It can be a door opener that, backed up with industry / life experience, can help to differentiate yourself in the big sea of consultants and coaches.

A PhD will also give me opportunities to reflect on professional observations I have made, challenging them along with other assumptions and (hopefully) adding some new insight or knowledge to a small area of the business community.

Unlike many younger students, my goal is not necessarily to become a university lecturer but rather to develop into an ‘informed practitioner’ – someone who has researched a topic and can then incorporate these findings into their day-to-day coaching or consulting practice. I also think that the days of a streamlined career are over – it is no longer common to stay with one company and one industry from your early days until retirement. So, preparation with additional knowledge, but even more with tools to do high-quality knowledge creation or collection is pivotal in the ever-changing job market.

After spending many years in the corporate world, the switch back to accademica will be a challenge. Even it is not full-time, there needs to be a balance between research, professional and family life, hopefully enriching each other. I think that my life experience will help me to put demands and challenges into more perspective. Also the clear goal I have for this PhD will hopefully help me to finish successfully!

Helen Connor (51) is the Staff Development Manager at the University of Huddersfield. Christian Kastner (50) is a Sales Director for an SME in Germany. Both are graduates of the Manchester Metropolitan Business School.

Our PhD newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

PhD study as a mature student - mid-life crisis, or perfect career move?

Rachel King shares her own experience of starting a PhD later in life.

10 simple questions about PhD study

However you approach a PhD, many of the questions you have are likely to be the same. We've answered some in this post.

How to apply for a PhD loan

UK PhD loans are available to all students under 60. Here's what you need to know to apply.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2023 All rights reserved.

Unknown ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

starting a phd at 50

Already have a my FindAPhD Account? Log in

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Can I start a PhD at 50?

August 10, 2021, 3:48 am 31.8k Views

It’s never too late getting a PhD in your 50s and 60s because there’s no age limit in the pursuit of higher education.

Furthermore, Who is the person with the most PhDs?

Flint, Michigan, U.S. Benjamin Bradley Bolger (born 1975) is an American perpetual student who has earned 14 degrees and claims to be the second-most credentialed person in modern history after Michael W. Nicholson (who has 30 degrees).

Secondly, What age is too late for PhD?

There is no age limit for PhD . However, he had some doubts at the time of beginning and he has considering taking another year off. So many people start their research early 22s.

In this regard, What is the age limit for PhD?

Well, As everyone else in this thread has mentioned, there is no age limit for pursuing a PhD in general . However: All the PhD students in my graduate program (Chemistry) were between 20–29 years old. Best universities for doing PHd: Lovely Professional University, Punjab.

What is the hardest PhD to get?

Physics is the hardest and most coveted PhD.

What’s the easiest PhD to get?

Easiest PhD Programs Online and On-campus

Typically, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

Can I get a PhD in 2 years?

Yes, you can finish a PhD in 2 years , but it is very rare and only a small group of students make it. … A PhD is an ideal method for others to expand their study into a particular area, which may lead to some very creative and profitable market solutions.

Is 40 too old to do a PhD?

You are allowed to join a PhD almost at any age ! These are the pros and cons for doing a PhD late, though: Pros: 1) there are so many people doing PhDs into their 40s- so you are not alone and it is not unheard of.

Is 28 too late for PhD?

How normal is to start PhD at 28? – Quora. , An avid observer of life. It’s never too late to start anything as long as you are passionate about it and ready to dedicate your time for that.

Can I finish my PhD in 2 years?

A select group of students complete their PhDs in two years , while a tiny number of elite students can get it done in 12 months. It’s hard to overstate how rare and impressive this is, but it is always a possibility. The key to a fast-track PhD is building up a strong academic CV before you even start.

Is a PhD worth it 2020?

tl;dr It’s up to you to make it worth it . A PhD can hurt your finances, sink you in debt, and leave you with no clear path to success in some fields. But PhDs statistically earn more than their and have lower unemployment rates.

Which PhD is most in demand?

#1 – PhD in Chemical Engineering

In recent years, chemical engineering has been recognized as the best doctoral degree by salary-offering steady job growth and high early career and mid-career salaries. Chemical engineers often work in biotechnology and business services as researchers.

Can you skip Masters and do PhD?

Typically, the path to a PhD begins with a Bachelors course and continues through a Masters degree. However, it is possible to skip a Masters and pass straight to a PhD degree .

Can you get a PhD in 2 years?

Can you get a phd in 1 year.

The number of one-year doctoral programs is pretty slim. Almost equally as rare are two-year doctoral programs, but there’s a few colleges and universities offering these programs in a handful of academic areas, with different types of requirements, and we’ll discuss each one of your options below.

Which PhD is the hardest?

Can I skip a Masters and do PhD?

What is the shortest phd program.

Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus

Is 45 too late for a PhD?

Starting a PhD at 45 years of age is not too late since the person will have at least another 20 or more years to make invsluable contribution to academia or in an organisation in the industry. (In many universities, there may be no fixed retirement age.

Is 35 too old for a PhD?

Your age shouldn’t make too much of a difference. It is very unlikely … that you will have any difficulty finding a job, especially as a PhD. There is a worldwide shortage of top-class engineers and PhDs are expected to be senior. Plus you will have the advantage that all your knowledge will be fresh and up-to-date.

Are PhDs worth it?

Money may be tight while you’re studying, but this is one area where a PhD really is worth the investment, especially in fields such as law, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, and finance. Getting your doctorate will make you more likely to earn a higher salary over someone with just a master’s degree.

Is 30 too old to start a PhD?

The answer is an definite ‘no . ‘ While many people start their PhD before they turn 30, or immediately after their undergraduate education, it is absolutely normal to start a PhD in your 30s. It is OK to do a PhD in your 30s.

Is 35 too old to start a PhD?

Is 25 too old to start a phd.

Yes, absolutely. First of all, there is no such thing as “too old” to get a PhD . And second of all, as soon as you enter a PhD program, you will realize there are a lot of people in there late twenties, early thirties and even beyond. Age is just a number and it means in terms of what you’ll do in your PhD or beyond.

Get the latest Celebrities updates and follow us everywhere ! Don’t forget to share this post ⚡

Authors: 13 – Contributors: 29 – Latest update:2 days ago.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Is Jaden Smith vegan? (Celebrity Exclusive)

Is Jaden Smith vegan?

What dress size is Caroline Flack? (Celebrity Exclusive)

What dress size is Caroline Flack?

© 2017-2021 Celebrity.tn English edition - Stars & People Wiki, biographies & news

50 year old - starting a PHD ?

I've just finished an MSc in IT with Liverpool Uni.After working in a commercial environment for the last 20 odd years, I find I've really enjoyed the challenge, and the academic approach required by the Masters. I guess I'd love to carry on and do a PHD, but I'm not sure how someone in my age group might fit ..... any comments gratefully received :-)

I dont see why you would have a problem. If you want to do it cos you enjoy the academic side to the area then go for it.

There are certainly mature students (40s and 50s) undertaking research degrees at my institution, so it's not impossible! Have you had a chance to discuss this with your MSc tutors? I'm sure they would be able to advise you. Good luck! :o)

Im sure you'd fit in fine, and, sorry if im offending anyone, but there are a lot of 'younger' PhD students who seem alittle old for their years anyway! Why should age stop you from doing what you want to do? and 50s not exactly ancient

finished with 38. The problem is in my opinion more the other acadmics than the students. They will treat you like the 21 year olds. That is a bit hard to take. Consider a country that is more used to older PhD's. Germany, Netherlands. I am German and was amazed at the Kindergarten attitude here. In my undergrad project I was more independent than in my PhD. Consider looking fo a Prof that lets you be grown up if you want to stay in the UK system. If you can really do independent research definitly go for it.

That's exactly the same dilemma as I have. Due to my finalcial hardship and family issues during last 20 years, I could not start my Ph.D program. Now I am not sure if it is worth econimically.

"Now I am not sure if it is worth econimically" At 38 hitting 39 it certainly changed my life. Now I am considered overqualified for many positions. Be careful, it really depends, in what your PhD will be. If you are in Computing, chances are that in 4 years you are outdated commercially and they have loads of 20 year olds that can program 72 hours a piece while being cheaper than you.

Postgraduate Forum

Masters Degrees

PhD Opportunities

Postgraduate Forum Copyright ©2023 All rights reserved

PostgraduateForum Is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK. Tel +44 (0) 114 268 4940 Fax: +44 (0) 114 268 5766

This website requires JavaScript to function properly. If you disabled JavaScript, please enable it and refresh this page.

Is 50 too old to start a PhD?

There are no age limits for the PhD . There are folks who start a PhD in a subject they have always wanted to study after retiring from a regular job. Universities will welcome 50 to 60 year olds, who often have a great time fulfilling a lifetime ambition.

Is it too late to get a PhD at 50?

What age is too late for phd.

There is no age limit for PhD. However, he had some doubts at the time of beginning and he has considering taking another year off. So many people start their research early 22s.

What is the average age to start PhD?

The median age at entry to doctoral programmes is 29 on average across OECD countries with 60% of entrants aged between 26 and 37 years old . On average across OECD countries, 25% of enrolled doctoral graduates are international students.

Can you do a PhD later in life?

If you begin a PhD in your early 20s, there's a strong presumption that this represents a career choice. If you begin a doctorate in later life, this is often interpreted as a desire for intellectual stimulation, rather than an ambition to secure employment as a teacher and researcher.

Am I too old for a PhD? Does it matter when you finish?

Is 55 too old to get a PhD?

Is it ok to start a phd at age 40.

Yes, you can pursue a doctoral program past 40 although most who do are in education or other professions. I am past 40 and started my PhD. It is possible to start last 40 , but not every program will welcome or be open to you.

Is getting your PhD worth it?

Getting your doctorate will make you more likely to earn a higher salary over someone with just a master's degree . According to a study from the US Census Bureau, using data from the most recent comprehensive national census, adults with PhD degrees earn more than those with just master's degrees.

Is PhD higher than bachelor degree?

Which One Is Higher: A Masters or a PhD? For most students, a bachelor's degree is the 'first' degree. Second is a Masters degree. Third is Doctorate degree, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), is a 'terminal degree'.

Is 45 too old to get a PhD?

Starting a PhD at 45 years of age is not too late since the person will have at least another 20 or more years to make invsluable contribution to academia or in an organisation in the industry. (In many universities, there may be no fixed retirement age.

Is 60 too old to start a PhD?

Can i get a phd in 2 years.

Yes, you can finish a PhD in 2 years , but it is very rare and only a small group of students make it. A PhD is one of the world's largest most coveted scholarly awards, so what would it truly take to be prepared to contact yourself a Doctor of Arts or Science?

Can a PhD be called Doctor?

Doctor as a noun Throughout much of the academic world, the term Doctor refers to someone who has earned a doctoral degree (highest degree) from a university. This is normally the Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated PhD (sometimes Ph. D.

Which is better MS or PhD?

No matter which discipline you're studying, the biggest decision related to whether to pursue a PhD is to ask yourself about what you want to do later in your life. If you want to to continue into academia and teaching at a university, then a PhD is the right choice.

Can you do a PhD without a Masters?

There was no real need to successfully gain a Master's degree before embarking on this mammoth task of empirical research. Whilst some undergraduate degrees still lead to a Master's qualification, and many people still complete Master degrees, it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters degree .

Which PhD is most in demand?

In recent years, chemical engineering has been recognized as the best doctoral degree by salary-offering steady job growth and high early career and mid-career salaries. Chemical engineers often work in biotechnology and business services as researchers.

Is a PhD worth it 2020?

A PhD can hurt your finances, sink you in debt, and leave you with no clear path to success in some fields . But PhDs statistically earn more than their and have lower unemployment rates. A PhD also gives you a world-class mind, a global network, and a skill set that can go just about anywhere.

Is PhD hard to get?

1. A PhD takes twice as long as a bachelor's degree to complete . The average student takes 8.2 years to slog through a PhD program and is 33 years old before earning that top diploma.

Is it too late to get PhD in your 40s?

You're 40 years old right now. So realistically you will finish your PhD at the age of 45 or even more if you're doing it in countries like the US or Canada. So if you are going to try and get a tenured post, you have to bear this in mind. Many mature students would struggle to find a suitable tenured post.

Can I do PhD after 35?

Your age shouldn't make too much of a difference . It is very unlikely… that you will have any difficulty finding a job, especially as a PhD. There is a worldwide shortage of top-class engineers and PhDs are expected to be senior. Plus you will have the advantage that all your knowledge will be fresh and up-to-date.

Can you get a PhD and work full time?

Earning a PhD while working full-time means prioritizing research, reading, and study time over other things in your life that may seem significant. If you're OK making this sacrifice, a PhD could be the right move. The takeaway: Earning a PhD with a full-time job requires discipline.

What is the hardest doctorate degree to get?

1. Boarded Medical Doctor : After spending about eight years to earn your first degree, you are faced with between three and six years of residency. This is the most competitive field in education which means you must have passed through a very rigorous process to earn this certificate.

Should you put PhD after your name?

Put a comma followed by the title “Ph. D.” after the name of a person who has earned a Doctor of Philosophy doctoral degree . For example Stacey Childs, Ph. D.

Do you call someone with a PhD professor?

Anyone who has earned a doctoral degree can be addressed as “ Dr. Last Name ”. The most common doctoral degree is a PhD, but you might also encounter instructors with other doctoral degrees such as a Doctor of Theology (DTh), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), or Doctor of Engineering (DEng). When in doubt, “Dr.

What is the easiest PhD to get?

Something went wrong. Wait a moment and try again.

Mailing List

Researcher/PhD candidate – 50%

Technische Universität Darmstadt

Darmstadt, Germany 🇩🇪

The Chair of Water and Environmental Biotechnology at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, seeks candidates for two positions as

starting as soon as possible for an initial appointment of 3 years. An increase of working hours to more than 50% may be possible.

Our group works on current issues of wastewater treatment such as processes for the reduction of trace pollutants and resistant bacteria, innovative methods for nutrient removal (N, P) and water reuse. One of our main research areas lays with biological processes in systems for water/wastewater treatment. In addition to process design and testing, we also work on the further developing and adapting new molecular biological methods to environmental and wastewater samples. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a natural scientist, biotechnologist or equivalent with a focus on environmental microbiology. More information can be found at: https://www.iwar.tu-darmstadt.de/wasser-umweltbiotechnologie

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Wages and salaries are according to the collective agreements on salary scales, which apply to the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt).

Applications with the usual documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates) should be sent via e-mail in one single pdf-document referring to the given code no. to the Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering ( [email protected] ).

For questions regarding the job details, please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Lackner at tel. 06151 / 16-20301 or e-mail: [email protected]

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

Scholarship/Assistantship

ORGANIZATION TYPE

University/Academia/Research/Think tank

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

Advanced Degree (Master's or JD)

starting a phd at 50

Job no longer available

Privacy overview.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

IMAGES

Why #PhD from U.S? What are the benefits and how you can secure your future? #phd #phdinus#
Starting a PhD
Working Before Starting a PhD: The Financial and Career Advantages
How to Successfully Earn a PhD
Personal Statement Mba Hr
Highly Impacted PhD Life

VIDEO

Украина слезам не верит
🧍‍♀️ i'd have you anytime (2020 mix)
2/4/23 Un Sabado Glorioso De Alegria y Gozo!
昭和38年日本ダービーメイズイ
40 FPS В CS:GO
トヨタアクアにVIPER5904!!エンジンスターター作動時!!

COMMENTS

What's it Like to Start a PhD in Your 50s?
While the more traditional approach for doctorate studies is along the Bachelors-Masters-PhD route, done in the twenties, there are also plenty of potential students considering the PhD option later in life
Is it possible to start a PhD program at 50 year old? Would I still have a place and a
I got my PhD from Berkeley right before turning 49. My students seem more impressed with the fact that I was a VP on Wall Street than that I have a PhD from a top school
Can I start a PhD at 50? (Celebrity Exclusive)
It's never too late getting a PhD in your 50s and 60s because there's no age limit in the pursuit of higher education. There is no age limit for PhD
50 year old
I guess I'd love to carry on and do a PHD, but I'm not sure how someone in my age group might fit ... PostgraduateForum.com aims to bring together students, post-docs and lecturers to discuss any issues relating to postgraduate study
My starting salary at a startup after my PhD was quite a bit higher than $50K in
My starting salary at a startup after my PhD was quite a bit higher than $50K in 2000. Even in academia, which pays pitifully, $50K isn't going to cut it anymore
Starting at 13:50, Katheryn Sutter, PhD will be giving the talk In
Starting at 13:50, Katheryn Sutter, PhD will be giving the talk “Informal chatter to formal decisions: How-to” in the Jupiter room at #LibrePlanet 2021: https://u.fsf.org/3a4
Would starting a PhD program at 45 be too late?
In my opinion, it is never too late to start a PhD at age 45. Some I know started even at 50 years old and above although they had done well at undergraduate level and could have pursued graduate studies in their 20s or 30s
Josh's Water Jobs
starting as soon as possible for an initial appointment of 3 years. An increase of working hours to more than 50% may be possible