Does anyone know of any universities which will award higher doctorates (variously known as D.Litt., D.Sc., Dr.habil., etc.) on the basis of a portfolio of published work? I know that most/all British and German universities award these degrees. However, they seem to be restricted to, or at least biased towards, their own graduates and staff. I'd be interested in hearing about institutions in any country, so long as they are not mills. Also, if possible, please include information about the quantity and standard of work required. I know that the British standards for D.Litt. are extremely high and it is normally taken only by professors with a very high international profile. Standards for the German Dr.habil. are lower, because it is expected to be taken earlier in a career. Any further offers? Many thanks in advance, DrAW
In Germany, the "Professor" (habil.) is the next highest level above the "Dr.", there is nothing in between (=no distinction between the different Dr. grades). Greets, Trigger
In Germany, the "Professor" (habil.) is the next highest level above the "Dr.", there is nothing in between (=no distinction between the different Dr. grades). I know it well.... I worked at a university in Germany for a couple of years and was effectively blocked from putting in for the Habil on the basis of my published work. (Departmental politics and the like...). However, I have a lot of contact with faculty and students in countries where the Habil is considered the normal requirement for faculty members, hence my desire to get something equivalent ASAP. (For the record, I have a PhD, 10 years' experience in research and university teaching, external research grant income, and am author/co-author of 3 books and around 30 articles/chapters/papers.) DrAW
I'm curious why anyone would want a 'higher doctorate'. In the case when one is adding a research Ph.D. on top of a professional doctorate like an M.D., I can understand it. But given that a Ph.D. is awarded for original work, what can you do that is 'higher' than original work? Significant original work I guess, but at that point you seem to be passing into the area of academic awards, prizes and distinctions. My feeling is that a regular garden variety Ph.D. with a strong publication history who is well known in his/her field speaks louder than a person with lots of letters behind his name that nobody has ever heard of. Academic hiring is more about reputations than degrees. I was looking at the published biographical information for recent Nobel Prize winners the other day, and don't recall any of them having higher doctorates. In any case, that's my .02 Euro's worth from America. In Europe, higher doctorates may be more common and have more utility, I don't know.
I seem to recall that, of the traditional UK universities, only Luton was willing to consider this sort of thing as a routine process for other-than-insiders. In 1986, when I was helping to design Fairfax University, the two British men in charge, Jones and Large, decided to include a D.Litt option, which I think still survives. While I have not been thrilled with the way Fairfax presents itself or how it has dealt with regulatory matters (Louisiana, South Dakota, etc.), I have never had a problem with the academics, which seem quite sound. And the fact that Lord Perry of Walton, a moving force behind Britain's Open University (as Vice Chancellor), serves as Chancellor of Fairfax, is, for me, impressive. If you do look into this, it would be very nice if you would share your findings and reaction. John Bear, whose involvement with Fairfax ended in fall 1986, before the first students enrolled
So Doctor John, a word of wise advice, please: Do you consider Fairfax worthy of consideration, knowing the various social/academic limitations of its being unaccredited, or, considering your comments of reservation, best to stay away? On a par with Greenwich? Thanks kindly, Good Sir.
