Academic degrees around the world An academic degree

Doctoral degree — PhD
Doctorate/Doctoral degree is a postgraduate degree, which is assigned to experts in a particular field who have successfully completed doctoral studies. In one form or another PhD exists in all countries of the world. As a rule, master’s students and in very rare cases, the holders of the Bachelor's degree with Honors, which exists in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, are accepted into such programs. Historically the most common titles are PHD / DPhil / Doctor of Philosophy but, at present, it has no practical relation to philosophy and is awarded in all scientific fields.
This degree:

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  Grants the opportunity to engage in scientific (research) work, to teach in universities or to start an academic career;
  
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  Serves as a proof of the deep knowledge and high qualifications in the selected field.
  

In most countries of the world, doctoral studies last from 3 to 6 years and are the highest degree. PhD holders can conduct their research in the initial academic positions (Postdoc or Research Associate / Scientist / Fellow).

Professional degrees

Professional degrees are a rather specific concept. Officially, they are granted in the United States and Great Britain, but could also be found in Australia, Canada and other countries of the British Commonwealth. The essence of the term varies greatly depending on the country.
For example, in the USA this is understood mainly as a doctoral degree, which is awarded if there is sufficient knowledge to obtain a license for professional practice (usually 6 years of higher education). The professional degree is contrasted with the usual Doctoral degree, the purpose of which is to conduct research and defend a dissertation.
In the UK, professional degrees are also subject to accreditation by authorized institutions. In fact, professional degrees here may have the names of a bachelor’s, master’s or doctor, but in most cases they are a combination of bachelor’s and master’s (5-6 years) while maintaining the historical name Bachelor's degree or the newer Integrated Master's degree. A frequent requirement is the availability of practical experience in the specialty. Professional doctoral studies in Britain equate to research (PhD) as it also includes hours of teaching and defense of the dissertation. In rare cases, professional degrees are intended for interns/board members.
Common to all countries are the main specialties that require professional degrees — medicine, law, engineering, finance and management, etc.

What is there after PhD?

In most countries, the single-stage postgraduate education structure takes place, according to which PhD is recognized as the highest qualification. Further advancement on the academic ladder no longer means obtaining a degree followed by the defense of a doctoral dissertation, but an increase in academic rank (lecturer, professor, etc.), less often, obtaining an honorary (not academic) degree on the basis of merit to science