What Are Your Options After an Unsuccessful PhD

The failure rate in the Ph.D. is on the low side. But failures do happen and there are two major reasons why the failure to get awarded with the Ph.D. do happen to students. We shall take a look at the reasons for this failure and go on to dwell extensively on what can be done to turn the table over when the odds are against you.

When students leave the program early

Students can leave the program when they have sat for the viva exams. This is one of the commonest reasons for the failure of students during the Ph.D. The long duration of the course is the chief reason why students decide to forgo the completion of the course in most cases.

The reason for leaving the program might be classified under two broad headings. 

The student might be denied by the forces of nature. It might be due to the bereavement of a close family member or the poor health of the student.

The student might decide to change his/her motives during the program. The motive of the student towards the course might change and this usually leads to the abandonment of the course of study.

In the two scenarios above, the course supervisor will try all the tricks in the form book to make the student see reasons why they must not abandon the pursuit of the program midway.

Now if the students finished the course; failure can still come in two different ways. Let us take a look at the two different scenarios that can lead to failure after completing this four years full-time study:

The more common of the two is sitting for the viva exams and falling behind the cut-off. When the examiners rate the research paper as flawed beyond redemption; failure will happen. When there is no proper supervision and your research is based on incorrect fundamental assumptions. 

The second reason for failure is due to an unsatisfactory thesis. When the thesis is lacking in the fundamental areas that mattered; there will be a rejection of the work at the end of the day. When this happens; the examiners will call for an extensive review of the thesis before you are allowed to sit for the viva. When you do not have valid grounds to call for an extension; it will lead to failure. 

The failure rate in the Ph.D. is very low. When this happens; two major ways can be used to resolve the problem.

Appeal to the outcome: If you are sure that what you did does not justify the outcome; you can appeal against the outcome of the decision. You have to follow laid down rules guiding the appeal. However, before you decide on appealing against the outcome; it is important to make assurances doubly sure that you have a valid case before the appeals committee. 

Downgrade to MPhil: You can downgrade to MPhil if your work is not considered worthy of a Ph.D. Your work should fit the billings before it can be considered for the award of this advanced postgraduate research degree. You have to bear the stigma that comes with the award of this degree. It is considered a sign of a failed Ph.D. program.

Final thoughts

The reasons for failure in the award of the Ph.D. and what can be done to remedy the situation have been discussed above. It is an exclusive that covers all. So if you don’t want to fail your Ph.D. program, consider asking for professional writing help. Simply buy thesis online and forget about any worries or struggles. You won’t regret contacting our experts, because satisfied clients are our main goal.

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