What is a doctoral degree?

The European Quality Link (EQUAL) has issued a position paper to clarify what is required for a doctoral degree in management. This is due to concern that Masters level qualifications were being issued using the title "Doctor" or an abbreviation which could be confused with it. The policy also emphasises research, but does not specify how much of the three year degree this is to take up.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has two forms of Doctoral Degree at its highest level: Doctoral Degree (Research) and Doctoral Degree (Professional). Both forms require research, but while this makes up at least two-thirds of the research degree, it is unspecified for the professional degree.

The title "Doctor" is used for both Research and Professional Doctoral Degrees. But the AQF Qualification Issuance Policy also allows the title "Doctor" to be used for Masters Degrees in medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry, optometry and veterinary practice (the people the general public normally think of as "Doctors").