Hi Andrea. From the sounds of it you might be better off taking a professional doctorate which are more based around the work you do. They also combine taught elements as well as research and, if you want to stay working as a social worker instead of pursuing a career in research, you might find it more suitable.

Don't start my PhD until October but I'm with all those who will use the title - you deserve to. I find it particularly satisfying when those with a PhD are from working class backgrounds (still a bit of a lefty...). My dad was a lorry driver and he'll insist on me using the title when (and if) I complete.

Interesting point Juno. My day job is around 'employer engagement' in HE, bringing industry together with universities. It's a thankless task....
So (in a nutshell if possible) what's wrong with industry?

1. They all have a martydom complex - no one is ever as busy as them
2. It takes them anywhere between a week and 3 months to return an email
3. They think having a PhD gives them an excuse to dress badly

Any more?

To follow up on Golfpro's post, be careful about going into FE. I was a lecturer in a large FE college in London for 6 years. I started teaching English A level and ended teaching basic skills on a construction course....
To get more a teaching role in HE, go for the post-1992 universities - they tend to put more emphasis on teaching rather than research

You might want to check out this site as well:
http://www.ukcge.ac.uk/report_downloads.html makes for interesting reading

Hi alauoubiy. I was going to post a discussion on the very topic of professional doctorates such as the EngD. I'm in a similar position though I'm considering whether to go for the EdD (doctorate in education) or a PhD. From the reading I've done, the professional doctorates seem to be the best bet if you don't want to work in academia - they are much more practice-based as opposed to the theoretical bias of the PhD. I'm working full time and, looking at the salary for academic positions, I couldn't afford the pay cut.
Academics don't tend to like the professional doctorates as they see them as the poor relative of the PhD. What do others think?

Hi all. I'm currently in the last few months of an MA in education with the Open University and I'd like to start a PhD when I finish. I'm working full time so will do the PhD part-time. Anyone else on the part-time route? If so, any pearls of wisdom?