Higher doctorates are advanced degrees awarded above a PhD, predominantly in UK and some European universities, and often conferred as honorary degrees in the US. Examples of higher doctorates include Doctor of Science, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Music, and Doctor of Civil Law, each recognizing significant contributions in their respective fields. Honorary degrees may also be marked with 'hc' to denote their nature as honoris causa.

1. Degrees higher than a PhD www.writekraft.com
In addition to various degrees which may be considered equivalent to a PhD, there are also
some ‘higher doctorate’ courses considered to be a step above the Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD). These are most common in UK universities and in some European countries,
although they are increasingly awarded as honorary degrees. The US does not have a
system of higher doctorates and offer the titles solely as honorary degrees. Honorary
degrees are sometimes signified by adding ‘hc’ (for honoris causa) to the end of the degree
title.
Some higher doctorate degrees include:
 Doctor of Science (DS/SD): Awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to
scientific knowledge beyond that required for a PhD.
 Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD): Awarded in recognition of achievement in the
humanities or for original contribution to the creative arts.
 Doctor of Divinity (DD): Awarded above the Doctor of Theology (DTh), usually to recognize the
recipient’s ministry-oriented accomplishments.
 Doctor of Music (DMus): Awarded in the UK, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries on the
basis of a substantial portfolio of compositions and/or scholarly publications on music.
 Doctor of Civil Law (DCL): Highest doctorate excepting the DD, offered on the basis of
exceptionally insightful and distinctive publications that contain significant and original
contributions to the study of law or politics in general.