For example, in professional practice fields there are often terminal master-level degrees, some of which are called doctorates e.g. MEng (Master of Engineering), MLArch standing for Master Landscape Architect or BEng for Engineers, MB (Bachelor of Medicine (UK)).
The first phase of the Ph.D. consists of coursework in the student's field of study and requires one to three years to complete.
Dissertations generally consist of (i) a comprehensive literature review, (ii) an outline of methodology, and (iii) several chapters of scientific, social, historical, philosophical, or literary analysis.
Typically, upon completion, the candidate undergoes an oral examination, sometimes public, by his or her supervisory committee with expertise in the given discipline.
A first professional degree is generally required by law or custom to practice the profession without limitation.