A British Doctorate is an advanced academic degree awarded by universities in the United Kingdom. It is typically earned after completing a dissertation or THESIS and passing an ORAL examination. The process of obtaining a doctorate involves writing a THESIS, which is a long essay or dissertation that presents original research. An ORAL examination, also known as an 'orals' or 'viva voce', is then conducted by a panel of experts in the field. The orals consist of questions and answers about the THESIS and related topics. Finally, the THESIS must be defended in front of the panel in order to receive the doctorate.