The D.Litt. (doctor of letters) degree is a higher doctorate, similar to the D.Sc. (doctor of science) degree. Normally a D.Litt. is awarded to someone who has acted as an independent researcher over an extended period of time, and has produced work recognised as highly influential in a field of scholarship.
As a higher doctorate, it signifies a lever of accomplishment beyond that of a Ph.D. degree. Holders of higher doctorates are relatively rare, partially because of the very high level of achievement expected but also because it is awarded only to someone who is already highly regarded in their field – so, unlike a Ph.D. degree (which is expected for many academic and research posts), it is not usually a qualification expected for any area of employment.
