PhD Academic Transcript vs Diploma Supplement

Dostoevsky

I have just glanced at my official records and notice for the first time the following:
Academic Transcript for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ==> the time difference between my 'Start Date' and 'Award Date' is 2 years and 2 months. This is the length between the submission of my first chapter, and the acceptance by the university of my post-viva minor corrections.

Diploma Supplement for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ==> the 'Official Length of Programme' corresponds with the longer time which it took me to complete the doctorate.

What is the difference between both? Which is the more important? And can I now say I did the PhD in 2 years and 2 months? (even though, on paper in one respect, it took me longer)

Polar Ice

Why would you feel the need to misrepresent how long it took you?

convert

Usually your PhD is from the date you began to the day you graduated. Some schools have a minimum number of terms for which a student needs to be registered in order to complete/be awarded a PhD. If you are being interviewed for a job by someone who knows this, it could get pretty awkward if they asked you to explain why you managed to complete your PhD is less than the minimum time.

Polar Ice

Even if they don't know, any diligent employer will look for gaps. If it took you 4 years and you say it took you 2 years and 2 months, you suddenly have nearly 2 unexplained years to account for.