dissertation?

For students at my university's program (i'm an MA student now) they do about 2 years coursework, take a sort of qualifying exam, and then have a few more years funding to write their dissertation, though some of them take a year or so longer than that... most of them seem to finish before year 7 here.
but here's how you find out specifics: go to websites of the programs!
i'll link two in sources just to show you what i mean -- every program lists its requirements that are additional to the dissertation itself...

the dissertation itself usually has specific length requirements that are listed on the department website (if it's informative enough)... but for the program here it's a minimum of 100 pages, i believe...
and basically, you have to be ready for an isolated, non-partying lifestyle that is totally focused on research.

talk in depth face to face with some phd students and ask them for this sort of thing, it's hard to relate in type -- but i've been investigating for the last two years and it definitely is for almost no one. You have to have a very strong desire to learn to research and learn to be an expert on your topic in order to survive.

here are some basic numbers for you (approximated):
50% of students who apply to phd programs are accepted
50% of those accepted make will finish their program
50% of those who finish their program will get a job in the field.

this is not for business, engineering, or sciences - it's limited to the current trends in the humanities.

basically you have to be absolutely sure you want to do it, you have to go to a top 30 program if you want a job, then you have to be totally committed to being there -- because it would suck to get five years into it and realize you don't want to be there- --- and then you have to be somewhat lucky to get a job at all...

and if you decide to apply, be sure you get funding. if you're not good enough to get funding you're not going to be good enough to get a job afterwards and you'll have a **** ton of debt to work off with no well-paying job to cover it.

think long and hard, but if you think it's for you, go for it.
I've totally loved my MA, even with the insane amount of work it's been to complete it in one year. so if you're having difficulty with your dissertation,thesis etc they also have a buy essay option although i don't recommend that part. but they are good :)