phd after m phil

• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Advanced Cutoff
• JEE Main Cutoff
• MHT CET Result 2024
• JEE Advanced Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• AP EAMCET Result 2024
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2024
• CAT 2024 College Predictor
• Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
• AP ICET Counselling 2024
• GD Topics for MBA
• CAT Exam Date 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• NEET Rank Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Result 2024
• NEET Asnwer Key 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top NLUs Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Top NIFT Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• Free Ebooks
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th

Top Schools

• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET DU Cut off 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet 2024
• CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
• CUET Response Sheet 2024
• CUET Result 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET College Predictor 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Cut Off 2024
• NIRF Ranking 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• CUET PG Counselling 2024
• CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses
• Specializations
• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

MPhil vs PhD: What to pursue after Masters?

MPhil vs PhD: Master of Philosophy is known as “MPhil” and the full form of PhD is “Doctor of Philosophy”. Although both degrees are similar and have a great importance in their respective fields, there are several factors that differentiate them. These factors include the admission procedure, course duration, course structure and many more. While PhD is by far the most popular research degree across the world, students can also explore other research degrees like MPhil, Doctor of Science, Doctor by Judicial Science, and so on.

Between MPhil vs PhD, many students choose an MPhil degree , which is a 1 to 2 years research based programme and is seen as a first step towards a PhD. However, most students are either not aware or are confused about the degrees and MPhil vs PhD difference. In this article, we explain the basics of both MPhil and PhD degrees and help students in solving the MPhil vs PhD conundrum.

Master of Philosophy vs PhD: What is a PhD?

The PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is one of the highest levels of degree that a student can achieve in his/her academic credentials. A PhD is a Doctorate degree which can be attained through detailed research on a subject, following which the researcher is required to submit a thesis describing the result of her research. Usually, a PhD can be taken up after Master's and MPhil.

Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

However, in certain cases, students can pursue PhD after bachelors as it is prevalent in the USA. As the name suggests, a PhD is a doctorate degree and is mainly pursued by those who are interested in a career in academics. There is no specific time frame for a PhD However, it generally takes upwards of 3 years to complete a PhD which can go up to 7 to 10 years. A PhD is usually undertaken under an academician, working under a university or otherwise, who is known to have enough research experience to guide the PhD candidate.

MPhil vs PhD: What is an MPhil degree?

The Master of Philosophy which is the full form of MPhil is a structured research degree that allows students to take up research-oriented studies for 1 or 2 years. It is an intermediate degree between a Master's and a PhD and is sometimes seen as a first step towards a Doctorate. In MPhil, students learn the fundamentals of research work and may actually investigate the research of others rather than taking up their own research. An MPhil degree is more common in the field of Arts and Humanities, with many universities offering it as a replacement for a Ph.D.

Again, an MPhil degree is not necessarily a research degree. In cases like that of Cambridge University, MPhil replaces the one-year Masters’ degree and has more coursework content. However, in other cases, the MPhil degree's structure is inclined more towards research or the study of it.

MPhil or PhD: Which One is Better?

While the inclination of both PhD and MPhil is towards research, both are far from being similar degrees. Two of the major difference between PhD and MPhil are, of course, their lengths and content structure. The table below highlights MPhil vs PhD difference in terms of length, content, guidance and more.

Difference between PhD and MPhil

What after Masters: MPhil or PhD?

Generally speaking, pursuing a Master's or PhD depends on the interest of the student. Both are research-oriented programmes and lead to different qualifications. Since an MPhil is intermediate to a PhD, many students pursue it as preparation for a PhD. It has, however, been observed that MPhil degrees are mostly offered in the field of Arts and Humanities while STEM-related fields focus more on Ph.D. Further, MPhil courses are rare and not all universities offer an MPhil degree while most universities, especially research intensive ones, offer research opportunities in at least some of the subjects.

MPhil vs PhD: How to apply?

For PhD, the best way to apply is by searching research opportunities in specific departments and writing to them asking for opportunities. While Master's is a must for many universities, many even accept bachelor's students, provided the student can show credentials that are impressive enough for the faculty members. PhD aspirants are required to submit a research proposal and their doctorate depends on whether the research proposal is accepted and an academician at a university is willing to take the student under her.

For application to MPhil, the requirements vary along with the universities. Since an MPhil degree does not require a dissertation; students are not required to submit a research proposal for the same. In fact, the process of applying for an MPhil is more often the same as for Master's. However, the university will look into your research interest during screening. Also, as in PhD, when you apply, it helps to have majored in the same subject that you wish to pursue your MPhil in.

Here are few ways to apply for PhD across the world:

How to apply for Phd in the UK?

How to apply for Phd in the USA?

Manipal University Online MBA

Apply for Online MBA from Manipal University

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Both degrees are based on coursework and research, however a PhD has a greater advantage over an MPhil. A candidate for a PhD may teach in academic settings as well as in the field of education.

MPhil is less intensive than a PhD and therefore easier to study than PhD.

The MPhil degree provides several profitable employment prospects in the legal profession, academic research, private industry, government agencies, human services, etc. For MPhil graduates who don't wish to work in the workforce, there is also the option of pursuing a PhD to expand their research opportunities.

In most cases, you can pursue a Ph.D. after completing your Master's and MPhil, though in certain cases such as in the USA,  a research degree can be taken up right after your bachelor's degree.  

Yes, usually you can follow up your MPhil with a PhD degree. 

The M.Phil programme duration is two years, whereas the duration of the Ph.D. programme can be anywhere between 3 to 6 years. 

An MPhil is the most advanced research degree before Ph. D. and is done after a master's degree.

• Latest Articles

Upcoming Studyabroad Exams

Medical college admission test.

Others : 12 July,2024 - 12 July,2024

Certifications By Top Providers

• Most Viewed

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

• Universities
• Popular Articles

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Ace ielts speaking: expert conversations & top tips for 8+ bands.

73 + Downloads

IELTS Exam Guide

19838 + Downloads

ACT Mock Test

504 + Downloads

ACT Syllabus

187 + Downloads

ACT Practice Test Science

111 + Downloads

ACT Practice Test Maths

Ielts 2024 listening section - study material pdf.

2070 + Downloads

GRE Psychology Practice Test

196 + Downloads

GRE Physics Practice Test

108 + Downloads

GRE Maths Practice Test

125 + Downloads

GRE Syllabus for Psychology

106 + Downloads

GRE Syllabus for Physics

124 + Downloads

Applications for Admissions are open.

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide

GRE ® Registrations 2024

Apply for GRE® Test now & save 10% with ApplyShop Gift Card | World's most used Admission Test for Graduate & Professional Schools

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

Register now for PTE & Save 5% on English Proficiency Tests with ApplyShop Gift Cards

Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study

Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey

MET Institute of International Studies BBA Admissions 2024

B.Sc (Hons)/BA (Hons) Business Administration, is an International BBA programme offered at MET Institute of International Studies, Mumbai

Stay up-to date with News

Explore on careers360.

• Explore Top Study Abroad Exams
• Study Destinations and Visa
• TOEFL Syllabus
• TOEFL Exam Pattern
• TOEFL Eligibility
• TOEFL Registration
• TOEFL Result
• LSAT Eligibility
• LSAT Scores
• LSAT Test Dates
• LSAT Test Centres
• LSAT Eligibility Criteria
• LSAT Sample Papers
• LSAT Exam Pattern
• LSAT Preparation Tips
• LSAT Syllabus
• LSAT Selection Process
• IELTS Application Form
• MCAT Test Dates
• IELTS Cut Off
• MCAT Exam Pattern
• IELTS Eligibility Criteria
• MCAT Syllabus
• IELTS Preparation Books And Study Materials
• MCAT Registration
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• MCAT Eligibility
• GRE Test Syllabus
• GRE Sample Paper
• GRE Eligibility Criteria
• GRE Registration
• GRE Test Pattern
• GRE Test Dates
• GRE Test Centres
• GRE Preparation Tips
• GRE Selection Procedure
• SAT Preparation Tips
• SAT Syllabus
• SAT Test Centres
• SAT Exam Pattern
• SAT Test Eligibility
• SAT Registration
• SAT Exam Dates
• SAT Sample Papers
• USMLE Exam Dates
• USMLE Test Centres
• USMLE Scores
• USMLE Application Form
• USMLE Eligibility Criteria
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Registration
• ACT Eligibility Criteria
• ACT Exam Pattern
• ACT Test Centres
• GMAT Test Dates
• GMAT Exam Pattern
• GMAT Syllabus
• GMAT Registration
• GMAT Eligibility
• GMAT Scores

Popular Study Abroad Countries

• Study in Singapore
• Student Visa For Canada
• Student Visa For UK
• Student Visa For USA
• Student Visa For Australia
• Germany Student Visa
• New Zealand Student Visa
• Student Visa For Ireland

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between M.Phil. and Ph.D.

On the other hand, M.Phil. , i.e. Master of Philosophy , is only a post-graduate degree, which is both research-based and has a syllabus too, for the coursework. In this article, you will find a complete description of the differences between M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Content: M.Phil. Vs Ph.D.

Comparison chart.

M.Phil. Programme

M.Phil. or otherwise called as Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate degree based on advanced academic research work, offered by the University. It is also considered as a second degree or intermediate degree programme between post-graduate degree and doctorate.

The total duration of the programme is two years, of which one year is coursework, followed by dissertation work, in which the learner has to refer to the research performed by the other scholars and look for latest research on the respective subject, to recreate it. The evaluation of the dissertation is done by the internal supervisor and external examiner, which will lead to viva-voce. Once the candidate qualifies the viva-voce, he/she is awarded the degree of M.Phil.

Before the final submission of the dissertation, the student has to give a seminar presentation on the research work performed.

Ph.D. Programme

PhD expands to Doctor of Philosophy, is the topmost degree awarded by any university to its scholars, who have completed their original research, in the topic or field selected. It prepares the postgraduate students for faculty and research positions at universities.

To get admission to this programme, first of all, the aspirant has to qualify certain entrance exam, in their respective subject opted for pursuing Ph.D., such as NET, GATE or similar another equivalent exam. After which he/she has to choose the University for admission to the programme, then one year of coursework needs to be completed, prior to the confirmation of PhD registration. After that they become eligible for the submission of the thesis, after two years from the date registration is confirmed.

By the end of the first year of the programme, the scholar needs to consult with the supervisor, regarding the identification, preparation and submission of the synopsis. The topic of the research work must be an approved one.

Once the thesis is complete under the guidance of the supervisor, the scholar has to give two seminar presentations, followed by the submission of the thesis, to the relevant committee. Next, the thesis will then be sent to the examiner for the purpose of evaluation. If the examiners so appointed recommend the acceptance of the degree, then the thesis needs to be published in the research journal.

After publishing it, the candidate is required to defend the thesis in the viva-voce, in front of the panel of examiners. On the successful completion of the viva, the scholar is recommended for awarding the degree.

Key Differences Between M.Phil. And Ph.D.

The difference between M.Phil and PhD can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

• M.Phil. is described as a second master’s degree course, that is pursued by the students to gain full-fledged knowledge on the subject and also provides a platform for advanced research. In contrast, Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as PhD is a professional degree course, that allows the degree holder to get a faculty position and teach the respective subject at the university level, or work in that field.
• The m.phil programme is a two years course, whereas the minimum time duration to complete PhD is three years but the time can extend depending on the submission and acceptance of the thesis.
• While stipend is not paid in M.Phil., in PhD fellowship is awarded to the student as a stipend, for conducting research work.
• In M.Phil. programme, the course includes research basics. Conversely, in the PhD programme, the students are required to produce their own original work and perform research in a particular field.
• The programme structure of M.Phil. has two components, i.e. coursework and the dissertation work which is performed under the guidance of the expert. On the contrary, PhD programme encompasses the coursework, for one year, followed by thesis work under the guidance of the expert supervisor.

At the end of the discussion, it can be said that M.Phil. is a less advanced research degree as compared to Ph.D., because in M.Phil. The student can read a model research paper and go through the latest researches made on the subject to recreate it. But, in case of PhD, the research work moves around the concept of creating something new and original to the subject, for which continuous experiment and studies is to be performed by the student, under the guidance of the supervisor.

You Might Also Like:

banban says

November 10, 2019 at 5:59 pm

I wish to recieve all information

Mekala Ravi says

February 8, 2022 at 11:35 pm

Good information

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Does having an M.Phil degree affect my chances of geting accepted for a PhD in the future?

I have completed my master's degree from a Russell Group university and I am planning to pursue a PhD degree in the future. Now, I have received an offer from a well known university in the UK. But due to lack of funding they are offering me an M.Phil degree of 2 years. My question is, if I pursue this degree and perhaps complete it successfully, will I be at a disadvantageous position when I apply for PhDs in the future?

• graduate-admissions
• united-kingdom

No, you will not be at a disadvantage. A two year MPhil degree should have at least some research and dissertation component. Doing well in the course and particularly in the research aspect should strengthen your PhD applications. You would also be able to ask your MPhil supervisor for a reference letter for those applications.

A word of caution: sometimes an offer of an MPhil due to lack of PhD funding is something of an implicit rejection, especially if the MPhil itself is unfunded. I would advise against undertaking an unfunded Masters or PhD. It's not worth it if you're not getting paid.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged graduate-admissions masters united-kingdom ..

• Featured on Meta
• We spent a sprint addressing your requests — here’s how it went
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...

Hot Network Questions

• How to find the axle kit for a Shimano front hub
• Global existence of solution of ODE - Gray-Scott model
• Questions about writing a Linear Algebra textbook, with Earth Science applications
• Is it a security issue to expose PII on any publically accessible URL?
• What's the shape of the Control Weather spell? (if any)
• Is it appropriate to report mistakes in an engineering paper which makes unsupported claims?
• Histogram manipulation
• Reference about cancellation property for semigroups
• Which Präposition should I use with Erwartungen?
• Eliminate some numbers so that each of the three rows contains the numbers 1 through 9 each exactly once
• Any philosophical works that explicitly address the heat death of the Universe and its philosophical implications?
• Where do we go if we gain knowledge of the absolute truth?
• Go the Distance
• Error concerning projectile motion in respected textbook?
• A web site allows upload of pdf/svg files, can we say it is vulnerable to Stored XSS?
• How to choose between 3/4 and 6/8 time?
• Why does Macbeth well deserve his name?
• Is a spirit summoned with the Find Greater Steed spell affected by the Divine Word spell?
• To be considered airworthy, are commercial aircraft fuselages required to support some amount of external overpressure without buckling?
• Does 誰と mean 誰とも?
• Problem computing a limit
• Switching Tenure-Track Positions Within Same University
• Power pedals on a fully MTB (riding flat roads), later on road/gravel bike
• Why are metal ores dredged from coastal lagoons rather than being extracted directly from the mother lode?

MPhil vs. PhD

What's the difference.

MPhil (Master of Philosophy) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) are both advanced degrees that require extensive research and academic work. However, there are some key differences between the two. MPhil is typically a two-year program that focuses on developing research skills and knowledge in a specific field. It involves coursework and a research project, but the level of originality and depth required is generally lower than that of a PhD. On the other hand, a PhD is a more rigorous and in-depth program that usually takes around four to six years to complete. It requires a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the field through original research, culminating in a doctoral thesis. A PhD is considered the highest academic degree and is often a prerequisite for a career in academia or research.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to pursuing advanced degrees, two popular options that often come up are the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both degrees are highly regarded and can open doors to various career opportunities in academia, research, and industry. While MPhil and PhD share some similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key differences and similarities between MPhil and PhD programs.

Duration and Scope

One of the primary differences between MPhil and PhD programs lies in their duration and scope. Typically, an MPhil program is shorter in duration, ranging from one to two years, while a PhD program is more extensive and can take anywhere from three to five years to complete. The scope of an MPhil program is usually narrower, focusing on a specific research topic or area, whereas a PhD program requires a more comprehensive and in-depth research project that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.

Research Emphasis

Both MPhil and PhD programs place a strong emphasis on research, but the level of research required differs significantly. In an MPhil program, the research component is less extensive, and students are expected to demonstrate a good understanding of existing literature and theories related to their chosen topic. On the other hand, a PhD program demands original research that makes a significant contribution to the field. PhD candidates are expected to conduct independent and groundbreaking research, often pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their respective disciplines.

Admission Requirements

When it comes to admission requirements, MPhil and PhD programs often have similar prerequisites. Both degrees typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with strong academic performance and letters of recommendation. However, PhD programs tend to have more stringent admission criteria, including a higher GPA requirement and a more competitive selection process. Additionally, PhD applicants are often expected to submit a research proposal outlining their intended research topic and methodology, demonstrating their ability to undertake independent research.

Coursework and Training

Another distinction between MPhil and PhD programs lies in the coursework and training components. MPhil programs generally involve a combination of coursework and a research project, with a greater emphasis on coursework in the early stages. This coursework helps students develop a solid foundation in their field of study and provides them with the necessary theoretical knowledge and research skills. In contrast, PhD programs typically have a more limited coursework requirement, allowing students to focus primarily on their research project. The emphasis is on independent study and the development of advanced research skills.

Supervision and Mentorship

Both MPhil and PhD students benefit from supervision and mentorship, but the level of guidance and support may vary. In MPhil programs, students often work closely with a supervisor who provides guidance throughout the research process. The supervisor helps refine the research topic, offers feedback on the progress, and assists in the preparation of the final thesis. In PhD programs, while students also have a supervisor, the relationship is typically more independent. PhD candidates are expected to take more ownership of their research project and demonstrate a higher level of autonomy. However, they still receive guidance and mentorship from their supervisor, who plays a crucial role in shaping the research direction.

Thesis and Examination

Both MPhil and PhD programs culminate in the submission and defense of a thesis, but the expectations and examination processes differ. In an MPhil program, the thesis is usually shorter and focuses on summarizing and analyzing existing research in the field. The examination process often involves a presentation and a viva voce, where the student defends their work in front of a panel of examiners. In contrast, a PhD thesis is more extensive and requires original research. The examination process for a PhD typically involves a comprehensive defense of the thesis, where the candidate must demonstrate the novelty, significance, and rigor of their research. This defense is often open to the public and can be a rigorous and challenging experience.

Career Opportunities

Both MPhil and PhD degrees can lead to exciting career opportunities, but the paths may differ. An MPhil degree is often seen as a stepping stone towards a PhD or as a qualification for certain research or teaching positions. It can also be valuable for individuals seeking specialized knowledge in a particular field without committing to a more extensive research project. On the other hand, a PhD degree is highly regarded and opens doors to a wide range of career options. PhD holders often pursue academic careers as professors or researchers, but they are also sought after in industry, government, and non-profit sectors for their expertise, critical thinking skills, and ability to conduct advanced research.

In summary, while both MPhil and PhD degrees involve advanced research and contribute to the knowledge base of a particular field, they differ in terms of duration, scope, research emphasis, admission requirements, coursework, supervision, thesis expectations, and career opportunities. MPhil programs are generally shorter and have a narrower focus, while PhD programs are more extensive and demand original research. The decision between pursuing an MPhil or a PhD ultimately depends on an individual's career goals, research interests, and level of commitment to conducting independent research. Regardless of the path chosen, both degrees offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

• FindAMasters
• The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree – A Guide

Written by Mark Bennett

The MPhil is a fairly unique qualification that looks much more like a PhD than another Masters degree. MPhil stands for ‘Master of Philosophy’. It is a postgraduate research Masters. Instead of completing taught units and assessments, an MPhil consists entirely of your own independent project .

Or, to read about other types of Masters degree, start with our main postgraduate qualifications guide .

Create a my FindAMasters account

Set-up an account to make your search easier. You can save programmes, send enquiries to institutions, view upcoming events, and see the latest news and updates, all in one place.

What is an MPhil?

An MPhil can be part of a (or a step towards PhD registration) but you can also study it as a standalone qualification .

Unlike most other Masters qualifications, the MPhil is a pure research degree. Whereas an MRes will include some taught units, an MPhil is based entirely on the completion of an independent thesis.

You’ll undertake this work under the guidance of an academic supervisor, but won’t normally have any other timetabled classes or assessments.

What are the entry requirements for an MPhil?

As an advanced research qualification, an MPhil will usually have extra admissions requirements.

Some of these will be academic. You’ll need an appropriate Bachelors degree, as normal. But you may also need to hold another Masters degree (such as an MA or MSc ).

This will depend on your subject, your university and the specific project you wish to tackle. If your MPhil is intended to lead to a PhD , your university may expect you to have existing experience at taught postgraduate level. If your project is smaller and self-contained, this may not be necessary.

Most MPhil programmes will also require you to put forward a research proposal . This will define your intended project and / or state how you intend to tackle it.

Is an MPhil actually a ‘Masters’ degree?

Though its full title identifies it as a Masters degree, the MPhil actually sits somewhere between other Masters qualifications and more advanced postgraduate research training.

In most higher education systems, the MPhil is considered to be a ‘Masters-level’ qualification.

• The UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) places the MPhil at level 7, along with other Masters degrees such as the MA , MSc and MRes .
• In Europe , the MPhil is also a Masters-level or ‘second cycle’ qualification.

Both systems place the MPhil ‘beneath’ the PhD, which is a level 8, or ‘third cycle’ qualification.

In practice, however, the MPhil is much more like a PhD than other Masters degrees.

This isn’t just due to its research focus. Like a PhD, an MPhil is often studied after a taught Masters degree.

In some cases the MPhil can also lead into a PhD. Which brings us to…

MPhil vs PhD

It’s helpful (and quite accurate) to think of an MPhil (‘Master of Philosophy’) as a smaller scale PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). Some PhD degrees are actually titled ‘DPhil’, which makes the relationship between these two qualification levels clearer (in Latin at least!).

The two qualifications are also related in other ways. It’s quite common to ‘ transfer ’ between MPhil and PhD registration, depending on the progress of your research.

There are various ways in which this can happen, depending on your circumstances:

• You may enrol for an MPhil in the initial stage of a doctoral programme. You’ll then ‘ upgrade ’ to PhD registration, once your research has reached a required stage.
• Some universities also award the MPhil during a PhD programme. In this case your MPhil qualification will then be superseded by your doctorate.
• You may also choose to graduate with an MPhil instead of a PhD . This can happen if you wish to exit your programme early.
• Rarely, an MPhil may be awarded if you submit for a PhD, but your thesis is not judged to be of the required standard.

MPhil or MRes?

While the MPhil and the MRes both have a focus on independent research, an MRes is primarily a research training qualification, whereas an MPhil is a single research project. An MRes will still have some taught components, while an MPhil is a pure research degree.

MPhil vs MSc / MA

The main difference between an MPhil and an MSc / MA is the way in which they’re delivered. An MSc or MA is primarily a taught Masters degree, with lecturer-led lessons, seminars and laboratory work. An MPhil, on the other hand, doesn’t involve any teaching – the entire qualification is made up of an independent research project.

Both MSc / MA and MPhil programmes are excellent preparation for a PhD. However, an MPhil is much closer to a PhD than a typical MSc or MA degree. Indeed, most PhDs involve an MPhil upgrade one year in.

MPhil or MSc / MA – which is better?

In terms of academic progression, an MPhil is above an MSc or MA. It’s the highest level of Masters qualification that you can achieve, involving an even more substantial research project than would be required by a taught Masters degree.

However, this doesn’t mean that an MPhil is necessarily the best qualification for everyone. If you don’t plan on doing a PhD or embarking on a career in research, the MPhil might not be the best choice for you. Even if you’re thinking about a PhD, you may not yet have a research topic in mind that would meet the requirements for an MPhil thesis.

Which subjects award MPhil degrees?

The MPhil can be awarded in all subject areas . This is a common feature of postgraduate research programmes, which don’t normally reflect academic disciplines in their degree titles.

Variant forms of the MPhil are sometimes offered in Arts and Humanities subjects. This happens when a university offers a more specialised research programme in the form of an MPhil. It also occurs when the MPhil title is used to distinguish a postgraduate Masters from automatically conferred or integrated MA courses.

In the vast majority of cases, however, the MPhil is a ‘generic’ degree, available in any academic discipline that can support a sufficiently in-depth research project.

Who should study an MPhil?

The MPhil is often overshadowed by the PhD, or incorrectly viewed as the outcome of a failed PhD (or failed PhD upgrade). In fact there are plenty of good reasons for studying a standalone MPhil.

You might have identified a smaller research topic that interests you, but which doesn’t have the scope for a full PhD. If so, an MPhil project could be ideal: allowing you to undertake your research without needing to alter or extend it.

Alternatively, you may choose the MPhil over the PhD for career-based reasons. An MPhil provides advanced research skills and experience which are valued by a range of employers.

A PhD also demonstrates these, of course. But the added benefit of a doctorate may not be as significant outside the academic profession.

What’s it like to study an MPhil?

There are effectively two ways of studying an MPhil: You may register for the degree as part of a PhD pathway. Or you may register for a standalone MPhil qualification.

The nature of your registration will determine the length and assessment of your course, but its content will be the same.

Both ‘types’ of MPhil registration are pure research degrees. This distinguishes the MPhil from other research Masters (such as the MRes) which still include some taught units.

Like a PhD student, you’ll be assigned an expert supervisor. They’ll be responsible for guiding your project and providing mentoring for your development as a researcher.

You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor at which you can discuss your ideas and receive feedback on work in progress. But most of your time will be spent working on your own initiative and taking responsibility for setting and meeting targets.

How long is an MPhil?

A standalone MPhil is normally two years long when studied as a full-time degree. Alternatively, you can study for four to five years part-time.

MPhil registration within a PhD programme normally lasts for one year . You will then transfer to full PhD registration after passing an upgrade exam .

What’s the difference between studying an MPhil and a PhD?

Studying an MPhil is a lot like studying a PhD. In fact, for many students, studying an MPhil is the first part of studying a PhD.

Both degrees are awarded based entirely on the strength of a candidate’s independent research. Instead of attending classes and completing assessments you’ll work on a single extended project.

MPhil and PhD projects are therefore distinguished by scope, not content. The key principle for this is the extent of a project’s original contribution to knowledge :

• For a PhD , this must be substantial and obvious. The project must offer significant new findings that future scholars will need to take account of.
• An MPhil thesis, on the other hand, only needs to demonstrate that its author has a thorough and critical understanding of their field in its current state. It doesn’t need to provide results that substantially advance that field.

One criteria that is often used to clarify this is the potential for publication of a thesis.

• A PhD project should include work of a publishable standard: its findings should be significant enough to be put forward as recognised academic scholarship.
• An MPhil project isn’t expected to meet this standard. Your findings should be valid and accurate, but they don’t have to be sufficiently significant to underpin any new academic publications.

These differences are why MPhil projects are shorter (both in length of study and word-count) and don’t face the same strict examination standards as a PhD.

How is an MPhil assessed?

As a research degree, your MPhil won’t normally include any taught units or coursework assignments. Instead you will be assessed entirely on the strength of your thesis.

This will involve an oral examination, similar to the formal viva voce that concludes a PhD. You’ll discuss and defend your work in front of a panel of examiners.

A slightly different process applies to MPhil upgrades.

What happens at an MPhil viva?

An MPhil viva will not normally be as long or intensive as a PhD viva.

It will primarily assess the accuracy of your findings and understanding, rather than the significance of your original contribution to knowledge. During your MPhil viva, you’ll probably be asked to summarise your thesis in a few minutes. You’ll also be asked questions on your methodology, theoretical framework and literature review.

What happens at an MPhil upgrade?

If you’re registered for an MPhil as the first part of a PhD programme, you will eventually sit an ‘ upgrade exam ’ in order to transfer your enrolment to that of a PhD student.

This will be similar to the viva that concludes an MPhil or PhD, but on a smaller and more informal scale.

You’ll normally submit a partial draft of your thesis (such as a first chapter, or literature review) or prepare some initial results. These will form the basis for a discussion with your supervisor and at least one other ‘examiner’ from within your university.

The ‘exam’ itself will focus as much on your future plans as on your work so far. You’ll need to demonstrate that your project has the potential required of PhD work and that you are making sufficient progress to complete it in a suitable timeframe.

If successful, your registration will be upgraded and you will eventually submit for the PhD degree, rather than the MPhil.

How many credits is an MPhil worth?

Like PhDs, most MPhil degrees don't have a credit value . This is because they aren’t made up of individually assessed modules or units.

It’s possible that your MPhil may include some initial training in research methods and that these will be given a nominal credit value. However, this won’t contribute to an overall credit value for your degree.

Despite not having a credit value, the MPhil is internationally recognised as a Masters-level degree.

Search for an MPhil now

The simplest way to find a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in your subject is to search our course database . Why not start looking now?

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Want to find out about the differences between taught and research Masters degrees? Our guide covers the essentials, including fees and funding.

Exploring higher education options? Learn exactly what an integrated Masters degree is and how it can help fast-track you in your chosen field with our guide.

Some professional Masters degrees are designed to prepare students to work in specific jobs, such as Social Work, Engineering and Architecture qualifications.

This guide covers the extra costs associated with studying GEM and an overview of where to find alternative financial support.

This guide covers how funding for Graduate Entry Medicine tuition fees and cost of living support works across the UK and for International students.

The Juris Doctor is a graduate-entry degree in Law. It is the main way of qualifying as a lawyer in the USA, and is also available in a number of other countries. This guide covers entry requirements, career options and more!

FindAMasters. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about Masters study?

Select your nearest city

• Aberystwyth
• Beaconsfield
• Bishop Burton
• Bournemouth
• Bridlington
• Chatham Maritime
• Cirencester
• East Malling
• Hemel Hempstead
• High Wycombe
• Huddersfield
• Isle of Man
• Jordanstown
• London Central
• London East
• London South
• London West
• Londonderry
• Loughborough
• Middlesbrough
• Milton Keynes
• Musselburgh
• Northampton
• Potters Bar
• Saffron Waldon
• Scarborough
• Southampton
• St Leonards on Sea
• Stoke on Trent
• Wolverhampton

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAMasters, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, application tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAMasters account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest Masters news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite programmes, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your Masters programmes? Log in here .

Let us help you find a Masters

Never miss a course

Enter our ambassador competition

Get funding news, tips and advice

Hear about upcoming events

Sign up to our newsletter today

We've been helping students find the right postgraduate course for over a decade.

Login to your account

Enter your username below to login to your account.

• Is it Worth Doing an MPhil?

Written by Mark Bennett

The MPhil is one of the least known of the research degrees. Often mistaken for an MSc in Philosophy by those outside of academia, it requires additional explanation, especially on a CV. The PhD is awarded the world over, but the MPhil remains a less frequently chosen and awarded qualification.

So, what is the MPhil?

The MPhil is a research degree in its own right and one which will give you a similar skill set to a PhD. Even if does not have the elements of originality and knowledge creation which characterise a PhD, it is an achievement and a significant piece of research. It can lead to method development or to testing the robustness of existing theories.

One of the main differences is that the MPhil can be obtained through several routes, as a qualification in its own right and also sometimes as an exit qualification. And there lies the confusion about this degree. Not that long ago, it was a high-level academic qualification in its own right, and people actively sought to do one. Many senior academics, notably in the humanities, hold MPhils which they studied in the 1960s and 1970s and used to secure university posts. However, this has become a rare occurrence in academia today. Now far more people have a PhD, the gold standard of postgraduate research training, and as such, the minimum requirement for the recruitment of academics has been raised.

The other misconception, and a real stigma, is that an MPhil is synonymous with a 'failed PhD'. It can indeed sometimes be the result of an unsuccessful PhD or an unsuccessful viva voce . However, if you think about it, your supervisor should be aware that your thesis may not result in a PhD way before you are at the point of submitting. And there is actually only a very small number of MPhils awarded on this basis. In summary, however it has been awarded, an MPhil does not have to be a 'fail'.

Applying for an MPhil, instead of a PhD

There are many reasons why some students do not register for a PhD and favour an MPhil. Firstly, an MPhil is sometimes the name for a one-year Masters as is the case at the University of Cambridge. In some education systems like that of Pakistan, the MPhil is a research degree which includes a strong coursework component, which is often a requirement for a PhD applicant. For some disciplines, notably in the humanities, the MPhil is regarded as the most advanced Masters degree.

Other students, unfortunately, do not at the time have the financial means to undertake a PhD but still want to pursue a research degree. Some choose a one-year Masters by Research, and some choose an MPhil which will normally take two years. Sometimes, and although rare, a research degree can be for one’s own interest and an MPhil fulfils that personal ambition without the need for PhD.

Enrolling for an MPhil and not upgrading to PhD

Many universities (particularly in the UK) will initially register their PhD students for the MPhil degree and then upgrade them to doctoral candidates at the end of the first year. These students always intend to complete a PhD, following that initial period of MPhil registration.

That was your plan to. You were going to get a PhD. But things have changed, academically or personally. Whether you have discovered that a PhD is not for you, your research is not panning out to be the great discovery you thought it would be, your project has taken a direction that longer fits your research aspirations, or you know that the finished 'product' may not be enough for a PhD; an MPhil can be a positive decision and something to be proud off. Think of all the skills you have acquired: writing, presenting, analysis, critical thinking. . .

Choosing to exit your programme early and graduate with an MPhil instead

It can be hard to make this decision, especially if you have done more than two years of PhD research, but think about it; you will have studied your chosen topic intensively, produced a thesis which is a published body of work, and got a degree for it. Perhaps it could be a springboard for a career outside of academia? Or it could be a step towards another PhD?

Life after an MPhil

It is true that if you want to go on to be a lecturer or researcher, then you will probably be required to hold a PhD. Not having a PhD however, does not mean that the world of academia is closed to you. You could aspire to a successful career as a research assistant, a lab technician, project manager, or teaching fellow, which is to only name a few.

What MPhil holders face is the baggage associated with the misunderstanding of this research qualification, often having to explain why they 'only' got an MPhil and why didn't they go for a full PhD. It's better to think of the MPhil as an advanced Masters by research degree in its own right (because it is!). And, outside of academia, Masters degrees and research skills are extremely valued by employers.

Ready to do a PhD?

Search our project listings to find out what you could be studying.

Want More Updates & Advice?

The PhD is the most common variety of doctorate, but others are awarded in specific disciplines or sometimes particular countries.

Joint PhD programmes involve collaboration between two (or more) different universities. So how does that work? Who can apply? And what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of researching in this way?

Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available.

Thinking of applying for the Doctor of Engineering (EngD)? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the qualification, including costs, applications, programme content, and how it differs from a PhD.

A PhD isn't the only option for postgraduate researchers. Our guides explain professional doctorates, joint degrees and compare other qualification types.

Ideal for senior teachers and policy makers, an Education Doctorate combines advanced training with original research.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

What is an MPhil Degree? Master of Philosophy explained

Welcome to our comprehensive blog about the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate degree that focuses on independent research within a specific academic field, culminating in a detailed dissertation. It serves as both a standalone research degree and a stepping stone towards a Ph.D., equipping students with advanced research skills and knowledge for a potential career in academia or research.

If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced postgraduate research degree, this page will explain everything you need to know about the MPhil programme.

We cover its course structure, the main difference between an MPhil and a PhD, how an MPhil may serve as a standalone degree or a stepping stone towards a PhD program, and how it differs from an MSc.

From independent research to a detailed dissertation, this course offers a rigorous training in research methods for those aspiring to build a career in research.

Whether you’re an undergraduate, a bachelor’s degree holder, or a master’s graduate considering a transition to the MPhil course, this blog provides valuable information to help you qualify for this exciting journey.

What is a Master of Philosophy?

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate degree that provides students with advanced research skills and knowledge in a specialized field of study.

It’s a stepping stone towards a Ph.D. programme, serving as a prerequisite in some cases, or can be a standalone research degree. 

An MPhil course is typically a two-year program where candidates undertake a project and produce a detailed dissertation, which is an extensive piece of research.

This rigorous research focus sets the MPhil apart from other master’s courses. MPhil candidates are expected to present and defend their research findings, thereby acquiring critical skills necessary for a career in research. 

The MPhil degree can be an end in itself, but often, it’s seen as a pathway to a Ph.D. program. While both are research degrees, a Ph.D. requires a significant and original contribution to knowledge, whereas an MPhil is seen as a precursor to this level of in-depth scholarship.

The MPhil could be an excellent option for individuals who aim to pursue a doctorate and develop their research competence before fully committing to the larger task of a Ph.D. program.

An MPhil degree – A case study

Case Study: An MPhil Student’s Journey

Our subject, who we will call Student X, was a graduate student enrolled in a two-year MPhil program at a renowned university, aiming to gain advanced research skills before embarking on a Ph.D. program. Student X wanted to explore their field of interest thoroughly before making a long-term commitment to a doctorate. 

In the first few months, Student X found the transition challenging, as the program demanded greater independence compared to their previous masters course. However, they were supported by their academic supervisor and peers, which helped them gain momentum. They spent most of their time in the university’s extensive libraries, reading and studying to build their knowledge base.

During their MPhil course, Student X took part in numerous seminars and workshops to develop their research skills. They learned how to frame research questions, design studies, and analyze data. These skills were put to the test when they embarked on their dissertation project, an intense period of independent study. 

The rigorous focus on research presented challenges; there were moments of self-doubt and stress, but also immense satisfaction and intellectual growth. Their dissertation process taught them resilience and the ability to solve problems independently, skills they realized were essential for a career in research.

Student X found the MPhil program to be incredibly rewarding. The comprehensive academic resources, mentorship from leading scholars, and the opportunity to engage in deep, exploratory research helped them grow academically and personally. They felt more prepared and less daunted by the idea of a Ph.D. program, acknowledging the MPhil experience as a vital stepping-stone to their doctorate journey.

Student X would recommend the MPhil course to anyone considering a research degree, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of what a career in research might entail.

What’s the difference between an MPhil and a PhD?

The main difference between an MPhil and a PhD lies in their scope, duration, and the level of contribution to the field. An MPhil, or Master of Philosophy, typically takes two years to complete and requires coursework, exams, and a dissertation based on the student’s research. It is often seen as a standalone degree that helps develop strong research skills and can act as a stepping stone towards a PhD.

On the other hand, a PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a more intensive research degree that can take up to four years or more to complete.

The aim of a PhD program is to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the chosen field, culminating in a thesis based on the research undertaken.

In the context of MPhil vs PhD, a key distinction is that while the MPhil equips students with advanced research skills in a shorter time frame, a PhD is often necessary for careers in academia or high-level research positions.

Deciding between the two would depend on your career goals, time commitment, and financial situation.

Is an MPhil Better than An MSc?

Whether an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is better than an MSc (Master of Science) largely depends on the career path and objectives of the postgraduate student planning to undertake either qualification.

Academically, an MPhil is more advanced, considered a ‘mini-PhD’ as it sits above an MSc and below a PhD in the academic hierarchy.

Therefore, if the goal is to progress into advanced research or academia, undertaking an MPhil degree could be a stepping stone towards a PhD degree, making it a better choice in such instances.

Conversely, an MSc can be a more industry-oriented qualification, focusing on the practical application of knowledge within the workplace.

For those seeking to deepen their skills for a profession in industry rather than going into a PhD, an MSc might be a more suitable choice.

The ‘better’ qualification is subjective, determined by individual career goals and ambitions.

It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the intent and outcome of both degrees before choosing which one to pursue.

Wrapping up – What potential MPhil Students need to know

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate research degree, distinctively defined by its intensive focus on advanced research. MPhil, short for Master of Philosophy, is a qualification that gives students an opportunity to dig deep into their area of interest and develop robust research skills, significantly beneficial for those contemplating a doctorate, or PhD program. 

An MPhil course typically spans two years, filled with rigorous coursework and a research-driven dissertation. Its research methods are what set it apart from other master degrees like the MSc (Master of Science), which is more aligned towards industry-specific knowledge and practical application. 

Choosing between an MPhil and MSc depends on your career trajectory. For those aspiring for a career in academia or advanced research, the MPhil could serve as a ‘mini-PhD’, a precursor to the doctoral journey. In contrast, the MSc could be a better fit for those seeking to strengthen their professional skills for industry roles.

Part-time and full-time options are available for this program, offering flexibility to suit various circumstances. The culmination of the MPhil degree is the ‘viva’, a defense of your dissertation, a testament to the profound postgraduate research undertaken. 

Whether it’s an end in itself or a stepping stone to a PhD, an MPhil degree can be an enriching and rewarding journey, providing an essential foundation for those keen on entering the world of research.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

Philosophy MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The Philosophy MPhil/PhD at UCL provides a route for students to produce a thesis of original research under the guidance of their supervisor(s) at a department with a world-leading research reputation.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

The usual prerequisite for the MPhil/PhD is a one-year research degree in Philosophy or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Direct admission to the PhD requires the MPhil Stud (or equivalent). All applicants for research degrees must submit two short pieces of work, of about 2,000 words each, with their application.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

In REF 2021 our research activity was assessed as among the best in the country: 60% of our activity was assessed as world-leading (4*). The department has a lively and flourishing postgraduate community, and advanced research students are offered opportunities to gain teaching experience. We enjoy collaborative connections with other London universities, as well as the nearby Royal Institute of Philosophy, the Aristotelian Society, and the University of London Institute of Philosophy.

Who this course is for

The PhD in Philosophy is for applicants who have completed a period of postgraduate training that included a large research component and are now seeking to develop an advanced critical analysis in a specific area of Philosophy. Please view the areas we can support in terms of supervision for more details.

What this course will give you

The doctoral programme at UCL provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research in philosophy in one of the UK's top philosophy departments, under the supervision of prominent academics in the field. The PhD programme is designed to prepare students for an academic career, whether it be via the MPhil/PhD or the PhD following on from the MPhil Stud (or equivalent), by ensuring that students receive grounding across a range of topics as well as producing a research thesis.

The foundation of your career

The department has an outstanding job placement record in a highly competitive academic market. The most successful candidates in this market are valued for their range of teaching competence, provided by the taught elements of the MPhil/PhD programme, as well as for their particular area of specialisation, determined by the research topic of their doctoral thesis. During the course of the programme, students receive training in presentation skills, interview practice and teaching methods, and are encouraged to present their research at the department's Work in Progress seminars, and at graduate and academic conferences in the UK and overseas.

Employability

Recent graduates with a PhD in Philosophy from UCL have gained prestigious academic fellowships, as well as postdoctoral placements in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Some example destinations are the University of Oxford, the University of London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Sheffield, the University of Antwerp, the University of Toronto, the University of Dublin and Leipzig University. Others have gone on to lectureships in the UK, for instance at the University of Oxford, the University of York, and LSE, and overseas at the University of Cape Town and the University of Melbourne. Those who have not pursued an academic career have entered a variety of professions, including law, public policy, and publishing.

The department has links with US universities (Berkeley, Columbia and Yale). Academic staff are involved in the running of the Aristotelian Society, the main philosophy society in the UK. Others are involved in running the Institute of Classical Studies lecture series, and the Keeling Colloquia and Lectures in ancient philosophy. Philosophy graduate students host a philosophy conference at the start of every year, and co-organise an annual graduate philosophy conference with graduate students at Berkeley. The Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series, by the Institute of Philosophy at Senate House, is open to our graduate students.

Teaching and learning

PhD students meet regularly in term time with their supervisors.  As well as their primary and secondary supervisors they can request a term’s supervision with another member of staff.

The department also arranges reading groups and conferences, both internally and in collaboration with other UCL departments and/or other London university philosophy departments, and students receive guidance on setting up their own reading groups.

All doctoral students have numerous opportunities to apply for work as a Post Graduate Teaching Assistants (PGTA) in the department. This experience develops their teaching skills and deepens their philosophical expertise.

The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis of between 60,000 and 80,000 words. The candidate is also given a viva voce examination.

PhD students should treat their research programme as a full-time job, which equates roughly to 35 hours per week (or 15 hours for part-time students). In term time, students are expected to meet regularly with their assigned term supervisor, usually fortnightly.

Research areas and structure

• Ancient Philosophy
• Epistemology
• History of 20th-Century Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Continental Philosophy 
• Nineteenth Century German Philosophy
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Political Philosophy

Research environment

As a research student, you will join the department's lively and flourishing postgraduate community. The department is located in the centre of the rich philosophical life of Bloomsbury and this means we enjoy collaborative connections with other London universities, as well as nearby philosophical Institutes and Societies, whose activities you will be able to gain access to. Our research students run seminars and reading groups, along with organising events for faculty and external speakers.  The doctoral programme provides you with the opportunity to conduct original research in philosophy in one of UK's top philosophy departments . You may be supervised by prominent academics in your field of research. The PhD programme is designed to prepare you for an academic career, by ensuring that you receive grounding across a range of topics as well as producing a research thesis. During the course of the programme, you will receive training in presentation skills, interview practice and teaching methods, and are encouraged to present your research at the department's Work in Progress seminars, and at graduate and academic conferences in the UK and overseas. Our staff cover a broad range of specialisms including 19th-century German Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind and Political Philosophy.

The length of registration for the MPhil/PhD in Philosophy is 3 years full-time. It requires students to take graduate courses assessed by way of several papers in their first year, and, provided they successfully upgrade to the PhD, to produce a thesis of original research under the guidance of their supervisor(s). You will receive supervision each term from either a member of your supervision team or other members of staff in the department who have expertise relevant to your research. The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of the thesis and a viva voce examination.

The length of registration for the MPhil/PhD in Philosophy is 5 years for part-time study at UCL. It requires students to take graduate courses assessed by way of several papers in their first year, and, provided they successfully upgrade to the PhD, to produce a thesis of original research under the guidance of their supervisor(s). You will receive supervision each term from either a member of your supervision team or other members of staff in the department who have expertise relevant to your research. The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of the thesis and a viva voce examination.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

The department strives to keep additional costs low. Books and journal articles are usually available via the UCL library (hard copies or via e-journal subscriptions).

The wealth of departmental seminars / colloquiums / symposiums and student-organised Work in Progress sessions give ample opportunities to present research, receive feedback and participate in discussion.

Furthermore, the department’s membership to the University of London’s Institute of Philosophy enables participation in intercollegiate conferences and workshops where the above opportunities can be experienced with a wider audience.

The department has limited funding for which it may be possible to apply to help offset the cost of travel to conferences in the UK or overseas.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

MPhil/PhD and PhD candidates can apply for AHRC funding through the London Arts & Humanities Partnership (LAHP), whose members are UCL, King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, the London School of Economics & Political Science, the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Royal College of Art, and Royal College of Music. Other scholarships and sources of funding may be available. You should take note of funding application deadlines as these can differ from programme application deadlines.

The department has a set of funds from which to offer awards to research students allocated on the basis of academic merit. These include the Keeling Scholarships in ancient philosophy, covering UK/EU fees and maintenance matching AHRC funding. These and other scholarships are listed on our Graduate Research Degrees pages.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Quirk PhD Scholarship

Deadline: 26 January 2024 Value: Fees and maintenance (3yrs) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

The MPhil/PhD and PhD start date is September each year. Please attach two samples of your written work (2,000 words each) in addition to your research proposal. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

• MPhil vs MSc – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

On first glances, the difference between an MPhil and an MSc may appear marginal, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

While both degrees are a postgraduate Masters qualification, they’re designed for two opposite career paths – an MSc for a career in industry, and an MPhil for a career in research or on the way to a PhD. Learning the differences between the two forms of postgraduate study will allow you to make an informed decision about your next steps and offer a clearer path to your ideal career.

This page will give you an understanding of what an MPhil and MSc are, their differences, and ultimately, which of the two degrees is better suited for you.

What Is an MPhil?

An MPhil is an advanced postgraduate degree short for Master of Philosophy . The degree is typically undertaken after an undergraduate degree by those who wish to gain specialised knowledge in original research. Although discussed later, it’s important to distinguish between the two ways an MPhil may be undertaken as we will only focus on one of them for reasons you will see.

An MPhil can be undertaken as either:

• a  standalone degree lasting two years. Successful completion of this research degree will lead to being awarded a Master of Philosophy.
• (1) their research skills are considered suitable and their MPhil programme is upgraded to a PhD programme, or
• (2) their research skills are considered unsuitable, but they have the opportunity to complete the second year of their MPhil programme to be awarded a Master of Philosophy.

While the MPhils from both routes will be identical, it’s likely that if you’re trying to weigh up the differences between an MPhil and an MSc, you would be more interested in the standalone MPhil route given its greater similarities to an MSc. Because of this, we’ll mainly focus on the standalone path in comparing an MPhil to an MSc. We recommend you read our full guide to an MPhil if you’re interested in undertaking one as a precursor to a PhD.

What Is an MSc?

An MSc is a Master’s degree short for Master of Science . Like an MPhil, they’re typically undertaken shortly after completing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor’s degree. While MPhil courses are available in nearly all fields, MSc’s are exclusive to STEM-based subjects, such as engineering, physics and maths.

An MSc may sound like a specialist degree reserved for a few career paths, however, they’re a common Masters course taught in most universities. Regardless of your subject or university, an MSc is typically a one-year course and aims to increase your knowledge of specific topics within your field.

MPhil vs MSc – Differences Explained

An MPhil and an MSc may seem similar – both are postgraduate Master’s degrees, both are typically undertaken after an undergraduate degree, and both are available to STEM students. Yet, there is a crucial difference between the two; and this difference will likely be the deciding factor in which degree is best for you.

This difference is your intended career path .

The degrees target two different professions; an MSc a profession in industry and an MPhil a profession in research. To make this possible, the degrees set out to provide you with a unique set of skills and specialised knowledge.

As an MSc is aimed at those wishing to develop a career in industry, it focuses on providing practical knowledge which has uses within the workplace. Therefore, while theoretical-related concepts may be taught, they will form a small part of your learning material with the focus instead on practical topics. For example, a civil engineering student may undertake an MSc in Construction Project Management ; here, topics from resource planning to cost and risk management would be covered.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Unlike an MSc, which although may contain research-based components depending on the university, an MPhil is almost always a research-only degree. As a result, the degree is mainly undertaken by those who wish to pursue a research-based profession.

As discovered earlier, an MPhil may also be undertaken as a precursor to a PhD by those who wish to have a career in advanced research or academia. Where an MSc focuses on broader knowledge around several specialised subject areas, an MPhil focuses on a specific research question, within a specialised topic. In other words, it goes a level of specialisation deeper than an MSc. For example, had the previous civil engineering student opted for an MPhil instead of an MSc, their study and therefore resulting knowledge may have centred around ‘how risk management may better be managed through the use of technology’. It’s for this reason most consider an MPhil a ‘mini-PhD’ and an MSc as a specialised ‘addon’ to an undergraduate degree.

MPhil vs MSc: Table Summarising Differences

Is an MPhil Better than An MSc?

Academically, an MPhil is the most advanced Masters qualification you can obtain. For this reason, it sits above an MSc but below a PhD in terms of course difficulty, and ‘academic prestige’ if such a thing even exists.

However, you would be mistaken to think this makes an MPhil degree better or more valuable than an MSc degree. In truth, we’ve seen how both degrees meet the different long-term requirements of the postgraduate student undertaking them. Therefore, the better question would be ‘which degree is better suited for you?’.

If your goal is to gain practical knowledge which you can apply to your industry, then an MSc is likely for you. On the other hand, if your goal is to have a profession in education or research, an MPhil will likely be the better option, especially as a precursor to a PhD degree.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

M.Phil. vs Ph.D.: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways M.Phil is a postgraduate research degree with a shorter duration and less rigorous requirements than a Ph.D. Ph.D. is the highest academic degree, demanding in-depth research and a significant original contribution to a specific field. An M.Phil can serve as a stepping stone to a Ph.D., as some institutions require an M.Phil before pursuing a Ph.D.

M.Phil. vs Ph.D.

Comparison table.

What is M.Phil.?

Similar reads, what is a ph.d., main differences between m.phil. and ph.d., share this post, 15 thoughts on “m.phil. vs ph.d.: difference and comparison”.

The article’s detailed comparison table is particularly insightful, providing a clear overview of the differences in degree levels, focus, and other important aspects between M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. This is immensely helpful for aspiring researchers.

I couldn’t agree more. The table serves as a valuable resource for individuals assessing their academic and research pursuits.

The article presents an insightful and comprehensive comparison of M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs, paving the way for prospective students and researchers to make informed decisions. The detailed descriptions of the purpose, coursework, and career paths are particularly helpful.

I couldn’t agree more. The article’s articulate breakdown of both degrees provides a clear understanding for individuals contemplating their academic journeys.

The information provided in this article is essential for anyone thinking about pursuing higher studies. It offers a clear understanding of the differences between M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs.

Definitely. The article provides valuable guidance for prospective students.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s a comprehensive overview that sheds light on the academic pathways available for students.

The article offers a comprehensive understanding of M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs, guiding readers through the purpose, coursework, duration, and career paths associated with both degrees. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing higher studies.

Absolutely. The level of detail in this article is exceptional, making it an essential resource for individuals considering advanced academic pursuits.

This article provides valuable insight into the differences between M.Phil and Ph.D. programs. It is clear and informative, laying out the key takeaways and comparison table succinctly.

I completely agree. The article does an excellent job of highlighting the key distinctions between the two degrees and their respective academic demands.

Absolutely. The detailed comparison table is particularly helpful for anyone considering pursuing either degree.

The article presents a well-structured comparison between M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs, offering valuable insights into the respective requirements and focus of each degree.

Absolutely. The article effectively elucidates the distinctions between M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in a comprehensive yet comprehensible manner.

I share your sentiment. The clarity of information provided here is commendable, making it a useful resource for those seeking clarity on these academic pursuits.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Advanced Cutoff
• JEE Main Cutoff
• MHT CET Result 2024
• JEE Advanced Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• AP EAMCET Result 2024
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2024
• CAT 2024 College Predictor
• Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
• AP ICET Counselling 2024
• GD Topics for MBA
• CAT Exam Date 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• NEET Rank Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Result 2024
• NEET Asnwer Key 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top NLUs Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Top NIFT Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• Free Ebooks
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th

Top Schools

• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET DU Cut off 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet 2024
• CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
• CUET Response Sheet 2024
• CUET Result 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET College Predictor 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Cut Off 2024
• NIRF Ranking 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• CUET PG Counselling 2024
• CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses

Specializations

• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

MPhil or PhD Which One to Opt For After Masters

Education is the basic learning of a person to be able to present himself or herself fearlessly in front of other people. Education is among the fifth most necessities of humans after air, food, water, and land. Education is the power that enables you to create a persona around you that impacts the life of the people for positive reasons. It brings you an immense source of pride, knowledge, and money follows.

About PhD Course

Career after doing phd, about mphil course, job opportunities after mphil.

Education teaches you the best possible way of utilizing air, food, water, and land. Today we have come a very long way since nomads. This innovation that you see every day on your channels that become a part of life is due to research. Research is a major part of discoveries and innovations today, but who does this research? What are the major areas of research today?

What is research? Do you want to complete your doctorate and get yourself a DR. in front of your name? What does this take? What is the qualification needed? In India, research as a career is quite rewarding and you can pursue many careers such as a literary scholar, archaeologist, and lecturer among others. When it comes to scientific research, Indian research labs are paying science-based research professionals studying the PhD course, about 50% more than their peers pursuing maybe a technical graduate degree are receiving.

Research is a very vast field to gain, collect, and implement knowledge. There are many fields to research. You can take any subject that you love and do a research course on it.

The PhD course is a doctorate level course. You can take a doctorate in any subject of your choice.

If you want to pursue a PhD course in any subject you need to have a keen interest in the subject and passion to study the subject in depth.

A PhD also requires aspirants to be quick and amazing in presenting their thoughts and ideas to present their findings. Hence the candidate should be well-versed with written communication and have good writing capacity.

He or she should be inquisitive, good at research, highly dedicated, hardworking, should possess good writing capacity, should be organized, be self- motivated, and a keen observer.

PhD Eligibility Criteria

To be an eligible candidate to pursue a PhD course, you should complete your master’s degree in a similar course. Make sure the course you do your masters in, should be the course where you wish to do your PhD

Note: Some colleges require the candidate to complete their MPhil duration before they wish to begin their PhD. Here, MPhil is a prerequisite to be eligible for a PhD.

Certain courses require you to clear certain exams. According to the course such as-

To get a PhD program in certain courses you need to get a good score in UGC NET .

To get a PhD in Engineering you will need to possess a valid GATE score.

Benefits of doing PhD courses

It boost your CV and provide your great opportunities.

It gives you an opportunity to study the subject of your interest in finer detail

You can pursue a career as a researcher or academician

It sharpens your analytical skills.

Student Also Liked

• Online Degree and Diploma Courses
• Online Free Courses and Certifications
• Online Short Term Courses and Certifications
• Online Certification Courses
• View all Online Courses and Certifications

PhD course time – Minimum 3 years to maximum 5 to 6 years

PhD fee offered – INR 15,000 to 20,000 per year

PhD Course Type - Regular mode

PhD Starting salary offered - 20,000 INR – 25,000 INR

PhD scope - You can work as a Market Research Analyst, Business Development Manager, Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Product Manager, Management Consulting, and Quantitative Analyst.

What are the top Colleges in India for PhD?

There are a lot of good colleges in India offering Ph.D. programmes in various fields. Some of the popular PhD programme are -

IIM-Ahmedabad

National Law University, Delhi

Shailesh J Mehta School Of Management ( SJMSOM) , Mumbai

Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) , Pondicherry

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

A postgraduate research programme that is spread across a time period of 2 years and can be pursued in any science, arts, humanities, commerce or medicine-related subjects, apart from law. It is more like a combination of practical concepts as well as theoretical knowledge which one gains from the Mphil degree. One interesting aspect of this is that you can pursue a Ph.D. after completing your masters in philosophical studies.

Benefits of Doing MPhil Course

It builds confidence in a particular subject

It helps to prepare students for doctorate degree as it is considered as a pre-doctorate degree

Boost your degree from postgraduate to research scholars.

What are the skills required for a successful MPhil Degree?

Aspirants who want to pursue an MPhil course should have a keen interest in the subject that they want to pursue an MPhil degree. Skills required in the MPhil course are

Logical Reasoning skills

Analytical skills

Candidates must be dedicated, hardworking,

They must be good in research and should be self-motivated

A candidate is required to be inquisitive, with good writing ability

Keen eye for observation

The Modi government’s decision is to remove MPhil from the recognition list. Usually a two-year academic research program is often referred to as double masters. This decision will not affect students currently enrolled in the course said the University Grants Commission (UGC) to relieve the students.

MPhil fee- INR 40,000 per year

MPhil course duration - 2 years

MPhil Scope- With the degree of MPhil, you can get jobs related to research and teaching. You can find employment in organizations and educational institutions linked to your area of work at the same level as PhD candidates sometimes. Most employers know that candidates pursue MPhil Continue up to PhD. and give opportunities to them at an equal standing.

Assistant Professor

Civil Servant

Work in NGO

Academic Researcher

Top Colleges in India for MPhil:

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Pune (TISS-Pune)

Christ University, Bangalore

Manipal School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal

Jamia Millia Islamia University, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi

Final Thoughts

It is your discretion to choose between MPhil and a PhD.

MPhil is lesser than PhD, when we talk in discrete terms. It can be considered to be a prerequisite to study PhD. It will make you apt for learning PhD. As it makes you hardworking and dedicated to being able to study PhD which is rigorous and requires extreme patience. You need to understand the basic difference between these two courses.

PhD is the highest degree a college can offer to its students. After a PhD, a person is referred to as a doctor having a doctorate in a specific subject.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

MPhil degree is a double master's degree which is given to those who have a master's degree in a specific field. You need to have a keen interest in the subject to do an MPhil in that subject. It is a degree awarded as a prerequisite to a PhD. It is a degree of two years.

The PhD degree is a doctorate level degree which is given to those who have an interest in grabbing deep knowledge in the subject. This is the highest degree awarded by a college. It is a degree awarded after a minimum of three years or a maximum of five to six years.

MPhil is the structural degree that includes both coursework and research work. It is competitively easier than PhD. PhD is a research-oriented course. The thesis involved in completing a successful PhD becomes difficult for some people to complete. This makes the degree tough for many undetermined candidates.

MPhil students are not usually paid stipend during their studies but Phd candidates are paid a stipend by the university or academician or the investor funding the. Even some private universities employ their PhD students and pay them a part time salary accordingly.

To apply For PhD,

The best possible way is to apply - by searching for research opportunities in specific departments and writing to them asking for opportunities and checking to get a seat in the PhD Course. PhD candidates are required to submit a research proposal as a prerequisite. Their doctorate admission depends on whether the research proposal is accepted or not. 

To apply for MPhil,

There is only one prerequisite for applying for a degree of MPhil: you should have a master’s in the relevant subject. 

The similarity between the courses is that the inclination of both a PhD and MPhil is towards research, but these are far from being similar. The major difference between the two degrees is as follows:

The course of MPhil is a double master course. It is given to a master's degree holder in a relevant field.

The course lengths 

The duration of MPhil course is 2 years, while it can take a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 years to complete his or her PhD. 

The course structure.

PhD is more a research-oriented course while MPhil is coursework and research as well. 

MPhil prime focus is on the fundamentals of research, by collecting all the information by referring to research by other scholars, while PhD prime focus is on original and fresh research studies by the new researcher.

It isn’t really advisable to pursue a M.Phil degree since the Modi government’s decision has been announced to remove MPhil from the recognition list. It is usually a two-year academic research program that is often referred to as double masters. This decision will not affect students currently enrolled in the course said the University Grants Commission (UGC) to relieve the students. 

Considering this it is not a good idea to go for an MPhil.

Unfortunately, there are fewer opportunities given to a PhD holder in India. Funding in India is limited. The funding for researching in India is limited to the national fellowships which are again very few.

Most universities abroad have dedicated funding for at least partial payment available on travel costs. Entrance is through open research proposal submission and interaction with prospective guides or through funded projects where you work on a specified research task. Please note it is still very competitive, but not so regulated. Though, it isn’t like India having research like a normal course structure.

The different exams for PhD are listed below- 

UGC Net Exam

CSIR-UGC NET exam

NCBS Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS)

DBT JRF Biotech Entrance Test

TIFR Graduate School Admission Entrance Test

ICMR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

NIMHANS PG/PG Diploma/Superspeciality

 PhD online entrance test

In India, some good universities are listed below- 

University of Delhi

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune

Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad

Best places to study abroad –

PhD in the UK

PhD in New Zealand 

PhD in the USA

PhD IN Canada

• Latest Articles
• Popular Articles

Upcoming Exams

Alliance university scholastic aptitude test.

Application Date : 19 October,2023 - 15 July,2024

Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test

Application Date : 20 October,2023 - 19 July,2024

Karnataka Management Aptitude Test

Application Date : 22 June,2024 - 31 August,2024

AISECT Joint Entrance Exam

Application Date : 25 June,2024 - 20 July,2024

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test

Score Card Date : 04 July,2024 - 13 July,2024

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

Explained | Difference between MPhil and PhD

Follow Us :

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday warned universities against offering MPhil courses, saying it is not a recognised degree and cautioned students against taking admission in such programmes.

"It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few universities are inviting fresh applications for the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programme. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the MPhil degree is not a recognised degree,” UGC Secretary Manish Joshi said, asking universities to not offer any MPhil programmes.

The commission has asked universities to take immediate steps to stop admissions to any such MPhil programme for the 2023-24 academic year.

In view of the UGC’s warning, we take a look at the difference between an MPhil degree and a PhD degree.

What is an MPhil degree?

An MPhil, or Master of Philosophy, degree in India is an advanced postgraduate research degree that is considered a precursor to a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). Here's a comparison:

Level of degree

MPhil: It is a master's level degree, which means it is pursued after completing a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, after a master's degree.

PhD: This is a doctoral level degree, representing the highest level of academic achievement in a given field.

MPhil: Generally, it takes 1-2 years to complete.

PhD: The duration for a PhD is typically longer, ranging from 3 to 5 years, or even more, depending on the research work.

Purpose and scope

MPhil: The MPhil is designed to provide advanced research skills and knowledge, but it is more structured and often includes coursework along with a shorter thesis. It's ideal for those who are interested in advanced study but may not want to commit to a longer PhD program.

PhD: The focus here is on creating new knowledge through original research. PhD candidates are expected to conduct extensive research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes significantly to their field of study.

Admission requirements

MPhil: Candidates usually need to have a master's degree in a relevant field, although some institutions might accept students directly from a bachelor's program if they show exceptional promise.

PhD: Generally, a master’s degree is required to enroll in a PhD program. In some cases, students who have completed an MPhil are preferred, or it can be a prerequisite.

Research components

MPhil: The research component, though significant, is usually less extensive than that of a PhD. The MPhil thesis is often seen as a precursor to a PhD dissertation.

PhD: The centerpiece of a PhD program is the dissertation, which requires significant original research and must contribute new knowledge or understanding to the field.

Career prospects

MPhil: Graduates may go into various fields, including academia, research, consultancy, and more, but they may not qualify for certain higher-level academic positions.

PhD: A PhD is often required for careers in academia and advanced research. It is considered essential for those aiming to become university professors or lead researchers in their fields.

In summary, while both the MPhil and PhD involve research, the scope, depth, and duration of this research differ significantly, with the PhD being a more advanced and intensive program. The MPhil can be a stepping stone to a PhD or a terminal degree for those seeking advanced knowledge without committing to the longer duration of a doctoral program.

(With PTI inputs)

(Disclaimer: This article has been written by a generative AI tool and has been reviewed and edited by the DH Web Desk)

Follow us on :

After my MPhil, can I do my PhD at a different Uni?

Hi, I was wondering if I can get some help. I enrolled onto an Mphil/PhD degree in Philosophy at a UK institution about a year and a half ago (Oct. 2008). Before I enrol, I explained to the school/department that my application is subject to funding and other financial assistance (i.e. I would only enrol if I managed to get the "50% fee-reduction scholarship" the university was offering + if I was offered enough teaching hours at the school where I was to do my degree, as a means of paying for the other 50% tuition fee remaining, and which my scholarship didn't cover). I was delighted to hear that I got the scholarship (equivalent to 1/2 of my tuition fees), and that the school would allow me to teach enough hours so I can earn enough from teaching to pay the remaining 1/2 of the tuition fees. When I enrolled and started the Mphil/PhD degree, they told me I wasn't going to get the teaching hours originally promised (some excuse was made up!). I finished my first year but had to borrow £2700 to pay the remaining tuition fees myself. I am now in the second year, and have been informed that not only will I not be able to teach enough this year to avoid borrowing money again, but that next year (my 3rd year, which is normally when I should be transferred from Mphil to Phd) I won't be getting any teaching at all! Given the circumstances, and the school's change of mind, I am left with no option but to borrow another £2700 to pay this year's (2nd year) remaining fees myself, but since I'm already in debt from last year, I'm not sure I'll be successful in getting a loan. My only option is to pay this year's £2700 in installments, and apply for the Mphil exam, and try to come out with an MPhil in Philosophy as opposed to the originally intended PhD. My dream has always been to have a career in Philosophy as Lecturer, and in my filed, I absolutely need a PhD to do so. Given that I can only contend with an Mphil for now, I was wondering what my prospects would be if I were to apply for a PhD in Philosophy at a later time in the future, at a different institution, when finances permit. Would my Mphil from this university help me to apply for a PhD later, or will it look like a failed PhD? My question is, can I get my MPhil from this uni I'm currently in, but apply for a PhD later at another uni (i would even be prepared to do the whole 3 years over again if necessary).

What a mess. Yes you could do a PhD after an MPhil but I think you'd have to make sure the two topics were different (the rules on not submitting the same work twice). But what it would look like is more tricky. I think you're going to need to keep your current supervisor on good terms with you so that he/she could write a reference explaining it wasn't a failed PhD. What does your supervisor think of the plan? If you haven't talked to him/her then do so - you never know there might be a better way to manage this. Could you, for example go part-time? The fees are sometimes a lot more manageable that way.

don't give up! try to transfer the thesis. you can interrupt while you try and do that. if that fails then you can settle for an Mphil. you can tell your supervisor that you need to interrupt to work for the money (could this be an option?) or to think about the best way forward. when you've interrupted look for scholarships at faculties you'd like to apply to. call potential supervisors. explain yourself and your situation and why you have chosen them and why they should fund you. a) its cheaper than funding all the way from first year b) you are a good student only that your financial situation is not great c) you are committed to finishing. d) show them that you are interested in taking up teaching. the key to this is : do not settle for the MPhil even if it means doing the PhD part-time. you don't want to waste the hours you've already put in or start studying a new topic :-(. you also want to maintain a decent relationship with your supervisor in the meantime. just don't discuss this move with them yet. unless you think it will help your cause. your dream is not over. :-)try that and see what comes up. keep us posted.8-)

Hi, Thank you both so much - it's so nice to be able to get feedback on this :o) I haven't spoken to my supervisors about the fact that I'm considering applying somewhere else. I've spoken to my supervisor who has promised to see with our Head of School if they could give me a fee-waiver this year (as a member of staff), but he told me not to hold my breath since the budget's quite tight at the moment, hence my current state of panic! Adding to this, my scholarship (which is 50% of my fees) has a proviso: it's a 'postgraduate research scholarship', so it doesn't specify if I come out with an Mphil of PhD, but it does state that it can only go on for a maximum of 3 years 'continuously', and only if I am registered as 'full-time'. If I go part-time, or take a year out then I won't have 1/2 my fees paid for, leaving me a worse situation than now. Jojo -- what do you mean when you say I should 'transfer my thesis'? Do you mean it is better to transfer to another PhD programme at another uni now, and that this is a better option that trying to do it after my MPhil? I can't take a year out for work since I'll lose my 50% fee scholarship. Going part-time is no different since I'll lose my scholarship, effectively paying exactly how much I'm paying now (i.e. because part-time fees are generally half of full-time fees). But I've seen a few fully-funded PhD scholarships advertised recently at other universities, for a Sept. 2010 start. Could I apply for these, or would they be reluctant to take me given that I've started an MPhil/PhD at my given uni? Bewildered -- my relationship with my supervisor is excellent - he's the only reason I came to this uni in the first place - and in so far as supervisors go, I think he's great. It wouldn't be a problem explaining things to him since he knows how much trouble I've been put through, but I guess he won't be happy about my decision to move on somewhere else. Though I do think that if I finished my MPhil he'd write me a good reference because that way, at least, I got my MPhil and made it worth his, my, and the university's while (giving me the scholarship and all). The worry is, will getting an MPhil be worse off (in terms of getting me on a PhD & funding at another uni)? Will I be better off just transferring elsewhere now, or should I get the MPhil first? I’m really confused and don’t know which option to follow.

what i meant was you can transfer your project to another university rather than start from the beginning. you just need to get another supervisor at the other university who is willing to carry on supervision. :-) hope that answers your question.

Will give it a shot. Thanks once again Jojo! :-)

Just thought I'd update this thread I started in case someone finds my experience of any benefit to their situation. I found a couple of departments that interested me (in terms of their research environment and area od specialisation) and I contacted their postgraduate officer. I explained that I have decided to stop at MPhil where I am currently studying for financial/ funding reasons, and whether I could apply to do a PhD (from scratch with a new proposal) at their department. In both cases, I got a positive reply saying that an MPhil is not considered a failed PhD under these circumstances & they encouraged me to apply for their PhD programmes. It was stressful coming up with a new proposal from scratch, but I somehow managed! I got offered a place at both institutions, and am now waiting to hear nack regarding funding. Thank you all for your encouraging words and support without which I would have perhaps never plucked the courage to do what I did :-)

Tell us what have u done with your course :-)

Hi Socrates88, could you share the universities and department that accepted your application. I believe I have ran into a similar situation. I applied and finished with and MPhil but now would like to proceed further to a PhD. Your help is much appreciated.

Post your reply

Postgraduate Forum

Masters Degrees

PhD Opportunities

Postgraduate Forum Copyright ©2024 All rights reserved

PostgraduateForum Is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK. Tel +44 (0) 114 268 4940 Fax: +44 (0) 114 268 5766

Welcome to the world's leading Postgraduate Forum

An active and supportive community.

Support and advice from your peers.

Your postgraduate questions answered.

Use your experience to help others.

Sign Up to Postgraduate Forum

Enter your email address below to get started with your forum account

Login to your account

Enter your username below to login to your account

Reset password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password

An email has been sent to your email account along with instructions on how to reset your password. If you do not recieve your email, or have any futher problems accessing your account, then please contact our customer support.

or continue as guest

Postgrad Forum uses cookies to create a better experience for you

To ensure all features on our website work properly, your computer, tablet or mobile needs to accept cookies. Our cookies don’t store your personal information, but provide us with anonymous information about use of the website and help us recognise you so we can offer you services more relevant to you. For more information please read our privacy policy

Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons

Search form, difference between mphil and ph.d..

Key Difference: MPhil is the abbreviated form of ‘Master of Philosophy’, while PhD is abbreviated from ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil or Ph.M.) is a post graduate research degree, meaning it is opted for after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil) is a post graduate doctorate degree that is awarded by colleges.

MPhil and PhD are two different types of degrees that can be acquired after completing bachelor’s degree. MPhil is the abbreviated form of ‘Master of Philosophy’, while PhD is abbreviated from ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. Both of these degrees are research degrees, meaning in order to pass the course you have to submit a research paper. There are significant differences between the two courses.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil or Ph.M.) is a post graduate research degree, meaning it is opted for after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Most MPhil degrees are a two-year course, but can also be a three year course in some countries. An MPhil is most cases is a thesis-only, and is most commonly regarded as a senior or second Master's degree, ranging between a taught Master's and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). A person may achieve a MPhil after a few years of original research but before the giving a dissertation. The degree may also work as a pre-requisite for enrolling for a Ph.D.

The MPhil has a lesser value compared to a Ph.D. It is most commonly used as a training course in advanced research work and as a stepping stone to excelling in Ph.D. The research that is conducted in an MPhil is usually limited in scope and originality. In the dissertation that one must provide in order to complete the MPhil course, the research does not need to original and can be a replication of research that has already been published. It also allows citation of secondary sources, meaning it is legitimate in MPhil to quote a publication that is quoting someone else.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil) is a post graduate doctorate degree that is awarded by colleges. The academic level required to complete this course varies according to country, institution, and time period. A person who attains this degree can be referred to as a doctor. The term ‘philosophy’ does not only refer to the field of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is "love of wisdom". In Europe, this term also included all fields other than theology, law and medicine, which were traditionally known as philosophy.

The requirements for completing Ph.D. degree vary from school to school. In some US, Canada and Denmark universities require additional course work in addition to writing a thesis paper. The thesis is expected to have original academic research which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed context. Some universities also require the author of the thesis to defend this work before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university. The thesis must convey great synthesis and critical ability along with a more detailed investigation of any practical illustrations.

In a nutshell, the MPhil is usually considered as a pre-requisite for doing a Ph.D. The dissertation that is expected to be submitted for MPhil does not need to be original can be a replication of an experiment that has already been conducted by someone else.  The thesis of a Ph.D. needs to be original and will be evaluated by a panel of judges, before the doctorate can be given. The Ph.D. has a higher value compared to a MPhil, where a MPhil is only called as having a Masters, while a Ph.D is called as a doctor. The requirements and different fields that Ph.D and MPhil are offered vary depending on country, nation, region and college.

Image Courtesy: phdadmission.org, ciisn.files.wordpress.com

Tue, 03/06/2018 - 11:35

sarwar ahmed

Thu, 02/15/2018 - 13:33

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 02:17

Bhawna Sharma

Tue, 11/14/2017 - 07:49

Pallabi N Saikia

Sat, 10/07/2017 - 12:40

Mon, 11/27/2017 - 02:23

RAMESH CHELLAPPA

Tue, 10/03/2017 - 14:35

Sun, 09/17/2017 - 23:06

Rohtash saini j...

Sat, 09/16/2017 - 11:25

Sat, 09/16/2017 - 01:16

Add new comment

Copyright © 2024, Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons

• We’re on your favourite socials!

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

• MPhil Colleges
• MPhil Overview

MPhil, or Master of Philosophy, is a two-year postgraduate academic research programme. An MPhil course can be pursued by candidates from any field, including humanities, commerce, science, law, and education. Aspirants for an MPhil degree must study both theory and practise. Aside from that, candidates must conduct research and present their findings. Candidates who have completed an MPhil course may wish to pursue a PhD programme. Those who want to pursue an MPhil course must first meet the eligibility requirements. The criteria vary by university, but the basic eligibility set is that candidates must have obtained at least 55% in the subject in which they wish to pursue an MPhil degree at the postgraduate level. Candidates for admission to an MPhil course are typically shortlisted based on their performance in an entrance exam, which is followed by a Personal Interview (PI) round. 

MPhil syllabus and subjects cover research-based topics and managerial approaches to discern research-based concepts while also preparing students for a lucrative career. The top MPhil entrance examinations are JNUEE, GATE, MPhil Entrance Test (MET), and UGC NET. MPhil specialisations in Psychology, English, History, Economics, Management, and other fields are among the most popular. The Master of Philosophy degree is offered by Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, University of Calcutta, University of Hyderabad, and other prestigious institutions. The average MPhil course fee is between INR 1100 and INR 1 lakh. An MPhil course in a government college, on the other hand, costs less than INR 10,000 per year.

Students who successfully complete the MPhil programme may find employment as a teacher, speaker, social worker, editor, research assistant, consultant, assistant professor, scientist, etc. The average MPhil salary in India is INR 4.92 LPA, according to Payscale.

Table of Contents

Mphil highlights, why choose mphil, list of popular mphil specialisations, how many courses are there in mphil, mphil course eligibility criteria, mphil course syllabus, how to apply for mphil, how to get admission for mphil, mphil admission process, mphil selection criteria, mphil entrance exams, mphil course syllabus specialization-wise, mphil vs phd course comparison, mphil top colleges in india, top mphil nirf ranked colleges, state wise mphil admissions, what is mphil fee, mphil study abroad, mphil career options, job prospects & abroad study, mphil employment areas, skills that make you the best mphil graduate, what is mphil salary, mphil scope in india, faqs about mphil.

The course highlights of the MPhil Course are given below.

The MPhil degree programme has its own set of advantages and opportunities that set it distinct from other career paths and responsibilities. Some of the most compelling reasons to enroll in MPhil courses are as follows:

• The MPhil Course has long been regarded as a bridge between the master's degree and the doctoral programme. The course guides candidates through a holistic approach to teaching their minds about the complexities of research, as well as developing research skills and information that will aid them in completing a full-fledged PhD programme
• Good Pay and Benefits: Candidates should expect a good return on their investment in the MPhil degree programme. Candidates should expect to pay between INR 1100-INR 200,000 for an MPhil course fee (The numbers are considerably higher for the private MPhil colleges). An MPhil degree candidate makes an average MPhil salary of INR 508,600 per year, according to the website PayScale. As a result, the candidates can swiftly recuperate their study costs. Medical insurance, dental examinations, and other benefits are available to MPhil course candidates
• In a Nutshell Candidates who have finished their MPhil studies are typically hired as teachers or research scientists. One of the most secure MPhil careers in India is that of a teacher. The Honorable Supreme Court of India argued in 2018 for the employment security of all teachers at all levels of education in India
• Specialty: The MPhil degree programme offers a wide range of specialisation options, allowing students to pick from a variety of MPhil subjects of study based on their interests. In India, there are over 30 specialities to choose from. Due to the surge in mental health problems in India, where more than 150 million people require counselling, the MPhil in Psychology specialised degree is gaining popularity.
• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: As previously said, most people choose a   teaching career after completing their MPhil degree programme. After completing their MPhil, many MPhil course graduates open tutoring centres. According to the Times of India, 7.1 crore students opt for tuition at various levels, resulting in business prospects.

MPhils courses are typically completed in a relevant subject in which students have already completed their master's degree. Here are some of the most common MPhil specialisations in India tabulated below:

Other popular MPhil Specializations

Other popular MPhil Specializations besides the six listed above are:

In India, the MPhil degree programme lasts two years and is divided into four semesters. In the MPhil course programme, students can choose from a variety of options to suit their professional goals. MPhil degree programmes are either research-based or coursework-based, with a focus on research findings and the development of pedagogy in both theoretical and practical frameworks. Students are given a research-oriented skill set that prepares them for a variety of research and academic MPhil jobs, as well as industry demands. Almost every private and public institution in India offers an MPhil degree programme, making it widely accessible to students.

Some of the most popular MPhil courses programmes in India are listed below:

Popular MPhil Humanities Course

This MPhil course programme is a nine-month programme that runs from October to June every year. The Cambridge Digital Humanities is in charge of it, and it has links to a wide range of faculties and departments at Cambridge MPhil Courses in Humanities:

Popular MPhil Science Courses

It is a postgraduate programme that lasts at least one year. It's a degree that falls in between a master's and a doctorate. Some of the most popular MPhil course programmes in science are listed below:

Popular MPhil Commerce  Courses 

Commerce courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Both bachelor's and master's degree programmes are available. Certificate courses such as CA, CS, and CFA are very popular MPhil Commerce courses in India and are also available in part-time mode.

• MPhil Commerce
• MPhil Economics
• MPhil in Mathematics

MPhil Eligibility Criteria for admission vary from university to university, but the basic criteria or requirement remains the same for the majority of universities. Those interested in pursuing an MPhil degree must meet the qualifications listed below in order to be considered for MPhil college admission:

• MPhil admission requires students to have completed their master's degree from any recognised institution with a minimum mark of 55%. Candidates applying for the MPhil course have no upper age limit. In addition to basic MPhil eligibility criteria, some institutions hold an MPhil entrance exam as part of the selection process. To be eligible for admission, students must perform well in the MPhil entrance exam  

Apart from these, some of the colleges' standout MPhil eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Candidates applying to the University of Calcutta must provide a domicile certificate stating that they have lived in the state for more than ten years. Candidates must also bring their original certificates with them when submitting the MPhil online application form.
•  The BHU Research Entrance Test is used to determine MPhil admission to the Banaras Hindu University (RET) . The admission criteria change slightly each year, with the University's Academic Council determining the norm.
•  The Delhi University allows a 5% relaxation for candidates who completed their master's degree before September 19, 1991.

Note: Candidates must meet all MPhil college eligibility criteria to be accepted for admission to top universities offering an MPhil course.

During the two-year MPhil course curriculum, MPhil syllabus  focuses on the theoretical and practical concepts of the research domain. The MPhil subjects list emphasizes the domain subject's origin, development, and scope. Each specialization's MPhil subject list is divided into four semesters.

Admission to MPhil is granted in two ways: merit-based or through an entrance examination. The application process for MPhil varies depending on the admission procedure. However, applicants can apply to their preferred MPhil colleges online. Students must fill out the required information in an online application form on the official website of their respective universities to apply for MPhil courses online.

For Entrance Based MPhil Admission

Candidates can apply for MPhil courses by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Check into the application form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want to an admission to a MPhil programme.

Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for MPhil admissions at the colleges and universities you want to attend

Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application process for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website

Step 4: After appearing and passing the MPhil entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on

Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process

Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the MPhil course

For Merit Based MPhil Admission 

Step 1: Fill out the online MPhil application form

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit

Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling

Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to MPhil course

MPhil admission is a hybrid of a merit-based selection procedure and a common entrance test-based admission procedure (as seen across various Universities and MPhil colleges in the country). Students must meet the basic eligibility criteria to be considered for MPhil admission. Also, there may be a quota in certain government MPhil colleges for the selection of candidates for admission to the MPhil course. Application for MPhil admission can be obtained through the college portal or by visiting the admissions office directly.

MPhil admission to the best MPhil colleges and universities is accomplished through various entrance exams administered by national authorities or individual universities. The majority of private universities admit students based on a merit list. The MPhil entrance exams are usually held in the months of May and June each  year. However, candidates must keep the following points in mind when applying for MPhil admission.

• Candidates must check the MPhil eligibility criteria and entrance exam details on the official websites of the universities where they wish to enroll.
• Candidates must go to the official website of the relevant university and the entrance examination conducting bodies, fill out the required form, and upload the required documents.
• Students must pass these exams (which they must be eligible to take) in order to be admitted to the MPhil course.
• Following the test, a MPhil merit list of finally qualified candidates is prepared, and candidates are invited for further admission consideration by the respective university or college. A personal interview or discussion is usually held.
• Following the final allocation of seats to candidates, the candidates are asked to pay the MPhil course fee and register for the upcoming academic year.
• Any scientists or professionals working for R&D institutes of any state or central government are eligible to directly appear for an interview at Delhi University if the institute has a memorandum of understanding with the university.

Some colleges conduct a personal interview round as part of their MPhil admissions selection criteria for applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements. In addition to the fundamental eligibility requirements, several other colleges hold the MPhil entrance exam to make sure they choose the best candidate with the broadest possible set of knowledge and abilities. Admissions are only granted to applicants who successfully complete a specific MPhil entrance exam, such as the MPhil Entrance Test, JNUEE, CUET, BHU RET, UGC NET, GATE, etc. for the entrance-based selection process. Ahead of time, the college website posts the admit card and other pertinent information. Students can access their admissions results via email or the college portal.

The basic MPhil eligibility criteria for most MPhil colleges in India is merit-based selection followed by a personal interview. Most MPhil colleges, however, use an entrance-based selection process to find the best candidate for the MPhil course. Students must prepare for the MPhil entrance exam in accordance with all requirements. Aspirants should closely examine previous years' question paper patterns and prepare thoroughly. The following colleges in India have MPhil entrance exams:

• MPhil Entrance Test

The standard pattern for the MPhil entrance exam is as follows:

• The exam will last three hours
• The exam will be given in offline mode
• The maximum mark for the question paper will be 75, with three sections of 25 marks each Final admission will be considered only after the personal interview
• The personal interview is worth 25 points

Many students wonder what the scope of an MPhil degree is. MPhil subjects are spread across a wide range of specialisations, each of which offers students a specific area of research based on their desire and interest. Within the first year, MPhil syllabus begins to focus on the research aspect of each specialisation. Some of the MPhil specialisations available to students are listed below:

Before selecting a stream, students must compare alternative courses. As a result, some of the courses have been compared to the MPhil course. Many students are unsure whether they should pursue a PhD degree first or first pursue an MPhil degree. Both degrees are research-based, with the PhD leading to a Doctorate and the MPhil leading to a Postgraduate qualification.

The following are the main distinctions between them:

The MPhil colleges in India are listed below, along with their average annual fees (INR):

According to NIRF 2021, the following are some of the top MPhil colleges in India.

Every state has the same entry requirements for the MPhil degree. MPhil admission is determined using both the merit list and the entrance examination. In the merit list admission procedure, colleges and universities rely heavily on applicants' qualifying exam results. Several colleges and institutions, however, require students to take an MPhil admission exam in order to be admitted to an MPhil degree programme. The results of the students' entrance exams are used to determine MPhil admission.

An MPhil fee varies depending on the college or school. An MPhil course fee typically costs between INR 20,000 and INR 1,00,000. (annually). Candidates who fall into one of the reserved category groups or quotas also receive a grant from each college/university.

The most important requirement for studying MPhil courses in foreign countries is a stellar academic record. Candidates must have passed their postgraduate level exam with a minimum percentage of 60-80 percent from a reputable university. Candidates must also achieve at least a 70% in their higher secondary level examinations (65 percent in math and English).

Some MPhil abroad study general information is provided below:

• The overall cost of pursuing an MPhil Abroad is high, with candidates paying MPhil fees ranging from INR 10 Lac to INR 20 Lac. MPhil fees can reach INR in some cases. Furthermore, candidates must consider the respective countries' cost of living.
• Candidates can also apply for MPhil scholarships from various  organizations as well as universities. Look into the Scholarships for Studying MPhil Abroad programme.
• To pursue the MPhil course, candidates must take English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
• In some cases, candidates must provide a letter of recommendation as well as proof of relevant work experience.

MPhil Eligibility Criteria Abroad 

The following are the most important MPhil eligibility criteria abroad: 

•  The MPhil course can last anywhere from one to three years.
• Candidates must pass their postgraduate exam with a high second-class grade (Over 60%). Some universities require candidates to have an honours degree in order to pursue the course.
• Candidates must pass an English proficiency exam such as the TOEFL (minimum score of 80) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5).
• In some cases, candidates must provide work experience or evidence of their written works.
• The average MPhil fee ranges from INR 15,00,000 to INR 20,00,000. In some cases, MPhil fees can reach INR 37,00,000 per year.

These are some of the most important criteria; however, depending on its needs, the MPhil college may add additional eligibility criteria.

MPhil Top Colleges Abroad 

The best MPhil colleges are listed below, along with the average MPhil fees:

Finally, as a broad field, MPhil has a lot to offer. It does, however, necessitate hard work, thorough planning, and the ability to choose the best option. Given the significance of an MPhil degree, aspirants should choose the best MPhil college that emphasizes both theoretical and experiential postulates.

This degree programmes provide numerous lucrative MPhil career opportunities in law, academic research, the private corporate sector, national organisations, human services, and other fields. MPhil degree graduates who do not want to work can pursue additional research opportunities through a PhD. Both the public and private sectors provide opportunities for advancement after completing an MPhil course. MPhil job opportunities are available in a variety of fields, including research organisations, academic institutions, law firms, corporate industries, national organisations, and so on.  The MPhil degree programme is extremely diverse. After earning an MPhil degree, you are eligible for a variety of jobs and other MPhil career opportunities in almost every field.

The following are some of the more common opportunities that provide a career path for MPhil with courses:

• Human Services
• Scientist or Senior Scientist
• Senior Subject Matter
• Senior Scientist
• Financial Advisor
• Finance Managers
• Assistant Professor
• Assistant Researcher
• Quality Control Expert

Candidates who complete MPhil courses have job opportunities in their field of study such as Civil Services, Archaeology, Economics, and so on. Following completion of MPhil courses, the majority of MPhil graduates pursue research or teaching positions.

The table below shows some of the major MPhil job profiles available after completing an MPhil in India:

MPhil freshers can find employment in a variety of fields. The MPhil course develops an individual's ability to fact-check and read intensively, making them qualified for MPhil jobs that require a time-consuming process of proofreading and cross-checking. The MPhil scope for jobs is also expanded, with a greater sense of legitimacy in terms of research potential. Some MPhil job opportunities include teacher, research assistant, assistant professor, editor, consultant, and so on. Candidates who do not want to work right away after graduation can apply for further research in the form of a PhD.

• Social services
• Publishing houses
• Academic institutions
• Private companies

Aspirants interested in pursuing an MPhil course programme must be passionate about their chosen subject. Aside from that, candidates who wish to pursue an MPhil degree must be extremely hardworking and dedicated.

The following are some key skills that an make an aspirant the best MPhil degree graduate:

According to Payscale, the average MPhil salary in India is INR 7.7 LPA. Many factors are considered when determining an MPhil salary, including the individual's experience, education, and skill set. Publishing houses, social services, universities, research organisations, law firms, newspapers, and other sectors have created MPhil job opportunities. MPhil degree programmes are available in both public and private organisations.

MPhil is a research-based degree, and students who want to stay in the field of research and academic teaching can pursue advanced studies in any of the above subjects. This will not only improve their subject knowledge but will also provide them with advanced academic opportunities. Candidates with a Master of Philosophy degree in the subject of specialisation have numerous options, both nationally and internationally. The research work done in the programme may qualify a candidate to pursue a doctorate (PhD) in the relevant subject or course. Candidates can begin looking for Mphil jobs in various organisations and educational institutions related to the area of work in which they have completed their specialisation.

Graduates can find MPhil job opportunities in a variety of settings and organisations. Freshers can find MPhil jobs in a variety of specialisations. An MPhil course can lead to a variety of career paths, including consultancies, research organisations, academic institutions, private industries, government organisations, law firms, and so on. Lecturer, Consultant, Scientist, Teacher, Assistant Professor, Quality Control Expert, Editor, Research Assistant, and other MPhil jobs for freshers are available. If students do not want to pursue MPhil jobs right away, they can pursue further research in the form of a PhD. According to Payscale, the average MPhil salary in India is INR 4.9 LPA. After an MPhil degree, many students pursue a PhD which is a Doctor of Philosophy (or PhD) a 3–5-year research degree in which students create their own thesis and defend it in front of industry elite and reputed people. Many MPhil course students prefer to pursue PhD studies to advance in their research careers because it serves as a bridge between the master's and PhD programmes.

After completing this MPhil degree, the students can work in the following positions in India:

Is an MPhil superior to a master's degree?

An MPhil comes after an MSc or MA in the academic hierarchy. It's the highest level of Masters qualification you can obtain and involves a research project that is even more extensive than that required for a taught Masters degree.

What fields are MPhils available in?

One can pursue an MPhil in subjects like:

• Life Sciences
• Clinical Psychology, etc

How difficult is the MPhil coursework?

MPhil coursework necessitates a significant amount of research, time, and dedication. Furthermore, if you have taken a course in which you have a genuine interest and want to go the distance, you will find the coursework enjoyable to complete.

Are MPhil students compensated?

Students pursuing an MPhil receive a monthly stipend. Some universities have fellowship programmes for MPhil students.

Can the MPhil be completed via correspondence?

According to the UGC guidelines, the candidate cannot complete the MPhil via correspondence.

Is the MPhil no longer available in India?

In India, the New Education Policy was first implemented in 2020. The MPhil will be discontinued in accordance with the new policy. However, the Union Government of India has not yet put the policy into effect by issuing a notification or passing the necessary legislation to give it legal standing.

Is an MPhil degree worthwhile?

The MPhil is a research degree in and of itself that will equip you with knowledge and abilities akin to those of a PhD. Even though it lacks the novelty and originality that define a PhD, the work is still an accomplishment and an important contribution to knowledge.

MPhil - is it a Master's degree?

The most prestigious master's degree is the MPhil, which offers a PhD-level skill set and a more in-depth research experience than an MSc or MA.

Is the MSc and MPhil the same thing?

The MSc degree is theoretical, whereas the MPhil degree is research-based. While both are postgraduate degrees and are typically pursued after a bachelor's degree, the MPhil and MSc are distinct in other ways.

Is an MPhil equivalent to a doctorate?

It is a degree that falls somewhere between a Masters and a PhD, and it is sometimes regarded as the first step toward a Doctorate. MPhil students learn the fundamentals of research and may investigate the research of others rather than conducting their own.

How many subjects are there in the MPhil?

Any subject can lead to an MPhil degree. Philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies, anthropology, and political science are popular academic fields.

What is the scope of an MPhil?

Numerous lucrative career opportunities are available for MPhil graduates in the fields of law, academic research, private business, government agencies, human services, etc. For MPhil graduates who do not want to work in the workforce, there is also the option of further research opportunities through a PhD.

Can I pursue an MPhil after completing my BA?

No, you are not permitted to pursue M Phil after you finish your BA course. To be eligible for MPhil, you must first complete your Masters degree. 

Can I get a PhD without an MPhil?

Candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree in research and a minimum CGPA of 7.5 will be eligible for admission to PhD programmes, according to the proposal.

Which is better, MPhil or PhD?

MPhil stands for 'Master of Philosophy,' and PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy.' Both degrees are based on research and coursework, but a PhD has a significant advantage over an MPhil. A PhD allows a candidate to teach in universities and in the education field.

Can you finish your MPhil in one year?

The required MPhil duration is of a minimum of two semesters or one year, and a maximum of four semesters or two years.  

What are the advantages of an MPhil?

MPhil is completed after obtaining a Master's degree. Master of Philosophy in a specific subject is a one-year course that serves as a basic requirement for a PhD. You will be eligible to teach in universities as a lecturer, you will be exempt from the Test for Lecturers, and you will be exempt from some research work when you complete your PhD are the major advantages of pursuing an MPhil.  

What can I opt for after MPhil?

When it comes to job opportunities, candidates can choose from the following: Teacher, Lecturer, Editor, Human Services, Scientist or Senior Scientist, Senior Subject Matter, Senior Scientist, Financial Advisor, and so on. Candidates can further their education by pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy (MPhil), for example.  

What is the duration of the course?

The duration of the MPhil course is 2 years.  

Is the Entrance examination compulsory for MPhil?

Yes, some universities require students to take an entrance exam before they can be admitted to the MPhil programme. To study MPhil, students must have completed high school studies in any subject, including physics, arithmetic, chemistry, biology, arts, and commerce. Some universities accept students immediately based on the results of their Class 12 Boards tests. These schools do not have entrance exams.    

Is MPhil a good career?

The MPhil programme at the University provides an excellent combination of academic and practical education that prepares students for direct employment upon completion of the programme. The University has a gifted faculty that goes above and beyond to ensure that students receive a high-quality education.  

Can I do MPhil after the 12th?

A full-time MPhil is a two-year research course that candidates can pursue after completing their post-graduate degree. Candidates for full-time MPhil courses must have at least 55% in their post-graduation level from any recognised university.  

What is an MPhil qualification?

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded upon completion of the two-year graduate programme. A minimum of 55% in aggregate is required for MPhil, and the candidate must have completed their master's degree in any field as one of the courses.  

What is the full form of MPhil?

The Master of Philosophy is the full form of MPhil.  

What is MPhil?

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a two-year postgraduate academic research programme. Candidates from any field can pursue an MPhil, including the humanities, business, science, law, and education. MPhil candidates must study both theoretical and practical subjects.  

Related Articles

July 08, 2024 | By: Abhik Das

July 08, 2024 | By: Diksha Sharma

July 08, 2024 | By: Bipasha Ray

July 08, 2024 | By: Sakshi Gautam

July 08, 2024 | By: Tiyasa Khanra

Popular Courses

Mphil colleges in states, mphil colleges in cities.

• Common Application form
• Job Ready Courses
• ETP Admissions
• Scholarships
• Visual Stories (English)
• Visual Stories (Hindi)
• Career Compass
• Write a review
• DU Predictor
• Unit Calculator

Pride Hulkul, 6th floor, No 116, Lalbagh Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560027

Godrej Genesis, 15th floor, 1509, Salt lake Sector 5, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700091

6th & 7th Floor, 29, Moji Colony, Calgiri Marg, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan - 302017

6th Floor, CollegeDekho Office, Capital Cityscape, Sector 66, Gurugram Haryana 122002

• 1800-572-9877
• [email protected]

Trending Links

• AP EAMCET Result 2024
• JEE Main College Predictor 2024
• NEET College Predictor 2024
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
• Visual Stories
• JEE Mains 2024 Mark Vs Percentile
• NEET 2024 CutOff
• Engineering Colleges in India
• MBA Courses
• Medical Courses

Most Viewed Links

• Master of Arts
• Aeronautical Engineering
• BFIT Dehradun
• Chandigarh University
• Hindi Articles
• NEET Counselling 2024
• Merchant Navy
• Manipal University or Amity University
• List of B.Sc Courses
• SRM University vs VIT Vellore
• JEE Main 2024
• B.ED Course
• Neet vs JEE Main

Courses in india

• B. Tech : B Tech Mechanical Engineering Software Engineering Aeronautical Engineering Electronics and Communication Engineering Chemical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Automobile Engineering B Tech IT Computer Science Engineering
• M. Tech : M Tech M Tech in Data Science M Tech in Computer Science M Tech in Civil Engineering M Tech in Mining Engineering M Tech in Electrical Engineering M Tech in Food Technology M Tech in Chemical Engineering M Tech Geoinformatics M Tech ECE
• MBA : MBA BBA MBA Project management MBA in finance PGDM Executive MBA BBM MBA in Business Analytics MBA in HR MBA in Marketing
• BBA. : BBA BBA Aviation BBA in Finance BBA International Business BBA in Airport Management BBA Logistics BBA in Digital Marketing BBA in Marketing BBA MBA Integrated Course BBA in HR
• LAW : LLB BA LLB BBA LLB BSc LLB LLM course Criminal Law Labour Law Corporate Law Business Law Company Law
• Science : BSc MSc BSc Computer Science Actuarial Science BSc Biotechnology BSc Microbiology BSc IT BSc Forensic Science BSc Chemistry BSc Physics
• Commerce : BCom MCom Banking Course CA Course CFA BAF ACCA Course MFC BFM BBI Company Secretary
• Medical : MBBS MDS BUMS BDS BHMS Doctor of Medicine Doctorate of Medicine BPT Course MPH BAMS
• Para Medical : BPMT Medical Transcription BMLT MPT Biomechanics BVSC BSMS Anesthesia Course Master of Surgery DHMS Master of Physiotherapy
• Hotel Management : MHA BTTM Hospitality Management BHM MBA in Hotel Management Travel and Tourism Management BHMCT BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration Masters in Hotel Management BBA in Hotel Management
• BA : BA Archaeology Company Secretary home science BFA BA Psychology BA English BA english BA Economics
• MA : Master of Arts MPhil MA Hindi MFA MA English MA Psychology MA Economics MA Political Science MA History MA Public Administration
• Media And Mass Communication : Photography Course Journalism Course BMM Fashion Photography BJMS Radio Jockey BSc Visual Communication Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication BA Mass Communication Masters in Mass Communication
• Agriculture : Agricultue BSc Agriculture BSc horticulture MSc agriculture BSc Hons Agri Business Management Diploma in Horticulture BSc Sericulture
• Pharmacy : B Pharma D Pharma Pharm D Course M Pharmacy M Pharm M Pharma Pharmaceutical Analysis M Pharm in Biotechnology B Pharm Hons Pharma D
• Nursing : BSc Nursing GNM Nursing ANM Nursing Post Basic BSc Nursing Nursing Assistant Course OT nursing Course M Phil Nursing MSc Pediatric Nursing MSc in Medical Surgical Nursing Maternity Nursing Course
• Information Technology : MCA Data Science BCA MSc Data Science Ethical Hacking Course MSc IT MBA IT BSc MSc Data Science Computer Hardware Course BBA in Computer Application
• Design : Graphic Designing Interior Designing Animation Jewellery Designing Web Designing Fashion Designing Course Furniture Design Textile Designing Fashion Styling BDes
• Education : B Ed B P ED Diploma in Elementary Education M Ed B EL ED BSc B Ed BA B Ed BEd Special Education MA Education BED in Commerce

Popular Universities

• DOON University
• MNIT Jaipur
• NIT Jalandhar
• NIT Jamshedpur
• NIT Silchar
• TECHNO India University
• TEZPUR University
• University of Hyderabad
• University of Mysore
• VIDYASAGAR University
• ANNA University
• JAYPEE University
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Get the Reddit app

A subreddit dedicated to PhDs.

PhD (Cancer) after M.Phil (Histopathology)

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Murdered PhD student’s boyfriend told family he’d ‘ran off’ days before his body was found in a shed

The body of a missing PhD student has been discovered and his boyfriend named as a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

Deundray Cottrell, 31, was found dead on July 6 after he was last seen at a Fourth of July party at his sister’s home in Birmingham, Alabama .

His body was discovered in a shed two blocks from his sister’s home after his shoe was spotted outside, atlanta -murder/61537894"> WVTM reported.

Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Cottrell’s manner of death as a homicide. No arrests have been made.

Birmingham Police Department later named Julian Taylor Morris, 31, as a person of interest in the investigation and are trying to locate him, according to a news release. The pair were believed to be in a romantic relationship.

Angelica Cottrell, the victim’s sister, told WSB-TV that her brother and Morris had driven from Atlanta, Georgia, to Birmingham to celebrate the Fourth of July with family.

“My children started to pop fireworks and because my brother had his dog with him, he was gonna run into the house real quick and go and check on the dog,” Ms Cottrell said.

She said Morris was the one who then alerted her that her brother was missing.

Morris allegedly told Angelica that her brother had jumped off the patio balcony, then “took off running.”

But as the family began to search for him, she said that Morris’ behavior was strange.

“While we looked – Julian didn’t,” she told the TV station. “At one point when everybody was searching, Julian had fixed a plate and was sitting there eating, and he looked at me and said, OMG, the food is so good.”

Birmingham police officers said they were dispatched to a missing person call at a residence in the 7900 Block of 4th Avenue South on July 4.

On July 5, police recovered some of Cottrell’s clothing in the area, and a neighbor provided officers with surveillance footage of him.

Officers discovered Cottrell’s body the following day. “Details surrounding this investigation are suspicious,” Birmingham police said.

After learning that Morris was named a person of interest, the victim’s brother, Tim Cottrell, said it was “hurtful” because “my mom was there, staring her son’s killer in the eye.”

Police asked anyone with information on the case to contact the Birmingham PD’s homicide unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A cash reward of $5,000 is available for tips.

• Network Staff List
• H-ASIA Mission Statement
• H-Asia List Discussion Logs
• Join Our Crew!
• H-ASIA STYLE SHEET
• About H-Asia/subscription requirements
• Managing your H-ASIA account
• H-ASIA "Call-Roll"
• H-ASIA History
• Past Network Staff
• Write to the Editors
• (Legacy) Especially Helpful Discussion Threads
• H-Food-Studies

MPhil & PhD Studies at HKIHSS, The University of Hong Kong 2024-25

Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences MPhil and PhD Studies at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2024-25

Embark on a transformative academic journey at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). We offer exceptional postgraduate programmes, including MPhil and PhD (3-year and 4-year), specifically designed to foster cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the fields of humanities and social sciences. With a dedicated focus on China, our programmes provide a unique opportunity to explore and contribute to the multi-facets of the Chinese civilization and its long developmental history, utilizing both new and traditional approaches. Key research themes encompass Quantitative History, Chinese Business History, Culture and Religions, and the Greater Bay Area.

The 2nd Clearing Round Applications for Admission is now open until August 31, 2024. Interested candidates are invited to find out more about our people, our programmes, and the application procedures online at https://www.hkihss.hku.hk/en/teaching/our-programs . 

Enquiries: [email protected]

Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities Social Sciences The University of Hong Kong

Connect with us on: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

• Announcement
• phd program

Post a Reply

• Precepting at YSN
• Event Calendar

Creative Writing Awards 2024: “Whispers of Change: A Solitary Voice in the Tech Tide” by Yosra Raziani

The 21st annual creative writing awards (cwa) were held on april 24, 2024, a celebration of the liberal arts deeply embedded in the science and clinical practice of the yale cchool of nursing (ysn) community. after a keynote speech by pulitzer prize winning journalist pam belluck, each of the three winners read their work aloud. three honorable mentions were also saluted ., whispers of change: a solitary voice in the tech tide, by yosra raziani ‘29 phd.

This poem is born from my experiences at a global health research conference in Japan. It reflects a troubling observation: as technological advancements surge forward, they often overlook the needs of the poor, widening the socioeconomic gap. I challenged the innovators to consider the plight of underserved communities—those in remote areas without internet access—and to design technologies that cater to their needs, not just to the affluent in technologically advanced societies. It’s a call for technology with a heart, one that reaches out to all, regardless of their economic standing.

In Tokyo’s heart, where futures are spun,

A conference convened, second to none.

‘Global Health Research’—the grand marquee,

Where AI and minds blend, in a tech-spree.

Students took the stage, their brilliance unfurled,

Inventions at hand, to change the world.

Applause thundered through, a joyous cascade,

For every breakthrough and progress made.

Yet in that crowd, one soul stood apart,

Amidst the clapping, an untouched heart.

AI-driven marvels, medical robots on display,

Cutting-edge technologies that could lead the way.

Applause echoed, a symphony of acclaim,

For every mind-blowing feat, they had a name.

Yet in that sea of wonder, a lone figure stood still,

Unmoved by the spectacle, against the collective thrill.

That was me, the outlier in this jubilant fest,

With a heart heavy, thoughts in a silent protest.

The presenter’s voice rang, “Any questions to be heard?”

Gratitude filled the room, but I had not a word.

My hand rose, amidst the sea of content faces,

A microphone found me, as I stood in my traces.

“Have you ever lived where clean water is a dream?

Where shelter is scarce, and technology’s gleam

Does not reach the eyes of those in need?

Where the concept of AI is a foreign seed?

Do you think the poor can afford these devices?

Or are we widening gaps, deepening the crises?

Are we truly improving health on a global scale?

Or just serving the rich, as the needy’s hopes pale?”

 My voice trembled, a tear threatened to break,

The hall fell silent, the mood did shake.

I questioned the purpose, the intent behind our aim,

To ensure health for all, not just wealth’s claim.

A silence ensued, heavy and profound,

No answers came, no reasoning sound.

The disparity in health, a truth too raw,

In that moment of stillness, it was all I saw.

Everyone was silent, but one voice did not yield,

That was me, in the quiet of the field.

Asking for inclusivity in our inventive spree,

For a future where health equity is the key .    

Read More CWA 2024 Winners  

For a complete list of previous CWA winners, please visit Past Creative Writing Awards .

Quirky news: China graduation student in cartoon outfit, black tongues after meal, Japan slow service

• PhD student goes viral after dressing as Patrick Star from SpongeBob, black tongues for mother and daughter, extra slow service in Japan

A Chinese man walked for his PhD degree dressed as Patrick Star, the famous character from SpongeBob SquarePants , to honour his friendship with a former classmate.

Pan Ronghao wore the pink costume at the China University of Geosciences commemoration event in Beijing in mid-June to surprise his friend Xia Qing, an alumnus of the school.

During the ceremony, as Pan approached a professor, the latter ceremoniously turned the tassel for him, according to Luzhong Morning Post.

“Xia likes SpongeBob very much, and I am taller than him, so I am Patrick Star,” Pan was quoted as saying. “The university is our Bikini Bottom [where the two cartoon characters live].”

Xia and Pan were classmates for a decade before Xia graduated from the university two years ago, also earning a doctoral degree. Xia now works in another city.

“My intention for wearing the costume was to commemorate the unforgettable time at school and my friendship with Xia Qing. I did not expect this to receive so much attention,” Pan said. “Thank you all for loving this.”

Tongue discolouration

A hotpot restaurant chain in China issued an apology following a recent incident where a customer’s daughter revealed online that both her and her mother’s tongues turned black after dining at one of its outlets in eastern China.

According to The Paper news portal, the company explained that the black tongue phenomenon was caused by a poorly maintained iron pot used for serving the soup.

China Hotpot stated that it had directed all its outlets to properly maintain their pots to avoid a recurrence of such incidents. The brand denied allegations that its food contained excessive nitrite levels harmful to health.

With numerous outlets across mainland China, some online users reported experiencing the same issue with tongue discolouration after dining at the restaurant.

“I tried to figure out why my tongue turned black. I suspected all the food I had eaten but never considered the pot. Who would imagine a pot could turn your tongue black?” said one person on Baidu.

Slow path to profits

A checkout counter at a Japanese supermarket has garnered attention for implementing a purposely slow-moving queue, resulting in a 10 per-cent increase in sales.

The idea for the extra-slow counter came from a worker at the Alzheimer’s Disease Support Centre in Fukuoka Prefecture in southern Japan, reported Asahi TV.

The person recognised that elderly shoppers often feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of modern life, especially in quick checkout lines.

At this specially designed counter, catering to the elderly, disabled, and pregnant customers, individuals can take up to 20 minutes to complete their transaction.

They have the freedom to count money at their own pace, pack items leisurely, and engage in conversations with the cashier without feeling rushed. The deliberate slowness creates a relaxed atmosphere for both customers and those waiting in line, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

This unique approach has proven popular, with some customers specifically choosing this supermarket for the leisurely checkout option. The positive response is reflected in the 10 per-cent sales boost since the slow checkout counter introduction.