What's an MPhil?

After completing your undergraduate degree, a popular option is a Master's degree: MSc, MA, MLitt, PhD or an MPhil. Here we share what an MPhil is and how it differs from other postgraduate options.

What is an MPhil?

MPhil stands for Master of Philosophy. Unlike the name suggests, the MPhil isn't actually a Master's degree and instead sits between a Master's degree (for example MRes or an MA) and a PhD. This postgraduate degree can be studied as a standalone qualification or part of a larger PhD qualification. The MPhil is a research degree which means your course will mostly be independent research, working towards your final thesis.

The MPhil is a Level 7 qualification and is typically 2 years long when studied full-time. During this time, you'll work on your research project with the guidance of a supervisor and, unlike taught programmes, you won't have timetabled classes or assessments.

What's the difference between an MPhil and PhD?

Many students who study an MPhil go on to complete their PhD and consider an MPhil a ‘mini' PhD. Both courses are research-heavy and rely on your independent work. You might also come across a DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) which means the same as a PhD but hopefully makes it clearer to you the similarity between these.

In many cases, students can turn their MPhil into a PhD if they see their research progressing. You can choose to progress your MPhil to a PhD once your research reaches a required stage, or some unis will award an MPhil during a PhD programme when you complete a certain level.

MPhil vs MRes

Both an MPhil and MRes are research-based degrees, but they are slightly different. While an MRes is a Master's degree, it is also a research training qualification. An MPhil is considered a step above a Master's and will see you working solely on one research project. Within an MRes, while there will be fewer taught lectures than an MA or MSc, there will still be some training, while an MPhil will have none.

What's the difference between an MPhil and MSc?

The MSc is a theoretical Master's degree, while the MPhil is research-based. Both are postgraduate degrees and will require you to have completed a Bachelor's degree but they are seen as very different options.

In both degrees, you will continue to specialise in your chosen field but an MSc will see you in lectures, seminars and completing assessments, usually within one year. For an MPhil, your course will likely be two years long and will be spent solely working on your chosen research project.

Both options play to different strengths and both can lead to you studying for your PhD if you so wish.

What does an MPhil look like?

When studying for an MPhil you will be working on your independent research. You'll be assigned a supervisor who will support the progress of your project, offering guidance, questioning methodology and ensuring your project is on track. Unlike other taught Master's, an MPhil requires you to be a self-starter, keeping your project moving forward and organising your time effectively.

You may choose to study an MPhil as a standalone qualification or opt for the PhD pathway. If part of a PhD pathway, your course is typically just one year long which you can then transfer to a full PhD once you pass an upgrade exam, known as the MPhil Viva.

Subjects

Don't be fooled by the name - this qualification isn't just for those studying Philosophy and what's great is that an spans all subjects! It allows you to make developments within a certain field by conducting research. Your research may use more scientific principles or could use more qualitative methods such as source analysis or interviews. It's a great opportunity to delve into an area of interest and contribute new ideas to your field.

How is it assessed?

For an MPhil you will be assessed based on the strength of your thesis. This comes in the form of an oral exam which is similar to the Viva Voce that PhD students have to complete, however, it won't be as intensive. In the exam, you will discuss your thesis with a panel of examiners, and defend your findings and conclusions.

MPhil viva

This is sometimes what is called the oral exam, or the transfer exam if you're looking to move to a PhD. Inspired by the PhD Viva Voce, it is used to assess how well you understand your thesis. You'll be asked questions about how you went about your research, a summary of your literature review and current viewpoints that exist as well as the theoretical framework you explored in your research.

MPhil entry requirements

To study an MPhil, you'll need a Bachelor's degree in a subject related to the MPhil course. Some courses require you to hold another Master's degree and, if you're looking to go onto a PhD, they may ask you to already have a taught postgraduate experience.

Most courses will also ask you to submit a research proposal which outlines what you intend to explore and how you will complete your research. You may also need to attend an interview to talk about your research proposal with a member of the department. To know exactly what the process is, head to the course profile and read more about the entry requirements of the individual course.

After your MPhil

The MPhil opens you up to a world of research possibilities. There is of course the opportunity to continue your studies into a PhD, if you wish to stay in academic research, or you can take your skills and knowledge and apply it to the working world.

Completing your MPhil thesis will allow you to show employers existing experience in a specialist area. It also shows your self-management, organisational and research skills that are all transferable to many different roles.