Master of Philosophy

As an MPhil student, you'll undertake independent research culminating in the production of a thesis. Typically, you will have developed your own research proposal or will be applying for a studentship with a pre-approved project aim.

An MPhil typically takes two to three years of full-time study, or four to six years of part-time study.

Guiding you throughout your MPhil study and successive milestones will be your supervision team, led by a Director of Studies.

The award of a Master of Philosophy requires you to demonstrate that you:

• have engaged in enquiry which makes a contribution to knowledge within your field of study
• can demonstrate a systematic understanding of the current state of knowledge within your field of theory and/or practice
• show the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project capable of contributing new knowledge close to the forefront of the discipline or field of practice
• can demonstrate a sound understanding of the methodology and techniques of enquiry relevant to the discipline or field of study
• have developed a capacity to form judgements of issues and ideas in the field of research and/or practice, and communicate and justify these to relevant audiences
• can critically reflect on your work and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.

The overall difference between a doctorate and an MPhil relates to the depth and sophistication of your research, rather than its length or duration.