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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.

MPhil vs PhD: What to pursue after Masters?

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.

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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?

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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.

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is mphil a failed phd

  • What Is an MPhil? – A Complete Guide
  • Types of Doctorates

What Is an MPhil?

‘MPhil’ stands for ‘ Master of Philosophy ’ and is an advance postgraduate research degree.

Although the degree is technically classed as a Masters, in reality, it sits close to a Doctorate. This is because an MPhil goes beyond the traditional taught Master’s degree by placing emphasis on independent research and a more-targeted topic.

There are usually two reasons you would undertake an MPhil. First, you may wish to learn new research skills to open up new career opportunities. Second, you may want to do a PhD and so first enrol onto an MPhil, either as a compulsory requirement or under your own free choice, to first gain some research experience and doctoral training.

As these two decisions have different end-goals, an MPhil can either be carried out in one of two ways. It can either be undertaken as a stand-alone research degree or one integrated with a PhD .

What Does an MPhil Involve?

What you do as an MPhil student will be similar to that of a PhD student, but to a limited extent and in a shorter time period.

For example, you’ll be required to undertake an investigation around a subject area you have a research interest in. As part of this, you will have to evaluate concepts, understand suitable research methods, use published research and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and analytical studies.

As part of your degree, you will also be expected to produce a thesis. The length of the thesis differs between universities but is typically around 50,000 words. Although your thesis isn’t expected to provide original research, it will need to provide an original insight or evaluation. It must show you understand the core activities of research work such as the ability to appraise literature, evaluate methods and identify potential limitations.

Besides a thesis, you’ll also be required to defend your work in an oral examination. Like a PhD, this examination is known as a viva voce and is conducted with an interview panel.

As MPhils are research degrees, there are no taught components such as classes, coursework or assessments. The exception to this is for MPhils offered by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

MPhils at Oxford and Cambridge

The key difference with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge is that their MPhils can be a research degree, a taught degree or a mixture of the two.

The MPhils offered at the University of Oxford comprise two parts, each lasting a year. The first part is a taught component while the second is researched-based. Besides this, you will need to sit several assessments for the taught component.

The University of Cambridge offers two types of MPhils . The first is an ‘MPhil by Advanced Study’, and the second is an ‘MPhil by Thesis’. The MPhil by Advanced Study comprises taught components similar to that of the University of Oxford. The MPhil by Thesis is a research-only degree and is therefore similar to the traditional MPhils offered by other universities.

Transferring from an MPhil to a PhD

In the UK, if you’re accepted into a PhD programme, it’s common for you to first be registered for an MPhil. At the end of your first year, your academic supervisor will evaluate whether you have made adequate progress and shown the traits of a competent researcher. This is assessed through a write-up of your study and an oral examination. In some cases, you’ll also be required to produce a detailed action plan detailing how you intend to tackle the rest of your project.

Should you succeed, your registration will be upgraded to a PhD.

The reason a research student is first registered for an MPhil is for screening their suitability and introducing them to the type of work they will undertake in their PhD. This is because an MPhil provides a foundation for developing an individual’s research skills and providing them with specialist knowledge in their research topic.

Transferring from a PhD to an MPhil

Similar to how an MPhil can be upgraded to a PhD, the reverse is also true – a PhD can be ‘downgraded’ to an MPhil.

This usually occurs under one of the following circumstances:

  • You may complete the first two years of your PhD, but after careful consideration decide it is not for you.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances or extenuating personal reasons, you may no longer be able to continue with your studies.
  • The outcome of your PhD viva and subsequent thesis re-submissions is unsuccessful. You can read more about viva outcomes in our Viva Guide.

In all of the above cases, you would still need to prove that the work you have carried out to date meets the requirements of an MPhil. Should you not have much work to show, or should it be of unsatisfactory quality, you will not be considered for an MPhil either.

How Long Does an MPhil Take?

An MPhil can be undertaken either full-time or part-time.

If studying full time, a stand-alone MPhil degree will usually take two years. This extends to four years if studying part-time.

If you’re undertaking an MPhil as an initial registration for a PhD, these durations typically halve. However, remember that if you pass your initial registration period, your course will be upgraded to a PhD rather than you being awarded an MPhil.

How Much Does an MPhil Cost?

Your course fees will depend on your subject field, your mode of study, i.e. part-time or full-time and where you’re from.

For home and EU students, the average tuition fee for an MPhil is approximately:

  • Full-time: £4,712 per academic year
  • Part-time: £2,356 per academic year

For international students, the average tuition fee for an MPhil can vary between:

  • Full-time: £14,000 – £18,000 per academic year
  • Part-time: £7,000 – £9,000 per academic year

What Funding Opportunities Exist for an MPhil?

A government loan can be used to fund your studies. If you are undertaking a stand-alone MPhil, you will need to apply to a Postgraduate Master’s Loan . On the other hand, if you are applying to a PhD degree but first have to register as an MPhil student, you will need to apply for a Doctoral Loan . Both loans will cover your tuition fees, living costs and travelling expenses.

Additionally, you can also apply to scholarships offered by your department or university. Competition for these are fierce as, unlike government loans, they do not need to be repaid. Therefore, this is a popular source of funding.

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What Are the Typical Entry Requirements for an MPhil?

The typical requirement for an MPhil is a Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours (1st) or upper second class honours (2:1).

Although most universities won’t require a Masters for a stand-alone MPhil, they may if your MPhil registration is for a PhD programme.

Besides suitable qualifications, most MPhils also require a research proposal with your application. This is to show your potential supervisor that you understand the field and have thought about the aims and expected outcomes of your research project.

English Language Requirement

If you are an international student and from a country whose primary language isn’t English, you’re likely to need to sit an English language proficiency test.

You will need to check the requirements for each project you are interested in as the requirements will differ for each university. However, as a guide, the typical requirement for MPhils is a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each category.

Remember that although IELTS is the most common English language test, it is only one of several which are accepted by UK universities.

Life After an MPhil

Having successfully completed a Master of Philosophy, you will no doubt have developed specialised and highly marketable skills . Some of these skills include problem-solving, critical thinking and the ability to form, evaluate and defend ideas.

This will make you favourable amongst employers in analytical and research-based fields. It will also give you a competitive edge over those who don’t have an advanced postgraduate qualification.

Although with suitable experience it’s possible to pursue a career in higher education or advance research, most employers will prioritise applicants who have a PhD and relevant experience. Therefore, if you aspire to a career in academia or complex research, consider whether a PhD would be more beneficial for you.

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What Is An MPhil Student? A Definition

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What is an MPhil student?

Part time or full time? 

MPhils can be studied on a part-time or full-time basis , with some students who don't have the funding in place undergoing an MPhil on a part-time basis before beginning a PhD. Most MPhils take 15 months to two years on a full-time basis to complete and this is because of the research element of the masters compared with a traditional one-year full-time masters course. This means that an MPhil will usually take around 27 months to four years to complete on a part-time basis . 

MPhil students are any age

The research nature of most MPhil degrees means that it often attracts more mature students and because you will require the research and study skills gained during an undergraduate degree, all MPhil students are usually graduates. This means that many, but not all, students are in their early twenties as the average age to gain a  PhD in the  UK is between 26 and 27 . 

They're conducting research 

Most MPhil students are conducting  research  and using it as a stepping stone to starting a PhD, but this is not always the case. Some MPhil students are conducting a year or two’s worth of research and do not to wish to continue with a PhD, whilst others have begun a PhD but do not wish to continue with their research. This means that an MPhil student will be putting long hours in the lab or library, but unlike a PhD student, it's unlikely that they will have positions assisting or teaching. 

Sometimes MPhil students are on a taught course 

At the  University of Cambridge  most of the masters courses are referred to as an MPhil and they have two types of MPhil. One is an MPhil by Advanced Study and the other is an MPhil by Research. In the UK this is not a common way of differentiating between masters courses. Most institutions only refer to a qualification as an MPhil if the student has completed substantial research on a topic and a  Masters by Research  is a separate qualification. However, there are countries, like Pakistan, where the entire university system uses the term MPhil. There it indicates that a taught course had a large research element to it. Some employers look for people with the unique set of research skills that are gained during independent research, but perhaps do not require someone with the specialist knowledge gained during a PhD. 

There’s not a lot of them about

An MPhil used to be more commonly studied by those wishing to enter academia in subjects such as History . However, in recent years this tradition has been replaced by students completing PhDs before finding their first teaching position. This is the unique part of being an MPhil student is that there are not many of you around, so you might find that you are part of a small community. It does depend on the institution that you are attending as places such as University of Cambridge or Oxford may have more MPhil students than other institutions because of ancient traditions. This doesn't mean that the qualification is less valuable and you may find that MPhil students are studying interesting and varied topics. Some may be experts in their own fields who wish to take time to increase their understanding through personal research and others might be students who are not quite sure if a PhD is the right route for them.

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a PhD student in the UCL Knowledge Lab?

Mphil to phd upgrade.

is mphil a failed phd

From my perspective, it has been business as usual. I have been preparing for upgrade wholeheartedly for no less than six months. Now that I am approaching my twelfth month, an having completed three years of required training last month (in one year no less!), I am fully devoting my energies to all things upgrade.

In actuality, this is not completely true. For the past two weeks, I’ve also been knee-deep in starting my  research from a data collection via multiple online focus groups, transcriptions and starting to tag text within my qualitative software application for analysis. Oh yes, literature searching continues unabated as well.

However, for the purposes of this blog post…I shall pretend that I have only those concerns relating to casting of the MPhil shackles and becoming a full-fledged PhD…all made possible by  The Upgrade .

And what of these shackles, anyway? Depending upon whom you speak with, the MPhil process is shroud in much mystique and sine qua non. There are others, considerably more experienced than I who will tell you that “the Upgrade is nothing but a  formality , a bunch of tick-boxes put in place to prevent the University and student from failing one another”.

Wait a minute… failure?!?!

“Not to worry!” my informant suggests. “It merely ensures essentials such as your ability to speak English, write appropriately, ascribe to a timetable, and produce research that is not underwhelming in scope or unimaginably impossible to complete. You’ll have no problem…I wouldn’t worry.”

is mphil a failed phd

Which, of course, sets worry in to motion.

Being the A+ type multiplied by infinity personality-type that I am (e.g. aggressive, ambitious, controlling, highly competitive, preoccupied with success, workaholic and lack of patience), I begin to sweat even more of the details of something that I have been preparing for…seemingly for…for… forever!.

is mphil a failed phd

And yet, I am already aware that there is a good portion of my Upgrade Report (that will appear within said presentation) that will now likely never become actionable.

Owing to COVID-19, those myriad face-to-face focus groups, surveys, questionnaires and trials of pilot technologies requiring in-person activities must now all be (and some already have been) migrated online. In fact, the overall tenor of the proposed research has taken on less of a prototyping, engineering vantage point. These modifications have occurred in favour of those that are considerably more scientific and proof of concept/research.

In modulating the original plan, the idea now is that a post-doc may result in a more engineering-funded objective leading to prototype development. All of this hinges upon a PhD with substantial research that is compelling  to attract funding and sponsorship. And the road to PhD, at least today, travels through…you guessed it:

The Upgrade!

At least this is what my esteemed supervisors are suggesting. And that which I am completely trusting in as the end-game result. So with keyboard in hand, I await my monthly supervisory meeting taking place in less than one week. I’m hopeful that my Upgrade Report meets with approval, that my presentation may reflect that which is within the report, and that my Upgrade Panel, Upgrade Appointment and all associated departmental paperwork is “in the works”.

Fingers crossed. We shall see within a week’s time.

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Postgraduate study

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Our MPhil (Master of Philosophy) award is an advanced research qualification that is often awarded to students who have completed the first two years of a PhD programme, but ultimately decide not to finish the full doctorate.

The MPhil is a qualification in its own right. It resembles a PhD but generally takes two years (full time) and does not carry the same requirement for original contribution to knowledge.

You will be expected to submit a thesis at the end of your project, this will be shorter than a PhD due to the timeframe it is completed.

Some UK universities require PhD students to start their studies by registering for the degree of MPhil initially; however, this is not the case at the University of Edinburgh. You may be able to register for an MPhil from the outset, but not all our research programmes offer an MPhil option. You should check the programme listing in our degree finder to find out, or contact your potential supervisor.

As with our PhDs, you normally need to have an existing postgraduate degree (such as an MSc) to be accepted on to an MPhil.

Find an MPhil programme

Do I need to write a research proposal?

As part of your application for a Master of Philosophy programme, you will usually need to submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field and outlining your project’s aims and expected outcomes.

You should contact a prospective supervisor for further information on what to include in your proposal.

Our guide to writing a research proposal will take you through the process step-by-step:

How to write a research proposal

Do I need to find a supervisor?

We recommend you identify a suitable supervisor to discuss your research idea before you apply to ensure that we have the right specialist area you are interested in

How to find a supervisor

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What Can You Do With A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree?

What Can You Do With A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree?

Table of Contents

If you want to consider carrying out your own independent research as a postgraduate but the project is not as extensive enough for a PhD, you may want to consider a Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

MPhil is a unique qualification that mirrors a PhD rather than a traditional Master’s. This guide will follow what is an MPhil and why is it different from a PhD and a typical Master’s.

For more information about which career paths can other Master’s degrees can lead you towards, click the image below.

Quick Guide To Which Career Path A Master's Degree Can Steer You Towards

Below are some simple overviews of the MSc qualification and which career path it can lead you towards.

What is an MPhil?

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate research Master’s degree. Instead of completing taught units and assessments, MPhil is entirely based on your own research project.

MPhil can be part of a PhD registration step or as a standalone qualification. Unlike other Masters, this is purely a research degree – entirely based on an independent thesis.

You may be wondering what’s the difference between an MPhil and a Master of Research (MRes), and to simply put it, MRes has taught modules.

MPhil

Entry requirements

As an advanced research qualification, there are extra admission requirements to fulfil.

Normally, you’ll need an appropriate Bachelor’s degree, but you may also need a Master’s degree. This will depend on your chosen subject, the university and your proposed research project. If you intend to lead your MPhil into a PhD, your university may require experience at taught postgraduate level, although this may not be necessary if you have a smaller project.

You will also need to include a research proposal, as it will demonstrate your intended project or state how you will tackle it.

Is an MPhil classified as a Master’s degree?

After reading the above, you may still be slightly confused – and we don’t blame you. Technically and similarly to a research Master of Letters (MLitt), an MPhil sits above the typical Master’s but beneath a PhD. If placed into the National Qualification Framework ( NQF ) levelling system, it will be a 7.5 but still within the level 7 grades.

On the Bologna Process, it sits on the second-cycle level, similar to other Master’s or equivalent degrees.

Both systems place it between a Master’s and PhD as it acts more as a PhD than its other counterparts, due to the fact you may require a previous Master’s degree beforehand.

What is the difference between an MPhil and a PhD?

It’s helpful to think of MPhil as the PhD’s younger sibling. Some PhDs are titled DPhil which makes the relationship between them clearer.

Another way the qualifications are related is it’s common to transfer from an MPhil to a PhD registration depending on the progress of your research. This can happen in a few ways;

  • You enrol into an MPhil but you can upgrade once your research has reached a certain stage.
  • Some universities also award the MPhil during a PhD, which will suspend the MPhil degree in favour of the Doctorate.
  • You can choose to graduate with an MPhil instead of a PhD if you wish to graduate early.

Which countries award an MPhil?

The Master of Philosophy is a well-recognised qualification but its availability and format vary across different postgraduate systems.

UK: It’s most common where doctoral studies are purely research-based. In this system, the Master’s paves the way to a PhD programme or as a standalone qualification. Australia and New Zealand also offer degrees in the same way.

USA: It’s less common in countries such as the USA. This is because the American education system splits its Ph.D. programs into two; the first part is taught-based and the second is research-based. Instead of upgrading, US PhD students typically transfer to the dissertation section of their programme.

Europe: It’s even rarer than the USA, although it is recognised in the Bologna Process. However, the process does not allow for a degree that sits between cycles, and thus MPhil and MRes are typically given a second-cycle ranking if awarded. If not, it would typically be awarded in the equivalent form.

Which subjects award an MPhil?

You can earn an MPhil in any subject of your choice as they don’t reflect academic disciplines compared to other Master’s. There are variant forms of MPhil offered by the Arts and Humanities subjects, but this is more if the university offers it as a specialised research programme in the MPhil form.

In the majority of cases, it’s a generic degree available in any academic discipline that can support in-depth research projects.

Who should study for it?

In most cases, an MPhil is seen as a failed PhD, although there are plenty of reasons for studying an MPhil on its own. You may find a smaller research topic that interests you but does not have the scope for a full Ph.D.

MPhil is valued among a range of employers due to the advanced research skills and experience required, but although a PhD also demonstrates the same abilities, it’s not as significant outside the academic profession.

How is it examined?

As you won’t have any modules or units, you’ll be entirely assessed on the strengths of your thesis. This will be done via an oral examination (similar to a PhD) in front of a panel of examiners.

You will be assessed for the accuracy of your findings and understanding. You will also be asked to summarise your thesis and ask questions on your methodology, theoretical framework and literature review.

How long is it and how many credits is it worth?

Normally it’s a two-year long course for a full-time student or four-to-five as a part-time study.

Similarly to a PhD, an MPhil doesn’t have a credit value as they are not made up of individually assessed modules or units.

Which career path can an MPhil steer you towards?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to which career path an MPhil can steer you towards. In fact, it is solely based on what you decide to pick.

If you pick a technology-based thesis, you could theoretically steer towards engineering, product management or a scientist. If you base it upon a historical event, it could lead you towards a teaching career, politics or even as a museum curator and historian.

Despite this, you can get a role in a similar field to your chosen subject. It’s recommended to pick your subject carefully as it could impact the field you would like to progress to.

If you don’t have a specific role in mind, there are universal roles which look for skills in researching and writing. These include;

  • Advertising
  • Creative Writing
  • Public Relations

Whichever role you decide to progress to with an MPhil, remember the training and materials you have learned during your course. If you are unsure which Master’s is right for you, click the image below to find where other Master’s can lead you.

10 Simple MBA Questions You’ll Be Asked During Your MBA Interview

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is mphil a failed phd

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is mphil a failed phd

MPhil is no longer a recognised degree: What does it mean for students?

The University Grants Commission has declared the Master of Philosophy degree offered at all universities no longer legitimate. The move is in line with the National Education Policy 2020. After the discontinuation, postgraduates who want to continue a career in academia will have to pursue a PhD

MPhil is no longer a recognised degree: What does it mean for students?

On Wednesday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a notification cautioning students against pursuing Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programmes from Indian universities.

The development comes after it cancelled the course, despite which some universities persist in offering it.

Why is the MPhil no longer a valid degree? What’s next for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research? Let’s take a closer look.

MPhil is no longer a recognised degree

Higher education institutions were instructed not to offer MPhil programmes, as the commission had previously announced that advanced research course offered at all universities would no longer be legitimate, according to NDTV .

Additionally, the university authorities have been asked to take steps immediately to stop accepting new students into the MPhil programme for the 2023–2024 academic year.

As a result, universities throughout the country — except Tamil Nadu and Karnataka — ceased offering the programme, as per Telegraph India .

Thus, in an official notification issued on Wednesday, the UGC stated, “It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few universities are inviting fresh applications for MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programme. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the MPhil degree is not a recognised degree.”

The notification emphasised Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations 2022, which clearly prohibits higher educational institutions from offering MPhil programmes.

Notably, the nation is seeing a large increase in the number of new universities, many of which are offering programmes that are not approved by the UGC, reported Livemint . The Ministry of Education announced earlier on 24 December that during the previous five years, up to 140 private universities have been founded nationwide, with Gujarat leading the way, followed by Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The National Education Policy (NEP-2020), which promotes a four-year Bachelor’s degree and a research-intensive Master’s degree, eliminating the necessity for an MPhil for a PhD, is the main cause of the discontinuance of the advanced post-graduation research programme, as per another Livemint report.

The document goes into further detail about the modifications being made to the post-graduation and graduation programmes.

“Higher education institutions will have the flexibility to offer different designs of master’s programmes: (a) there may be a two-year programme with the second year devoted entirely to research for those who have completed the two-year Bachelor’s/Master’s programme. Undertaking a PhD shall require either a master’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree with research. The MPhil programme shall be discontinued,” the NEP states.

The Union government has come under fire from experts for implementing the NEP without sufficient state consultations or discussion in Parliament. The governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had already established committees to draft their own state education policies, explained Telegraph India .

Moreover, the Education Ministry’s 2023 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report showed that, over the previous five years, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for MPhil programmes was -21.2 per cent. It had dropped dramatically from 43,267 in 2016–17 to 16,744 in 2020–21 or approximately 61.3 per cent, according to The Print .

Notably, in the current academic year, the MPhil and Certificate programmes were the only two levels where total enrollments decreased. 8,696 independent institutions, 40,176 colleges, and 1,084 universities responded to the AISHE report.

What’s next for students

An MPhil degree in India is an advanced postgraduate research degree that serves as a foundation for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

The degree is nearing a doctorate, yet it is classified as a master’s degree.

Even though both degrees require research, the PhD is a more sophisticated and demanding curriculum in terms of scope, depth, and duration of the research.

For individuals seeking advanced knowledge without the commitment to a lengthy doctoral study, the MPhil can served as a terminal degree or a stepping stone to a PhD.

After the discontinuation of the course, postgraduates who want to continue a career in academia or research can pursue a PhD.

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Five Chinese scholars receive PhD degrees

LAHORE   -   For the first time, five Chinese scholars have been awarded PhD degrees in Punjab University’s 133rd Convocation while 343 PhD degrees, 120 MPhil, 12 Master’s and 116 BS gold medals were distributed among the students, here on Tuesday. The 133rd Convocation was held in Faisal Auditorium which was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood. Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, Controller of Examinations Muhammad Rauf Nawaz, Deans of Faculties, Professors, PhD, MPhil, Masters and BS students and their parent participated in the ceremony. VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that those nations are progressing in the world who revealed the secrets of the universe by promoting education and research. He added, “We also have to give top priority to education and research, otherwise, we will be left behind in the race of development.” He said that our youth are very talented who are making the name of the country and the nation bright all over the world despite their limited resources. He said that PU is moving ahead according to the educational vision of the 21st century. He said that during the last year, PU has marked landmark achievements and its 19 subjects have been ranked in QS international ranking for the first time.

Police rescue trader after 'encounter' with outlaws in Pindi

He said that Times Higher Education has also declared Punjab University number one in Pakistan in various subjects. He said that in the last one year, meetings of all statutory bodies have been held regularly to ensure good governance in PU so that our system can be run according to the rules and regulations.

He said that in the last year, 28 undergraduate, 13 MPhil and 4 new PhD programs have been launched to provide human resource according to the modern needs of the market. He congratulated the students, their parents and teachers who received their degrees and medals. He also congratulated the Chinese scholars including Tian Xuefeng, Ren Guangxu, Gu Zhong, Cheng Linsheng in History and Yung Hee Chun on completing his PhD in the subject of Pakistan Studies and expressed his best wishes.

Punjab Institute of Cardiology Medical Superintendent Dr Shoaib Aslam was also awarded the degree of MS in Health Administration in the convocation. Degrees and medals were distributed to a total of 1,111 candidates.

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MPhil/PhD Upgrade Seminar: Ahmed Jawdat

22 May 2024, 10:00 am–11:00 am

MPhil/PhD Upgrade Seminar: Ahmed Jawdat

Hybrid Third Places as Catalysts for Innovative Placemaking: An Urban Design & Planning Exploration of the Connection Between Physical & Digital “Third Places”, Emerging Technologies, and Their Role in Social Interactions and Placemaking in Saudi Neighbourhoods.

Event Information

The term “third place” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1999), referring to the place where people socialise in the city beyond their home (first place) and work (second place). These third places are the epicentre of public social life and interactions, crucial to well-being. “Placemaking” discourse has also emphasised social interactions as one of its key aims. With the rise of social media, scholars have argued that it could be a form of a “digital third place” (Digital-TP) since it embodies most of Oldenburg’s third place characteristics. As technology and Digital-TPs evolve, it is essential to understand their impact on our “physical third places” (Physical-TP) and their potential opportunities in urban design and planning. This research uses Saudi Arabia as the main context of investigation.

Since oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938, cities across the country have undergone significant transformations. Imported development schemes, such as Dhahran’s Aramco camp in 1939 (Al-Naim, 2008) and the car-centric Doxiades plan of Riyadh in 1968 (Elsheshtawi, 2022), influenced design and planning across major cities, resulting in modern neighbourhoods with limited “third places” that do not meet Oldenburg’s principles. However, the last seven years have seen significant shifts and reforms under Saudi Vision 2030, driving a new era of cultural and urban transformations. Key vision initiatives include the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism, highlighting six core values including: “authenticity”; understood as environments that belong “physically and emotionally to the place” (Architecture and Design Commission, 2022). Notably, recent years have seen an increase in public social life, both “physically” and “digitally”. In certain cases, the integration of both realms is driven by “authenticity”.

This research will investigate the connection between Physical-TPs, Digital-TPs, and emerging technologies and how they can be strategically integrated to promote “physical” social interactions and innovative placemaking strategies in Saudi neighbourhoods. To achieve this, a mixed-method approach will be used. The empirical part of the study will involve digital surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and digital and physical observations. The research will conclude with the development of an urban design and planning strategy, which practitioners, decision-makers, and researchers can utilise.

Image Caption:  Collage image showcasing AlJadidah district in AlUla, Saudi Arabia with an overlay of people interacting with the third place physically and digitally. Background Image is taken in January 2023, and the people sketched are generated using DALLE.E AI software.

About the Speaker

Ahmed jawdat.

Researcher at Urban Planning and Design at The Bartlett, University College London (UCL)

Ahmed Jawdat is an Architect, Urban Designer and Planner. He is currently a researcher in Urban Planning and Design at The Bartlett, University College London (UCL). Ahmed completed his studies in the United States between Miami and New York City. He obtained his Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Miami (B.Arch), and his Masters in Architecture and Urban Design (Ms.AUD) from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Prior to starting his PhD, Ahmed worked on different projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 and are key in improving and transforming the urban landscape in Saudi cities. Ahmed started his career at the UN Habitat Future Saudi Cities program, where he worked on the development of city profiles for various cities across Saudi Arabia, and giving recommendations on how to enhance the neighbourhoods and city wide level planning and design. He then worked on urban development, master planning, regeneration, and strategy formation in leading government and semi-government entities, including The Royal Commission for AlUla, The Architecture and Design Commission (affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Culture), and Saudi Downtown Company.

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COMMENTS

  1. Is it Worth Doing an 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.

  2. PhD Failure Rate

    Unfortunately, there's a lot of stigma around MPhil degrees, with many worrying that it will be seen as a sign of a failed PhD. While not as advanced as a PhD, an MPhil is still an advanced research degree, and being awarded one shows that you've successfully carried out an independent research project which is an undertaking to be admired.

  3. Attitudes towards MPhil- is it always seen as a 'failed PhD'?

    Aggressive-Cloud3647. • 3 yr. ago. It's not just for failed PhD. I quit my first PhD due to some differences with the department and took the viva for an MPhil. It can actually be seen quite highly because it's a research degree, similar to a PhD. It demonstrates a research skills set. 2.

  4. Your Guide to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree

    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.

  5. Getting an MPhil : Is it really that bad?

    Generally, I also hear that people see a real stigma that an MPhil is a "failed PhD", and there is baggage associated with that (having to explain everytime someone asks "You got an MPhil? Why didn't you go for a full PhD"). If you have a proper thought out plan, an MPhil isn't necessarily an obstacle. However, bear in mind it does open far ...

  6. MPhil vs PhD

    After Master's and before PhD. PhD is generally done after Master's and sometimes an MPhil. Could also be done after Bachelor degree in some cases. Guidance. Does not include working under the guidance of an experienced researcher. Includes working under the expert guidance of an academician. Stipend.

  7. What Is an MPhil?

    The typical requirement for an MPhil is a Bachelor's degree with first-class honours (1st) or upper second class honours (2:1). Although most universities won't require a Masters for a stand-alone MPhil, they may if your MPhil registration is for a PhD programme. Besides suitable qualifications, most MPhils also require a research proposal ...

  8. Master of Philosophy

    In Belgium, the MPhil is a special research degree, and is only awarded by selected departments of a university, mostly in the fields of arts, social sciences, archaeology, philosophy and theology.Admission to these programmes is highly selective and primarily aimed at those students aiming for an academic career. After finishing these programmes, students normally pursue a PhD programme.

  9. What Is An MPhil Student? A Definition

    A Definition. MPhil students are among some of the most misunderstood postgraduate students, and those outside of. academia often think an MPhil is an MSc degree in Philosophy rather than an advanced research degree known as a Master of Philospohy. Others within academia might see MPhil students as PhD students who haven't completed their ...

  10. Is having an M. Phil looked down upon? : r/AskAcademia

    I'm in a Commonwealth and we have MPhil here. It can be a stand alone degree, not always a failed phd. It's an unfamiliar degree to some, esp USA. A bigger concern than the degree would be the productivity during the MPhil and the endorsement of the PI. Someone made an investment that didn't work out.

  11. MPhil to PhD Upgrade

    In modulating the original plan, the idea now is that a post-doc may result in a more engineering-funded objective leading to prototype development. All of this hinges upon a PhD with substantial research that is compelling to attract funding and sponsorship. And the road to PhD, at least today, travels through…you guessed it: The Upgrade!

  12. Is it possible to make leaving a PhD look good on a CV / Resume?

    Along these lines, I have seen job ads (for industry positions requiring a CS degree) actually stating "PhD or PhD dropout preferred". +1 Holes are much much much worse than claiming "failure" (well, leaving a PhD is not necessarily a failure of course). With a recent "hole" in your CV, you almost can't get a job.

  13. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

    Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Our MPhil (Master of Philosophy) award is an advanced research qualification that is often awarded to students who have completed the first two years of a PhD programme, but ultimately decide not to finish the full doctorate. The MPhil is a qualification in its own right. It resembles a PhD but generally takes two ...

  14. What Can You Do With A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree?

    A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate research Master's degree. Instead of completing taught units and assessments, MPhil is entirely based on your own research project. MPhil can be part of a PhD registration step or as a standalone qualification. Unlike other Masters, this is purely a research degree - entirely based on an ...

  15. After horrible 5.5 years completely failed PhD (not even any degree

    After horrible 5.5 years completely failed PhD (not even any degree awarded) After horrible 5.5 years completely failed PhD (not even any degree awarded) Back to threads Reply. R. ... It is impossible to salvage this into a PhD with what happened but at least an MPhil would have been nice. Thanks for your messages!!! 6 years ago. T.

  16. MPhil is no longer a recognised degree: What does it mean ...

    An MPhil degree in India is an advanced postgraduate research degree that serves as a foundation for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). Advertisement. The degree is nearing a doctorate, yet it is classified as a master's degree. Even though both degrees require research, the PhD is a more sophisticated and demanding curriculum in terms of scope ...

  17. M.Phil vs. PhD

    Nor me either! I'm a propationer PhD student. For the OP: An MPhil is a higher degree than the masters requiring (in most cases) a substantial piece of original work-i.e. a thesis-which, though not of Doctoral quality, is, nevertheless, of a high standard. The MPhil is essentially a finishing degree and often requires two years of work. This has been watered down somewhat these days with many ...

  18. Difference between MPhil and Masters degree : r/AskAcademia

    In the Netherlands an MPhil is a special kind of research master. It takes 2 years instead of 1 (in humanities/social sciences) and involves more research and fewer lectures than a normal masters. You generally already need to have a MPil to be able to qualify for starting a PhD position.

  19. Can you downgrade to an MPhil on a funded PhD?

    Completing an MPhil typically requires a dissertation completed, but that's held to a lower standard than a PhD. When an MPhil is awarded instead of a PhD this standard can be very low - examiners have been faced with the decision that 3 years work deserves something, or absolutely nothing (hence the 'failed PhD' status).

  20. Five Chinese scholars receive PhD degrees

    May 15, 2024. Newspaper, Regional, Lahore. LAHORE - For the first time, five Chinese scholars have been awarded PhD degrees in Punjab University's 133rd Convocation while 343 PhD degrees, 120 MPhil, 12 Master's and 116 BS gold medals were distributed among the students, here on Tuesday. The 133rd Convocation was held in Faisal Auditorium ...

  21. MPhil/PhD Upgrade Seminar: Ahmed Jawdat

    MPhil/PhD Upgrade Seminar: Ahmed Jawdat. ... Prior to starting his PhD, Ahmed worked on different projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are part of the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 and are key in improving and transforming the urban landscape in Saudi cities. Ahmed started his career at the UN Habitat Future Saudi Cities ...