Why m.phil

At the University of Cambridge most of the masters courses are referred to as an MPhil and they have two types of MPhil. 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.

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 However, in recent years this tradition has been replaced by students completing PhDs before finding their first teaching position.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.

Rs 31, per month, without paying income tax and with subsidised board and lodging. Joining as a college lecturer with a salary of Rs 35, per month, with income tax and without subsidised board and lodging. If reasons a and b are the primary ones and not c or d , you would probably expect the ratio of MPhil enrolments to PhD enrolments to be constant over time, across geographical region and discipline, and perhaps even across types of educational institutions.

In these numbers, there is a stock and a flow. Reported figures are for the stock, though one can derive the flow. In either case, the argument should not change much. In , the stock of MPhil enrolment was 33, while that for PhD was 1,17,, a ratio of 0. That should raise eyebrows.

If the MPhil is a filter reasons a and b , the stock of MPhil enrolments should be more than that of PhD enrolments, not less. In , the stock of MPhil enrolment was 30,, while that for PhD was ,, a ratio of 0.

From these trends, it should be obvious that MPhil aspirations were driven by reasons like c and d. Given those numbers, in , you would expect the number of MPhil enrolments to be roughly one-fifth of the PhD enrolments, regardless of the state. In this list, all but Delhi and Tamil Nadu have a disproportionately relative to 0.

This requires an explanation, which, in all probability, will be linked to c and d , and not a and b. Incidentally, most MPhil students are enrolled in central universities and state public universities. Across a wide range of disciplines, barring defence studies, foreign trade, Tamil, Odiya, and psychiatry, PhD enrolments are invariably more than MPhil, yet another pointer that the MPhil degree was anything but a filter.

It was an exit option. 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.

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

Your course fees will depend on your subject field, your mode of study, i. A government loan can be used to fund your studies.

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. Finding a PhD has never been this easy — search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. 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. You will need to check the requirements for each project you are interested in as the requirements will differ for each university. 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. Therefore, if you aspire to a career in academia or complex research, consider whether a PhD would be more beneficial for you. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.