Your Guide to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree

An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a postgraduate research degree. It focuses on independent, original research and usually ends with a long thesis. It’s at Masters level but is different from a taught Masters like an MSc. An MPhil is often a stepping stone towards registering for a PhD but is also awarded to students who decide to discontinue their PhD after the first two years.

Fees for MPhil courses vary by university and by whether you’re a home or international student, so check each university for the exact cost. There isn’t one single government-set fee, there is however funding options available. Look for university studentships, scholarships, research council awards, or paid roles like teaching or research assistant posts.

Thinking about an MPhil but don't know exactly what pursuing an MPhil means? I’m here to walk you through it. Below I’ll break down the differences between an MPhil and other types of Masters and cover common questions around entry requirements, who an MPhil is for and how it is assessed. This should help you decide if an MPhil is the right next step for you.

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.

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. However, there are some fundamental differences between an MPhil and a PhD.

MPhil vs PhD

It’s helpful to think of an MPhil as a smaller scale PhD. 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 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.

Read lots of recent papers in your field before you apply

For anyone aiming for an MPhil, reading lots of recent papers before you apply is a total game-changer — it proves you're serious and helps you build a sharper, more convincing proposal. You'll spot the big debates, learn which methods work, and find the gaps your project could fill, so your research question feels grounded and original.

Try to apply early

Get your applications in early and aim for a few places if you can. Good supervisors and funding pots fill up fast. Start researching deadlines now, contact potential supervisors with a short, tailored message, and make sure each application and proposal is tweaked for that department.

Talk to people who’ve done one

Reach out to current or past MPhil students and have a quick chat about their day-to-day life, because their experience will give you the real picture. Ask about things like how much time they spend on research each week, how often they meet their supervisor, the biggest headaches they faced, and what parts they loved.

Frequently Asked Questions