- Unlike regular Master’s programmes with lectures and exams, a Master of Philosophy degree is all about independent research.
- You’ll work closely with a professor (supervisor) to explore a topic in-depth and write a thesis.
- The MPhil is popular in the UK, Australia, South Africa, and Hong Kong, often as a step toward a PhD.
- Students who don’t want to pursue an academic career use it to land research jobs in government, policy-making, business, or science.
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil, or MhD in some countries) is a master’s degree type that focuses on research instead of classes. This means that instead of attending courses and taking exams, as students do in a regular Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc), during an MPhil, you will spend most of your time working on a big research project. This project will be presented in a final thesis (a long research paper).
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is NOT the same with a Master in Philosophy!
- While the first is a degree type you can study in many disciplines, the second is a specific Master’s (MA) Degree in the field of Philosophy.
An MPhil is a degree common to the British higher education system (you'll mostly find it in English-speaking or Commonwealth countries). It is a postgraduate degree, so you can apply after completing a Bachelor’s degree.
Find your MPhil degree on Mastersportal
Why study a Master of Philosophy
An MPhil is usually for students interested in research and might want to do a PhD later, especially since most career paths don’t require an MPhil, and a taught master’s (MA/MSc) may be enough. Moreover, some universities use the MPhil as a trial period for a PhD—if your research is strong enough, you may be allowed to continue and upgrade to the Doctorate level.
A Master of Philosophy is a great choice if you prefer spending most of your time working on a thesis with a supervisor instead of sitting in lectures. If not academia, you’ll most likely land a job in government, think tanks, NGOs, policy-making, and industry research.
Most popular Master of Philosophy degrees
An MPhil is most common in fields focusing on deep research, critical thinking, and data analysis. It’s usually offered in subjects where you must study theories, analyse information, or conduct independent investigations. These degrees are especially popular in humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law, where advanced research skills are essential.
- MPhil in Clinical Psychology – You will research mental health conditions, therapy methods, and how psychological treatments affect patients. Your work may focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, or how different therapies improve well-being.
- MPhil in Psychology – You will explore human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours through experiments and studies. Research topics might include memory, decision-making, mental health, or the impact of social environments on behaviour.
- MPhil in Economics – You will study economic systems, financial policies, and market trends. Research areas could include income inequality, inflation, economic growth, or how governments and businesses influence the economy.
- MPhil in Nursing– You will research healthcare practices, patient care, and ways to improve medical treatments. Your studies might focus on disease prevention, nursing techniques, or how healthcare policies affect patient outcomes.
- MPhil in Mathematics– You will investigate mathematical theories, problem-solving methods, and their applications. Research areas could include statistics, cryptography, artificial intelligence, or mathematical models used in science and engineering.
Popular destinations for an MPhil
You’ll find Masters of Philosophy programmes mostly in the UK and Commonwealth countries as either a standalone qualification or a precursor to a PhD. While common in British, Australian, and South Asian universities, it is rare in the US, where it is usually awarded as an intermediate qualification within a PhD programme.
- The United Kingdom - The UK is one of the main origins of the MPhil, where it serves as both a standalone research degree and a stepping stone to a PhD. Many universities offer it as an initial research qualification, with the option to upgrade to a PhD after demonstrating strong research potential. Explore available MPhil degrees in the UK.
- Australia - The MPhil is widely offered in Australia as a research-focused master’s degree, often leading to a PhD. It exists as an alternative to taught master's programmes, allowing students to develop independent research skills and prepare for academic or industry research roles. Explore available MPhil degrees in Australia.
- India - The MPhil was historically a key research degree in India, often required before pursuing a PhD. It was popular in fields like social sciences, humanities, and sciences. However, in 2023, India phased out the MPhil, replacing it with direct PhD entry to streamline research education.
- South Africa - The MPhil is a well-established research degree in South Africa, especially in fields like humanities, law, and business. It exists as a higher-level research master's degree and is often pursued by students aiming for academic careers, research roles, or eventual PhD progression. Explore available MPhil degrees in South Africa.
- Hong Kong - The MPhil is widely available in Hong Kong, following the British education model. It is a recognised research degree that can lead to a PhD, commonly pursued by science, business, and humanities students who want to gain advanced research skills before doctoral study. Explore available MPhil degrees in Hong Kong.
Is MPhil and PhD the same?
No, they’re not. A short answer to what are the differences between an MPhil and a PhD is: while both MPhil and PhD about research more than class-work, a PhD is simply ‘next level’. An MPhil is shorter and helps you build research skills, while a PhD takes much longer (up to 6 years) and requires you to actually add something new to the field. Let’s have a look at the differences, putting the two side by side.
| MPhil (Master of Philosophy) | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | |
| Research Depth | Advanced research, but does not require a major new discovery | Requires original and significant contributions to knowledge |
| Duration | 1–2 years (full-time) | 3–6 years (full-time) |
| Thesis Length | Shorter (30,000–50,000 words) | Longer (80,000–100,000+ words) |
| Purpose | Develops research skills, may lead to a PhD or research career | Prepares students for expert research roles in academia and industry |
| Common in | UK, Commonwealth countries, some European universities | Worldwide, standard for research careers |
MPhil vs MA (Master of Arts)
So now you know how an MPhil (MhD) is different from a PhD. But how is it different from a regular Master of Arts? Isn't an MPhil just a type of MA?
An MA and an MPhil are structurally different: a Master of Arts (MA) is a taught degree focused on coursework, seminars, and exams, while a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a research-based degree that involves independent study and a thesis. An MA is structured with classes and assignments, whereas an MPhil requires original research under academic supervision, often serving as a stepping stone to a PhD.
| MPhil (Master of Philosophy) | MA (Master of Arts) | |
| Type of Study | Mostly research | Mostly coursework (lectures, assignments, exams) |
| Final Project | A thesis based on independent research | A combination of essays, exams, and sometimes a dissertation |
| Supervision | One-on-one guidance from a professor (supervisor) | Taught by multiple professors in structured courses |
| Academic Pathway | Often leads to a PhD | Not always designed for PhD preparation |
| Duration | 1–2 years | 1–2 years |
MPhil vs. MRes (Master of Research)
A Master of Research (MRes) is designed to train students in advanced research methods in various disciplines. Unlike an MPhil, which primarily focuses on producing a single, in-depth thesis, the MRes includes a mix of coursework and smaller research projects to develop strong research skills. It is often structured to prepare students for PhD study or research-intensive careers by teaching them how to design, conduct, and analyse research effectively.
The MRes is most common in the UK and Australia, particularly in fields like Science, Social Sciences, and Business, where strong research methodologies are essential. Interested in the MPhil more technical “twin” degree type?
Check out the available MRes programes on Mastersportal.
| MPhil (Master of Philosophy) | MRes (Master of Research) | |
| Purpose | Independent research and a thesis under supervision | Focuses on developing research skills and methodologies rather than original discovery |
| Structure | Primarily thesis-based with minimal coursework | Mix of research training, coursework, and smaller research projects |
| Duration | 1–2 years full-time | Typically 1 year full-time |
| Assessment | Single, in-depth research thesis | Research projects, coursework, and a dissertation |
In conclusion...
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a unique, research-focused degree that offers students an opportunity to develop advanced research skills, work independently on a thesis, and gain in-depth knowledge in their field. If you're drawn to independent research and want to specialise in a subject at a deeper level, an MPhil might be the right choice.
Explore available MPhil programmes on Mastersportal and take the next step in your academic journey!
FAQs
How long is an MPhil?
The duration of an MPhil depends on whether you study full-time or part-time. A full-time MPhil typically takes 1–2 years to complete, while a part-time MPhil can take up to 4 years.Find 1-year MPhil programmes or 2-year MPhil programmes on Mastersportal.
How to get an MPhil?
To apply for an MPhil, you generally need abachelor’s degree (often with high grades and strong research skills), aresearch proposal outlining your study topic and methodology, and asupervisor agreement (some universities require you to find a professor willing to supervise your research before applying).
Can I get an MPhil part-time?
Yes! Many universities offer part-time MPhil programmes, allowing you to balance research with work or other commitments. Part-time study usually takes 2–4 years instead of the standard 1–2 years for full-time students.Exploreavailable part-time MPhil programmes on Mastersportal
Can I study for an MPhil online?
Yes! Some universities offer online MPhil programmes, allowing you to complete your research remotely while working with a supervisor. These are ideal for students who need flexibility but still want to pursue advanced research.
