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What is an MPhil (Master of Philosophy)?

An MPhil is a postgraduate research degree that allows you to develop similar skills to a PhD. You'll complete the sort of extensive research associated with PhDs, but won't need to provide the same level of original contribution.

You'll do an independent project – like a PhD but smaller – submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, and defend your work successfully in an oral examination (viva voce). The programme takes 2 years if studying full-time, or 4 years if studying part-time.

With an MPhil, you'll be in a great position to move onto further research, such as a PhD, or to use your new postgraduate qualification to progress your career, thanks to the skills you'll develop – such as critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, creativity, communication and leadership.

Find an MPhil

To start exploring our MPhil opportunities, visit our research subject areas.

Funding

The cost of your MPhil will vary depending on where you're from, what you're studying, and whether you plan to study full-time or part-time.

As a guide, MPhils cost £4,000–£5,000 a year (full-time) or £2,000–£3,000 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £13,000–£16,000 a year (full-time) or £6,500–£8,000 a year (part-time) for international students. For more details, check your subject area's page from the list above.

To help fund your MPhil, you may be eligible for a , which you can use to cover your tuition fees, living costs and other course costs, up to a maximum of £10,609 per course.

To see other sources of funding that may be open to you when you apply, visit our page on funding your research degree.

How to apply

Ready to start your application? Visit our pages on how to apply.