MPhil vs PhD
MPhil and Ph.D. are two degrees that show some differences between them. First of all both of them are research degrees. MPhil refers to Master of Philosophy. On the other hand, PhD refers to Doctor of Philosophy. Although they are research degrees they are characterized by some differences between them when paying attention to the course duration, significance, content etc. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two degrees in detail.
What is MPhil?
MPhil is a research degree otherwise called Master of Philosophy. It is a one-year research degree course. It is a kind of gateway research course to PhD. Unlike in the case of a PhD, MPhil research degree does not warranty the submission of any synopsis of gist of the dissertation. The final draft of the research and analysis done by you is called by the name ‘dissertation’ in the case of MPhil. Here you are expected to complete an analysis of your study. You will have to pass two subjects called ‘research methodology’ and ‘tools of research’ before submitting the dissertation as well.
It is interesting to note that the minimum qualification required to apply for the job of a lecturer in a college is MPhil. However, some of the universities prescribe Ph.D. as the minimum qualification required to apply for the post of a lecturer.
What is Ph.D.?
Ph.D. refers to Doctor of Philosophy. Ph.D. is a full-fledged research degree. Ph.D. can be completed in two streams, namely part-time stream and full-time stream. A part-time stream of research can be done for up to six years whereas the full-time stream of research can be dome up to three years.
You need to submit a synopsis or a gist of the main thesis at least six months prior to the submission of the thesis in the case of Ph.D. The final draft of your research findings is called by the name ‘thesis’. You are expected to complete and submit the findings of your research.
It is important to know that after the completion of a post graduation course from a college or a university a candidate can register directly for Ph.D. research degree without completing MPhil degree. In other words, it can be said that MPhil degree is not a must when it comes to registering for Ph.D. degree.
Unlike in the case of MPhil, you need not pass ‘research methodology’ and ‘tools of research’ before submitting the thesis in the case of Ph.D. You will have to pass these two papers in case you register directly for Ph.D. You have to note that the two papers, namely ‘research methodology’ and ‘tools of research’ are common for all the research candidates irrespective of the topics they chose for research separately.
What is the Difference Between MPhil and Ph.D.?
Definitions of MPhil and Ph.D.:
MPhil: MPhil refers for Master of Philosophy.
Ph.D.: Ph.D. refers for Doctor of Philosophy.
Characteristics of MPhil and Ph.D.:
Course Duration:
MPhil: MPhil is a one-year research degree course.
Ph.D.: Part-time stream of research in Ph.D. can be done for up to six years whereas the full-time stream of research can be dome up to three years.
Submission of synopsis:
MPhil: MPhil research degree does not warrant the submission of any synopsis of the dissertation.
Ph.D.: In a Ph.D. you need to submit a synopsis or a gist of the main thesis at least six months prior to the submission of the thesis in the case of Ph.D.
Final draft of research findings:
MPhil: the final draft of the research and analysis done by you is called a ‘dissertation’ in the case of MPhil.
Ph.D.: In a Ph.D. the final draft of your research findings is called a ‘thesis.’
Application for lecturing:
MPhil: The minimum qualification required to apply for the job of a lecturer in a college is MPhil.
Ph.D.: In some universities Ph.D. is considered as the minimum qualification required to apply for the post of a lecturer.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Oxfordceremony“. [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
2. PhD’s By Uri Rosenheck (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
