MPhil vs. PhD
What's the difference.
MPhil (Master of Philosophy) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) are both advanced degrees that require extensive research and academic work. However, there are some key differences between the two. MPhil is typically a two-year program that focuses on developing research skills and knowledge in a specific field. It involves coursework and a research project, but the level of originality and depth required is generally lower than that of a PhD. On the other hand, a PhD is a more rigorous and in-depth program that usually takes around four to six years to complete. It requires a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the field through original research, culminating in a doctoral thesis. A PhD is considered the highest academic degree and is often a prerequisite for a career in academia or research.
Further Detail
Introduction.
When it comes to pursuing advanced degrees, two popular options that often come up are the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both degrees are highly regarded and can open doors to various career opportunities in academia, research, and industry. While MPhil and PhD share some similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key differences and similarities between MPhil and PhD programs.
Duration and Scope
One of the primary differences between MPhil and PhD programs lies in their duration and scope. Typically, an MPhil program is shorter in duration, ranging from one to two years, while a PhD program is more extensive and can take anywhere from three to five years to complete. The scope of an MPhil program is usually narrower, focusing on a specific research topic or area, whereas a PhD program requires a more comprehensive and in-depth research project that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.
Research Emphasis
Both MPhil and PhD programs place a strong emphasis on research, but the level of research required differs significantly. In an MPhil program, the research component is less extensive, and students are expected to demonstrate a good understanding of existing literature and theories related to their chosen topic. On the other hand, a PhD program demands original research that makes a significant contribution to the field. PhD candidates are expected to conduct independent and groundbreaking research, often pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their respective disciplines.
Admission Requirements
When it comes to admission requirements, MPhil and PhD programs often have similar prerequisites. Both degrees typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with strong academic performance and letters of recommendation. However, PhD programs tend to have more stringent admission criteria, including a higher GPA requirement and a more competitive selection process. Additionally, PhD applicants are often expected to submit a research proposal outlining their intended research topic and methodology, demonstrating their ability to undertake independent research.
Coursework and Training
Another distinction between MPhil and PhD programs lies in the coursework and training components. MPhil programs generally involve a combination of coursework and a research project, with a greater emphasis on coursework in the early stages. This coursework helps students develop a solid foundation in their field of study and provides them with the necessary theoretical knowledge and research skills. In contrast, PhD programs typically have a more limited coursework requirement, allowing students to focus primarily on their research project. The emphasis is on independent study and the development of advanced research skills.
Supervision and Mentorship
Both MPhil and PhD students benefit from supervision and mentorship, but the level of guidance and support may vary. In MPhil programs, students often work closely with a supervisor who provides guidance throughout the research process. The supervisor helps refine the research topic, offers feedback on the progress, and assists in the preparation of the final thesis. In PhD programs, while students also have a supervisor, the relationship is typically more independent. PhD candidates are expected to take more ownership of their research project and demonstrate a higher level of autonomy. However, they still receive guidance and mentorship from their supervisor, who plays a crucial role in shaping the research direction.
Thesis and Examination
Both MPhil and PhD programs culminate in the submission and defense of a thesis, but the expectations and examination processes differ. In an MPhil program, the thesis is usually shorter and focuses on summarizing and analyzing existing research in the field. The examination process often involves a presentation and a viva voce, where the student defends their work in front of a panel of examiners. In contrast, a PhD thesis is more extensive and requires original research. The examination process for a PhD typically involves a comprehensive defense of the thesis, where the candidate must demonstrate the novelty, significance, and rigor of their research. This defense is often open to the public and can be a rigorous and challenging experience.
Career Opportunities
Both MPhil and PhD degrees can lead to exciting career opportunities, but the paths may differ. An MPhil degree is often seen as a stepping stone towards a PhD or as a qualification for certain research or teaching positions. It can also be valuable for individuals seeking specialized knowledge in a particular field without committing to a more extensive research project. On the other hand, a PhD degree is highly regarded and opens doors to a wide range of career options. PhD holders often pursue academic careers as professors or researchers, but they are also sought after in industry, government, and non-profit sectors for their expertise, critical thinking skills, and ability to conduct advanced research.
In summary, while both MPhil and PhD degrees involve advanced research and contribute to the knowledge base of a particular field, they differ in terms of duration, scope, research emphasis, admission requirements, coursework, supervision, thesis expectations, and career opportunities. MPhil programs are generally shorter and have a narrower focus, while PhD programs are more extensive and demand original research. The decision between pursuing an MPhil or a PhD ultimately depends on an individual's career goals, research interests, and level of commitment to conducting independent research. Regardless of the path chosen, both degrees offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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MPhil or PhD Which One to Opt For After Masters
Education is the basic learning of a person to be able to present himself or herself fearlessly in front of other people. Education is among the fifth most necessities of humans after air, food, water, and land. Education is the power that enables you to create a persona around you that impacts the life of the people for positive reasons. It brings you an immense source of pride, knowledge, and money follows.
About PhD Course
Career after doing phd, about mphil course, job opportunities after mphil.
Education teaches you the best possible way of utilizing air, food, water, and land. Today we have come a very long way since nomads. This innovation that you see every day on your channels that become a part of life is due to research. Research is a major part of discoveries and innovations today, but who does this research? What are the major areas of research today?
What is research? Do you want to complete your doctorate and get yourself a DR. in front of your name? What does this take? What is the qualification needed? In India, research as a career is quite rewarding and you can pursue many careers such as a literary scholar, archaeologist, and lecturer among others. When it comes to scientific research, Indian research labs are paying science-based research professionals studying the PhD course, about 50% more than their peers pursuing maybe a technical graduate degree are receiving.
Research is a very vast field to gain, collect, and implement knowledge. There are many fields to research. You can take any subject that you love and do a research course on it.
The PhD course is a doctorate level course. You can take a doctorate in any subject of your choice.
If you want to pursue a PhD course in any subject you need to have a keen interest in the subject and passion to study the subject in depth.
A PhD also requires aspirants to be quick and amazing in presenting their thoughts and ideas to present their findings. Hence the candidate should be well-versed with written communication and have good writing capacity.
He or she should be inquisitive, good at research, highly dedicated, hardworking, should possess good writing capacity, should be organized, be self- motivated, and a keen observer.
PhD Eligibility Criteria
To be an eligible candidate to pursue a PhD course, you should complete your master’s degree in a similar course. Make sure the course you do your masters in, should be the course where you wish to do your PhD
Note: Some colleges require the candidate to complete their MPhil duration before they wish to begin their PhD. Here, MPhil is a prerequisite to be eligible for a PhD.
Certain courses require you to clear certain exams. According to the course such as-
To get a PhD program in certain courses you need to get a good score in UGC NET .
To get a PhD in Engineering you will need to possess a valid GATE score.
Benefits of doing PhD courses
It boost your CV and provide your great opportunities.
It gives you an opportunity to study the subject of your interest in finer detail
You can pursue a career as a researcher or academician
It sharpens your analytical skills.
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PhD course time – Minimum 3 years to maximum 5 to 6 years
PhD fee offered – INR 15,000 to 20,000 per year
PhD Course Type - Regular mode
PhD Starting salary offered - 20,000 INR – 25,000 INR
PhD scope - You can work as a Market Research Analyst, Business Development Manager, Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Product Manager, Management Consulting, and Quantitative Analyst.
What are the top Colleges in India for PhD?
There are a lot of good colleges in India offering Ph.D. programmes in various fields. Some of the popular PhD programme are -
IIM-Ahmedabad
National Law University, Delhi
Shailesh J Mehta School Of Management ( SJMSOM) , Mumbai
Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) , Pondicherry
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
A postgraduate research programme that is spread across a time period of 2 years and can be pursued in any science, arts, humanities, commerce or medicine-related subjects, apart from law. It is more like a combination of practical concepts as well as theoretical knowledge which one gains from the Mphil degree. One interesting aspect of this is that you can pursue a Ph.D. after completing your masters in philosophical studies.
Benefits of Doing MPhil Course
It builds confidence in a particular subject
It helps to prepare students for doctorate degree as it is considered as a pre-doctorate degree
Boost your degree from postgraduate to research scholars.
What are the skills required for a successful MPhil Degree?
Aspirants who want to pursue an MPhil course should have a keen interest in the subject that they want to pursue an MPhil degree. Skills required in the MPhil course are
Logical Reasoning skills
Analytical skills
Candidates must be dedicated, hardworking,
They must be good in research and should be self-motivated
A candidate is required to be inquisitive, with good writing ability
Keen eye for observation
The Modi government’s decision is to remove MPhil from the recognition list. Usually a two-year academic research program is often referred to as double masters. This decision will not affect students currently enrolled in the course said the University Grants Commission (UGC) to relieve the students.
MPhil fee- INR 40,000 per year
MPhil course duration - 2 years
MPhil Scope- With the degree of MPhil, you can get jobs related to research and teaching. You can find employment in organizations and educational institutions linked to your area of work at the same level as PhD candidates sometimes. Most employers know that candidates pursue MPhil Continue up to PhD. and give opportunities to them at an equal standing.
Assistant Professor
Civil Servant
Work in NGO
Academic Researcher
Top Colleges in India for MPhil:
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Pune (TISS-Pune)
Christ University, Bangalore
Manipal School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal
Jamia Millia Islamia University, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
Final Thoughts
It is your discretion to choose between MPhil and a PhD.
MPhil is lesser than PhD, when we talk in discrete terms. It can be considered to be a prerequisite to study PhD. It will make you apt for learning PhD. As it makes you hardworking and dedicated to being able to study PhD which is rigorous and requires extreme patience. You need to understand the basic difference between these two courses.
PhD is the highest degree a college can offer to its students. After a PhD, a person is referred to as a doctor having a doctorate in a specific subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MPhil degree is a double master's degree which is given to those who have a master's degree in a specific field. You need to have a keen interest in the subject to do an MPhil in that subject. It is a degree awarded as a prerequisite to a PhD. It is a degree of two years.
The PhD degree is a doctorate level degree which is given to those who have an interest in grabbing deep knowledge in the subject. This is the highest degree awarded by a college. It is a degree awarded after a minimum of three years or a maximum of five to six years.
MPhil is the structural degree that includes both coursework and research work. It is competitively easier than PhD. PhD is a research-oriented course. The thesis involved in completing a successful PhD becomes difficult for some people to complete. This makes the degree tough for many undetermined candidates.
MPhil students are not usually paid stipend during their studies but Phd candidates are paid a stipend by the university or academician or the investor funding the. Even some private universities employ their PhD students and pay them a part time salary accordingly.
To apply For PhD,
The best possible way is to apply - by searching for research opportunities in specific departments and writing to them asking for opportunities and checking to get a seat in the PhD Course. PhD candidates are required to submit a research proposal as a prerequisite. Their doctorate admission depends on whether the research proposal is accepted or not.
To apply for MPhil,
There is only one prerequisite for applying for a degree of MPhil: you should have a master’s in the relevant subject.
The similarity between the courses is that the inclination of both a PhD and MPhil is towards research, but these are far from being similar. The major difference between the two degrees is as follows:
The course of MPhil is a double master course. It is given to a master's degree holder in a relevant field.
The course lengths
The duration of MPhil course is 2 years, while it can take a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 years to complete his or her PhD.
The course structure.
PhD is more a research-oriented course while MPhil is coursework and research as well.
MPhil prime focus is on the fundamentals of research, by collecting all the information by referring to research by other scholars, while PhD prime focus is on original and fresh research studies by the new researcher.
It isn’t really advisable to pursue a M.Phil degree since the Modi government’s decision has been announced to remove MPhil from the recognition list. It is usually a two-year academic research program that is often referred to as double masters. This decision will not affect students currently enrolled in the course said the University Grants Commission (UGC) to relieve the students.
Considering this it is not a good idea to go for an MPhil.
Unfortunately, there are fewer opportunities given to a PhD holder in India. Funding in India is limited. The funding for researching in India is limited to the national fellowships which are again very few.
Most universities abroad have dedicated funding for at least partial payment available on travel costs. Entrance is through open research proposal submission and interaction with prospective guides or through funded projects where you work on a specified research task. Please note it is still very competitive, but not so regulated. Though, it isn’t like India having research like a normal course structure.
The different exams for PhD are listed below-
UGC Net Exam
CSIR-UGC NET exam
NCBS Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS)
DBT JRF Biotech Entrance Test
TIFR Graduate School Admission Entrance Test
ICMR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
NIMHANS PG/PG Diploma/Superspeciality
PhD online entrance test
In India, some good universities are listed below-
University of Delhi
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
Best places to study abroad –
PhD in the UK
PhD in New Zealand
PhD in the USA
PhD IN Canada
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