Many students want to continue their studies after completing their graduate degree. Therefore, they have two choices: the M.Phil. and the PhD.
The students struggle to decide between the two because they are both research-based courses. Although both degrees are highly valued in their respective fields, they differ in a number of ways, including the admissions procedure, duration, stipend, program structure, and many other things.
The term “Doctor” is typically used to refer to those who have earned a PhD in a particular discipline. Both degrees are highly regarded in their own right and are earned by people who are passionate about research. This article will explain the differences between M.Phil. and Ph.D. in detail.
M.Phil.
M.Phil. is also known as Master of Philosophy. The University awards the M.Phil. as a postgraduate degree based on highly advanced academic research. Between a post-graduate degree and a doctorate, it is also regarded as a second degree or intermediate degree programme.
The programme lasts for two years in total, of which one year is spent on coursework. The second year is spent working on the dissertation, during which the learner must consult previous research conducted by other scholars and look for current studies on the subject to recreate it.
MPhil involves dissertation around 60,000 words. The internal supervisor and external examiner will evaluate the dissertation, which will result in a viva-voce. The student then presents a viva voce defense of their dissertation. The student receives the M.Phil. degree after passing the viva-voce.
The student must deliver a seminar presentation on the research they conducted prior to the dissertation’s final submission.
PhD.
Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is the highest degree given by any university to its scholars who have finished their original research in the field or topic of their choice. It prepares postgraduate students for faculty and research positions.
First and foremost, the applicant must pass an entrance exam in the field in which they wish to pursue a Ph.D., such as NET, GATE, or a test with similar or equivalent exam. A year of coursework must be completed before the confirmation of PhD registration, after which he or she must select the university for admission to the programme. They are then eligible to submit their thesis two years after their registration is confirmed.
The scholar must consult with the supervisor regarding the identification, preparation, and submission of the synopsis before the conclusion of the first year of the programme The topic of the research project must be accepted.
The scholar is required to complete the thesis under the supervision of the supervisor, present it in two seminars, and then submit it to the relevant committee. Then, the examiner will receive the thesis to review and comment on. The thesis must be published in the research journal if the degree is approved based on the recommendations of the assigned examiners.
The thesis must be defended in viva voce in front of the panel of examiners by the candidate after it has been published. After passing the viva, the scholar is recommended for the awarding of the degree.
Difference Between MPhil and PhD
- M.Phil. known as Master of Philosophy whereas PhD is known as Doctor of Philosophy.
- The M.Phil. programme is referred to as a second master’s degree course that students pursue to gain comprehensive knowledge of the field and to serve as a platform for advanced research. PhD is a professional degree that enables the holder to work in that field or obtain a faculty position to teach the relevant topic at the university level.
- There are two parts to the M.Phil. programme structure: coursework and the dissertation work, which is completed with professional support. In contrast, the PhD programme consists of one year of coursework followed by the writing of a thesis under the supervision of an expert supervisor.
- Stipends are not paid for M.Phil. degrees, however PhD students who perform research are given fellowships in the form of stipends.
- The minimum time required to complete a PhD is three years, whereas the M.Phil. takes two years to complete. However, the time required can vary depending on when the thesis is submitted and approved.
- The course in the M.Phil. programme covers the basics of research. In contrast, students in the PhD programme must generate their own original work and conduct study in a specific topic.
- MPhil thesis papers are required to contain 20–40 thousand words. However, a Ph.D. thesis should be 40–80 thousand words.
MPhil Vs PhD
| M.PHIL. | PH.D. |
|---|---|
| Masters of Philosophy | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Allow students to master a subject and prepare them for further research. | Highest-level research degree awarded by universities that aims to add to something new, in the already existing knowledge. |
| 2 Years | 3 Years |
| 60,000 words | 80,000 words |
| Not paid | Paid |
| Research basics | Original or fresh research |
| Course work and Dissertation work | Course work and Thesis work |
Should I do an MPhil or a PhD?
An MPhil can be the ideal degree for you if you’ve found a research topic that doesn’t quite have the same scope as a full PhD. Without the additional stress and dedication that come with a doctoral degree, you’ll have a lot more time and freedom than you would on a regular taught Masters to do your topic justice.
With an MPhil, you can also gain crucial research skills that are in high demand among employers in a variety of fields outside of academia.
Why to choose M.Phil. or Ph.D.?
In either the M.Phil. or Ph.D. fields, students can develop great careers and pursue the work that is right for them. Both courses give students a lot of chances to pursue promising careers in industries where these degrees are in great demand.
Advantages of Pursuing M.Phil.
Qualified for a Job: Graduates with an M.Phil. can find employment in a variety of contexts and businesses. Different concentrations offer a variety of work prospects for M.Phil. students. With an M.Phil., you can pursue careers in advisory services, research organizations, academic institutions, commercial companies, government organizations, law firms, and other fields.
Research Oriented: Graduates of the M.Phil. programme endure an intensive procedure that involves conducting research and providing solutions to problems over a two-year period. It gives recruiters who are looking to hire someone with an MPhil degree a sense of legitimacy.
Benefits of Pursuing Ph.D.
Job Growth: Compared to a master’s degree holder in the same profession, a Ph.D. candidate is much more qualified and suitable for a certain career. When you complete your Ph.D., you’ll be one of the top 10 candidates a company would pick for itself.
Gaining Knowledge: The vast knowledge acquired when conducting research is the main benefit of getting a Ph.D. in management, literature, or any other subject. You can use this knowledge to make decisions and solve problems in your daily life in addition to using it to write your thesis.
