MSc by Research vs MPhil
Graduate students in science subjects typically pursue an MSc, which is the most popular degree course worldwide. This two-year course provides in-depth knowledge about a specific science subject, as opposed to undergraduate degrees, which are more general and cover multiple subjects. However, MSc by research has been gaining popularity recently. As the name suggests, this degree places a greater emphasis on research than a regular MSc. Another popular degree among students looking to pursue research is MPhil.
In the UK, a Master’s degree in research or a Master’s degree by research is referred to as MRes and is offered in various scientific disciplines. An MSc by research is designed to prepare students for doctoral research, which readies them for teaching jobs or employment in research institutions. In comparison to a regular MSc, an MSc by research requires a significant amount of dissertation work and has fewer taught lessons. Regular classwork is a key feature of a regular MSc, but in an MSc by research, a 40,000-word research paper is required.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is another Master’s degree designed for research students. It is a step below a PhD in the academic ladder. Upon completing a PhD, one becomes a Doctor of Philosophy. In the US, an MPhil is sometimes awarded to PhD students before they have submitted their thesis. In the UK, students who choose to pursue a PhD are initially registered as MPhil students. After successfully completing their first year of study, they are considered to have transferred to a PhD.
Key Takeaways
- Both MSc by research and MPhil are research-based postgraduate degrees that bring a student closer to a PhD.
- While there is some taught component in MSc by research, MPhil is purely research-based.
- While MSc by research is standalone, MPhil is not, and there is an expectation that the student will go on to complete their PhD within two years by submitting their thesis paper.
