MPhil vs PhD, which option is the best for students after graduation? Can they directly secure admission to a PhD without an MPhil degree? What decision will go in their favour, and which is an appropriate choice to start a smooth professional journey? Graduates ask these common questions when planning their academic and career futures.
According to Find A PhD, an MPhil degree involves shorter research projects and shows an understanding of a specific field or source; on the other hand, a PhD is a longer research project that focuses on original contribution to a scholarly field. Choosing a field is solely based on your interests and future goals. We can’t say that one degree outshines the other one based on its benefits and impacts.
In this detailed guide, we will comprehensively compare an MPhil degree with a PhD so that students don’t face any problems when making decisions about their future. Let’s learn about them and start a professional journey without any problem!
Which Is Better, MPhil or PhD? Expert Guidance for Students!
Choosing between an MPhil degree and a PhD is not as easy as it may seem. Students have to consider multiple steps before making a decision. From educational performance to their research interests, they will discuss every process with an expert or their instructor. This expert guidance can empower them to make an effective and beneficial decision for their future.
However, these degrees require students to submit a dissertation to earn the qualification, which can be challenging. This is where reliable dissertation writing services come in. Experts empower students to manage academic stress effectively and make informed decisions throughout the process. With the right support, you can submit an error-free thesis and confidently choose the academic program that aligns with your goals.
Since professional help tackles your dissertation hassle, here is a detailed breakdown of all the differences. Plus, you will also find out the best choice for you based on your interests and future goals.
1. MPhil Vs PhD: Structure and Duration
The Master of Philosophy is a regular degree that is a popular choice among students after graduation. Students who don’t want to pursue their professional journey after graduation usually start it to further continue their academic adventure. An MPhil degree is considered the bridge between Master’s programs and a full-fledged PhD.
As per the Masters Portal, an MPhil research project can take one to two years to complete based on the institutional policies and the nature of the study. This degree is common in the UK, the USA, Australia, and South Asian Countries. These countries include Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc. After graduation, it is your decision whether you want to pursue a master’s degree or not. Considering multiple factors, you can opt for the best course.
Here are some key features of an MPhil degree:
- You will be able to complete an MPhil degree in one to two years. Usually, you study theories for one year and complete your thesis in the second half of your degree.
- The second MPhil vs PhD difference is that you will focus on independent research in an MPhil degree, and the outcome will be a thesis-based evaluation.
- The research in a master’s degree will lay the foundation for a PhD. You will only be able to complete your Doctorate if you gain a good command of research in your MPhil degree.
On the other hand, a PhD is the highest academic award that you can receive from an educational institution. It highlights that you have contributed to a research department while maintaining academic integrity and honesty. This is an intensive course and requires a longer duration than other studies.
2. MPhil Vs PhD Salary Expectations
You must consider your financial condition while selecting an MPhil or PhD degree. Let’s say your financial well-being is not top-notch. You have been struggling to support your lifestyle and your family.
Will opting for an MPhil be an effective decision in this situation? We believe that it can become a destroyer of the whole educational and professional journey. The salary can vary based on the country, experience, and discipline. However, the thumb rule is that the salary of a PhD scholar is always higher than that of an MPhil degree holder.
According to Talent.com, the annual salary of a PhD scholar will start from £35,000 and can go to £40,000. On the other hand, the annual salary for an MPhil candidate will remain around thirty thousand pounds.
However, it will gradually increase with experience and expertise. If a candidate wants a quick appraisal, they must consider getting admission to a PhD program. Most students believe that completing the highest degree will be a continuous, neck-breaking journey.
However, this is not the case because if you gain research expertise, the journey will become hassle-free beyond your imagination. If you don’t have plans for a PhD degree, the chances are high that you cannot leapfrog others.
Instead, other candidates will outrank you because they will possess higher degrees and more experience. When choosing a PhD or an MPhil, consider your financial situation before making any decision.
3. MPhil vs MSc
So far, we have discussed MPhil vs PhD and highlighted their weaknesses and strengths. Now, we must focus on the difference between MPhil and MSc. Again, it is not like you wake up one morning and decide to pursue an MSc degree.
Similarly, you can’t opt for an MPhil degree with your eyes closed. The selection depends on your future goals. Let’s assume you want to become a PhD scholar and want to secure a place at an educational institution. In that case, pursuing an MPhil degree will go your way.
Here is a detailed breakdown between an MPhil and an MSc degree. You can choose any of them:
- MPhil: This is a heavy research degree. Usually, it is considered the best option for students who want to earn a PhD degree. Moreover, those students can also select it who want to earn higher amounts.
- MSc: This degree usually focuses on theories. However, it does not mean that you will not research a topic. The research will not be extensive. It can work well for students who want to enter the industry quickly.
Based on this information, we believe that choosing between a PhD and an MSc degree will be easy for you. If you are still confused in this regard, you can contact your seniors or discuss with your instructor. They can guide you appropriately, especially when you’re busy with your coursework and are unable to conduct thorough research.
4. MPhil vs MBA – Two Different Worlds
Undoubtedly, these are both postgraduate research degrees. However, the purposes are entirely different. The future outcome of these degrees varies significantly. For instance, if a student of media studies is researching the effects of media on the common people, the chances are high that they will join a media house or become an academic professional. Similarly, a person who wants to take a leadership role will opt for an MBA degree.
Since the outcome of both degrees is entirely different, we can’t say that one degree is more effective than the other. Based on your previous qualifications, you can select a program. Here is a detailed difference between these degrees, and you can consider them before selecting the one:
- MPhil: This is an academically based degree. Usually, students will learn various research methods and study theories based on their disciplines.
- MBA: As you know, this is a Master of Business Administration. It is a professional degree that also includes research projects. This is specifically designed for leadership roles in business and management.
The pro tip for you is that you can select an MPhil degree if you have an interest in academic research. On the other hand, an MBA will be the best choice for you if you want to secure executive roles or aim to run your own business.
5. MPhil Vs PhD in the UK
Students studying in the United Kingdom must know an interesting fact. If they are pursuing a PhD degree and don’t complete it, the chances are higher that they will be awarded an MPhil degree. Additionally, an MPhil degree will be a better option for those who want to test the waters.
The educational system in the United Kingdom allows students to transfer from MPhil to PhD programs after one year. However, not every student will enjoy this option. Students will be allowed to do so who provide their research and show a promise of academic excellence.
This pathway will empower students to enjoy flexibility and time. It will enhance their interest and capability for deeper research. Here is a detailed difference between these two degrees in the United Kingdom:
- MPhil is a research-oriented degree that is completely academic. This will not include complexities related to research.
- A PhD is a scholarly research program that involves deep methods and techniques. This rule will remain the same, whether you are pursuing a PhD in business or social sciences.
How Many Years Will It Take to Do a PhD After Completing an MPhil?
After completing an MPhil degree, it will take two to four years to complete a PhD program. Usually, this duration depends on your research, institution, and field of study. As you know, MPhil provides a strong foundation for research methods and techniques. Similarly, it may include a similar world to the first year of a PhD.
Some universities allow students to transfer directly into a PhD program. It can reduce the overall duration. If you start a new program after an MPhil degree, you can expect to spend around three years. However, efficient planning and a clear research proposal can shorten the timeline.
Is MPhil Outdated?
MPhil is not entirely outdated. However, it is evolving in many countries. In the UK and South Asian countries, MPhil research serves as a valuable research degree and paves the way to a PhD program. However, some universities are recommending an integrated PhD as these programs are beneficial for students.
This is because the demand for direct-entry PhD tracks is increasing every day. Additionally, the funding aspects are also changing. Shortly, we can say that the value of an MPhil degree depends on academic goals and regional context.
Wrapping Up
Deciding between an MPhil and a PhD always remains a big challenge for students. It is difficult for them to select one according to their interests and future goals. One of the biggest hurdles in both programs is the requirement to write a thesis. This task can be so difficult that some students quit their MPhil or PhD degrees altogether.
If you are in the same situation, especially while dealing with ongoing research projects, you might wonder what to do next. The solution? Of course, consulting professional dissertation writing agencies in the UK. These services help students manage the pressure of thesis writing, allowing them to stay on track and focus on their long-term academic and career goals.
You can contact these firms around the clock and discuss the guidelines for your dissertation. So, select a goal head-on and submit a thesis to achieve academic excellence!
Author Bio
Kate Williamson is a dissertation writer who has been pursuing her academic writing journey for seven years. She started her writing journey after completing a master’s degree in social sciences. Currently, she lives in London and assists local and international students.
