Master of Philosophy (Mphil) - Sciences and Engineering

University of Derby

The MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a postgraduate research masters, which is essentially a smaller-scale PhD. It can be part of a PhD or a step toward one, but you can also study it as a standalone qualification. It usually takes a maximum of two years full-time or three years part-time for students to complete their research and submit their thesis for examination. If your project isn’t extensive enough for a PhD, or you want a shorter qualification, an MPhil is a good option. When you undertake an MPhil, you are allocated a supervisory team who will support you. This team consists of at least two academics who are experts in the field your research focuses on. They will also be experienced in supporting postgraduate research students.

You will meet regularly with your supervisors - at least six times within each academic year, but often much more than this. In the early stages of your MPhil, your supervisors will help you to refine your research project and produce a realistic research plan. In the latter stages, they will provide feedback on what you have written, help you prepare for your viva voce (final oral exam), and help you disseminate your research.

You can now choose to study for an MPhil through on-campus study or online study. However, online study may not be possible for all projects, for example, those that are lab-based. The training, support and qualification you receive at the end of your study, will all be the same. If you would like to undertake an MPhil online, please make it clear on your application.Subject areas under this college include Mathematics, Sport Science, Computing, Engineering, Biology, Psychology.

Department of Engineering