Which is better MPhil or MRes?
They both might be masters focused on research, but MRes and MPhil are actually quite different degrees. The difference may be subtle but they are there.
In this blog, we will discuss the similarities and differences between these two degrees. We will lay out everything you could possibly need to understand what the MRes and MPhil are.
What is an MRes degree?
A Master of Research is an entry-level course to a doctorate or Ph.D. degree that, as the name implies, is focused on research. Unlike other Master’s degrees that provide a broad perspective of a subject, the Master’s of Research focuses on in-depth learning in a single field.
While being a student of Masters of Research, you will spend most of your time, collecting data, and analyzing results.
Common Master of Research Fields are:
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Technology
- Economy
- Environment
Universities offering MRes Degrees:
- California Institute of Technology
- University College London Energy Institute
- Ludwig Maximilian University
- University of Birmingham
What is an MPhil Degree?
MPhil is an advanced postgraduate research degree that stands for Master of Philosophy. It is comparable to a PhD in that it goes beyond the standard taught Master’s degree by focusing on independent research.
There are usually two reasons students opt for MPhil. First, they wish to learn new research skills to open up new career opportunities. Second, it is a step toward a PhD, either because you want to in order to gain some experience and doctoral training or it is a compulsory requirement. As these two decisions have different end goals, an MPhil can be carried out in two ways:
- As a stand-alone research degree
- A degree integrated with a PhD
Common Master of Philosophy Fields are:
- Philosophy
- Linguistics
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- International Relations
Universities offering MPhil Degrees:
MRes vs. MPhil: What’s the Difference?
Purpose of the Degree
MRes and MPhil vary from other master’s degrees in that they both focus on research. This means that you will mostly be doing your own research work under the guidance of a supervisor. Taught content will be limited and may not be included at all. And this is where the similarities end.
Both degrees fulfil quite different purposes. To put it simply, an MRes is a course that trains you on how to do research. If you want to apply for a Ph.D. but don’t have much experience, you might want to consider this degree. An MRes can also be beneficial for graduates who want to work in research-heavy industries.
MPhil on the other hand is a standalone independent project and although it is taken as an independent degree, the MPhil is often part of a Ph.D. program. In countries like the UK, many students are required to go through a confirmation review (Ph.D. Upgrade). What happens in a Ph.D. upgrade is that students begin their program as registered MPhil students and once they meet the academic requirements of your chosen institution they will be upgraded from MPhil to the status of a full Ph.D. candidate. If the project is deemed too narrow for the scope of a Ph.D. thesis, the student may be advised to pursue an MPhil.
Course Curriculum
Because these degrees are meant for students at various stages of their research careers, the course curriculum varies slightly. Although both degrees emphasize independent research, the MRes provide greater learning and training opportunities. You may be required to complete taught modules in practical skills depending on the degree. These might cover issues such as research techniques, research methodology and so on. Finally, you will devote a significant portion of your time to doing one or more independent projects with the help of your direct supervisor.
As a student of MPhil, it is expected that students already have some research experience. The program is completely independent and you will be only required to work on your independent research. and if this course is taken as a part of a Ph.D. program, then your initial project should shape up your Ph.D. research.
Length of the Degree
MRes degrees, like a taught master’s, are traditionally one year long (full-time). MPhil degree length depends on if it is being taken as a standalone course or as a part of the Ph.D. program. If it is taken as an independent course it will take up to two years (full-time) and as a part of the Ph.D. program then the MPhil takes one year to complete.
Course Requirements
Candidates hoping to get into an MRes Course should present:
- A first or upper second-class Bachelor’s of honour degree in a closely related discipline
- An essay containing a strong research proposal, with a solid argument.
Candidates hoping to get into an MPhil Course should present:
- A first or upper second class- Bachelors or honour degree in a closely related discipline
- Master’s degree
- Detailed research proposal
Is an MPhil Better than an MRes?
The overall worth of an MRes and an MPhil is the same. Both are qualified as level seven degrees by the National Qualifications framework. This means that both courses are on the same level as the MA and MSs.
An MPhil is considered slightly more prestigious. As it is expected of MPhil students to already have advanced research skills. Academically, an MPhil is the most advanced Masters’ qualification one can obtain. However, the better question to ask would be which degree suits you the best?
If you have a clear idea what your goals are then you can easily decide which degree suits you the best. And if even then there is some kind of confusion then schedule a session with Edvise Hub’s consultants and they will help you in clearing up everything.
