Orthodontics MPhil – (M.Phil.)

Research within the orthodontic research unit involves clinical trials of a range of orthodontic interventions. Recent multi-centre trials, sponsored by the Medical Research Council (UK), have provided new insights into treatment timing, and dental and psychological outcomes. The unit is presently publishing reports on a twenty year longitudinal study of the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. Research is funded by the Medical Research Council (UK), NIDCR, the European Commission and the Department of Health (UK).

In the majority of cases, an MPhil degree is undertaken by candidates seeking eventual entry onto the PhD. Successful completion of the MPhil year, following the assessment of a transfer report and viva, permit progression to PhD which would then involve either 2-3 years of further research before submission for the degree of PhD. Candidates will often be recommended to register for the degree of MPhil due to the policy of the admitting School or due to the nature of the research if the supervisory team do not feel the study warrants three-years of scholarship. Alternatively, candidates often register onto the MPhil due to restrictions of funding guarantees beyond the initial year, which if resolved would facilitate transfer to the PhD at a later date.

The supervisory team will assist the MPhil candidate throughout the study, ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided in core skills fundamental to the research. Transferable skills training is provided by a dedicated Graduate Training Programme offered by the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, which provides training in research methodology, critical writing skills, intellectual property, research ethics etc.

All dentistry based MPhil/PhD researchers are required to successfully complete a course unit in Research Methods and to participate in the Graduate Training Programme. Students are encouraged to attend journal clubs and research meetings within the School and are provided a personal laptop computer for the duration of their studies.