Medicine MPhil – (M.Phil.)

The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is taken either as a stand-alone research degree or as an entry into PhD research training. The degree is awarded by the university in recognition of the successful completion of a programme of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship. The resulting work must represent original work that is appropriately located by the candidate within a wider field of knowledge and investigation. The results of this research are then embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form.

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 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.

MPhil project opportunities are available across the entire spectrum of research within the School of Medicine with ongoing projects ranging from subjects as diverse as eye genetics through to the differentiation of stem cells.