What is M.Phil (Master of Philosophy)?
MPhil or Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate academic research programme that is of two years duration. Candidates from any stream – Humanities, Commerce, Science, Law, Teaching etc. can pursue an MPhil course. In an MPhil course, aspirants need to study theory as well as practical subjects. Apart from this, candidates also need to conduct research and present their research findings. After completing MPhil course candidates can consider pursuing a PhD programme.
Aspirants who are interested in pursuing an MPhil course, need to first meet the eligibility criteria set. The criteria may vary under different universities, however, the basic eligibility set is that candidates need to have secured at least 55% marks in the subject in which they want to pursue an MPhil degree at the postgraduate level. Candidates are usually shortlisted for admission in an MPhil course on the basis of their performance in an entrance exam followed by a Personal Interview (PI) round.
Some popular MPhil programmes that candidates can pursue in different streams are listed below:
Popular MPhil Courses in Humanities |
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|---|---|---|
| MPhil in Sociology |
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| MPhil in Humanities & Social Science |
MPhil in Human Development Studies |
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| MPhil in Applied and Regional Economics |
MPhil + PhD in Arts |
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Popular MPhil Courses in Science |
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| MPhil in Life Sciences |
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| MPhil in Clinical Psychology |
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| MPhil Degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries |
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Popular MPhil Courses in Commerce |
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Popular MPhil Courses in Law |
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Popular MPhil Courses in Teaching & Education |
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| MPhil in Education |
MPhil (Physical Education) |
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Required Skills for MPhil
Aspirants who want to pursue an MPhil programme need to have an interest in the subject that they want to pursue. Apart from this, candidates need to be extremely hard-working and dedicated when they think of pursuing an MPhil course. Some key skills that an aspirant should possess while pursuing an MPhil course are listed below:
| Good Analytical Skills |
Good Reasoning Skills |
| Dedicated |
Hard-Working |
| Inquisitive |
Good at Research |
| Self-Motivated |
Keen Observer |
| Good Writing Capacity |
Organised |
MPhil Eligibility Criteria
Candidates can pursue an MPhil course if they have completed their master’s degree in a related field in which they want to pursue an MPhil course. Apart from this, some colleges also specify that candidates should have secured at least 55% marks at the postgraduate level in the subject in which they want to pursue an MPhil degree.Â
The subjects taught as part of an MPhil course may vary from one college to the other. Aspirants can view the topics taught in some popular MPhil programmes in the table below:
Subjects Taught in MPhil Courses |
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Course |
Syllabus |
|---|---|
| MPhil Business Management |
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| MPhil History |
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| MPhil English |
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| MPhil in Political Science |
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| MPhil in Applied and Regional Economics |
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| MPhil Economics |
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| MPhil in Geography |
 Choose any one from the list mentioned below:
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| MPhil in Humanities & Social Science |
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| MPhil in Human Development Studies |
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| MPhil Linguistics |
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| MPhil in Sociology |
Specialisations:
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| MPhil Public Administration |
Any Two:
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| MPhil Social Work |
Areas of Social Work (any one):
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| MPhil in Life Sciences |
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| MPhil in Botany |
Specialisation: Area I: Advance Ecology, Conservation & Environmental Biology Area II: Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding Area III: Phytopathology |
| MPhil in Computer Science |
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| MPhil in Mathematics |
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| MPhil in Chemistry |
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| MPhil Biotechnology |
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| MPhil Zoology |
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| MPhil Physics |
Elective I:
Elective II:
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| MPhil in Clinical Psychology |
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| MPhil Degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries |
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| MPhil Commerce |
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| MPhil in Law |
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| MPhil in Education |
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| MPhil Physical Education |
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MPhil Scope
With a Master of Philosophy degree in the subject you have specialized in, candidates have plenty of options, be it nationally or international as well. The research work done in the programme can allow a candidate to further go and pursue a doctorate (PhD) in the respective subject or course. Candidates can begin to look out for jobs in various organizations and educational institutions linked to area of work you have done your specialization in.
MPhil related FAQs
Q. Is it compulsory to complete MPhil to pursue a PhD?
A. As per UGC guidelines, it is not mandatory for a candidate to pursue an MPhil in order to apply for a doctoral degree. However, if a candidate has done their MPhil degree, it adds more value when it comes to pursuing a doctorate course. Candidates are offered direct admission in some universities if they have completed their MPhil and in some universities, the candidate does not have to do the PhD coursework again.
Q. What is the difference between MPhil and PhD?
A. MPhil is ‘Master of Philosophy’ and PhD means ‘Doctor of Philosophy’. Both the degrees are based on research and course work but a PhD has a higher edge over MPhil. Through a PhD, a candidate can teach in universities and the education line as well. Through an MPhil, only candidates can get into research work at organizations.
Q. Can I do MPhil in Social Work?
A. Yes. Many universities offer MPhil in Social Work. However, for admission, universities conduct entrance exams and personal interviews.
Q. What’s the difference between a master’s degree and MPhil?
A. The difference between a master’s degree in any course and an MPhil is that the latter requires intensive research work. However, a candidate can only pursue an MPhil degree of they have completed their masters’. A candidate who has done their under graduation can apply for a Master’s course but not for MPhil.
Q. How difficult is the coursework in MPhil?
A. The coursework in MPhil requires plenty of research work, time and dedication. Also, if you have taken a course which you have a genuine interest in and want to go the distance, you will then find the coursework interesting to do.
Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India
Popular Private M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Colleges in India
Top Rated Courses
Popular M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) Specializations in India
Popular Specializations
- Clinical Psychology
6 Colleges
News & Updates
Feb 14, 2021
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