Master of Philosophy MPhil and Doctor of Philosophy PhD

What will you study on the MPhil Master of Philosophy / PhD Doctor of Philosophy?

The MPhil/PhD programme allows for either a text-based research project, or for a mixed mode, visual research/textual research project:

• For the mixed mode version, you'll need an appropriate presentation of visual research and a text of up to 20,000 words (MPhil) or 40,000 (PhD).
• For text only, the figures are 40,000 and 80,000 maximum.

Please note that all of our PhD students initially enrol on an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD degree.

Taught elements

The taught elements in both programmes are integral to the degree. Your progression will be dependent on satisfactory progress.

With a research degree from Middlesex University, you'll explore innovative ways to tackle major academic problems and make a new and original contribution to existing knowledge.

Why study MPhil Master of Philosophy / PhD Doctor of Philosophy at Middlesex University?

In essence, the main difference between an MPhil and a PhD relates to the contribution you make to existing knowledge on the research topic that you've selected. A PhD contributes new knowledge beyond what's currently available whereas an MPhil contributes new understanding of existing knowledge, by way of a critical review or evaluation.

Expert supervision

A Director of Studies and at least one (second) supervisor from the University will conduct your research supervision. Often, an external supervisor is also involved.

Your supervisors will act as personal tutors, helping you to clarify your initial objectives, structure your research and develop supplementary skills. They also advise on subject reading, relevant taught degrees, research seminars and workshops.

Academic support and guidance is constantly available, whether you work individually or as part of a team. There are regular research tutorials, plus seminars and meetings with research students, staff and guest speakers.

Collaborations with external partners

If you're working in partnership with an external organisation, you may be jointly supervised by academics from Middlesex University and the collaborating partner.

Where collaboration is involved, you should ensure that from the outset the responsibilities for provision of fees, equipment and any other resources are fully understood and accepted by the partners.

Students are required to have completed a good Bachelor Degree, equivalent to a British second-class Honours Degree.

Our MBA courses require at least two years of post-graduation work experience at management level, and in some cases a GMAT score of over 550 will also be required.

Qualifications

We accept the equivalent of the below qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification:

For doctoral research, applicants are expected to have at least one of the following:

• An undergraduate degree, usually with class 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject
• A relevant master's qualification or equivalent evidence of prior professional practice or learning that meets the higher education provider's criteria and guidelines for the recognition of prior learning for the purpose of meeting entry requirements for a programme (including, for example, the required amount of prior publications or other output specified for applicants for the award of PhD by published work)

PhD

• You must enrol onto the MPhil programme and transfer to a PhD once you've made sufficient progress with your research. This is typically after 18-24 months

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

International students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa to progress on a degree at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this degree is offered 2 so you are eligible to apply on a 2 basis.

2 study

Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allows international applicants apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visas for 2 postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).

Tier 4 students studying 2 are subject to certain restrictions:

• no work (paid or unpaid)
• no work placements as part of the programme
• no dependants
• no extending under Tier 4 in the UK. This includes Tier 4 applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
• not eligible for the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme

*Please note that, if the degree of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a 2 degree under the Student route (formerly tier 4) visa.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.

If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this programme will require an interview.