Master of Philosophy MPhil

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Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.

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Learning and teaching in 2020

Overview

During your MPhil, we will train you in rigorous research methodologies that are transferable to many different careers. Our Postgraduate Research Development programme allows you to learn alongside other candidates, building up a network of potential collaborators in research projects.

There is no doubt that research degrees require persistence and dedication. At the same time, they are excellent opportunities to develop your critical skills and high-level thinking. Most important of all, they allow you to focus on what you find interesting and to follow your personal research interests.

Read more about research degrees in our Research Degrees Information Booklet 19-20 (.pdf).

Why us?

Compared to a PhD, an MPhil requires fewer years of study – as few as two years compared to at least three years for a PhD
You can often convert your MPhil into a PhD and continue your research
We're ranked 2nd in the UK for students’ overall satisfaction with their research degree programme according to the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2018

An MPhil thesis is typically 20,000-40,000 words while a PhD thesis is up to 80,000 words, depending on the subject area
You have an option to study this programme at our Sunderland campus or via distance learning

Joining us in 2020

In September, all the formal teaching, such as PhD induction and similar programmes, will be delivered online. We will continue to offer a weekly seminar and a drop-in for all our research students. For students whose work depends on access to laboratories, studios etc. there will be access but it will be via timetabled slots. Details will be available through your supervisors.

It is important that you maintain contact with your supervisors on a regular basis. Supervision will be online via Microsoft Teams or a similar medium, although face to face meetings, by mutual agreement, may be arranged. Similarly, unless otherwise arranged, Annual Monitoring and Vivas will be held virtually.

For library access there will be online material available and the library will be open from September. Please check the library website for details.

We are dedicated to ensuring you have a good experience and all your needs are meet. For any students who experience challenges it is important that you contact your supervisors and Graduate Research Support.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

We charge annual fees while you are studying and researching for your degree. These costs vary depending on whether you are a candidate from the UK/EU or from a country outside the EU.

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

2020/21 fees

UK/EU candidates

On-campus full-time: £4,464 per year
On-campus part-time: £2,681 per year
Distance learning full-time: £2,681 per year
Distance learning part-time: £2,681 per year

International candidates

On-campus full-time: £13,000 per year
Distance learning full-time: £8,000 per year
Distance learning part-time: £8,000 per year

International scholarship

All full-time, on campus international research candidates at postgraduate level are awarded a £1,500 scholarship per year of study. You do not have to apply for this scholarship; it is automatically applied to reduce the annual fees specified above.

Use our scholarships calculator to see what you may be entitled to.

Scholarships calculator

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

For more information please contact the Graduate Research Support team at:
grs@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 15 September 2020

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