MPhil

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time (minimum)

An MPhil is a demanding research degree, and a training in research methodology and practice. We welcome first class, highly committed students.  You can expect:

• training in research methods and techniques accredited by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• a period of intensive individual research supervised by an expert in your chosen field of study

Research Training

Our aim is to ensure you leave us as a competent researcher in the field of education.  Full-time students can expect up to 60% of the first year to be spent on generic research training in social research methods.  This training is at Masters level and includes 5 modules taken from the MA in Educational Research Methods (i.e. all but the two applied modules and the dissertation), plus Graduate School training courses .   There is an opportunity to request exemption from research training modules if you can provide evidence that you have undertaken training in the relevant area.  Assessment is through written assignments, which will vary in length from 2000 - 5000 words, depending on the credit weighting.

Duration

The MPhil is a one year full-time or two year part-time programme, but students usually require the equivalent of at least 24 months full-time research for the MPhil degree.

Supervision

Each student is assigned supervisors appropriate to the field of study.  Full-time students must attend for personal consultation with their supervisors at least ten times in each calendar year.  Part-time students must attend at least six times in a calendar year.  International part-time students are required to visit their supervisors over a minimum period of two weeks each year.  In practice, students participate in a wide range of activities in the School as well as regular supervisions.  Some supervision may be carried out by other means such as email and skype.

Thesis

MPhil students must present a thesis, maximum 60,000 words, embodying the results of their advanced study and research.  The thesis must satisfy the examiners regarding knowledge of the general field of scholarship to which the subject belongs.  An oral examination occurs at the discretion of the examiners.

 

English Language Ability

If your first language is not English you will be required to provide proof of your English language ability. You must provide evidence of competence in English as follows (minimum required standard stated):

IELTS: Overall 7.0, with no less than 6.0 in each element

TOEFL (internet-based): Overall 100, with no less than 21 in listening, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking and 21 in writing