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Postgraduate Study

The full-time MPhil comprises one year of full-time research with an individual supervisor followed by an examination of a research thesis in an oral examination.

The MPhil is most commonly taken as a standalone research degree by candidates with only one year of funding. If this course is taken as part of a route to the PhD a further three years of study and funding are required as well as satisfactory performance in the MPhil. The PhD project may draw on the topic of the MPhil, but the same work cannot be presented for both degrees.

Individual members of staff will be pleased to answer informal enquiries about specific research areas. If you are certain of your field of interest, you are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor at an early stage to see whether your research interests can be accommodated. We have a systematic training programme for research students, giving instruction in research methods, data analysis and presentation skills.

The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

  • to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and 
  • to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

  • a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and
  • demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuing

On completion of the MPhil, students may apply to the PhD programme. However, candidates should be aware that the successful completion of the MPhil does not in any way guarantee acceptance on to the PhD programme.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

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Key Information


12 months full-time

2 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Master of Philosophy

Department of Psychology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
April 24, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.