/1x0:2201x1610/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/study-section-images/PG-students-around-campus-253.jpg)
MPhil/PhD study at Middlesex
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.
MPhil/PhD study can be undertaken on a full or part-time basis. Candidates with a body of work produced prior to registration equivalent in originality, coherence and significance to a PhD can apply for a PhD by Public Works.
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.
What will you study on the MPhil Master of Philosophy / PhD Doctor of Philosophy?
The MPhil/PhD programme allows for either a thesis, that is, a text-based research project, or, in a mixed mode, a thesis plus an artefact:
- For the mixed mode version, you'll need an appropriate presentation of your artefact and a text of up to 20,000 words (MPhil) or 40,000 (PhD).
- For text only, the word count is 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
You will be expected to attend the University Researcher Development Programme, which consists of weekly sessions that aim to build your skills as a researcher, both for your current project and for your future career.
Your progression will be dependent on satisfactory engagement with the Researcher Development Programme.
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
/0x0:1050x1407/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/north-london-campus-banner.jpg)
North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
/159x0:1342x1000/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/business-and-law/007---Students-in-the-Sheppard-Library.jpg)
Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
Learn more/101x0:851x634/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/Sheppard-Library-Facilities-2014-40.jpg)
/1598x0:5102x4467/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/052---Students-in-the-Sheppard-Library.jpg)
/126x0:1074x801/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/study-section-images/facilities/MDX-Sheppard-Library-13.jpg)
We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
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
Eligibility
UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this programme.
Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions
Entry onto this programme will require an interview.
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 part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.
Part-time study
Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allows international applicants apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).
Tier 4 students studying part-time 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 part-time 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.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university.
Please visit our postgraduate application page for further information and to apply.
Fees and funding
UK students1
Full-time students: £6,400
Part-time students: £3,200 flat fee per year
International students2
Full-time students: £16,000
Part-time students: £8,200 flat fee per year
Funding
Funding or studentships for research degrees are limited, and most research degree students are expected to pay their own fees and subsistence costs.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.