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MPhil or Master of Philosophy is a two-year postgraduate academic research program. Candidates from any branch: Humanities, Commerce, Sciences, Law, Teaching, etc. they can take an MPhil course. In an MPhil course, applicants must study theory and practical subjects. Apart from this, candidates must also conduct research and submit their research results. After completing the MPhil course, candidates may consider pursuing a PhD program.
Applicants who are interested in pursuing an MPhil course must first meet the established eligibility criteria. The criteria may vary across different universities, however the basic eligibility set is that candidates must have achieved at least 55% grades in the subject in which they wish to pursue a master's degree at the graduate level. Candidates are generally shortlisted for admission to an MPhil course on the basis of their performance on an entrance exam followed by a round of personal interview (PI).
MA Philosophy: What is it about?
Philosophy is a comprehensive study of the philosophies of various philosophers from different countries. It situates historical philosophies in the current state of affairs and provides a sharp critical insight into them. This is a great course that includes various philosophical principles such as Marxism, Imagination, Feminism, Symbolization, etc. Philosophy includes a study of philosophical methods that include systematic questions and presentations. This course is closely related to religion, mathematics, natural science, education, and politics.
Why study MA Philosophy?
Master of Philosophy aims to provide students with knowledge of fundamental issues in ethics, politics, economics, human rights, culture, etc. Thus, help them identify and analyze the basic reasons that motivate the previous dimensions of human life. Candidates for this philosophy degree program explore a number of topics, including the moral implications of human actions in society, the state of being, and the examination of words, dialogues, and idioms.
Holders of a Master of Philosophy can pursue higher studies and can pursue a career in various areas such as Epistemology, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Cognitive Sciences, etc. This program greatly benefits those who study this subject as a passion as it comes. Along with ethics and basic moral values.A degree in Philosophy satisfies the desire of a student who has a keen interest in the study of philosophy, the history of philosophy, and also places philosophy in different historical and geographical contexts.
All applicants for higher studies can earn the M. Phil degree in Applied Philosophy, Ph.D. in Philosophy and Research in Philosophy. There are several high-profile job opportunities in Master's Philosophy upon completion of a Master's of Philosophy both in India and abroad. They can select their career path in areas such as Public Service, Law, Teaching, Diplomacy, Ministry, Research, Publications, Journalism, Insurance and Student Affairs, etc.
Popular MPhil Courses in Humanities
MPhil History |
MPhil Economics |
MPhil Linguistics |
MPhil English |
MPhil in Geography |
MPhil in Sociology |
MPhil in Political Science |
MPhil Hindi |
MPhil Public Administration |
MPhil in Humanities & Social Science |
MPhil in Human Development Studies |
MPhil Social Work |
MPhil in Applied and Regional Economics |
MPhil + PhD in Arts |
Popular MPhil Courses in Science
MPhil in Biology |
MPhil in Chemistry |
MPhil Physics |
MPhil in Life Sciences |
MPhil Biotechnology |
MPhil Botany |
MPhil in Computer Science |
MPhil in Zoology |
MPhil in Clinical Psychology |
MPhil in Mathematical Sciences |
MPhil Degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries |
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Popular MPhil Courses in Commerce
MPhil in Law |
Popular MPhil Courses in Teaching & Education
MPhil in Education |
MPhil (Physical Education) |
Required skills for MPhil
Applicants who want to pursue an MPhil program must have an interest in the subject they want to pursue. Apart from this, candidates must be extremely hard-working and dedicated when they think of taking an MPhil course. Some key skills that an aspirant must possess while taking an MPhil course are listed below:
Good analytical skills |
Good reasoning skills |
Dedicated |
Hard work |
Inquisitive |
Good in Research |
Self-motivated |
Insightful observer |
Good writing ability |
Organized |
MPhil Eligibility Criteria
Candidates can follow an MPhil course if they have completed their master's degree in a related field in which they wish to pursue an MPhil course. Aside from this, some colleges also specify that candidates must have achieved at least 55% graduate-level grades in the subject in which they wish to pursue an MPhil degree. The subjects taught as part of an MPhil course may vary from one university to another. Applicants can see the topics taught in some popular MPhil programs in the table below:
Subjects taught in MPhil courses
Subjects taught in MPhil courses
MPhil Business Management
Management principles |
Understanding of managerial roles |
Problem-solving approach |
Organizational Behavior |
Human Resource Management |
Research Methodology |
Review of Literature |
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MPhil History
Readings in Trends in Historiography 1 |
Research Methodology |
Language – Persian, Urdu, English or any other language depending upon the research interest of the student |
Readings in Trends in Historiography 2 |
Themes in Early Indian History (for students specialising on Early India) |
Themes in Medieval Indian History (for students specialising in Medieval Indian history) |
Debates in Modern Indian History (for students specialising in Modern Indian history) |
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MPhil English
Research Methodologies |
Literary Theory and Criticism |
Renaissance Studies |
Eighteenth-Century Literature |
Indian Writing in English |
Shakespeare & his Writings |
Literature in Nineteenth Century |
Twentieth-Century Fiction and Poetry |
Popular Culture Texts |
Culture and Crime: Golden Age Detective Fiction |
Partition Drama |
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MPhil in Political Science
Introduction to Research |
Doing research sub-discipline wise: Indian Politics and Comparative Politics, Public Policy and International Relations, Political Theory and Indian Political Thought |
Idea of Research |
Quantitative Methods |
Ethnographic Research |
Alternative Readings of the Philosophy of Science |
Hermeneutics and Phenomenology |
Teaching |
MPhil in Applied and Regional Economics
Research Methodology |
Issues in Development Economics (I) |
Issues in Indian Economy (I) |
Research Techniques |
Issues in Development Economics (II) |
Issues in Indian Economy (II) |
Practical |
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MPhil Economics
Research Methodology in Economics |
Advanced Studies in Economics |
Quantitative Techniques |
Contemporary Economic Issues |
Methodology of Dissertation Writing |
Logic and Methodology of Science |
Current Issues in Indian and World Economy |
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MPhil in Geography
Research Methodology |
Advanced Spatial Analysis |
Agricultural Development and Environmental Issues |
Critical Geopolitics and Regional Security |
Environmental Monitoring and Geographical Information System |
Environmental Security: Problems and Policies |
Gender and Development |
Geography of Hunger |
Globalisation and Development |
Landforms and Geoenvironmental Applications |
Land Use Landcover Mapping Techniques |
Disasters and their Management |
Politics of Space |
Population Movements |
Restructuring Post-modem Political Geography |
Resource Management: Issues and Problems |
Social-Political Processes and the Geography of Elections in India |
Spatial Dimensions of Politics |
Regional Development |
Sustainable Cities |
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security |
Tropical Land Forms and Geo-Environmental Applications |
Urban Agriculture |
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MPhil in Humanities & Social Science
Research Methodology |
International Studies |
Development of Planning & Policies |
Socio-Psychological Perspectives on Development and Change |
Micro-Level Planning: Principles, Methods, and Case Studies |
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MPhil in Human Development Studies
Early Childhood Care and Education |
Community Psychology |
Child and Family Welfare |
Human Development |
Family Studies |
Research Methods and Statistics |
MPhil Linguistics
Current Trends in Linguistic Theory |
Reading in Linguistics |
Research Methodology |
Dissertation |
MPhil in Sociology
Reflections on Ethnography |
Contemporary Class Analysis |
Philosophical Anthropology |
Structuralism and Post-Structuralism |
Theorising Democracy, Equality and Social Justice |
Archaeology of Caste |
Sociology of Health and Illness |
Theorising Masculinities |
Rethinking the Family in Contemporary Society |
Nature, Society, Environment |
Sociology of Civil War |
Studying the State |
Agrarian Structure |
Transnational Migration, Gender And Identities |
Social Discrimination and Subalterneity: Historical and Comparative Perspectives |
Gender and Population: Perspectives on Reproduction, Sexuality and Power |
Women In Indian Society |
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MPhil Public Administration
Advanced Research Methodology and Research in Public Administration |
Advanced Public Administration |
Philosophical Foundations of Administrative Theory |
Computer Applications in Public Administration |
Dissertation |
Public Policy |
Dynamics of Indian Administration, Economic Administration and Public |
Enterprise Management |
Local Governance in India |
Dynamics of Social Administration |
MPhil Social Work
Research Methods in Social Work and Statistics |
Review of Studies in Social Work |
Social Development and Welfare: Perspectives and Policies |
Social Action and Social Movements |
Social Work Education |
Human Relations and Employees Welfare |
Youth Work |
Women Welfare and Development |
Child Development |
Social Work with the Elderly |
Person with disability and Social Work |
Community Development and Community Work |
Tribal Development |
Gandhian Social Work |
Ecology and Development |
Social Defense and Correctional Services Social Justice |
Health and Social Work |
Education and Development |
Social Work with Families |
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MPhil in Life Sciences
Advance Molecular Biology |
Immunology and Immunotechnology |
Advances in Biochemistry |
Microbial Cell Metabolism and Regulation |
Ecology and Biodiversity |
Research methodology and Laboratory Technique theory |
MPhil in Botany
Basic Research Methodology & Instrumentation |
Advancing Frontiers & New Vistas in Plant Science |
Thesis Evaluation |
Advance Ecology, Conservation & Environmental Biology |
Cytogenetic and Plant Breeding |
Phytopathology |
MPhil in Computer Science
General Research Methodology |
Advanced Computing Techniques |
Software Engineering |
Image Processing |
Data Mining |
Artificial Intelligence |
Networks Security |
Embedded Systems |
MPhil in Mathematics
Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability |
Fluid Flow Instability, MHD, Plasmas and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics |
Groups, Rings and Modules |
Matrix Analysis |
Boundary-Layer Theory |
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MPhil in Chemistry
Research Methodology |
Thermodynamics and Physical Properties of Liquid Solution |
Physical Methods in Chemistry |
Reactivity of Ether Linkage |
Recent Trends in Chemistry |
Kinetics and Mechanism |
Natural Products Chemistry |
Advanced Coordination Chemistry |
Advanced Studies of Macro Cyclic Complexes |
Thermodynamics of Liquid Solutions |
Organic Reaction Mechanism |
Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry |
Electro Organic Chemistry |
Corrosion Inhibition of Metals |
Organic Synthesis |
Organic Reaction Mechanism |
MPhil Biotechnology
Research Methodology |
Scientific Writing |
Project Management in Biotechnology |
Bio-Industry Internals |
Bioprocess Technology |
Enzyme Technology |
Recombinant DNA Technology |
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MPhil Zoology
Tools and Techniques for Research in Zoology |
Advances in Parasitology |
Industrial Zoology |
Insects and Man |
Teaching Practice I |
Animal Behavior |
Dissertation |
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MPhil Physics
General Research Methodology |
Measurement and Instrumentation in Physics |
Research Proposal |
Dissertation |
Crystal Physics |
Astrophysics |
Nuclear Physics |
Spectroscopy |
Superconductivity |
Structure, Determination and Characterization of Crystal |
Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Radiation Detectors and Measurements |
Measurement Techniques in Spectroscopy |
High-Temperature Superconductivity |
MPhil in Clinical Psychology
Psychosocial Foundation of Behavior and Psychopathology |
Biological Foundations of Behavior |
Psychiatry |
Psychological Assessments including Viva Voce |
Psychotherapy and Counseling |
Behavioral Medicine |
Statistics and Research Methodology |
Psychological Therapies including Viva Voce |
MPhil Degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Research Methodology |
Aquatic Biology |
Fisheries and Aquaculture |
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MPhil Commerce
Quantitative Techniques |
Research Methodology |
Computer Applications in Research |
Advanced Management Accounting |
Contemporary Marketing |
Strategic Financial Management |
Dissertation |
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MPhil in Law
Research Methodology |
Law, Development & Social |
Recent Trends in Law |
Constitution of India |
MPhil in Education
Research Methodology |
Statistics in Education |
Computer Applications |
Foundations of Education |
Any One: Inclusive Education, Teacher Education, Information, Communication and Educational Technology |
Dissertation |
MPhil Physical Education
Research Methodology in Physical Education |
Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education |
Any One: Ki anthropometry or Exercise Physiology |
Computer Application & Statistics in Physical Education |
Sports Training |
Any One: Sports Psychology or Biomechanics |
Dissertation |
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MPhil range
With a Master of Philosophy in the subject in which they have specialized, candidates have many options, either nationally or internationally. Research work done in the program may allow a candidate to go ahead and earn a PhD in the respective subject or course. Candidates can start looking for jobs in various organizations and educational institutions linked to the area of work in which they have completed their specialization.
MA Philosophy Employment Outlook and Career Options
Graduates in Master Philosophy can choose a career in various specialties of philosophy such as Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Aesthetics, etc. Upon successful completion of this degree, a student may apply for the UGC-NET or JRF exam; Success on these exams makes them eligible for teaching or research. Candidates holding this degree / program can be hired in various fields such as an ethics consultant, school teacher, social worker, charity administrator, information science, survey interviewer, etc.
Future scope of the MA philosophy
The postgraduate degree in Philosophy will allow students to understand society and life. After completing the Master's Philosophy course, candidates gain a great understanding of the world and human behavior. Candidates can choose Ph.D. Philosophy / M.Phil. Philosophy as your higher studies, if you want to study more. Holders of a Master of Philosophy can sit for the competitive exams like UPSC and MPSC and join IPS, IFS, IAS, etc. or take the JRF / NET / SET exams for the academic pursuit of philosophy.
This imparted knowledge will help them enter career areas related to research, teaching, content development, or program instructor in various educational and corporate organizations.One can apply for teaching positions in leading schools and universities as a junior professor or as a research associate.Therefore, there are many opportunities open to students after completing this course. Some of the main profiles are Student Affairs, Administrator, Insurance Underwriter, Interviewer, Archivist, etc.
Some of the popular employment areas for philosophy master's degrees are Public Service, Health and Social Work, Public Administration, Community, Social and Personal Service, Research Centers, and Schools.
MPhil-related FAQ’s
Q.1. Is completing MPhil required to complete a PhD?
Answer. According to UGC guidelines, it is not mandatory for a candidate to obtain an MPhil to apply for a PhD. However, if a candidate has done their MPhil degree, it adds more value when it comes to pursuing a PhD course. Candidates are offered direct admission to some universities if they have completed their MPhil and at some universities the candidate does not have to retake doctoral courses.
Q.2.what is the difference between MPhil and PhD?
Answer. MPhil is "Master of Philosophy" and PhD stands for "Doctor of Philosophy". Both degrees are based on research and course work, but a PhD has a higher advantage over MPhil. Through a PhD, a candidate can teach in universities and also in line of education. Through an MPhil, only candidates can enter research work in organizations.
Q.3. Can I do MPhil in Social Work?
Answer. Yes. Many colleges offer MPhil in Social Work. However, for admission, universities conduct entrance exams and personal interviews.
Q.4.what is the difference between a master's degree and an MPhil?
Answer. The difference between a master's degree in any course and an MPhil is that the latter requires intensive research work. However, a candidate can only earn an MPhil degree if they have completed their master's degree. A candidate who has graduated can apply for a master's course but not MPhil.
Q.5. How difficult is the course work at MPhil?
Answer. Courses at MPhil require a lot of research, time, and dedication. Also, if you have taken a course that you have a genuine interest in and want to go all the way then you will find the course work interesting to do.