MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at Cambridge
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MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeAs the title says I have been admitted to a MSc program at Oxford and a MPhil program at Cambridge. I am having trouble deciding which to attend. Is a MPhil considered more prestigious than a MSc? I am an international student and have not visited either university. Here are some more details about my situation:
1. Both with cost the same
2. Both are ten months
3. Both are in the same subject
4. I want maximum prestige
5. Looking to get an advanced (non-research degree after graduation)
6. Already put down a deposit at one universityLast edited by lawman89; 13-07-2012 at 16:03. -
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeI don't think the title makes a difference, but if you mentioned the subject some people here might know whether one university has a better reputation in the subject than the other.(Original post by lawman89)
As the title says I have been admitted to a MSc program at Oxford and a MPhil program at Cambridge. I am having trouble deciding which to attend. Is a MPhil considered more prestigious than a MSc? I am an international student and have not visited either university. Here are some more details about my situation:
1. Both with cost the same
2. Both are ten months
3. Both are in the same subject
4. I want maximum prestige
5. Looking to get an advanced (non-research degree after graduation)
6. Already put down a deposit at one university -
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeNo, all Cambridge one year masters are called Mphils (or M.A.St if they're also undergraduate masters), Cambridge just likes to be difficult(Original post by bmqib)
Maybe MPhil has more research type training? That's what I was told.
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeThey are taught masters so comparable to MSc/MA elsewhere.(Original post by Latis)
Ok but how would you define a MPhil degree then? Is it comparable to a MSc or MRes?
Confusingly, some other unis use the term M Phil for the probationary period of a PhD. -
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeActually, to make things even more confusing, Oxford also has what it calls MPhil and it is 2 year program, unlike MSc which is one year.(Original post by sj27)
Confusingly, some other unis use the term M Phil for the probationary period of a PhD.
MPhil at Oxford is more thorough and has 30 000 words dissertation which can be extended into DPhil dissertation. So, at Oxford MPhil is more prestigious. But it is not the same as MPhil at Cambridge.
To through more confusion some Unis have MRes and MLitt.
MLitt at Trinity College Dublin, for example, is a first year of PhD program and can be considered as incomplete PhD. It seems to be similar to Oxford MPhil.
I think they just enjoy screwing with us
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeAnd all this even before you get to what an MA from Oxbridge is(Original post by janjanmmm)
Actually, to make things even more confusing, Oxford also has what it calls MPhil and it is 2 year program, unlike MSc which is one year.
MPhil at Oxford is more thorough and has 30 000 words dissertation which can be extended into DPhil dissertation. So, at Oxford MPhil is more prestigious. But it is not the same as MPhil at Cambridge.
To through more confusion some Unis have MRes and MLitt.
MLitt at Trinity College Dublin, for example, is a first year of PhD program and can be considered as incomplete PhD. It seems to be similar to Oxford MPhil.
I think they just enjoy screwing with us
To the OP, sorry I have no idea which would be better in environmental policy, but hopefully someone with knowledge in that area will post.Last edited by sj27; 13-07-2012 at 19:33. -
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeI'd go with the institution where you've already put down a deposit. The two courses will be very similar, no doubt, although the MPhil is likely to have more research training. The universities are essentially the same as far as prestige is concerned: both will look exceptional on your C.V. and both can open some seriously tasty-looking doors as far as PhD study and a future career are concerned. (Not that you eat doors...)
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeBy who? Recruiters and academics both should know. Either that or they must assume that Oxbridge has an awful lot of failed PhDs(Original post by Joinedup)
Mphil might be interpreted as a Phd that went wrong.
At least by someone who wasn't an anorack about oxbridge conventions.
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeI would have a close look at the staff in the two departments and see which one has the most academics teaching on the topic that interests you most. I would also seriously consider which city you would prefer living in (Oxford more of a city, Cambridge more of a pictureque town).(Original post by lawman89)
1. Both with cost the same
2. Both are ten months
3. Both are in the same subject
4. I want maximum prestige
5. Looking to get an advanced (non-research degree after graduation)
6. Already put down a deposit at one university
Finally, which college would you be at Cambridge or Oxford? If you have been admitted to a wealthier college at one and a newer college at another, I would tend to go for the wealthier college as their facilities tend to be better and they have more perks like funding for research costs and such like. They often have more postgrad accommodation available.
If you're worried about the prestige, then google RAE 2008 and find the table for your subject area. That will tell you whether Oxford or Cambridge has a better reputation in that subject (with respect to research excellence). The Guardian also does a postgraduate league table which you can google.Last edited by Craghyrax; 14-07-2012 at 17:15. -
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Re: MSc Oxford vs. MPhil at CambridgeTo add even further confusion, Cambridge also offer research MPhils in science subjects that are 1 year research degrees, alongside offering taught MPhils in other subjects(Original post by janjanmmm)
Actually, to make things even more confusing, Oxford also has what it calls MPhil and it is 2 year program, unlike MSc which is one year.
MPhil at Oxford is more thorough and has 30 000 words dissertation which can be extended into DPhil dissertation. So, at Oxford MPhil is more prestigious. But it is not the same as MPhil at Cambridge.
To through more confusion some Unis have MRes and MLitt.
MLitt at Trinity College Dublin, for example, is a first year of PhD program and can be considered as incomplete PhD. It seems to be similar to Oxford MPhil.
I think they just enjoy screwing with us
