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Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Overview

The MPhils in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management; Environmental Change and Management; and Water Science, Policy and Management are two-year degree programmes designed for high-flying master's candidates who wish to include a substantial research component in their masters level studies.

In the first year, candidates take the coursework associated with the respective MSc degree programme. Candidates must pass the examinations taken at the end of the first year in order to proceed into the second year. Candidates who fail any paper will be required to retake and pass the failed paper by the start of their second year in order to proceed with the degree.

The second year includes a third elective, examined through a submitted essay, but is devoted principally to researching and writing a thesis of 30,000 words. The research topic will be devised in the candidate's first year and, once approved, a supervisor will be allocated to the candidate. The thesis accounts for half the marks for the degree.

The residency requirement for this degree is 6 terms (2 years). Periods spent undertaking field work can be counted towards the residency requirement. The maximum fee liability for students registered for any of the MPhil degrees is 6 terms (2 years).

Frequently asked questions

Please see our frequently asked questions for more information.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about the University's application process you are strongly advised to contact the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Office, tel: +44 (0)1865 270059, or by e-mail: graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk taking particular care to follow the instructions in the automatic reply, in the first instance.

If you have any further questions that have not been answered by the information provided by the Graduate Admissions Office or our website then please contact the Research Degrees Coordinator at the School of Geography and the Environment.