The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree is a prerequisite to the PhD degree and is awarded upon successful completion of all requirements of the PhD degree except for the preparation and defense of the dissertation. Application for the MPhil degree is normally made after passing the oral examination and is made through the Doctoral Office. The MPhil degree is awarded on the University degree-conferral date immediately following the completion of the other degree requirements.
A student without an approved dissertation proposal is given the MPhil extra muros, a provision that formally severs the candidate’s ties with the University but permits the PhD degree to be awarded on the basis of the defense of original scholarly material published by the candidate within 10 years of receiving the MPhil degree. For further details, see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.