Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The objective of this programme is to produce a research worker who has acquired a good all-round knowledge of Informatics, in-depth knowledge of a specialist area, and the research skills to carry out and present a piece of original research for submission for a higher degree.

Why Study in Edinburgh

Because we have the widest choice of research projects in informatics in the UK and, possibly, in Europe. Some of our research projects, particularly in new areas such as bioinformatics, are unique.

Programme Structure

The MPhil degree requires a minimum of two years of supervised research study, and is awarded on the basis of a thesis and oral examination.

In your first year you will be be registered as a supervised postgraduate student and will prepare a thesis proposal. You will normally be expected to attend lectures relevant to your research topic. These lectures, chosen in consultation with your supervisor, may be selected from the modules offered to taught MSc students or may be specialist seminars.

You will also attend meetings of research groups relevant to your area of interest. Most research groups have such meetings on a regular basis.

At the beginning of your second year you will be expected to submit a thesis proposal. If approved you will then be able to carry out independent research on which you will write a thesis, to be submitted at the end of the year.

Entry Requirements

You should have a first or upper second class honours degree or its equivalent, and in an area of Informatics, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science or Computer Science. You should also have experience in computer programming.

Applicants with degrees in these disciplines will also be considered: Education, Electrical Engineering, Psychology, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physics.

Course Costs

Annual costs include a tuition fee, additional programme costs and living expenses. Tuition fees and additional programme costs are payable for each year of active study, which is typically 2 years for this programme.

Fee type	Home/EU	Overseas
Tuition Fee	£3,235	£12,500
Additional Programme Costs	£1,000

Fees are subject to annual revision. For the latest information on fees, please visit Registry Office web site.

Living expenses are estimated at around £190 per week. More...

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Around 40 research scholarships are available each year to new students. Many of these are full scholarships, paying tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses. The rest are partial scholarships, paying tuition fees and research costs and/or a contribution towards living expenses.

Please indicate when you apply that you wish to be considered for a sponsorship.

Also visit our funding page for further details and possible sources of funding.

Careers

Almost a third of the UK's IT industry and research activity in Informatics is concentrated in the area around Edinburgh. In addition, Scotland is actively encouraging talented graduates to settle and work within its borders. Our reputation means that our graduates are well regarded by potential employers, both at home and abroad. Our students make direct vocational use of their degree and are employed as researchers, software developers and engineers, in academia and in industry. See our careers page for possible career routes and alumni destinations.