Master of Philosophy (Full-time) (MPhil)
An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a postgraduate research degree designed for those ready to take their academic interests to a higher level. It offers the chance to focus on an extended independent research project, supported by experienced supervisors, in a subject area that matters to you. Unlike taught postgraduate degrees, the MPhil centres entirely on your own investigation, enabling you to explore your chosen topic in depth and to make a meaningful contribution to your field.
This degree is ideal for students who want to pursue a research career or prepare for a PhD. You’ll develop core research skills - such as project management, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication - alongside the discipline-specific expertise that comes from working closely with academic specialists. The MPhil is internationally recognised and highly regarded by employers and research institutions.
At our university, you’ll join a vibrant research community and work with a supervision team chosen for their knowledge of your subject. Your work will lead to the submission of a thesis and a viva voce (oral examination). There is also the option to undertake practice-based research, where your written work is complemented by a substantial creative or practical output.
Our MPhil programmes are available in a range of subject areas aligned with our academic strengths, including Art and Media, Business, Finance and Management, and Computing. Depending on your discipline, study is available either in person or online, with some offering pathways to suit full-time or part-time students.
Choosing to pursue an MPhil is a significant step. It allows you to immerse yourself in a subject you’re passionate about, while developing skills and experience that can shape your future - whether in academia, industry, or the creative professions.
Course details
- On-campus
- Online
- Full-time
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our MPhil supports independent, research-led learning guided by expert supervision. You’ll develop and carry out a substantial project in your chosen subject area, gaining advanced skills in research design, critical analysis, academic writing and project management. You’ll work closely with your supervision team to produce a written thesis and defend your findings in a viva voce. Practice-based routes are also available, combining creative or professional work with reflective, research-driven enquiry.
Areas of MPhil supervision
- Art and Media - In-person at our ALEX building in Swansea (Full-time)
- Art and Media - Online (Full-time)
- Business, Finance and Management - In-person at our Carmarthen Business School (Full-time)
- Business, Finance and Management - In-person at our Carmarthen Business School (Part-time)
- Computing - In-person at our SA1 Waterfront Campus (Full-time)
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:1 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
Mature students may apply with their portfolio and/or previous academic/industrial career taken into account.
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The MPhil is assessed by the submission of a written thesis together with a body of practical work where appropriate, which is scrutinised through an oral examination, or viva, by two examiners, one external to the University.
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Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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A research degree such as the MPhil is recognised internationally as a qualification for a range of academic posts in the Higher Education sector.
Many research students pursue their studies for the pleasure of investigating a subject at this level but research degrees also provide opportunities for career development within many professions such as education, media and the arts.