Department of Political Science

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Government (Not Offered in 2023/2024)

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are research degrees. Research degrees typically involve independent study, directed by a supervisor, and the production of a thesis. The essential difference between the Master and Doctoral levels, aside from the length of the registration period, lies in the quality of a successful PhD thesis, which must be judged to be the result of original research, to be an addition to knowledge and to be worthy of publication, either in full or in an abridged form in a refereed journal.

The award of a Ph.D. also requires the candidate to defend his/her thesis at a public oral examination. Many research degrees now contain a taught elements. The intention of these taught courses is to provide students with research techniques and skills that will not only assist them to complete their current research topic, but will also stand them in good stead for life after university.

The M.Phil. programme requires applicants to have a good honours degree, with emphasis on their proposed research area. The courses outlined in the M.Sc. programme are normally required for entry into the M.Phil. programme. However, the Department will decide on the eligibility nd acceptance of candidates. M.Phil. students are required to pursue two (2) taught graduate level courses.

Candidates seeking entry into the M.Phil. programme should hold a Bachelor’s degree (second class honours or above) in the area in which they wish to pursue. Candidates seeking entry into the Ph.D. programme should hold a Master’s degree from an approved University with a specialty in the area of study. Students may be required to attend an interview prior to being accepted. Students applying for M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees must prepare an appropriate research proposal for consideration.