MLitt vs. MPhil

[dieramai]

Can anyone fill me in on the essential difference between an MLitt and an MPhil?  I know that an MLitt is a (generally) one year taught course, while an MPhil is taught in the first year, with the dissertation (or what have you) done during the second.  If you're planning on applying to a PhD program afterwards, which one is best

Comments

[sabreknight]

I'm not entirely sure on this answer, but from what I recall when I was applying for some big overseas scholarships three years ago, the MLitt is a lot like an MA degree in the U.S. The MPhil, on the other hand, is sort of like a second-class or third-class PhD (or DPhil). It's considered to be a terminal research degree. The professor talking about you doing an MLitt and then a PhD with him is actually being pretty helpful, I think; he's thinking about you in the long-run. It'd take you less time and be less superfluous for you to do an MLitt and then go on to the doctorate.

[dieramai]

That's so helpful... THANK YOU.

[tiruncula]

It depends entirely on the university. At one famous UK one I'm familiar with, you can go on to the DPhil from either the MPhil or the MLitt; the MPhil is a taught degree whereas the MLitt is all research. The taught degree is often better suited to students coming from the US because we have less-specialized undergraduate training, and a research degree requires you to hit the ground running and know exactly what you want to work on from day 1.

I'd ask the prof in question what the difference is between the degrees at his university.