Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum, but you look like a friendly bunch, and was wondering if you help me out.

I have a BA in English and an MA in Classics and Ancient History. Following the completion of my MA I have worked for 3 years (I wanted to give myself the chance to experience the world of business), but I'd like to return to academia- I would like to do a PhD, but having read some PhD research proposal examples, I don't think I have enough background knowledge to make a convincing case- I've been out of the academic world for too long. Given this, I thought I might apply for an MPhil in Classical or Medieval literature (that's what I'd like me PhD to be on), and was wondering the following: the MPhil lasts for 1 year- can this one year count towards the PhD? So if I completed an MPhil in 2017, I would I have to study an additional 2 years, as opposed to 3?

Many thanks

No, it doesn't work like that, sorry. If you did an MPhil you would then need to apply for a PhD. You might be able to find a 1+3 (masters leading on to a PhD) but that'll still take 4 years. You could apply for a PhD...

With your current MA and not need the MPhil, if you have some experience in the area / your marks are good enough. 3 years isn't that long to be away from academia.