If someone doesn't pass their PhD and accepts an Mphil, is the Mphil thesis accessible to the public in the same manner as a PhD?

======= Date Modified 15 Nov 2011 11:45:10 =======
======= Date Modified 15 Nov 2011 11:44:11 =======
That's correct, Delta. These days, many universities both here in the UK and North America, in addition to leaving MPhil, MLitt, PhD theses on reference only shelves now deposit them online through the eTheses repository schemes. See, for example, the following: etheses.nottingham.ac.uk, etheses.bham.ac.uk, etheses.dur.ac.uk, etheses.qmu.ac.uk, www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/ora/oxford_etheses

Since you specifically mentioned failed MPhil, I guess one wouldn't necessarily know certain MPhil theses are failed PhDs because some simply want the MPhil and not the PhD. besides, in a few cases I’m aware of, certain academic departments required doctoral students to complete their MPhils and have it to hand on their way to obtaining their PhDs. Of course, as the author of the (MPhil, MLitt, PhD) thesis, you may choose not to waive your right to have the work accessible to the public for specified period of time. Hope this helps.

You have been very helpful, thank you!

What's up Delta? You don't sound too optimistic. PM if you want.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Ian, that's very kind of you but I'm fine. I had asked partly out of interest, partly because although my supervisor has expressed confidence in the thesis I'm fairly sure they haven't read it and so I lack confidence in their opinion of it (and think in reality the first people to read the thesis apart from myself will be the examiners) and partly because I had considered asking prior to viva to be awarded an MPhil as I don't particularly like the research and am reluctant to be associated with it but if it can be accessed as an MPhil anyway I might as well go for the PhD.

By the time my viva came around I was positive that I would end up with either an MPhil or an MRes to the point where I was going to ask for it. GENUINELY.

DON'T!!!

I think it isn't that unheard of for you to be feeling the way you are about it. I certainly was. (AND I had misgivings about my supervisor's positive view as I was sure he han't read it either!)

Just get on with it. Roll with the punches and come out the other end. When it is over, regardless of anything you have been rewarded, it is OVER, and you can stop feeling so beaten up inside.

======= Date Modified 15 Nov 2011 15:36:47 =======
Really I am OK and am very relaxed but I just don't like the research (I don't doubt myself as a researcher) and was just considering the options.

Hi Delta, I didn't realise you asked the question in relation to your own work which explains why I gave a generic, honest answer. This said, as we're here to support each other, I'm sure you'll be fine! It sometimes appear that one's work/aspects of one's work isn't/aren't strong enough to warrant PhD, and hence, the thought of taking MPhil in lieu of a PhD. If you consider the fact that MPhil degrees at Universities such as Cambridge and Bristol, etc, are doable in one year, full-time, you would certainly want to earn your PhD having put in some three years or so into the work. I'm unsure what stage you're in. But, remain positive, do your utmost best and hope for the best. Best wishes. Patsey.