Does anyone know if a student receives a MPhil certificate and therefore qualification on completion of the PhD?

I assume it depends upon whether they register for the MPhil initially.

I don't think so unless told otherwise. The PhD is a better degree than an MPhil and awarding them by default is rather redundant. From my experience (could be wrong) they are awarded if you drop out and submit a small dissertation. Though, I don't your particular circumstances and if you had technically been upgraded.

Thanks. Yes it is obviously a default qualification of the PhD is unsuccessful but I assume that a student has to register for the MPhil first to be awarded it and it's not awarded as a matter of course.