MPhil - Master of Philosophy Syllabus & Subjects 2025

The MPhil syllabus varies as per the specialisation chosen by a student. The MPhil programme lasts for a duration of 2 years and examines various aspects of human life and beliefs using technology and research as inputs. An MPhil degree can be pursued in a variety of specialisations such as Biotechnology, Commerce, Botany, English, Mathematics, History, Tamil, Sociology, Computer Science, Economics, and so on. Subjects such as Political Philosophy, Analytic Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Epistemology, etc, are covered under an MPhil programme.

Once the students have completed their MPhil degree in a specialization of their choice, they can work as Teachers, Public Speakers, Scientists, Consultants, Assistant Professors, Editors, Social Service Workers, Research Assistants, etc. The average salary of an MPhil graduate in India ranges from INR 3 LPA to INR 7.2 LPA. MPhil subjects cover research-based topics and managerial approaches to discern research-based concepts while also preparing students for a lucrative career. An MPhil syllabus is advantageous because it is a research-based programme that also provides individuals with key industrial skills that help them transition to the workforce after graduation. Check out the detailed course curriculum and syllabus of MPhil programme here.

Related Link: Top M.Phil Colleges in India 2025

The MPhil course syllabus is divided into four (two/three in some cases) semesters spread over two (1/1.5 years in some cases) years, with each year consisting of two semesters. The MPhil course syllabus is divided into various parts and modules. The first two semesters of the MPhil course subjects are devoted to theoretical coursework in the related subject, while the third and fourth semesters MPhil course subjects are devoted to the thesis, dissertation, and viva voce.

MPhil course subjects are concerned with the theoretical and practical concepts of the research domain. The MPhil course subjects list emphasises the domain subject's origin, development, and scope. The subjects of the MPhil Syllabus differ depending on the specialization and the university. Each specialization's MPhil subject list is divided into four semesters. Here is the semester-wise syllabus for the MPhil programme:

MPhil 1st Year Syllabus

The table below contains the list of MPhil subjects in the first year (semester 1 and semester 2):

MPhil 2nd Year Syllabus

The table below contains the list of MPhil subjects in the second year (semester 3 and semester 4):

Subjects of the MPhil programme are spread across a wide range of specializations, each of which offers students a specific area of research based on their desire and interest. Within the first year, MPhil students begin to focus on the research aspect of each specialization. Some of the MPhil specializations available to students are listed below:

MPhil in Commerce

MPhil Commerce is a two-year master's degree programme that focuses on business topics such as finance and banking. The research programme delves into the application of commerce in human aspects of life.

MPhil in English

The concept, development, theories, and research ramifications of various literary theories and subject matter are the main focus of the MPhil English programme. Students carefully examine the literature review for the field they are researching and expand upon it.

MPhil in Mathematics

Some of the key topics in this field include Matrix Analysis, Boundary Layer Theory, and Hydromagnetic Stability. To succeed in this research area, you must have strong numerical abilities.

MPhil in Chemistry

Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Mechanism, Coordination Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, etc. are concepts of study areas that fall under MPhil Chemistry. The MPhil in Chemistry is based on research methodology in these various fields of study.

Other important MPhil specializations include:

Each specialization's MPhil course syllabus is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the domain MPhil course subject and its research scope. The course details in the MPhil course syllabus of each specialization may differ, but the overall layout of the MPhil syllabus for any specialization remains the same. To make the Master of Philosophy Syllabus more flexible, students study the MPhil subjects over four semesters.

The following are the MPhil subjects for the 2-year course:

• Family Studies
• Human Development
• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Community Psychology
• Child and Family Welfare
• Management Principles
• Understanding of Managerial Roles
• Review of Literature
• Human Resource Management

Let us look at some of the most popular MPhil specializations and their MPhil subjects as listed below:

Students can choose from a variety of options in the MPhil course syllabus depending on their professional needs. The MPhil course syllabus is either coursework - or research-based, with a focus on developing a pedagogy in theoretical and practical frameworks and emphasizing research findings.

Students are given a skill set that is focused on conducting research, preparing them for a variety of academic and industrial roles. Nearly every private and public institution in India offers an MPhil course, making it very convenient for students to take admission to this post-graduate programme.

A few of the most popular MPhil specializations in India are listed below:

Distance education MPhil programmes provide a great deal of flexibility with regard to both course costs and learning. This option is available to students who cannot afford to attend regular classes on campus. The MPhil course syllabus offered through distance learning varies from one institution to the next. But the majority of it stays the same. To receive the degree, students must pursue a combination of theoretical and practical subjects. It also entails finishing their dissertation and thesis toward the end of the programme. They can occasionally vary in length as well.

Popular colleges that provide MPhil programmes through distance learning include:

• UPRTOU, Allahabad
• APSU, Madhya Pradesh
• IGNOU, New Delhi
• KSOU, Mysore
• NSOU, Kolkata

To get admission to a MPhil programme, students are required to clear a personal interview round after a merit-based selection process. To offer students with admission to an MPhil degree, most of the colleges conduct entrance examinations. Students must go through the exam pattern and the syllabus of the exam they wish to apply to score well in the MPhil entrance test. Here is a list of some of the most popular entrance exams for MPhil admissions in India:

• GATE
• UGC NET
• CUET
• JNUEE
• OUCET
• MPhil Entrance Test
• BHU RET

Students should begin their thorough preparation by examining the MPhil specifics, such as the exam patterns being followed in previous years' papers. This study method guarantees effective entrance exam preparation. The typical format for the MPhil entrance exam is provided below:

• The exam duration will be three hours.
• The exam will be conducted in offline mode.
• The maximum marks for the question paper will be 75, with three sections of 25 marks each. Final admission will be considered only after the personal interview.
• The personal interview is worth 25 marks, making it a total of 100 marks.

MPhil reference books assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of their field of study. The MPhil course subjects list includes a number of important reference books, which students should use based on their needs and interests. Getting the most appropriate books for the MPhil syllabus allows students to save a significant amount of money. 

The following are some of the most popular MPhil reference books:

There are four semesters in the MPhil course structure. The MPhil specialisations last for two years and include both core and elective courses that give students a broad view of their field of study. The MPhil courses make sure that students' research abilities advance and that they meet market demands. The MPhil syllabus makes the course more adaptable in its approach by offering core and elective subjects along with practical submissions. The Master of Philosophy course outline is provided below:

• Core subjects
• Elective subjects
• Research methodology
• Dissertation
• Practicals
• Exercises
• Viva-voce
• Computer applications

Along with the theoretical approach found in all academic research, MPhil teaching methodologies and techniques demand a lot of pragmatic approaches. Some of the few MPhil benefits include practicals, vivas, projects, and dissertations, which improve students' skills and abilities for both further research and meeting industry demands. Students are occasionally given difficult situations and asked to offer fixes for specific problems. The following is a list of the various teaching methods and techniques included in the MPhil subjects:

• Practical submissions
• Exercises
• Dissertation
• Viva-voce
• Computer applications
• Discussions
• Inquiry method
• Problem-solving
• Seminars
• Discovery method

The MPhil course structure is entirely research-based. The MPhil course syllabus is therefore focused on fields of study that demand that students choose from a variety of project topics. These project topics serve as the person's main area of research because their performance over the course of the two-year period will be judged on it. A large selection of specialisations that offer new perspectives and topics to almost all aspirants is one of the MPhil's advantages. Following is a list of some of the most well-liked MPhil project topics:

• Academic performance's impact on academic health
• The significance of homework in the lives of young immigrants
• informal education through social networks in rural areas
• Does existentialism education lead to suicides?
• Internet use's impact on teenagers' emotional development