The size of the project is different. A PhD project is much larger in scale, containing more studies and asking more questions. The level of original contribution to knowledge as well is greater for a PhD. The size of your thesis is different and of course the number of years it takes for completion as well (PhD double that of Masters in both instances, roughly).

In some cases, even where your Masters is predominantly research-based, there may be more coursework vs a PhD course? That said, some PhDs by research contain quite a bit of coursework too to develop the candidate in research and management skills (depending on your institution).

This post has been edited by Farmer_C: Jun 2 2013, 07:18 AM