Hi guys, it is okay to pursue a Mphil in Philosophy, Politics and Economics via distance learning (or is such programme is offered via distance learning)?

Personally I would advice against such program especially for MPhil. However, it really depends on too many variable such as institution, program structure, your commitment, your priorities in academics and your future plans, the online resources, networking etc.

When I look into the programme structure, it seems MPhil is very rigorous and required empirical researches which is more suitable for in campus learning envrionment. However the taught master (MA) is too theoretical (whilst it is as rigorous as MPhil).

Hence I think MA may be a much suitable route for distance learning (Univ of London or UK's top univ), but again I doubt the usefulness of theory when it comes to PPE field of studies in securing a senior management role in corporate in future.

I made a mistake in my original reply. I meant I would advice against distance learning for MPhil. I have worked with many people who done this (particularly in IPTS) and most of them, even those who graduated from very prestigious universities, lack the theoretical understanding for a quality research and even the knowledge of a master graduate. They basically only know how to do a pseudo empirical research. I would advice at least 1 in-campus semester for a master program.

Still, there is an argument of cost vs benefit. I personally think the costs outweigh the benefits for distance learning. If you plan for distance learning, ensure things such as networking, academic resources etc are obtainable for you. As mentioned, maybe spend 1 semester there.

P/S: this may be a unpopular opinion, but I think most people severely underestimate the importance of theoretical understanding in academics, especially in post graduate study. Theoretical understanding is especially helpful in decision making and core understanding in your field (mine is economics), differentiate you from most other candidates.

Which university?

Have you started writing on your research proposal yet?

If it is for MSc/MA taught degree, do I still need to prepare an abstract?

Aiming for UK's top (Oxbridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, etc).

This post has been edited by SevenTwentyOne: Apr 12 2019, 03:28 PM

For taught programmes, you don't need to prepare any proposal

Thanks for the info dude

i used to want to do PPE because i am well-read in contemporary and global political issues. PPE , especially in Oxford, is known as UK politician's course. After all Theresa May and David Cameron did PPE. Current Chancellor of Exchequer Rishi Sunak also did PPE. You spend a lot of time writing political speeches and studying UK electoral history. I eventually dissuaded myself since I am a racial minority here. Studies show half of PPE graduates working in government and the other half mainly in City (investment banking) Because front office are looking for eloquent, articulate and quantitative oriented individuals. But if you are foreigner, studying Msc Finance , CFA, statistics, or computer science are better.