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Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry

 

University Regulations

The MPhil by thesis is subject to General Regulations and course-specific Special Regulations in the Statutes & Ordinances (Ordinances, Chapter VII). Special Regulations specify word limit and format of the thesis. 

Astronomy MPhil by thesis: A thesis of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry.

Chemistry MPhil by thesis: A thesis of not more than 15,000 words in length, including summary/abstract, tables and footnotes, but excluding table of contents, photographs, diagrams, figure captions, list of figures/diagrams, list of abbreviations/acronyms, bibliography, appendices and acknowledgements, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry

Materials Science and Metallurgy MPhil by thesis: A thesis of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry.

Physics MPhil by thesis: A thesis of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry. Please also refer to your departmental course handbook.

Word limits and stylistic requirements are strictly observed by the Degree Committees and, unless approval to exceed the prescribed limit has been obtained beforehand, a thesis that exceeds the limit may not be examined until its length complies with the prescribed limit. The Degree Committee reserves the right to decline a thesis submission that does not comply with the specified word limit. Information on how to apply for an extension to the word-limit (via self-service account) before submitting your thesis is available on the Applying for a change in your student status page. You are advised to contact your Degree Committee prior to submitting an application. 

Terms of study and residence

Full time students must complete at least three terms of study AND keep three terms of residence (find more information here).

 

Code of Practice for Research Students

Students taking the MPhil by thesis are subject to the University's Code of Practice for Research Students. Do not look at the Code of Practice for Masters students as this is for taught/by Advanced Study courses only. All candidates must make themselves aware of the content of the Code of Practice and of the University's rules on Good practice in research and the avoidance of plagiarism.

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Office closures

Please note that the Degree Committee Office will be closed from 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 until 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.

Research degree theses should still be submitted by your submission deadline on the relevant Moodle site, even if that falls during the holiday period.