Note: As of December 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared that MPhil will not be considered a valid degree in India. Learn More
MPhil History or Master of Philosophy in History is a postgraduate course. The duration of this course is two years which is divided into two semesters and it may be provided on a one-year basis by some certain institutes. Check: Full Form of All MPhil Specializations
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of all the information about past events. It is a field of research which uses a narrative to examine and analyze the sequence of events and sometimes it attempts to objectively investigate the patterns of cause and effect that determine events.
The subjects included in this course of study are debates in Indian History, history of ideas, historiography, Dissertation etc. Aspiring students should have passed a Master's Degree in History with a minimum of second class from a recognized university.
After finishing MPhil History Course, you can find jobs in Academic Institutes, Museums, Art Galleries, Archaeological Survey of India, Government Offices etc. the graduates can get job positions like associate editor, lecturer, data history analyst, subject matter expert, curriculum design consultant, junior research fellow, researcher, archaeologist, historian etc.
The average salary for MPhil History jobs range between INR 2 to 8 Lakhs. The salary may vary, it is totally based on the experience and the skills of the candidate in the workplace.
The career in this field is diverse in terms of the specializations that one can choose from. Once you have completed your M.Phil. History course there will be a handful amount of opportunities. You can go for higher studies like PhD (History) or you can also opt for a job. It all depends on you whether you want to do the job after completing MPhil History course or you want to study further.
Table of Content
2.1 Why Study?
3.2 Entrance Exams
3.3 How to get Admission in a Good College of MPhil History?
5.1 Important Books
7.1 Future Scope
MPhil History Course Highlights
The table below gives highlights about the MPhil History course. Get to know eligibility, course fees, average salary and top recruiting companies for candidates completing MPhil History courses.
| Course | MPhil History |
| Full form | Master of Philosophy in History |
| Level | Pre- Doctorate Degree |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Master Degree in related subject |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam and Merit Based |
| Average tuition fee | INR 1,000 to 2,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Associate Editor, Teacher, Data History Analyst, Subject Matter Expert, Curriculum Design Consultant, Junior Research Fellow, Researcher, Archaeologist, Historian etc. |
| Top recruiting areas | Academic Institutes, Museums, Art Galleries, Archaeological Survey of India, Government Offices etc. |
| Top recruiting companies | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National heritage agencies, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Government and private museums, colleges/universities etc. |
| Average salary | INR 2,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
MPhil History : What is it About?
MPhil History is proposed as an independent program of art-historical study, but it also serves training for candidates aiming to continue doctoral research.
- MPhil History course is a special research degree and only granted by selected departments of a university mostly in the fields of arts, archaeology, philosophy, social sciences and theology.
- Admission to this course is selective and primarily aimed at those candidates opting for an academic career in the field of history.
- After finishing this program, candidates can normally enrol in a PhD program.
- The following are some of the subjects which are included in the MPhil History syllabus:
- Research Methodology and Thesis writing
- Historiography
- Themes and writings on Socio-Economic History of India
- Themes and perspectives in the cultural history of India
- Those candidates who have skills like analytical skills, critical reasoning and capacity for solving problems and thinking creatively, often through excellent reading are almost perfect for it.
- The duration of this course is two years and it may be provided on a one-year basis by some certain institutes.
Why Study MPhil History?
Some of the benefits of pursuing an MPhil History course are:
- MPhil History has a wide scope in the present competitive world.
- After completing MPhil History Course, you can get jobs in teaching institutes.
- Candidates can get well-paid jobs in newspapers as well as in private sectors.
- Also, they can go for the IAS Exam as History finds a unique place in the paper.
- Museums and galleries require professionals with knowledge of history.
- Level of expertise and inclination of practice
- The postgraduates of MPhil History course are hired in capacities such as Associate Editor, Lecturer, Data History Analyst, Subject Matter Expert, Curriculum Design Consultant, Junior Research Fellow, Researcher, Archaeologist, Historian etc.
What is the MPhil History Admission Process?
The admission for MPhil History is done based on marks in the university’s entrance exam. Candidates may also be granted admission based on the merit list. The candidates can seek admission by analyzing their marks with the cut off announced by a college/university.
- Admission to MPhil History course is through both entrance examination and merit-based.
- Certain universities and colleges offer both direct admission and entrance based admission to the program. However, few universities require candidates to have given any of the applicable entrance exams for the MPhil History.
- Candidates who are applying for the MPhil History course should have their results from the respective entrance exams required by the selected/opted universities or colleges.
- Applications for admissions in the course can be availed either from the university/college website or by visiting the admissions office of the same. The candidates will have to fill out the required details in the application form with the existing documents.
- Candidates are advised to have a look at the list of entrance exams applicable for MPhil History, for various universities.
What is Eligibility Criteria for MPhil History?
Interested aspirants for the MPhil History course are required to fulfil all of the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:
- A quantitative qualification in a Master's Degree in History with a minimum of Second Class is must.
- Candidates should have secured at least 55% of the aggregate marks or in an examination recognized as equivalent.
- The applicants must have a degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil History) with a minimum of 50% in the corresponding courses.
What are the top MPhil History Entrance Exams?
For entrance based admission, candidates have to register themselves for the entrance test and they will be considered for admission to the MPhil History program based on their performance in the respective entrance examination. Some of the top exams with important dates are mentioned in the table below:
- SET- Symbiosis Entrance Test [SET] is a university level entrance exam which is conducted by Symbiosis International University, Pune for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
- CSIR NET- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) is a national level entrance examination which is conducted to select the eligible candidates for the position of lecturers at colleges and universities, and for awarding the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- UoH entrance exam- The University of Hyderabad conducts the UOH entrance examination for admission into various programmes namely, Integrated MA/M.Sc., MA, M.Sc., M.Phil., MFA programmes and so on.
| Exam Name | Registration Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| SET | 1st week of January 2024 – 3rd week of February 2024 | 1st week of May 2024 |
| NET | To be announced |
To be announced |
| UoH entrance exam | To be announced | To be announced |
How to Prepare for MPhil History Entrance Exams?
Some of the essential course preparation tips for a candidate who wants to pursue MPhil History course are:
- Get to know the Syllabus: The syllabus of the particular entrance exam is one of the essential factors which a student should focus upon as this helps a student to focus during the time of the examination.
- Make a Plan: Make a course plan that can help you to plan according to the study of the work which enables you to keep both things balanced.
- Strengthen Your Fundamentals: This course requires the student to be strong on basic history, so the students are required to be strong in their fundamentals study.
- Connect with Fellow Students: Start connecting with peers who can help you in providing an exchange of knowledge that might help you to excel in the entrance examination of this course.
- Keep Updated: It is essential that the candidates keep themselves updated on the recent trends and updates of the exam pattern.
- The MCQ questions are based on various subjects relevant to the stream and the exams have negative marking in them and thus a good score can be gained only after correctly answering the questions.
- And most important thing to remember while appearing in the examination, stay calm on the day of the exam. Stay grounded and do not get anxious about the examination.
Read more about: SET Exam Pattern
How to get Admission in a Good College of MPhil History?
Admissions in India for Top MPhil History colleges are a straightforward process.
- Maintain a good performance record while pursuing Master Degree in related subject.
- Appear for examinations like SET, NET and university specific examinations.
- Keep knowledge related to ancient periods, art, craft, culture, and design.
- Keep a watch on the previous year’s cut off marks of the entrance examinations of MPhil History course.
- Through the last year of your masters’ course, dedicate a whole year for the preparation of exams from MPhil History.
- Try to give mock tests, papers which are available online or in your college library.
- Short list the colleges/ universities you would want to take admission into. Keep in mind, not all states have top colleges in MPhil History. Thus, be prepared to relocate.
- Keep in mind your future goal. An MPhil History from different colleges will give varied scope after completion of M.Phil in History.
- Since you would be spending up to 2 years in MPhil History, keep a watch on side courses that can be done along, to help boost your career options.
MPhil History Top Colleges
The table below gives a list of top colleges in India, where one can take admission for MPhil History course. Find details related to fees, accreditation and location for these colleges:
| College | City | Fee Structure | Average Salary Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi, Delhi NCR | INR 1,391 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Banasthali Vidyapith | Jaipur, Rajasthan | INR 74,500 | INR 3,60,000 |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 2,896 | INR 3,20,000 |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | INR 11,115 | INR 2,80,000 |
| Maharshi Dayanand University | Rohtak, Haryana | INR 3,984 | INR 4,00,000 |
| Presidency College | Chennai | INR 2,215 | INR 1,80,000 |
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapith | Pune, Maharashtra | INR 40,000 | INR 1,20,000 |
| Quaide-E- Millath Government College for Women | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 1,110 | INR 3,50,000 |
| Queen Mary’s College | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 1,132 | INR 3,00,000 |
| Gujarat Vidyapith | Ahmadabad, Gujarat | INR 8,635 | INR 5,37,000 |
MPhil History College Comparison
As you can see from the tables above, there are so many top colleges in India that offer this course. Below we have compared few of them with college highlights, NIRF 2020 ranking, fees, and salary, ranking and placement companies:
| Parameter | Banasthali Vidyapith | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, Rajasthan is a private university which was established in 1935. The University is a fully residential women's University. Banasthali University has turned into the centre for quality education for women. | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, [BAMU] Aurangabad is approved by University Grants Commission [UGC], Association of Indian Universities [AIU] & National Assessment and Accreditation Council [NAAC] and is established in the year 1958 formerly known as Marathwada University. | Jawaharlal Nehru University established by an act of Parliament in 1966 is one of the leading universities in India and a world-renowned centre for teaching & research. JNU has acquired NIRF ranking, NAAC accreditation, and the status of the ‘University of Excellence’ from the UGC. |
| NIRF 2020 ranking | 79 | 101 | 8 |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Aurangabad, Maharashtra | New Delhi, Delhi NCR |
| Admission process | Research entrance test conducted by the university followed by an interview or any other equivalent national level entrance test | Merit and entrance based | On the basis of viva-voce examination only |
| Average annual fees | INR 74,500 | INR 11,115 | INR 1,391 |
| Average annual package | INR 3,60,000 | INR 2,80,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Top recruiters | Birla Global Finance Limited, Accenture, AMUL, Axis Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Genpact, Mico, Copal Partners, Britannia, IDBI, Oracle, Philips Limited etc. | TCS, HCL, IBM, etc. | D E Shaw & Co, ST, Birla soft, Capital IQ, Accenture, IBM, Indian Air Force, Oracle, TATA, Wipro etc. |
MPhil History Syllabus
MPhil History syllabus includes a number of core subjects. Along with that, one will have to study a few elective subjects during the tenure of the course. Tabulated below are the common subjects followed during the MPhil History course duration by most of the top universities.
| SEMESTER 1 |
|---|
| Research Methodology and Thesis writing |
| History Sahit Da Itihaas |
| Historiography |
| History of Ideas |
| (Electives) |
| Debates in Indian History |
| Themes and Writings on Socio- Economic History of India |
| Themes and Perspectives in the Cultural History of India |
| SEMESTER 2 |
| Dissertation |
MPhil History Important Books
The books for the MPhil History course are not fixed and can change from one university to another, but below are mentioned some of the famous books which will be beneficial for MPhil History students.
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| A Textbook of Historiography | E. Sreedharan |
| New Dictionary of the History of Ideas | Maryanne Cline Horowitz |
| Planning Your Dissertation | Kate Williams |
| Introducing Research Methodology | Uwe Flick |
| Indian History | Arihant |
Course Comparison: MPhil History vs MPhil Ancient History & Culture
MPhil in Ancient History and Culture is a niche course and is offered only by a few universities and colleges in India. MPhil History is available at most of the universities. Below we have compared these two degrees and pointed out common differences between them.
| Parameters | M.Phil. in History | M.Phil. in Ancient History and Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Study | Pre- Doctorate Degree | Pre- Doctorate Degree |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Course Overview | MPhil History is proposed as an independent programme of art-historical study, but also serves training for candidates aiming to continue doctoral research. | MPhil Ancient History and Culture is a research based program that is generally treated as a prerequisite for the candidates who intend to pursue PhD in the field. |
| Eligibility | Master Degree in related subject | Post-graduate degree in history |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam/ Merit based | Entrance exam/ Merit based |
| Average Course Fees | INR 1000 to 2,00,000 | Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 |
| Job options | Associate Editor, Lecturer, Data History Analyst, Subject Matter Expert, Curriculum Design Consultant, Junior Research Fellow, Researcher, Archaeologist, Historian etc. | Teachers and Researchers, Conservator, Museum curator, Archivist, Archaeologist etc. |
| Salary Offered | INR 2,00,000 - 8,00,000 | INR 4,25,000 |
MPhil History Job Profiles
Career options for students who have finished their post graduation in history are quite high. They can go for advanced studies or get jobs. Those who would like to pursue their studies can go for a PhD degree in the same field. Those who like the teaching profession can apply for teacher or lecturer positions. Many other job options are available too. Some job profiles with descriptions and their average salary:
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Historian | The job of an Archaeologist is to study human history and prehistory by doing excavation of sites and the analysis of ancient remains and artefacts. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Teacher | On completion of the Master of Philosophy in History program, one can opt for a job as a History Teacher and helps students in understanding the History of India and the World. | INR 3,80,000 |
| Archaeologist | The job of an Archaeologist is to study human history and prehistory by doing excavation of sites and the analysis of ancient remains and artefacts. | INR 4,80,000 |
| Auctioneer | An Auctioneer is a person who manages an auction and is known for presenting the objects for bidding. | INR 7,00,000 |
| Archivist | The responsibilities of an archivist involve evaluation, collection and preservation of useful records concerning the ancient era. | INR 5,50,000 |
MPhil History Future Scope
On completion of the MPhil History course, candidates can opt for a wide range of professions.
- With the help of a M.Phil History degree, students will be able to make their careers in the field of History and they can easily get a job as an archaeologist or a historian on completion of this degree program. The career scope is rising day-by-day at a fast pace and will also continue to do so in the near future.
- There are numerous areas both in the private as well as in the public sector where a M.Phil. History graduates may start working. Post graduates of this course can also opt for a career as a History teacher in schools and other institutes.
- After completion of a M.Phil. History degree program, there are a variety of job opportunities and career options. The post graduates can choose in accordance to their skills and interests. Some of the most popular career choices after M.Phil. History is provided below:
- If you wish to work after doing M.Phil. History course, you can apply for teaching in govt. or private schools and become a History teacher.
- One can also pursue their career as a tutor to students and can help them with their studies.
- Government Jobs: If you are interested in working in the government sector, then pursuing an M.Phil. might be the right career choice for you.
- You can go for higher studies like PhD History or you can also opt for a job. It all depends on you whether you want to do the job after completing M.Phil. History course or you want to study further.
MPhil History FAQs
Ques. What is MPhil history?
Ques. What is the full form of MPhil History?
Ques. Is MPhil History a good course?
Ques. What are the options after the MPhil History program?
Ques. What is the duration of the MPhil History program?
Ques. Where can I pursue an MPhil History program in India?
Ques. What are the common jobs for MPhil History students?
Ques. Which course can I opt for after completion of my MPhil History course?
Ques. Is a MPhil History degree worth doing?
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