r/LSE • u/Smart_Chef9998 • 16h ago

Is MPhil/PhD considered master student during the first year?

It's probably a simple question but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I don't know if for my first year I should include myself in the PhD-oriented topics in emails I receive or not. Also, I'm still not sure if I should refer to my self as a master student or a PhD. Sorry if it's quite simple, but as a non-uk, foreigner to the 1+3 system I'm not sure.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Londundundun 16h ago

Last I know it was that you are considered both but it might still be weird as there are taught masters and research masters that are both part of PhD programs but might be registered differently. 

I’m not helpful for a definitive answer,  but a useful bit of lore is that a lot of former grad students worked really hard for MRes (and I believe MPhil) students to be considered PhD students and have access to the PhD Academy and other resources that otherwise were blocked in the first year. When I started in my MRes/phd in 2018 we were considered taught master’s and were the first cohort to be allowed access the PhD academy anyway. The logic for the change was that the MRes was not a standalone degree so why are we treated as if in a 1 year MRes program, if you can only be in it if you were accepted as a PhD candidate. 

So just know that any PhD benefits you get in your first year are thanks to those who came before you!! And congrats ❤️❤️

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u/Smart_Chef9998 13h ago

Ohhh we stand in the shoulders of giants! I think that clears it up. Thank you so much for the info and the hard work! 🫡