# Should we get rid of the Ph.D.?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-get-rid-of-the-ph-d/389192>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [January 24, 2007, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-get-rid-of-the-ph-d/389192 "2007-01-24T02:14:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Wallenstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5a626/32.png) [@Wallenstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallenstein)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-get-rid-of-the-ph-d/389192/21 "2007-01-26T20:11:25Z")

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Just as an aside…

I have an MPhil, but that was because Cambridge Uni award an MA / MSc at undergraduate level\*, so an MPhil (Cantab) is to distinguish a Masters-level degree from a standard undergrad degree.

Had I taken the same course in e.g. Bristol it would have been an MA.  
\*all v. complicated… you are awarded a BA initially, and once 3 further terms have passed you can claim a “free upgrade” to an MA with no additional study. So a MA (Cantab) = BA (Anywhere else)

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