MPhilStud v. MPhil in the UK

[swizzle24]

So my friend is contemplating going to UK for his masters degree. He is majoring in Philosophy and is set on ultimately getting a PhD. However, his grades aren't the strongest (about a 3.3 overall and a 3.4-3.5 in Philosophy) which is holding him back from applying straight to PhD programs.

I believe he is mainly interested in the philosophy of logic, however he is a little torn on the specifics and has yet to make up his mind definitely (though he doesn't have to start applying until the Fall).

So his question is, what is the difference between the two masters programs? We found the websites slightly confusing when attempting to distinguish between the two. Which is more competitive? Which is better for students who seek PhDs and ultimately desire to teach at a university in the US?

Thanks!

[armouredapple]

Hi swizzle24, I'm doing an MPhil Stud and I don't think there really is a difference. I get the sense that that is the term used by the London programmes. The Oxford "BPhil", for instance, is also a two-year Master's programme...in St Andrew's it's an MPhil...etc. What you do want to look at is how many years it is (but it it's not two years then it probably won't be an "MPhil" at all) and how the programme is structured (which can vary quite a lot, e.g. narrowness or broadness of course requirement). But I think, generally, an "MPhil" of any stripe is a research preparation degree.