Is an M.Phil degree different from a Ph.D. degree?
Yes. They are different from each other. The former stands for Master of Philosophy while the later stands for Doctor of Philosophy. M.Phil is an intermediary between Master degree and Ph.D. M.Phil is less advanced while Ph.D. is the highest degree a University can offer. You can do M.Phil before Ph.D. However, it is not necessary to pursue the programme before Ph.D.