The densification of MgO and MgO-TiC ceramics by hollow cathode plasma and microwave sintering techniques was studied. The resultant fractional densities were compared to those of conventionally sintered samples. It was demonstrated that indirect heating and sintering of MgO by microwave radiation was possible. Higher fractional densities were obtained in MgO by microwave sintering in comparison to conventional sintering under the same conditions. In the case of MgO-TiC composites, chemical reaction led to Mg2TiO4 formation in all samples. Plasma sintering suppressed this reaction and exhibited reduced sinterability upon TiC addition. On the other hand, small amounts of TiC additions aided the conventional sintering of MgO, resulting in better mechanical properties. Furthermore, commercial grade MgO was sintered to higher densities than relatively pure research grade MgO. Hardness and fracture toughness values are reported.