Modes of Masters Study

by the FindAMasters Team

Distance Learning

Distance Learning Masters programmes are becoming increasingly popular as they can dramatically reduce the cost of a Masters degree, particularly for international students. Some more traditional distance learning programmes will involve attendance at short residential courses, whereas other programmes will be delivered entirely over the internet.

Part Time/Full Time

Many Masters Courses are available as both full and part time courses. Most masters degrees involve a greater time commitment than many undergraduate degrees and full time really does mean just that. A part time course, whilst taking longer to complete, will help you spread the cost and will also free you up to earn some money in the time when you’re not studying. Some part time MBA courses have options for evening and weekend tuition.

Start Dates

Like undergraduate degrees, most Masters courses start in September or October. However, many will also offer an option to start in January.

Modules & Credits

In Europe most Masters Degrees are composed of a series of compulsory and optional course modules. On passing each module you will be awarded a number of credits based on your performance. In order to pass the degree you need to earn a total number of credits across all your modules up to a required level. The theory behind this credit system is that it can allow part time students to carry out their degree at their own pace, slowly building up the number of required credits one module at a time. It is also designed to allow students to transfer between institutions.

A small number of institutions like to advertise individual modules rather than complete masters degrees, effectively allowing students to customise their own Masters degree from a range of disciplines. If you think that you’d like to take advantage of the opportunity to split your Masters course between a couple of institutions then you should always check in advance whether this is possible.