Taught vs research
Unlike undergraduate degrees, Masters courses can be ‘taught’ or ‘research’ based:
- Taught Masters are a lot like undergraduate degrees. You’ll study a series of modules before going on to complete an extended dissertation.
- Research Masters involve much more independent study. They can still include taught units, but you’ll spend more time on your own supervised research work.
As a general rule, taught degrees are best for students who wish to expand upon their subject knowledge. Research programmes are designed for postgraduates who wish to spend more time on their own independent scholarship or project work.
How are Masters degrees graded?
Masters programmes in the UK are usually graded as a Distinction, Merit or Pass. This system works different to Bachelors degrees, which receive a 1st, 2.1, 2.2. or 3rd. You can find out more about how it works in our guide to Masters degree grades.
How long does it take to complete a Masters degree in the UK?
A full-time Masters in the UK takes one year, but programmes in other countries are often longer.
A part-time Masters in the UK usually takes two years. However, you may be able to complete your Masters over up to six years, depending on your university and the pace you choose to work at.
Masters vs PhD
You may also be wandering about the difference between a Masters and a PhD.
Put simply, the PhD is a fully independent research degree. A Masters still involves acquiring existing subject knowledge through teaching and mentoring. But a PhD consists entirely of original scholarship.
The core requirement for a PhD is that a student makes an ‘original contribution to knowledge’.
You might say that a Masters gives you a ‘Mastery’ of your subject as it’s currently understood. A PhD, on the other hand, is your chance to expand that understanding.
Some students use a Masters to prepare for a PhD by gaining additional knowledge, expertise and research skills.
But a Masters isn’t always a prerequisite for a PhD. In some subjects (such as Science and Engineering) students may go straight to doctoral study after an undergraduate degree.
Should I do a second Masters degree?
The answer to this (unsurprisingly) depends on your own circumstances and motivations. Doing a second Masters in a complementary subject can be an excellent way of broadening your skillset, but the financial and time commitments of a Masters mean that it isn't a decision to be taken lightly. We've written a guide for anyone considering whether they should do a second Masters degree.