Masters Degree FAQs – Common Questions About Postgraduate Study

A Masters degree is a postgraduate university degree, usually studied after an undergraduate Bachelors degree. The most common types of Masters are the MA (Master of Arts) and the MSc (Master of Science).

A Masters degree involves at least one-year of full-time study, concluding with a dissertation or extended project. Masters programmes usually entail a combination of a taught modules with seminars and lectures, as well as individual research.

Postgraduate is the study level above undergraduate so you would usually complete an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelors) before moving onto a Masters. For example, if you completed a BA (Hons) in English Literature and you were really interested in the linguistical side of language you might decide to take a Masters in that particular specialism to increase your knowledge.

A Masters is one type of postgraduate degree (more advanced courses, usually studied by people who already have undergraduate qualifications). Some other types of course, such as Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, aren't full Masters degrees.

Masters and PhDs are both postgraduate qualifications, but a PhD is more advanced. Masters degrees explore existing subject knowledge in greater detail. PhD study focusses on original research that adds significant new knowledge to a subject.

Yes. Masters degrees are classified as 'graduate' level degrees in the USA and North America, and are usually studied within universities' graduate schools, or graduate programs. In the UK and Europe, a Masters is commonly referred to as a 'postgraduate' degree instead.

A Masters degree is a second-cycle degree, above a Bachelors but below a PhD (or other doctorate). Most people study a Masters as a postgraduate student, having already finished an undergraduate degree.

A UK Masters degree is worth 180 credits. Elsewhere in Europe a Masters is worth 120 ECTS credits.

A postgraduate student is someone who is studying a postgraduate degree (such as a Masters or PhD). Postgraduate students have normally already completed an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelors).

A full-time Masters is usually 1-2 years long. Most Masters degrees in the UK take 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 students in the UK normally have their graduation ceremony in the winter after they’ve handed in their dissertation (typically between November and January). Technically speaking, you’ll count as having graduated after you’ve received your results and a passing grade.

In the UK, if you begin a one-year taught Masters in the autumn, you’ll usually finish your modules at the end of spring, and then write your dissertation over the summer holidays.

This depends on the subject and type of Masters you’re studying. The schedule for a laboratory-based Masters could be the equivalent of a full-time working week, with students expected to be on-campus Monday to Friday. If you’re studying a taught Masters, meanwhile, your contact hours might only require you to attend university two or three times a week. Of course, you’ll still be expected to do plenty of reading and independent research outside of seminars and lectures.

For classroom-based taught Masters, students will usually have between five and 10 contact hours per week, through a combination of seminars, lectures and workshops. Laboratory-based Masters will have more contact hours – often around 20 hours a week.

It depends on your course, but you will need to spend more time working independently to be successful as a postgraduate student. You should be prepared to study for at least 20-25 hours per week, in addition to your timetable of classes and lectures.

Masters degrees tackle more advanced material than Bachelors degrees and students are expected to study more independently. But anyone who has completed an undergraduate degree should be prepared for postgraduate study.

Masters degrees are more advanced, but you should be prepared if you've already done a Bachelors. The main difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study is the requirement to work more independently during your programme. You'll also need to produce a more substantial dissertation at the end of your degree.

Yes. All Masters degrees end with a dissertation, thesis or equivalent. This usually takes up the third semester of your course as well as part of the summer. Courses that don't include a dissertation are usually Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate level.

A Masters dissertation (or thesis) is usually around 15,000-20,000 words. Most are divided into three to four individual chapters, plus an introduction, conclusion and bibliography.

Assessments for Masters degrees vary by subject. Courses in Arts and Humanities will usually be assessed through essays and coursework. STEM subjects may also have formal exams to test knowledge of key concepts and practices.

Some universities provide accommodation for Masters students. This might consist of dedicated postgraduate halls of residence, or rooms in standard student dormitories. Accommodation for postgraduates may be more limited than for undergraduates though, so it's a good idea to enquire early.

An MA (Master of Arts) is normally awarded in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. An MSc (Master of Science) degree is normally awarded in Science, technology Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics subjects. They're both equivalent to each other, last for the same time and involve similar types of study; it's just the degree subject that's different.

An LLM (Master of Laws) is a specialised Masters degree in Law, offering advanced training in different legal topics. An LLM is generally worth the same as other Masters degrees, but some programmes also include a professional LPC (Legal Practice Course).

A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is a postgraduate teacher training qualification, for people who want to qualify to teach in UK schools. A PGCE is worth less credits than a Masters, though some students complete extra course components to earn a Masters with their PGCE.

A PGCert (Postgraduate Certificate) is a short postgraduate course, worth 60 credits in the UK. PGCert courses usually include one term (or the equivalent) of Masters-level material, with no dissertation.

A conversion course provides professional training for people who wish to change career or qualify for a job that isn't related to their existing qualifications. The GDL (graduate Diploma in Law) and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) are examples of postgraduate conversion courses.

Yes. Most universities offer distance learning Masters degrees (some specialise in this). Studying in this way means that you won't need to attend regular lectures or seminars, though you may still come to campus occasionally to meet tutors or use libraries and facilities.

Yes. Some universities offer online Masters degrees. Unlike distance learning Masters, these courses are delivered entirely over the internet, with virtual discussion groups, electronic assessments and no need to attend a physical campus.

The most popular postgraduate subjects in the UK are: Business Studies, Education, Nursing, Economics and Biological Sciences. There are a huge range of Masters degrees out there though, so take the time to find the right one for your interests and career plans.

Yes, you can study a Masters in pretty much any subject you can think of. In fact, the nature of a Masters means that it’s more common to specialise in a particular topic within a subject or discipline. As such, you can expect to find Masters programmes in more niche academia areas than would be available at Bachelors level.

Overall university rankings are based on broad metrics that don't necessarily say how good a university's Masters courses are. To use rankings for postgraduate study you should 'zoom in' on specific metrics or look at rankings for your subject (as these will say more about the quality of a Masters in that field).

You should choose postgraduate study at a university with the best Masters course for you. Staying at your current university can have advantages (you'll be familiar with the campus and teaching style) but you should always look at other Masters degrees too – you never know: there might be a great opportunity out there that you weren't aware of.

The best postgraduate subject for you will depend on what you want to achieve with your Masters degree. Some professional Masters degrees can prepare you for specific careers, but more academic Masters degrees can also be a chance to spend more time studying a subject you love whilst learning to work more independently, think critically and tackle more complex ideas.

Yes. Some students do take a postgraduate gap year between finishing a Bachelors and starting a Masters. This can be an opportunity to get a break from university, travel and save some money towards your postgraduate fees.

If you aren't sure what kind of course you're looking for, or have questions about Masters study, a postgraduate study fair or open day can be a great way to get more information. These events are free to attend and happen all year round.

You'll normally need a relevant undergraduate degree for admission to a Masters. A 2.1 or higher is the standard entry requirement, but it can be possible to do a Masters with a lower class degree.

Universities in the USA may look at your undergraduate GPA (grade point average) score when considering Masters degree applications. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is usually considered 'good' – and is roughly equivalent to a UK 2.1. Universities in the UK and Europe don't usually use the GPA system.

It can be possible to apply for a Masters with a lower class degree. You may need to explain how your skills, experience and enthusiasm have equipped you for postgraduate study (and make a stronger case for this in your personal statement). Having a 2.2 or third will probably make it harder to apply for more competitive postgraduate funding.

Most universities expect applicants for Masters study to have an undergraduate degree in a related field. However, you may be able to apply without a Bachelors if you can demonstrate relevant experience and your overall postgraduate application is very strong.

If you're applying to study a Masters abroad in English, and English isn't your first language, you may need to take an IELTS test for postgraduate study. Exceptions may be made for international students who have already completed a degree in English. Alternative language tests include the TOEFL (below).

If you're applying to study a Masters abroad in English, and English isn't your first language, you may need to take a TOEFL test for postgraduate study. Exceptions may be made for international students who have already completed a degree in English. Alternative language tests include the IELTS (above).

In most countries there's no limit on the number of Masters degrees you can apply for at the same time. That said, postgraduate applications do take time and you should make sure you tailor each one to the specific course (particularly when it comes to writing your personal statement).

No. A small number of UK universities use a UCAS postgraduate service for their Masters degrees, but the majority accept applications directly from students. Using UCAS is not compulsory for postgraduate study.

There is usually no fee to apply for Masters degree (or PhD) in the UK. Some other countries may charge small fees for postgraduate applications.

There isn't usually a set application deadline for Masters degrees in the UK. However, you should make sure you apply in plenty of time for the course start date which will usually be September. If you're applying to study in your home country you should usually start the process in the spring or summer. If you're applying to study a Masters abroad you should start earlier to allow time for your visa application.

Most of the time formal interviews aren't required for Masters degree applications. However, some universities will use Masters interviews to select applications for more competitive courses. Others may also invite you to visit them more informally and check that the degree and university you've chosen are a good fit for you.

Most postgraduate courses in the UK begin in the autumn (September / October) but there are some Masters degree programmes with a January start date.

Average UK Masters fees are between £7,000 and £9,000 per year (for full-time study), though clinical subjects and MBAs can be much more expensive. The cost of a Masters varies in other countries around the world.

Some countries charge no fees for Masters degrees. This isn't quite the same as studying for 'free' though – you'll still need to cover living costs and other expenses to do with your degree.

International students aren't usually eligible for UK Masters degree loans, but international funding is available from universities, charities and government scholarship schemes.

Some countries charge relatively little (or nothing) for postgraduate study, so it's worth comparing different destinations. Bear in mind though that you'll still need to pay for accommodation and living costs during your degree.

Full-time Masters students are exempt from paying Council Tax in the UK, just the same as undergraduate students. If everyone in your household is a full-time student, you won't pay any Council Tax. If you live with non-students your household will qualify for a Council Tax discount.

You can still claim some benefits as a postgraduate student in the UK. However, you should be aware that your entitlement to student loans can affect your income for any means-tested benefits.

All properly accredited and awarded Masters degrees are respected academic qualifications (an MA is worth the same as an MSc, and so on).

There's good evidence to suggest that people with a Masters degree do earn more than other graduates. That said, there's no guarantee that a Masters will definitely boost your salary on its own.

There aren't many jobs that specifically require a Masters degree. That said, having a postgraduate qualification demonstrates that you can tackle more advanced material, can work more independently and will have a deeper knowledge of your subject. Evidence also suggests that some subjects so produce very employable (post)graduates.

You don't necessarily need to have a Masters to apply for a PhD, but it's often beneficial. Arts and Humanities subjects prefer students to have some experience of postgraduate-level work before starting a doctorate. STEM subjects are more likely to accept applications straight from undergraduate level, but having a Masters could increase your chances of winning a funded place.

Postgraduate students often graduate separately to undergraduates. This is because Masters degrees finish later (as you spend the summer doing your dissertation).