Types of Masters Degree

There's a wider range of courses available at postgraduate level. The way that you can study is also much more varied. Generally, there are three types of Masters degree.

Taught Masters such as Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees include a series of modules delivered in classrooms or laboratories followed by a final dissertation. Research Masters such as Master of Research (MRes) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees focus on independent project work rather than seminars and lectures.

More professional and vocational qualifications includes Masters of Business Administration (MBAs) as well as postgraduate teacher training, law and pre-registration nursing courses. These involve more practical placements and accredited training.

Shorter postgraduate courses, which cover Masters-level content but do not require a dissertation include postgraduate certificates and diplomas.

The guides here explain all of these types of Masters degrees and other postgraduate courses in much more detail. You can also jump straight below to a comparative list of Masters degrees and a short summary video.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – A Guide

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a popular way to get into teaching, training graduates as qualified teachers. Our guide explains how the PGCE works.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree – A Guide

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What is an MPhil? How does it differ from a PhD? And should you study one as a postgraduate? Our guide will help you choose the right Masters degree.

The Master of Research (MRes) Degree – A Guide

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Want to study a Masters with the freedom to do your own research? Our guide to the MRes degree will help you choose the right Master of Research.

The Master of Laws (LLM) Degree – A Guide

Masters Types Law Advice

What is an LLM? Will a Masters in Law help you pursue a career in law as a solicitor? Choose the right postgraduate legal course with our detailed guide.

The Master of Science (MSc) Degree – A Guide

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What is a Master of Science? What's it like to study an MSc? Our guide will help you choose the right postgraduate degree for you.

Integrated Masters Degrees – A Guide

Masters Types Advice

An integrated Masters is a programme that combines a Masters with a Bachelors or PhD. Find out more about how integrated Masters courses work.

What can you get a Masters degree in?

Taught Masters degrees involve studying a set schedule of lectures and seminars. Although they share plenty of similarities with undergraduate programmes, they involve a much greater level of independent study than you’ll be used to at Bachelors-level.

These are the main types of taught Masters degree and other postgraduate qualifications delivered by coursework:

Research Masters degrees are even more independent in nature than taught programmes. Students on these courses will typically focus on their own research work rather than following a set timetable of modules.

The main kinds of research Masters degrees are:

Professional Masters degrees are vocational courses aimed to prepare students for a career in a particular sector.

These are some of the most popular professional postgraduate qualifications:

Looking for a quick way to compare different types of Masters courses, side by side? Check out our list of degrees below.

Postgraduate Qualification Types
Degree	Full Title	Type	Length	Subjects
MA	Master of Arts	Taught	1-2 years	Arts, Humanities & some Social Sciences
MSc	Master of Science	Taught	1-2 years	Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & some Social Sciences
MRes	Master of Research	Taught - Research	1-2 years	All subjects
MPhil	Master of Philosophy	Research	2 years	All subjects
MFA	Master of Fine Arts	Practical - Professional	1-2 years	Arts
MArch	Master of Architecture	Practical - Professional	2 years	Architecture
MLitt	Master of Letters	Taught - Research	1-2 years	Arts & Humanities
LLM	Master of Laws	Taught - Research	1-2 years	Law
LPC	Legal Practice Course	Professional	1-2 years	Law
GDL	Graduate Diploma in Law	Professional	1 year	Law
MBA	Master of Business Administration	Professional	1-2 years	Business & Management
MIM	Masters in Management	Professional	1 year	Business & Management
MEng	Master of Engineering	Taught - Professional	4 years	Engineering & Technology
MSW	Master of Social Work	Taught - Professional	2 years	Social Work
PGCert	Postgraduate Certificate	Taught - Professional	1 term	All subjects
PGDip	Postgraduate Diploma	Taught - Professional	2 terms	All subjects
PGCE	Postgraduate Certificate in Education	Professional	1-2 years	Teaching
PGDE	Professional Diploma in Education	Professional	1-2 years	Teaching

Please note that individual degree programs can vary and it’s possible that a specific course at a given university might be slightly different to the typical guidelines above.