Taught Masters vs Research Masters Degrees

Masters degrees can be either postgraduate taught programmes (PGT) or postgraduate research programmes (PGR). Taught Masters are typically 12 months long full-time and are delivered through a series of modules comprised with regular coursework and assessments. Research Masters are also usually 12 months long however the course is predominantly comprised of independent research supported by a supervisor.

There’s a big contrast between these two kinds of Masters, and one type may be more suitable for your goals than the other. That's why I'll be explaining the key differences between taught Masters and research Masters in this guide. I hope this helps you decide which kind of postgraduate programme is right for you.

The difference between postgraduate taught degrees and postgraduate research degrees largely comes down to the level of independence you have during your studies.

Research Masters require students to undertake extensive research training, while postgraduate taught Masters involve a mixture of lectures, seminars and coursework.

• Taught Masters (PGT) degrees are a lot like undergraduate programmes. You’ll complete a series of modules following a set timetable of seminars, lectures and other activities. You’ll be much more responsible for studying independently in your free time, but the academics in charge of your course will lead you through it.
• Research Masters (PGR) degrees are more independent in nature. You won’t have as many timetabled units (in fact, you may not have any). Instead, you’ll focus on one or more extended projects. You’ll still receive support and guidance from an expert supervisor, but the focus of your programme will be on your own research work.

The majority of Masters-level programmes are taught courses. They include popular degrees like the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc), as well as shorter Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) courses.

You can study these courses to acquire more advanced skills and training for a profession, or as a preparation for postgraduate research at PhD level.

Postgraduate research programmes are also available at Masters level. These include the Master of Research (MRes) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Some Masters qualifications, such as the Master of Letters (MLitt), can actually be taught or research degrees.

Masters by research vs Masters by coursework

A Masters by coursework is usually professional and vocational in nature, involving a series of set modules, while a Masters by research entails the completion of a significant, independent research project. This terminology is more common in Australia.

Your choice of PGT degree or PGR degree should depend on your career goals, academic interests and the way in which you prefer to study:

• If you want to acquire more advanced subject knowledge and gain an additional qualification before entering the employment market, a taught postgraduate course such as an MA or MSc may be best for you. We've taken a look at how the MA, MSc and MRes compare over on our blog.
• If you have a specific profession in mind, you could be better served by an accredited taught programme. This will usually be a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, but may also take the form of a full taught course, such as the Masters in Social Work or a Legal Practice Course.
• If you are interested in academic research – or a profession in which research skills are valuable – you may wish to think about an MRes. This will allow you to focus on an independent project in order to gain associated research skills, or evaluate whether a longer research degree (such as a PhD) is likely to appeal to you.
• If you are considering an academic career, you might be able to register for an MPhil after your undergraduate degree and upgrade to a PhD upon making sufficient progress.

Most PhD programmes ask that applicants have any kind of Masters in an appropriate subject. So, even if you study a taught Masters degree, you’ll be eligible to take a PhD if you satisfy the various entry requirements.

Of course, if you already know that you want to study at PhD level, then it’s worth considering a research Masters if there’s one available in your subject. An MRes would be ideal preparation for PhD study, allowing you to undertake more extensive research and receive specific training in appropriate methods. Another option would be to register for an MPhil and then upgrade to a PhD.

In some cases, you can expect a research Masters to be cheaper than its taught equivalent. This is normally the case in the Humanities, where an MRes could cost less than an MA. Similarly, the yearly tuition fees for a PhD are often cheaper than a taught Masters.

Things are different in the Sciences, however: an MRes in a scientific subject usually has the same fees as an MSc degree. Both kinds of Masters typically involve extensive laboratory work.

The table below shows a summary of this data, reflecting the tendency for some research programmes to be cheaper than their taught counterparts.

Essentially, the funding situation for taught and research Masters is the same. Check out our guide to Masters funding for more information on financing your course.

It’s worth noting that the UK government’s postgraduate loans are available for all Masters (including the MPhil). Standalone MPhils are not eligible for the PhD loans, but these loans are available for MPhils that are intended to become a PhD.

Tips from the author

One thing I always suggest to prospective postgraduates is to start by asking not what kind of Masters you want, but why you want it. The structure of a course is important, but the motivations behind your decision are even more so. Are you looking to upskill for a specific career path? Then a taught degree might be your best bet. But if you're someone who thrives on academic curiosity and independent exploration, a research Masters could be more fulfilling—and a better bridge to a PhD.

Don't overlook the lifestyle differences either. Taught courses will offer more structure and daily interaction with peers, whereas research degrees can feel isolating at times—but also more intellectually liberating. Be honest with yourself about how you work best.

Also, speak to current students if you can. No one will give you a more unfiltered perspective on how these courses function in reality, beyond the prospectus.

Above all, remember that this choice isn’t necessarily permanent. Many people do both types of Masters over the course of their careers, often in different disciplines. Your current decision is about what serves you now—not what defines you forever.

Frequently asked questions