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Written by Ben Taylor
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. This page will explain the key differences between taught Masters and research Masters, and hopefully help 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.
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.
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.
Taught Masters do involve a substantial piece of research in its own right: the dissertation. This will be your chance to undertake an extended individual project, pursuing your own specific academic interests in a way that forms a significant part of your postgraduate course.
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:
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.
Type | E.g. | UK | International |
---|---|---|---|
Classroom | MA (Arts / Social Sciences) | £8,740 | £17,109 |
Laboratory | MSc (Science / Engineering) | £10,306 | £20,167 |
Research | MRes / MPhil | £4,000+ | £10,000+ |
*Based on the 2021-22 Reddin Survey of UK postgraduate fees, published by the Complete University Guide, as well as additional research and calculation by FindAMasters. Figures given are broad averages only and will not necessarily reflect fees for specific courses.
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.
Ready to find your perfect Masters – taught or research? We've got thousands of courses listed on FindAMasters.
Ben worked in the FindAMasters content team from 2017 to 2022, starting as an Assistant Content Writer and leaving as Student Content Manager. He focused on producing well-researched advice across a range of topics related to postgraduate study. Ben has a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of Sheffield and a Masters from the University of Amsterdam. Having also spent a semester at the University of Helsinki through the Erasmus programme, he’s no stranger to study abroad (or cold weather!).
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