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Master's Degrees - Key Information

In the world of Postgraduate degrees, the Master’s is the most popular type of qualification. Despite that, you may be unfamiliar with a few important details and aspects surrounding Master’s degrees, as although they are quite straightforward, some parts can be a little bit confusing. You could also be wondering what to do after finishing your undergraduate course if you want to continue with academia. With this handy article, we hope to give you the information you need to learn more about Master’s degrees, and help you decide whether you would like to go on to study for one yourself.

What is a Master's Degree?

A Master’s degree is a type of postgraduate qualification that can be either taught or research-based. Courses are typically a year long and often culminate in a dissertation or project which forms a considerable portion of the grade you’ll receive at the end (often marked by Pass, Merit or Distinction). There are two main types of Master's degrees: a Master of Arts degree (MA) and a Master of Science (MSc).

Types of Master's Degree

Master of Arts

A Master of Arts degree is the qualification awarded for a Master’s degree studied in an “Arts” subject, such as Literature, History or Social Studies. These types of qualification often end in a dissertation, in which you will write at length on a specific topic.

Go to: Search for MA courses

Master of Science

A Master of Science degree is similar to an MA, but concerns “Science” subjects such as Physics and Mathematics. As with an MA, these courses will usually last for a year.

Go to: Search for MSc courses

Why do a Master's degree?

A Master’s degree is an excellent way of furthering your knowledge of a particular subject; it can enhance your employment prospects by equipping you with a certain skill-set or act as a gateway into further education (by bridging the gap between an undergraduate degree and a PhD). A Master’s degree is also an internationally recognised qualification, meaning overseas employers and educators should see its value.

Go to: Five Reasons to Study a Master's Degree

Next: Search for Master's courses

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