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What is a Master’s Degree?
Hasna Haidar
Updated Aug 02, 2024Save
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A master’s degree can be a viable option for those who want to further their knowledge of a particular subject, explore other areas of interest after having completed an undergraduate degree, or improve their career prospects. The nature of master’s degree programs mean prospective students must be prepared for an intensive learning experience that incorporates their undergraduate studies and/or their experience gained from employment.
But, what is a master’s degree, and is it the right choice for you? Here’s a run-down of everything you need to know about master’s degrees…
What is a master’s degree?
A master’s degree is an academic qualification granted at the postgraduate level to individuals who have successfully undergone study demonstrating a high level of expertise in a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Students who graduate with a master’s degree should possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics, a high level of skills and techniques associated with their chosen subject area, and a range of transferable and professional skills gained through independent and highly focused learning and research.
Master’s degrees typically take one to three years to complete, through either part-time or full-time study. The specific duration varies depending on the subject, the country in which you study and the type of master’s degree you choose. In terms of study credits, the standardized European system of higher education specifies students must have 90-120 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits, while in the UK it takes 180 credits to complete a master’s program, and 36 to 54 semester credits in the US.
Types of master’s degrees
There are also master’s programs aimed at working professionals (sometimes called executive master’s degrees), and master’s programs that follow directly on from an undergraduate degree (integrated master’s programs). Types of master’s degrees and the names and abbreviations used for them also vary depending on the subject area and the entry requirements (read more here).
As many master’s degrees are designed for working professionals, you will find many options available in a variety of flexible study modes. These include:
Why study for a master’s degree?
Asking yourself this question can help you to formulate your personal statement, a common requirement for most master’s degree applications. The personal statement is a chance for students to explain their reasons for choosing their course, why they want to pursue a master’s degree, and mention any relevant skills, study and/or work experience they already have.
Below are some of the common reasons why students choose to study a master’s degree:
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Other postgraduate courses
Master’s degrees are not the only options for continuing your studies. Just as there are many reasons for choosing a master’s degree, there can also be many reasons for seeking alternative postgraduate courses; whether you are looking for a minimum investment of time and money, have very specific interest in a small number of course modules or would simply prefer not to commit to a full master’s degree.
A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) both have the same taught module requirements as an equivalent master’s qualification, but omit the research project or require students to take fewer modules. Most PGCert and PGDip programs are available in flexible learning modes, including full-time and part-time learning.
If, having graduated from a master’s degree, you decide to continue your studies even further, there are several choices. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, DPhil) is traditionally the highest student qualification. However, the specific academic level achieved by a PhD student can vary according to the country, institution and even time period. Unlike most master’s courses, PhD programs contain little or no taught elements and are based primarily on the student’s ability to carry out original research in a specialist subject of their choosing.
A Professional Doctorate is considered equivalent to a PhD but geared less towards training in academic research and more towards allowing experienced professionals to carry out research relating to their current professional field. The Professional Doctorate often contains a larger taught element. While postgraduate courses such as the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) are only offered full-time and are aimed at recent graduates, most Professional Doctorates are studied part-time. Professional Doctorate courses include Education (EdD), Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), Business (DBA), Medicine (MD), Nursing & Healthcare (PrDHealth), Social Science (DSocSci) and Social Work (DSW).
For both PhDs and Professional Doctorates, research is presented as a thesis and examined by an expert in the chosen field. The taught element in Professional Doctorates is also formally assessed. Graduates with a PhD or Professional Doctorate are automatically awarded the academic title of ‘doctor’.
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