What is a Masters Degree, who are they for, and what are the benefits of studying for one as a postgraduate? Find out with this guide.
If you’ve already earned a degree (or are on your way to doing so) and want to study your chosen subject in greater depth, a Masters Degree might be for you. Read on to learn all about this type of postgraduate qualification.
What is a Masters Degree?
A Masters Degree is a postgraduate qualification at Level 7. This is the second highest qualification you can get in the UK, only superseded by a PhD or Doctorate.
At the end of a Masters Degree, you’ll have a qualification such as MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), or MBA (Master of Business Administration.)
How does a Masters Degree work?
Masters Degrees usually last one year full time, or two to three years part time. Some courses will even let you study remotely, often called Distance Learning. A Masters can be taught, research-based, or a combination of both. A taught Masters typically resembles a more advanced undergraduate programme, consisting of lectures and seminars alongside assignments, while a research Masters is more akin to a mini Doctorate and is more independent in nature (though you’ll still be supported closely by your supervisor.)
While an undergraduate degree gives you a broader overview of your subject, a Masters is likely to drill down more deeply into a specific area of that subject. This gives you a greater level of specialist knowledge by the end of the course. Masters Degree class sizes are usually smaller, and you may have fewer contact hours per week but be expected to do more independent study.
Taught Masters degrees are graded on a scale of Pass (50% +), Merit (60% +), and Distinction (70% +.) This varies at some institutions but is fairly consistent in general. A research Masters will typically be classed as simply “Pass” or “Fail.”
Who can study for a Masters Degree?
In most instances, you will need to have already completed a Bachelors (undergraduate) Degree in a related subject to do a Masters Degree. There are some exceptions. For example, if you have worked in a particular field or can otherwise demonstrate extensive experience and knowledge, you might not need a Bachelors Degree in order to be accepted onto a Masters programme.
A Masters is a period of intensive, prolonged study, so you’ll need to demonstrate that you are prepared to work hard. Masters students need to be driven, self-motivated, and have a genuine love for their subject.
There is no “typical” Masters student. Some people go straight into a Masters Degree programme after graduating with a Bachelors, but this is just one possible path. Others return to study after many years off, or even decide to study for a Masters after retirement. It is not unusual for a Masters Degree class to include students aged from 20 to 60, 70, or older!
What are the benefits of doing a Masters Degree?
A Masters Degree gives you a much deeper understanding of your subject. Many people do them for the enjoyment of studying a subject they’re passionate about and for the personal challenge of completing an advanced degree.
Masters Degrees are highly valued by employers in many fields. They show that you can commit yourself to an intensive course of study for a year or longer and apply yourself to get results. They also demonstrate a deep knowledge in a particular field. Even if you don’t want to work in a field directly related to your Masters Degree, you’ll still learn really valuable transferable skills.
If you want to work in academia, for example as a researcher or lecturer, you’ll usually need a PhD or Doctorate. In this instance, getting a Masters is a stepping stone to PhD level and can help you decide if you definitely want to pursue this career path.
How much does a Masters Degree cost and what financial help is available?
Unlike undergraduate courses, Masters Degrees do not have fixed fees. This means they can vary hugely between different universities. The average Masters Degree currently costs around £11,000 per year of full-time study , but this can be significantly higher or lower. One notable MBA programme costs over £87,000!
Many Masters students self-fund or receive support from family. Studying part-time and working at the same time can help you meet the costs of your course. You can also plan ahead and spend a few years saving up your tuition fees.
Other options include postgraduate loans, scholarships and bursaries, grants from bodies such as a Research Council, sponsorship from your employer, or even crowdfunding. Some universities also offer fee reductions or special bursaries to alumni from their undergraduate programmes.
Is a Masters Degree right for me?
If you’re wondering if a Masters Degree is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to delve more deeply into an aspect of my subject?
- Am I dedicated and motivated enough to spend 1-3 years of intensive study on getting my Masters?
- Will I benefit from my Masters Degree either in terms of advanced career opportunities, furthering my future goals, or just personal satisfaction?
- Do I have a plan for funding my Masters Degree?
- Have I already completed a Bachelors Degree or gained equivalent experience and knowledge in another way?
If you answered yes to all of the above, you might be an ideal candidate for a Masters Degree. You can find the right programme for you by checking university websites, requesting prospectuses, doing a Google search for “Masters Degree + [subject area]” or using FindAMasters. You can also attend virtual or physical open days, contact lecturers or current students, or visit Masters Degree fairs to learn more.
Good luck with your studies!
