A Master’s degree is a chance to deepen your expertise in a specific topic, explore entirely new subjects, or even switch careers if you’ve realized you want to pursue a different path.
But what options are available, and how many types of Master’s degrees can you choose from?
We explore in this article.
What types of Master’s degrees are available?
Master’s degrees come in different formats to suit a variety of goals: structured learning, independent research or hands-on professional training.
They can be classified according to their teaching format, academic focus or purpose:
Learning format
- Taught Master’s
- Research Master’s
Academic orientation
- Academic Master’s
- Professional Master’s
Specialised formats
- Conversion Master’s
- Integrated Master’s
- Executive Master’s
Master's programmes typically take between one year and two years to complete, depending on the country and programme structure.
Many universities now offer online programmes or hybrid options that blend online and on-campus study. These flexible formats are ideal for students balancing their studies with work, family, or other commitments.
Browse through 100,000 Master’s degrees
Learning format: taught vs research Master’s degrees
The biggest difference between a taught and a research Master’s degree is the level of independence in learning.
A taught Master’s is similar in structure to a Bachelor's degree and is better suited for students seeking a more guided, classroom-oriented approach.
A research Master's focuses on independent work and methodological training, and includes a research project completed under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
To make the differences clearer, here’s a comparison:
Type of Master’s degree | Format | Duration | Assessment methods |
Taught Master’s | Taught modules, lectures, seminars and assessments | 1-2 years, depending on the country | Exams, essays, group work |
Research Master’s | Taught modules and a research project | 1-2 years, depending on the country | Essays, presentations, and a research project |
The most common types of taught Master’s are the Master of Arts (MA) for Humanities and social sciences, and the Master of Science (MSc) for STEM subjects.
If a taught Master’s is designed to build practical skills and prepare students to enter the workforce soon after graduation, a research Master’s focuses on one specific subject and is often a pathway to PhD study or a career in academia.
Examples of Research Master’s include the Master of Letters (M.Litt) and Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), though these are not the only options. The University of Groningen in the Netherlands offers a wide range of Research Master’s programmes, including in Legal Studies and International Relations.
Academic focus: academic vs professional Master’s degrees
The main difference between academic and professional Master’s degrees lies in their purpose and focus.
A professional Master’s degree is designed to develop practical skills and specialized knowledge for a specific career path.
For example, in the US, becoming a licensed social worker requires completing a Master of Social Work (MSW). The same applies in other healthcare fields.
These programmes typically focus on applying the theoretical framework in practice to prepare graduates for the profession they have chosen.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is another professional degree that provides advanced training in business, management, and leadership. This degree is valuable for those interested in management or leadership roles.
An academic Master’s degree helps students develop strong analytical and research skills within a specific discipline, rather than direct professional practice.
Specialised Master’s degrees
A specialized Master’s degree combines coursework with practical experience.
It’s a suitable programme to enhance qualifications without taking a significant break from careers, as many institutions offer flexible setups like part-time and online options.
Conversion Master’s degrees
A Conversion Master’s degree helps students achieve new career goals by providing foundational training in a different field. It’s an intensive programme that condenses the core knowledge typically covered in a Bachelor’s degree in that subject.
A full-time conversion Master’s usually takes one year to complete, while part-time study extends to two years.
For example, Management graduates may convert into financial services or economics, while those with Art degrees may move into psychology to work with children or to be able to teach.
Integrated Master’s Degrees
An Integrated Master’s degree is usually a four-year programme, which combines an undergraduate degree with a master’s qualification into a single course.
This type of degree is not available in every subject, and is most commonly offered in Science and Engineering disciplines.
The Master’s of Engineering (M.Eng) is one of the most common integrated Master’s degrees and is often a route for students who seek a career in engineering. The Master in Science (MSci) is another example, frequently offered in STEM subjects.
Both examples are very common in the United Kingdom.
Executive Master’s Degrees
An Executive Master’s Degree is a business qualification designed for working professionals.
Unlike an MBA programme which covers a variety of topics, an Executive Master’s focuses on a specific area of study.
It’s a great option for professionals who want to expand their role or accelerate their career growth.
Thesis vs non-thesis Master’s: does it affect career outcomes?
As the name suggests, a thesis Master’s involves completing an independent research project on a specific topic, which may lead to publication in an academic journal. This type of degree is particularly useful if you plan to pursue a PhD or an academic career, as it helps you to develop advanced research skills.
A non-thesis Master’s focuses primarily on coursework and practical skills designed to be directly applicable in the workplace.
Choosing the right Master's programme depends on the career path you intend to pursue.
If you plan to work in higher education and become a professor, a thesis Master’s degree is likely the better option. If you intend to work immediately after graduation, job-ready skills through a non-thesis programme will be more helpful.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are options for different goals you might have, whether you want to specialize in a new field, gain in-depth knowledge or boost your salary. Fortunately, flexible formats like part-time or online study can accommodate your needs.
When I pursued my MA, all the courses were scheduled during the evenings to allow students to balance their professional commitments. By my second year, I was already working, and the evening classes made it possible to manage both work and study simultaneously.
