- Find out what a Master’s degree is, how it builds your expertise in your chosen field, and how it can help you level up your career or prepare for a PhD.
- Not all Master’s degrees are the same. You can choose between taught, research, and professional Master’s, with some blending coursework, independent study, and hands-on training.
- Whether in business, science, law, healthcare, or the arts, there’s a Master’s degree tailored to your goals.
A Master’s degree is an advanced university qualification you can take after completing a Bachelor’s degree. It helps you gain specialised knowledge and skills in a specific subject. Most Master’s degrees include lectures, coursework, research, and sometimes practical experience.
Some focus on taught lessons and exams, while others are research-based or focus on professional development. A Master’s degree can help you advance your career, switch to a new field, or prepare for a PhD.
Browse through 100,000 Master’s degrees
The standard structure of a Master’s programme
Most Master’s programmes follow a structured format that combines coursework, research, and sometimes practical experience. Here’s what you can usually expect:
- Core courses—These are the fundamental subjects of your degree. They are mandatory and cover key theories, concepts, and methods relevant to your field.
- Elective courses—These optional subjects allow you to customize your degree to your interests and career goals.
- Final research project (or thesis) – This is a study you must conduct so you prove your ability to research and apply the knowledge you've learned. It is usually completed in the final stage of your degree.
- Internship or work placement – Some programmes include hands-on experience with a company or organisation. It’s purpose is to help you gain industry experience and improve your job prospects.
How long it takes to get a Master’s degree
The length of a Master’s degree depends on your study mode and programme structure. While most full-time Master’s take 1 or 2 years to complete, part-time options extend to 2–4 years. Out of the approximately 100,000 Master’s degrees on Mastersportal, the number of 1-year programmes and the number of 2-year programmes is roughly equal.
Many universities also offer online programmes or even programmes that blend online and on-campus study, providing greater flexibility for students balancing study with other responsibilities.
What are the types of Master's degrees?
Master’s degrees come in different types to suit different goals—whether you want structured learning, independent research, or hands-on professional training. From taught and research degrees to professional and specialised programmes, there’s an option for everyone. Read on to explore the different types and find the one that fits your future.
Taught Master’s degrees
These degrees are structured similarly to undergraduate studies, with lectures, seminars, and coursework. You’ll take several exams and produce a final dissertation to showcase your learning. Taught degrees are common in most disciplines. The following degrees typically belong to the taught Master’s category:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) – Common in STEM fields, combining theory with practical applications.
- Master of Arts (M.A.) – Covers humanities and social sciences, often essay-based with critical analysis.
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) – A mix of advanced engineering coursework and applied learning.
Professional Master’s degrees
An important subcategory of taught Master’s are the professional Master’s degrees. While some may include a dissertation or final project, these programmes are designed for career advancement and often feature networking opportunities, industry partnerships, and hands-on experience. The following taught degrees are typically considered professional Master’s:
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) – A professional degree focused on business leadership, case studies, and strategy.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) – A specialised law degree that includes coursework and legal analysis.
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) – A career-focused degree for teachers and education professionals.
Diplomas and certificates
Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are shorter, specialised qualifications that fall into the category of a taught degree. They are common to English-speaking countries and provide advanced knowledge and professional skills to a postgraduate level without the commitment of a full Master’s degree. They are ideal for career progression, skill enhancement, or transitioning into a new field.
Research Master’s degrees
These Master’s degrees focus primarily on independent research, with minimal formal teaching. You’ll work closely with a supervisor and conduct original research contributing to your field. They’re ideal for students who plan to continue with a PhD.
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) – A research-intensive degree, often leading to a PhD.
- Master of Letters (M.Litt.) – A research alternative to an M.A., focused on academic writing.
- Master of Research (M.Res.) – Primarily designed for independent research training.
What are the differences between these types of Master’s
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Taught and Research Master’s degrees:
| Taught Master’ | Research Master’s | |
| Focus | Structured learning with lectures, coursework, and exams | Independent research with minimal formal teaching |
| Typical Subjects | Business, humanities, social sciences, engineering, IT | Science, medicine, social sciences, humanities |
| Teaching Style | Lectures, seminars, group projects, assignments | One-on-one supervision, research projects, thesis writing |
| Assessment | Essays, exams, projects, and a dissertation | A research thesis and sometimes an oral defence |
| Dissertation/Thesis | Shorter, often based on existing research | Longer, based on original research |
| Duration | 1–2 years full-time, 2–4 years part-time | 1–2 years full-time, longer if leading to a PhD |
| Best for | Career advancement, skill-building, professional roles | PhD preparation, academic or specialised research careers |
| Career Path | Industry roles, business, government, education | Academia, research, specialist fields |
Types by Discipline: Subject-Specific Degrees
Probably the easiest way to categorise a Master's degree is by discipline. While pursuing a postgrad degree, you get to specialise in a field and prepare for careers in specific industries. We've grouped the main disciplines into five larger categories:
- Humanities and Social Sciences – Focuses on critical thinking, research, and understanding culture and society. Common subjects include history, literature, linguistics, philosophy, and sociology. These degrees are ideal for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and public policy.
- Sciences and Engineering – Provides advanced training in technical and scientific fields like mathematics, physics, biology, and IT. Some programmes emphasise practical applications, while others focus on research. Engineering degrees often lead to professional accreditation.
- Business & Management– Prepares you for leadership roles in business, finance, and corporate strategy. Programmes cover management, economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Some focus on general business leadership, while others specialise in finance, investment, or commerce.
- Law and Politics – These degrees help professionals advance in law and government careers, or maybe take the path of becoming an expert in NGOs or international organisations, shaping policies that impact society.
- Education and Healthcare – Designed for those working in teaching, social services, or healthcare. These degrees provide practical training and theoretical knowledge for careers in education leadership, social work, and public health.
Specialised Master’s Degrees: When Categories Overlap
Not all Master’s degrees fit into the traditional taught, research, or professional categories. There are programmes that blend these types, mixing coursework, research, and practical experience. These hybrid and specialised Master’s degrees fall into several key categories:
- Applied and Practice-Based Degrees – These programmes focus on professional skills and hands-on training while still incorporating academic coursework. One example is the Master of Public Health (MPH), which combines theory with fieldwork, and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which balances creative practice with scholarly research.
- Integrated and Professional Pathway Degrees – In some fields, a Master’s degree is built into the undergraduate curriculum or designed as a direct route to professional accreditation. The Master of Engineering (MEng) is a prime example, often structured as an integrated programme rather than a standalone postgraduate qualification.
- Interdisciplinary Degrees – These programmes bridge multiple subject areas to prepare students for emerging careers. For example, a Master of Environmental Management merges policy, science, and business, while a Master of International Business integrates economics, global trade, and management.
- Executive Master’s Degrees – Designed for mid-career professionals, these degrees, such as the Executive MBA (EMBA) or Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA), focus on leadership and strategic decision-making, often in part-time or flexible formats to accommodate working professionals.
- Conversion Master’s Degrees – These allow students to switch career paths by providing foundational training in a new field. A common example is the Master of Computer Science, designed for graduates from non-technical backgrounds who want to enter the tech industry.
Why study a Master’s degree
A Master’s degree can fast-track your career, boost your salary, and give you specialised expertise in your field. Many industries favour postgraduate qualifications for senior roles, and in some professions—like education, law, or healthcare—a Master’s is required for certification. Let’s have a look at the key Benefits:
- Career growth & higher salaries – Employers value advanced qualifications, and Master’s graduates typically earn more.
- Specialised expertise & research opportunities – Gain in-depth knowledge or contribute to new discoveries.
- Networking & industry connections – Meet professionals, collaborate with experts, and access job opportunities.
- Pathway to a PhD – A research Master’s can prepare you for doctoral study.
Additional resources
- What is a pre-master programme
- What are the best places to study a Master’s
- The Studyportals guide on scholarships for international students
Conclusion: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?
A Master’s degree helps you gain the knowledge to land better job opportunities, switch careers, or pursue a PhD, there’s a programme for you. With flexible options like part-time and online study, getting a Master’s has never been more doable. If you’re thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time to explore your options and find the right fit for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is higher than a Master’s degree?
A doctoral degree (PhD or professional doctorate) is the next academic level after a Master’s. Other advanced qualifications include post-Master’s certificates and specialist diplomas in some fields.
What is a competency-based Master’s degree?
A competency-based Master’s degree allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of specific skills rather than following a traditional course schedule. These programmes are often flexible and self-paced, ideal for professionals applying hands-on experience to their studies.
Which is higher: a Master’s or a Bachelor’s degree?
A Master’s degree is higher than a Bachelor’s degree. It provides advanced knowledge, research skills, and specialisation in a subject area, often leading to better career opportunities.
Is it 'Masters degree' or 'Master’s degree'?
The correct term is "Master’s degree", with an apostrophe, because it indicates possession (a degree of a master). The same applies to a Bachelor’s degree.
How many credits are required for a Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree typically requires 60 to 120 credits, depending on the country and programme structure. In the UK and Europe, this usually means 90–120 ECTS credits, while in the US, it ranges from 30 to 60 semester credits.
