Postgraduate degrees are advanced qualifications that individuals pursue after completing their undergraduate studies. They offer the opportunity to specialize in a particular subject and typically require an undergraduate degree for admission. Postgraduate degrees include various qualifications such as master’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, and PhDs.
The motivation behind pursuing a postgraduate degree varies among individuals. Some aim to enter academia and engage in research, while others seek to specialize in a specific career field. There are also those who pursue postgraduate studies to switch their study or career paths entirely.
Postgraduate education encompasses several aspects, and if you’re considering furthering your knowledge through a postgraduate degree, it’s crucial to grasp the details. This guide provides comprehensive information about postgraduate degrees.
Masters Degree A master’s degree is a prevalent choice for postgraduate studies following completion of an undergraduate program. These qualifications come in different forms, but they typically require an undergraduate degree for admission. Some common types of master’s degrees include:
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
- Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Masters of Research (MRes)
- Masters of Engineering (MEng)
Most master’s courses necessitate the completion of a thesis or dissertation, in addition to coursework. In the United Kingdom, the majority of master’s programs last for one year, except for certain professional courses like Masters of Architecture (MArch), which typically span two to three years. In the United States, most master’s programs are also one year in duration, while in Europe, they often extend to two years.
MA, MSc, and MPhil Master’s degrees can be obtained through taught or research-based courses. In a taught master’s program, students earn a Masters of Arts (MA), Masters of Science (MSc), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
MA and MSc are the most common types of postgraduate degrees. MA courses focus on arts and humanities subjects, whereas MSc degrees emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. However, variations exist across countries. For instance, in Scotland, students can pursue a Masters of Letters (MLitt) in subjects such as Creative Writing, History, and Theology.
MRes Postgraduate degrees may also include a Masters of Research (MRes), which is obtained through research-based studies. MRes degrees are awarded solely based on independent research conducted by the student. The designation of a master’s course is significant, as it reflects the emphasis of the program. Certain subjects, like Anthropology, may have courses with significantly different approaches depending on the degree designation.
MArch and MEng Some master’s programs, such as MArch or Masters of Engineering (MEng), are pursued after completing the relevant undergraduate course with the long-term goal of becoming an Architect or Engineer. These programs are essential for qualification in these fields, and individuals aspiring to work as architects or engineers must complete them.
Other master’s programs focus on specialization or career choices, particularly in law or medical professions. There are also master’s courses designed for graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree but wish to retrain in a different subject, such as Town Planning or Journalism. These courses assume that students possess transferable academic skills from their previous degree.
In summary, postgraduate degrees offer opportunities for advanced study and specialization beyond the undergraduate level. They include various qualifications such as master’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, and PhDs. Whether you seek a career change, academic pursuits, or specialized knowledge, postgraduate education can provide the necessary platform for achieving your goals.
