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C6.13 Types of Postgraduate Degrees

Postgraduate programs in the UK are generally divided into two categories: Taught Masters and Research Masters.

Regarding the common Master's degrees, different types include:

MA: Master of Arts

MSc: Master of Science

MBA: Master of Business Administration

MFA: Master of Fine Arts

LLM: Master of Laws

MEd: Master of Education

MEng: Master of Engineering

MPhil: Master of Philosophy

MMus: Master of Music

And so on...

Taught Masters

Taught Masters are generally divided into two types:

Master's Degree Programs: The program duration is usually 12 months. Students are required to attend classes, participate in lectures, discussions, exams, write essays (including a dissertation), and complete assignments. Only after passing all requirements can students be awarded a Master's degree. (A reminder: Most international students studying in the UK enroll in this 12-month Taught Master's program, and upon graduation, they receive a Master's degree. This Master's degree certificate is the one that can be authenticated for academic qualifications in China.)

As shown in the picture below: UK Master's Degree Certificate


image.png

Master's Diploma or Certificate Programs: This type of program lasts approximately 9 months. Students are still required to attend classes, but there is no dissertation requirement. Upon completion, students do not receive a Master's degree certificate, and this qualification cannot be authenticated for academic recognition in China. After finishing the program, students will be awarded a certificate confirming their completion of postgraduate-level studies, which can be used to progress to a Master's degree program. (A reminder: This program without a dissertation is not recognized in China, meaning it cannot be academically authenticated. However, it can be converted to a recognized qualification later—if you subsequently transfer to a Master's degree program and submit the required dissertation, the qualification will be recognized, and you will not need to retake the previously completed courses.)

Research Masters

Research Masters programs typically last around 2 to 3 years. There are basically no taught classes; instead, under the academic supervision of a tutor, students conduct independent research on a specific topic and complete original research work and a dissertation. To pursue a Research Master's, you need to engage in full-time research at the university for 1 to 2 years to be awarded an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree. (A reminder: Research Masters are somewhat of a stepping stone to a PhD. Most 5-year integrated Master's and PhD programs in the UK consist of a Research Master's combined with a PhD, leading to the award of both Master's and PhD degrees upon completion.)