For advanced study beyond undergraduate degree-level, there are two further degree qualifications at postgraduate-level that offer students the opportunity to master their skills and knowledge in a particular area. These qualifications are ideal for high-achieving, ambitious students who have already completed their undergraduate degree, and are facilitated by universities all over the world. 

Students who have achieved strong grades in their undergraduate degree normally qualify automatically for postgraduate study, often only needing a supporting application to be considered for a place. If a student has not achieved the necessary grades for automatic entry onto a postgraduate course, pre-Masters programmes are available through most UK universities and allow these students to “top-up” their skills to the level required for postgraduate study. 

Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MPhil)

Masters degrees usually take either one or two years to complete and can be studied full-time or part-time. The qualifications on offer fall into two categories: 

Taught Masters Consisting of taught lectures, seminars, and practical sessions alongside examinations and assessments. Most courses also require a dissertation project to be completed as part of the final assessment. This is the most common pathway chosen by Masters students.

Research-based Masters A single research project completed by a student working solo, supported by one-on-one check-in sessions with an academic supervisor. This pathway is less popular but allows students to become an expert in a single subject. 

Doctorate Degree (PhD)

The next step following the successful completion of a Masters degree is a Doctorate degree (PhD qualification). PhD studies take a minimum of three years to complete and are very demanding in terms of student commitment. Students must apply for the PhD itself as well as accompanying funding. The qualification consists of a single research project that is written into a thesis by the final year of study. Some universities also require PhD candidates to complete skills-based activities such as delivering lectures, supporting teaching, and attending conferences. 

There are a wide range of options for scholarships and funding at postgraduate-level. The Study Now team are experts in the UK education market and are fully up to date with all of the opportunities for funding and support available. Learn more about postgraduate study by getting in touch with our friendly education consultants today.