Postgraduate students in the UK can opt for either a taught or research degree
Students in the United Kingdom who graduate with a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.Sc.) honors degree can continue their studies and enhance their careers by pursuing a postgraduate degree. Most British universities follow the traditional postgraduate route of Master of Arts/Science and doctorates, although more diverse courses with a professional element are beginning to emerge.
Taught Masters degrees
Most master of arts (M.A.) or master of science (M.Sc.) degrees in the UK are taught programs and usually take one year full time or two years part time to complete. The student attends group seminars with experienced lecturers and completes a series of modules or units. The university will assess the student on his ongoing course work as well as the final essay or dissertation that he submits. The master of business administration (M.B.A.) is another postgraduate course designed for students interested in a career in business or commerce.
Research Masters degrees
Students who choose an M.A. or M.Sc. by research undertake more independent study than those in a taught program. A research student typically writes a large body of research of about 30,000 words. The university will assess the student on the quality of her research alone. This type of course is ideally suited to someone who wants to study for a doctorate degree.
Masters and Doctorates of Philosophy
Most students have to initially register for a master of philosophy (MPhil) even if they hope to complete a Ph.D. (or DPhil as it is called at some universities). The MPhil can be a stand-alone course, but it tends to be a stepping stone for the Ph.D.
The university will upgrade the student from MPhil to Ph.D. study if the ongoing research is good enough. Ph.D. students are typically expected to produce a body of work (at least 40,000 words and sometimes much more depending on subject) of publishable quality. A Ph.D. can take three or four years full time or five to seven years part time.
Professional Doctorates
Students who want to focus on a particular profession such as engineering, teaching or business may opt for a new professional doctorate. Unlike a traditional Ph.D., these courses combine a taught element with research. Students pursue an academic route but also acquire relevant professional knowledge for their future career.
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