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Types of taught master's courses

Our courses let you specialise in an area to match your interests and ambitions, building on your undergraduate studies or doing something completely different.


Factsheet

Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc)

These taught courses will either:

  • build on your undergraduate studies, exploring your subject in more depth - you will be expected to work more independently and think more critically
  • complement your undergraduate degree with knowledge, tools and skills in a different subject area - for example, by taking an MSc in Computer Science or an MSc in Management

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is a postgraduate course for those with at least three years of full-time, post-graduation professional or managerial work experience. An executive MBA requires 5 years' work experience.

An MBA can prepare you for a senior management role, accelerate your career and help you become a better leader. It is a great option if you want to start your own business.

Master of Research (MRes)

An MRes is a taught course that combines the academic study of a particular subject with a comprehensive exploration of research methods. It is a qualification in its own right but can be used as a preparation for a PhD, known as the '1+3' (MRes+PhD) pathway.

Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)

These qualifications are at the same level of study as master's degrees, but they do not include a written dissertation. A PG Dip takes longer and is worth more credits than a PG Cert.

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