What’s the difference?
Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees are largelytaught courses and Master of Research (MRes), while containing some taught elements, focuses more on research skills. That’s not to say that there aren’t taught and research elements in both degrees. There are often taught elements in MRes courses and there is almost always a research project at the end of an MA/MSc. The emphasis is different however; in MRes courses, around two-thirds of the course content consists of research project work – in taught masters degree courses the research project will be nearer a third.
In both MA/MSc and MRes programmes, courses tend to be a year of full-time study, or two years part-time. Both are likely to end with a final research project or dissertation. The number of taught hours per week varies between courses and will often depend on the subject. There will also be a certain amount of research required in order to complete the final project or dissertation.
When is it better to do an MRes?
As the Open University says on its website: “The Master of Research is a full-time degree that provides an excellent introduction to research methods and provides a firm foundation for those who wish to pursue doctoral study”. With an MRes, the focus is on developing an individual’s research skills and so provides good preparation for postdoctoral study. However, that’s not to say that a taught masters such as an MA or MSc aren’t sufficient preparation for a PhD – it’s still a very common entry route into a PhD. But if you have the choice and you’re sure you want to pursue research beyond your masters study – other factors aside – an MRes might be a preferable option.
When is it better to choose an MA/MSc?
If you have no intention of pursuing a research degree or a career in research, and simply want to expand your knowledge and expertise in a particular area, either for personal interest or career reasons, then perhaps a taught masters is for you. Certainly, taught masters courses are more commonly available generally in the UK; Prospects (www.prospects.ac.uk) lists more than 10,000 MA/MSc courses as opposed to around 800 MRes programmes.
Comparing the two
A good example of how the course structure of an MRes differs from an MSc is given by the University of Liverpool’s School of Biological Sciences. Its new Post-Genomic Study programme is offered as either an MSc or MRes. A closer look at each programme structure shows that the first semester consists of the same choice of taught modules. In the second semester, however, the MSc course offers further taught modules while the MRes students either undertake the first of two research projects or a long research project which carries over into the third semester. MSc students don’t start a research project until the third semester, while the MRes students will either be in the middle of their long research project or beginning their second of the two research projects.
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Lucie Johnston
Lucie Johnston has worked as a Careers Adviser in Higher Education since 2004 following a successful career running a graduate training scheme. She has particular interests in enterprise within industry, portfolio careers and career changers. Lucie has been published in Prospects and also writes for national features magazines as part of her own portfolio career.
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FAQs
If you are looking to become an expert in a particular field of study, an MSc might be better suited to you. However, if are interested in pursuing a career in academic research or a PHD, an MRes degree might be a better option.
Is an MA or MSc better? ›
There's no difference in level of study or prestige between an MA and an MSc, so which you choose will ultimately depend on your chosen discipline.
What is the most useful Master's degree? ›
What master's degree is most in demand? If you search for lists of in-demand master's degrees, you'll usually find accounting and computer science at the top. Other master's degree graduates employers seek are those in dietetics and nutrition, human resources, library science, and mechanical engineering.
Which Master's degree is most in demand? ›
- Data Science and Big Data. Dive into the vast universe of Data Science and Big Data! ...
- Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game across various fields, from philosophy to climate change. ...
- Robotics. ...
- Construction Management. ...
- Human-Computer Interaction. ...
- Data Analytics. ...
- Neuroscience. ...
- Computer science.
Does MRes count towards PhD? ›
The MPhil on the other hand, is a single research project. An MRes degree can prepare you for a PhD, whereas an MPhil may actually be part of one. Some universities do award an MRes to PhD students who exit their programme early, but this is quite rare. Others award the MRes within a longer '1+3' PhD programme.
Which master's degree is best for research? ›
A Master of Research (MRes) degree is designed to provide training in how to become a researcher.
Is an MA equivalent to a Masters degree? ›
MA - Master of Arts
The Master of Arts is one of the most common degree denominations, the “bread and butter” of the academic world. You can pursue an MA degree in almost any subject – although it is more common in the Arts and Humanities, you will find it also in the Social Sciences and related fields.
Is an MSc prestigious? ›
An MSc is a prestigious qualification, recognised worldwide, and is a 'second cycle' degree. This means you usually take an MSc course after an undergraduate degree, but before a pure research degree such as a PhD.
Is an MBA better than an MSc? ›
An MBA degree is well-suited for students looking for job roles related to management, executive, or leadership within the business sector. In contrast, an MSc would be a better option if you envision yourself excelling in research and development or a highly specialised and technical role.
What is the most employable master's degree? ›
The top 8 highest-paying master's degrees
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Nursing.
- Master of Science in Engineering Management.
- Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering.
- Master of Science in Finance.
- Master of Arts in Political Science.
- Master of Science in Computer Science.
10 Easiest Master's Degrees in 2024
- Master of Science in Sports Management (MSSM) ...
- Master of Science in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) ...
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) ...
- Master of Arts in Counseling. ...
- Master of Arts in Communication. ...
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)
What is the lowest paying master's degree? ›
The worst master's degree for job prospects was found to be counseling with a median mid-career salary of 50,676 U.S. dollars in 2021.
Which master's has the highest salary? ›
Advanced Dentistry is the highest paying master's degree according to the Dept. of Education. Graduates earn a median salary of $202,140. Engineering, healthcare, computer science, and mathematics are all master's-level programs that unlock high salaries.
What is the best master's degree for the future? ›
Check out the list below for information on the best master's degrees for the future.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) ...
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) ...
- Master of Engineering Management. ...
- Master of Science in Data Science. ...
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) ...
- Master of Economics (M. ...
- Master of Finance.
What is the hardest master's to get? ›
What Is the Most Difficult Master's Degree?
- Neuroscience. ...
- Mathematics. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Theoretical Physics. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Pharmacy. ...
- Aerospace Engineering.
What is the difference between MRE and MSc in psychology? ›
An MRes is often understood as a stepping stone towards a PhD, greatly emphasising the importance of self-directed study with a sizeable research project. The independent nature of an MRes means that you'll usually have fewer contact hours than an equivalent MA or MSc in the same subject.
Which is better, Masters by coursework or research? ›
Masters by coursework is usually a better option if you want to improve your employability by gaining advanced knowledge of a subject. However, a masters degree by research can give you more flexibility and freedom to know about the study areas for which you are passionate.
What's better than MREs? ›
If you prioritize convenience and want meals that require no preparation, MREs may be your better choice. However, if you don't mind the extra step of rehydrating freeze-dried foods and prefer a broader range of flavors and meals, freeze-dried foods may be more appealing.
What is the difference between MRE and MSc UCL? ›
The MSc programme includes eight taught modules (each worth 15 UCL or 6 ECTS credits), all of which are compulsory. The research project is worth 60 UCL or 24 ECTS credits. The MRes programme consists of four taught modules, two of which are compulsory and two of which can be chosen according to your interests.